Quaternary Evolution of the Suluova Basin: Implications on Tectonics and Palaeonvironments of the Central North Anatolian Shear Zone

The Suluova Basin is a prominent member of the wide transtensional Amasya Shear Zone, located at the central part of the North Anatolian Shear Zone. This basin is crucial and provides well-resolved data in order to understand the evolution of transtensional tectonic zones as well as the morphological and paleoenvironmental changes of North Anatolia during the Quaternary. Analysis of detailed stratigraphical sections, faulting data and mammal paleontology reveals that the Suluova Basin has started to evolve as a closed half-graben along the NW-SE-trending, SW-dipping basin bounding fault zone with normal slip in the early Quaternary. Initial sedimentation mode of the basin was dominated by alluvial-fan facies associations. Progressive basin subsidence resulted in an expansion of a fresh water lake at the basin depocenter as faults propagated westwards. Further extension in the basin were caused to initiate the E-W-trending southern tectonic boundary. Newly created accommodation space hosted a vast fresh wa...