Magnetostratigraphy and Kinematic Characteristics of Datca Graben (Mugla, SW Turkey)

This study involves kinematic development and magnetostratigraphy of infill of the Datça Graben located at the southwesternmost corner of Anatolia (Turkey). The study comprises kinematic analysis based on fault slip data collected from the margins of the Datça Graben and the magnetostratigraphic analysis of infill of the Datça Graben. For the kinematic analysis, 977 fault-slip data were collected from 44 sites. The data are analyzed using a software which is based on Angelier’s reduced stress tensor algorithm. For the magnetostratigraphic analysis, 344 samples are used and the paleomagnetic measurements of those samples are performed in the Fort Hofddjik Paleomagnetism Laboratory, University of Utrecht.

The results of the kinematic analysis have shown that the Datça Basin has developed under the effects of N-S-directed tensional stress regime manifested by WNW-ESE- striking normal faults. As a result of paleomagnetic measurements, the infill sediments of the Datça Graben can be represented by a reversed-normal-reversed polarity pattern, which can be correlated to C2r.1r-C2r.1n-C2r.2r subchrons within the C2r chron of the Early Matuyama in Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale. This means that the graben filling sediments deposited between 2.3 Ma to 1.9 Ma, in the Late Pliocene.

This age interval suggests that the Datça Graben has completed its development from half-graben to full-graben geometry by the effects of syn-sedimentary WNW-ESE-striking faults in the Late Pliocene.

This thesis is supported by TUBITAK (Grant No: 117R012).