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In this study, the correlation of the Balkayası travertine formations with the Salanda Fault Zone (SFZ) located within the Central Anatolian Volcanic Province (CAVP) was investigated. Additionally, source and paleoclimatic significance were researched with age dates for the travertine formations obtained with the U-series dating method, stable isotope data, and major oxide, trace, and rare earth element (REE) analyses. The ages of the travertines outcropping in the study area were determined to vary from 9 to 55 ka according to U-series age analysis data. In the stress analysis taking into account the trending's of Balkayası travertines deposited in SFZ, it was found that the main compression and extension directions in the region were NNW-SSE and ENE-WSW, respectively. The δ13CPDB values varied from 11.36 to 13.16 and δ18OPDB values were from − 10.41 to − 8.66. ∑REE were in the interval 1.08–22.97 ppm. Negative Eu and Ce anomalies were determined. Travertine formations outcropping in the region were classified according to morphology as fissure ridge, range front, and eroded sheet travertines. Age dates obtained from the travertines reveal they formed in MIS 3 (marine isotope layer) representing very cold (dry) periods and MIS2 and the initial period of MIS 1. The extensional direction is consistent with the Tuz Gölü Fault Zone (TGFZ), one of the important structures in the region. Linked to the age data from the travertine formations, the strike-slip transition on the SFZ is interpreted to have extended to the Late Pleistocene. In conclusion, according to stable isotope data and geochemical data, the Balkayası travertines have epigenic character; however, they were affected by the hypogenic environment, precipitated in fresh water, and were fed by high pH and hydrothermal waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarıhıdır travertines and associated manganese mineralization are located in an area known as the Central Anatolian Volcanic Province (CAVP). The topic of the study, the Sarıhıdır manganese mineralization, was deposited in association with fault zones in this tectonically-active region. Paragenesis of the mineralization includes pyrolusite, rhodochrosite and goethite with gangue minerals of calcite and quartz observed. Diagrams drawn using major oxide and trace elements like Fe–Mn–(Ni+Co+Cu)×10, Fe-Si×2-Mn, Co/Ni vs Cu+Co+Ni, Si/Al, Na/Mg, Fe/Ti vs. Al/(Al+Fe+Mn), Co+Ni/As+Cu+Mo+Pb+V+ Zn and FeO–MnO2–10× MgO show the mineralization found in the region is sourced in the hydrothermal field. The low total REE values and LREE>HREE ratio indicate the effect of hydrothermal solutions. Additionally, Ce, Eu and Ceanom anomalies indicate the source of the mineralization was hydrothermal with oxic-anoxic formation environment. The Y/Ho ratio is mean 30.1 which is lower compared to hydrothermal fluids. Mean values are δ13CPDB 12.24‰ and δ18OPDB 10.87‰ indicating deposition from fluids with a deep CO2 component. In conclusion, the Sarıhıdır mineralization and travertine were determined to have formed about 50–53 ka (Upper Pleistocene) based on U-series age data, as fault-controlled, hydrothermal-sourced mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]