Search

This study represents an inaugural comprehensive palaeoseismic investigation conducted on the Seferihisar Fault (SF), acknowledged as one of the foremost seismic sources exhibiting right-lateral strike-slip characteristics within the İzmir Province. Two palaeoseismological trenches were excavated to comprehend the Holocene seismotectonic dynamics of the SF. Subsequently, eight earthquake-related samples were obtained from the trench walls to ascertain the timing of past earthquakes utilizing luminescence dating, and earthquake recurrence intervals were interpreted using Bayesian statistics. The results of the proposed model indicate that the SF produced at least four significant surface-rupturing earthquakes in the last ∼46 kyr: E1: 46.26±15.39, E2: 16.20±5.21, E3: 5.95±1.17 and E4: 4.10±0.61 kyr. Compared with historical earthquakes, these events can be ascribed to late Pleistocene–Holocene seismic occurrences predating the recorded history. In addition, the results provide a recurrence interval for an earthquake along the SF between 4.5 and 23.5 kyr. These findings indicate that the time elapsed since the most recent surface faulting earthquake on the SF (with a minimum age of 4.10±0.61 kyr) is comparable to the theoretical recurrence interval of earthquakes, albeit requiring further investigation for refinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kırka-Afyon-Isparta Volcanic Province (KAIVP) is one of the best known regions in Turkey for the origin and petrological evolution of the high potassium volcanic activity. The temporal and spatial variability of volcanic rocks in the region exerts significant control over their geochemical diversity. Alkaline and ultrapotassic volcanic rocks of the Afyon volcanism are the first products of asthenospheric origin after the orogenesis in western Anatolia. We have determined the mineralogical and petrographic properties of the Karakaya volcanites surrounding Afyon with the help of microprobe analyses. Estimated thermobarometers are calculated. The Karakaya volcanites have been grouped into four different units according to their their mineralogical, petrographic and geochemical characteristics: Seydiler ignimbirite, basaltic trachyandesite, trachyandesite, trachyte and lamproite. Most samples display hypocrystalline porphyritic texture, whereas samples of lamproite unit have a holocrystalline texture. Generally, volcanic units also exhibit some textural evidence of disequilibrium crystallisation, such as sieve texture and corrosion in plagioclase phenocrysts, zoning and inclusions in clinopyroxene phenocrysts. Mineral thermobarometric estimations in all suites were tested on clinopyroxene and feldspar compositions, considering different authors' approaches. Values of temperatures and pressure range from 1105 to 1273°C and 5.6 to 12.2kbar, respectively. The temperature and pressure values calculated from the mineral-melt associations in the volcanics suggest that the Afyon Volcanites were affected by magma mixing processes and crystallised at different depths during the transport of magma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, wind energy potential of a specific region in Western Turkey has been analyzed by using WindPRO software. The analyzed site is located in Ayvacık district of Çanakkale province of Turkey. Two types of wind energy turbines with 3 MW power including Enercon E-101/3000 and Nordex N117/3000 have been selected for the analyses. Weibull distribution has been utilized in the wind energy potential assessment. Also, average wind speed values and prevailing wind directions have been calculated for the selected locations in the analyzed region. The prevailing wind direction was determined for Enercon E-101/3000 and Nordex N117/3000 turbines as NNW and SSE, respectively. Estimated electrical energy generation values for Enercon E-101/3000 and Nordex N117/3000 turbines were obtained between 10177-11925 MWh/year and 9283-10954 MWh/year, respectively. Moreover, shape and scale parameters for each wind directions and annual energy generation values of each location have been calculated within the scope of this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dikili-Izmir Region (Western Turkey) has been an active area of development for the utilization of geothermal resources. In this study, we aim to quantify the untapped resource-potential in this region for both direct and indirect utilization purposes. After collecting geological data from the literature, probabilistic heat-in-place calculations are carried out. Yuntdağ Volcanites and Kozak Pluton are considered, and the latter is proposed as an enhanced geothermal system. It is shown that, with 50% probability, 75 MW $$_e$$ e and 17 MW $$_e$$ e of net electrical power can be produced from Yuntdağ and Kozak reservoir systems, respectively. When the unit volumes of reservoirs are considered, Kozak can produce 3.2 and 2.5 times of what Yuntdağ can produce in terms of electrical and thermal power, respectively. A sensitivity analysis is performed to understand the impact of reservoir characteristics on the reserves. Within the uncertainty ranges defined, reservoir size, temperature and recovery factor are found to be critical parameters that affect the net power output. Sustainability attributes are evaluated from both economic and environmental perspectives and potential benefits are discussed.

Over the past few decades, surface deformations have been observed and measured geodetically at many places all over the world, including Central and western Turkey. Surface deformations in some of these regions have been attributed to aseismic slip-on faults and/or to excessive pumping of groundwater. In this study, we present our investigation on the ground subsidence in Ödemiş town (W. Turkey) located in the Küçük (K.) Menderes Graben where one of the most severe and widespread surface fracturings has been reported. The entire graben is analyzed using the Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data with multi-temporal interferometric SAR techniques. A total of 342 single look complex products acquired in 2015–2018 are processed using the Small Baseline Subset method. Vertical mean velocity fields reveal that K. Menderes Graben is experiencing extensive subsidence at rates reaching as much as 29 cm/year, making it one of the fastest subsiding regions in the world. The spatial correlation between the subsiding regions and the unconsolidated sediments suggests that the subsidence is most probably due to over drafting of the groundwater, which is confirmed by the strong temporal correlation between displacement time series and groundwater level changes. Inelastic/elastic deformation ratios calculated for the entire graben suggest that inelastic deformation is the dominant component in the region, implying an irreversible deformation. Skeletal storage coefficients calculated at well locations also support the idea of inelastic deformation. However, severe inelasticity is not extensive, and the region may still recover from subsidence with correct groundwater management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Mw 6.8 earthquake struck Western Turkey and Eastern Greece that occurred on October 30, 2020 in Kuşadası Gulf. The earthquake epicentre is located north of Samos Island and the focal mechanism solution shows that a normal fault was reactivated. The main shock and aftershock analysis imply that the large earthquake occurred on a north dipping normal fault which might be the western continuation of the Efes Fault in Western Turkey. We propose that the western continuation of the Efes Fault steps over right somewhere in northeast of Samos Island and continues further west along the northwest margin of the island, in the form of a transfer fault between two segments. The aftershock distribution shows that both the western segment and the transfer fault were reactivated during the 30 October 2020 earthquake. This fault geometry can be compared with the E-W trending Gediz Graben where the southern boundary fault steps over right around Turgutlu and continues further west in Manisa. The historical records show that the source region and its vicinity is susceptible to frequent large earthquakes taking place on normal and strike-slip faults. The stress tensor inversion of the focal mechanisms of 55 aftershocks covering the source area shows dominant normal faulting mechanism which suggests NNE-SSW extensional stress regime in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new ctenophthalmid flea species, Ctenophthalmus (Ctenophthalmus) yesarii n. sp., is described and illustrated. This new species belonging to the fransmiti group is most closely related to Ctenophthalmus (Ctenophthalmus) fransmiti Suciu. Specimens of Ct. yesarii n. sp. were collected from the eastern broad-toothed field mouse, Apodemus mystacinus (Danford & Alston), in Balıkesir (Edremit district) province of Turkey. The number of Ctenophthalmus taxa known from Turkey now tallies 41 taxa (27 species and 14 subspecies). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study comprehensive palaeofloristic data of lower Miocene deposits from the Soma Basin, western Anatolia is presented considering the stratigraphical concept. The sediments of the basin, derived from outcrop sections, were deposited in the terrestrial environment. The basin includes three different successions: lower and middle lignite successions of the Soma Formation and upper lignite succession of the Deniş Formation. In this paper, we address the early Miocene palaeoecology via pollen and leaf assemblages from the Soma Basin, dated precisely using radiometric data. High percentages of Cupressaceae in the lower lignite succession of the Soma Formation, and minor quantities of elements such as Carya, Nyssa, Myrica, Ulmus and Salix reflect a local riparian and swamp vegetation. Marls overlying the lower lignite succession represent an environment close to the source area, with a variety of flora. During the deposition of middle lignite succession wet conditions played an essential role in the swamp forest fostering some distance transport of pollen which reflect the mesophytic forest vegetation as well as higher altitudes in the hinterland. The high percentages of lacustrine plankton Botryococcus and presence of Spirogyra in the upper lignite succession of the Deniş Formation imply a shallow water environment with less rainfall surrounded by evergreen and deciduous mixed forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shortened revisit times and accurate orbits of the new generation of radar satellites like Sentinel-1 improved the applicability of the synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) technique to investigate more moderate size events. Here the technique is used to characterize the 27 May 2017 Mw 5.2 Saruhanlı (Manisa) earthquake that took place in western Turkey in the Gediz Graben. Though seismological focal mechanism solutions of the earthquake clearly indicated that the event is due to normal faulting, the nodal plane ambiguity and the presence of two closely located faults in the epicentral region prevented the assessment of the causative fault. Data from the Sentinel-1 radar satellites and subsequent modeling indicate that a 9-km-long, NE-dipping fault had ruptured during the earthquake with the shallow rupture coinciding with the Ozanca Fault in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a map that correlates tectonic units between Alps and western Turkey accompanied by a text providing access to literature data, explaining the concepts used for defining the mapped tectonic units, and first-order paleogeographic inferences. Along-strike similarities and differences of the Alpine-Eastern Mediterranean orogenic system are discussed. The map allows (1) for superimposing additional information, such as e.g., post-tectonic sedimentary basins, manifestations of magmatic activity, onto a coherent tectonic framework and (2) for outlining the major features of the Alpine-Eastern Mediterranean orogen. Dinarides-Hellenides, Anatolides and Taurides are orogens of opposite subduction polarity and direction of major transport with respect to Alps and Carpathians, and polarity switches across the Mid-Hungarian fault zone. The Dinarides-Hellenides-Taurides (and Apennines) consist of nappes detached from the Greater Adriatic continental margin during Cretaceous and Cenozoic orogeny. Internal units form composite nappes that passively carry ophiolites obducted in the latest Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous or during the Late Cretaceous on top of the Greater Adriatic margin successions. The ophiolites on top of composite nappes do not represent oceanic sutures zones, but root in the suture zones of Neotethys that formed after obduction. Suturing between Greater Adria and the northern and eastern Neotethys margin occupied by the Tisza and Dacia mega-units and the Pontides occurred in the latest Cretaceous along the Sava-İzmir-Ankara-Erzincan suture zones. The Rhodopian orogen is interpreted as a deep-crustal nappe stack formed in tandem with the Carpatho-Balkanides fold-thrust belt, now exposed in a giant core complex exhumed in late Eocene to Miocene times from below the Carpatho-Balkan orogen and the Circum-Rhodope unit. Its tectonic position is similar to that of the Sakarya unit of the Pontides. We infer that the Rhodope nappe stack formed due to north-directed thrusting. Both Rhodopes and Pontides are suspected to preserve the westernmost relics of the suture zone of Paleotethys. Unlabelled Image • Tectonic map correlates tectonic units between Alps and western Turkey. • Profiles visualize architecture of Alpine-eastern Mediterranean orogens. • Review provides overview of Alpine-type orogens across national boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of a subduction signature with variable isotopic patterns in the melt products of mantle origin within the Aegean–Anatolian domain reflects the differential effects of slab‐derived material on the chemical composition of the supraslab mantle region. Here, we use Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic compositions and major and trace element abundances to evaluate the characteristics of the source components and possible roles of fluid/melt metasomatism in the genesis of the Middle to Late Miocene mafic–intermediate lavas from the Söke Basin in western Anatolia. This volcanic suite comprises a number of individual lava flows in which the dominant rock types are potassium‐rich basaltic andesites and andesites with trace element relative abundances indicative of melt derivation from subduction‐modified sources. These samples have significantly heterogeneous Sr and Nd isotopic ratios, with 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd values ranging from 0.70475 to 0.70927 and from 0.51218 to 0.51270, respectively; they also yield a range of Pb isotope ratios, with 206Pb/204Pb = 18.963–19.344, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.672–15.733, and 208Pb/204Pb = 39.096–39.264. Remarkably large variations in isotopic ratios with relatively limited changes in major elements suggest the involvement of heterogeneously enriched sources with diverse isotopic signatures. The modelling of trace element and isotopic data indicates that parts of the lithospheric mantle in this region are isotopically enriched, with geochemical signatures that reflect the interaction of variably depleted mantle peridotites with melts from subducted sediments of continental crustal origin, while other parts host phlogopite‐rich metasomatic components with signatures of devolatilization reactions from ancient subduction events that led to the preferential loss of Pb and Rb to create metasomatic domains with high U/Pb and low Rb/Sr values that ultimately generated highly radiogenic 206Pb/204Pb and relatively unradiogenic 87Sr/86Sr values. The observed isotopic diversity in relatively short‐time‐ and length‐scales may be interpreted to have resulted largely from the variable extent of melt contributions from a number of discrete lithological domains with contrasting long‐term isotopic evolution and is consistent with the view that the continental lithosphere in this region comprises a number of disparate lithospheric fragments with different petrogenetic histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Büyük Menderes Graben (BMG) of western Turkey is bounded by E-W oriented normal faults and has been a depositional center for thick sedimentary layers since the Miocene. Four Mio-Pliocene depressions (from west to east, the Çine, Bozdoğan, Karacasu, and Denizli basins) having overall N-S trends are situated just south of the BMG. In this study, we focused on the structural characteristics of the BMG using Bouguer gravity data covering the area between 37°N and 39°N and 26°30'E and 30°E and gravity data along 4 profiles to estimate the discontinuous basement relief of the BMG. Our main objectives were to investigate the geometry of the faults bounding the BMG and surrounding faults, and to describe the extent of the cross-graben structures. Boundary analysis, analytical signals, and second derivative methods were applied to Bouguer gravity data in order to determine tectonic border lines. The 2D inversion of gravity data together with the analysis of the power spectrum for each profile exposed an image of the subsurface. As a result of both methods, the thickness of the sedimentary cover was determined to be 1.44-2.3 km in the BMG. According to model geometry, the thickness of the sedimentary deposits decreases to the south of the graben. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human footprints in hydrovolcanic ash near Çakallar volcano (Kula, Western Turkey) were discovered in 1968. A nearby pictograph interpreted as depicting Çakallar volcano would define it as the oldest site where humans demonstrably eye-witnessed a volca̶nic eruption and possibly artistically recorded it. Despite Çakallar's volcanological and cultural importance, its eruption age has remained controversial. Here, two independent dating methods, cosmogenic 36Cl and combined U-Pb and (U-Th)/He zircon (ZDD) geochronology, yielded the first internally consistent eruption ages controlled by detailed volcanostratigraphic mapping. Concordant 36Cl ages of 4.7 ± 0.6 ka (errors 1σ) were obtained for a cone-breaching lava flow. ZDD ages for crustal xenoliths from scoria deposits directly overlying the footprints yielded an age of 4.7 ± 0.7 ka. This firmly places the Çakallar eruption and prehistoric human footprints, and plausibly the rock art, into the Bronze Age, reinforcing the notion that prehistoric artwork recorded natural events. • Monumental human footprints in hydrovolcanic ash near Çakallar volcano (Kula, Western Turkey) have been discovered in 1968. • A nearby pictograph is possibly depicting eruption of Çakallar volcano. • This is the oldest site where humans demonstrably eye-witnessed a volcanic eruption and artistically recorded it. • Two independent dating methods yielded first internally consistent eruption ages for Çakallar volcano and the footprints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Stream sediments remain the preferred geochemical sampling media for regional mineral exploration programs in most parts of the world where there is a well-defined drainage system. In Au exploration the analysis of either Bulk Leach Extractable Gold (BLEG) or acid-extractable Au in the −80# (<180 μm) stream sediment fraction are the two most common approaches. Western Turkey contains a variety of mineral deposit types and geological settings. Using a geochemical database derived mainly from company exploration programs, a study is made on the efficiency of singularity mapping technique in detecting the known mineral deposits or prospects. The composite media of samples are representative of sampling locations but also are extremely diluted. Therefore, recognition and mapping of significant geochemical anomalies of composite media still remains a challenge. In this study, geochemical assay results were subjected to multifractal analyses to detect gold geochemical anomalies, which are related to gold mineralization. In this regard, a singularity mapping technique was applied to enhance the single element geochemical signatures of BLEG sand −80# stream sediment data. Since the singularity mapping technique does not define threshold values for delineation of anomalies, number-size (N-S) and concentration-area (C-A) fractal models were applied to delimit the geochemical anomalies as target areas for further exploration. A hundred percent of the known gold deposits and prospects discovered in the study area are delineated by BLEG Au stream sediment anomalies by N-S and C-A multifractal modeling. Moreover, 89% of known gold prospects of the study area are delineated within the recognized anomalous zones of Au in −80# stream sediment data. The comparison of the delineated geochemical anomalies of BLEG and −80# stream sediment with those of rock chip samples demonstrated the efficiency of the applied methodology. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Bulk leach extractable gold and −80# stream sediment sampling was carried out. • Concentration-area and number-size fractal modeling were applied. • Singularity mapping method was applied to delineate geochemical anomalies. • Singularity method applied to −80# stream sediments detected 90% of gold prospects. • Singularity method applied to BLEG also detected 100% of known gold prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Palaeogeographical research regarding coastline and landscape changes has been conducted in the Küçük Menderes graben and the environs of the ancient city of Ephesus in Western Turkey for a few decades. Based on geophysical data, multi-proxy and microfaunal analyses of sediment cores, 14C-AMS age estimates and diagnostic ceramics, this study presents for the first time results of an area close to the present coastline, where a Byzantine church is located on top of a small hill. The results reveal that this mica schist hill turned into an island during the 2nd/1st millennium BCE. It was reconnected to the mainland via a tombolo during the 5th century CE. Drill cores and geophysical measurements surrounding the hill show massive stone layers which were deposited intentionally during the 5th/6th century CE when the Byzantine church was built. Geophysical images point to wall structures in the surroundings of the hill. The area to the northeast hosts a small harbour site. When the coastline continued to shift further to the west, this site was still connected to the sea by the Küçük Menderes river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Intensive organic‐geochemical analyses were applied to sediment core samples from the Roman harbor of Ephesus that date to the open, protected, and post‐harbor time periods. Screening analyses revealed a substance spectrum comprising n‐alkanes, fatty acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and selected terpenoids. All these substance groups have been quantified and show a significant increase of concentration in the samples affected by the intensive use of Ephesus’ Roman harbor. However, a unique indicator substance or a single anthropogenic marker compound directly reflecting ancient harbor activities has not been identified. Nonetheless, systematic changes in the patterns of some major organic substance groups (PAHs, fatty acids, and n‐alkanes) point to a significant change in the composition of organic matter (OM), which might reflect increased anthropogenic impacts during Ephesus’ flourishing period. These observations are likely related to enhanced anthropogenic use of natural products, such as waxes, and subsequent discharge by municipal sewage or the direct use and emission of such products in the harbor area. This study clearly demonstrates the usefulness of indicative organic compounds and changes in their patterns through time to detect the activities of ancient civilizations. This approach can be transferred to other sedimentary geoarchives associated with former settlement activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study is to obtain site terms from single-station sigma analysis and to compare them with the site functions resulting from different techniques. The dataset consists of 1764 records from 322 micro- and moderate-size local earthquakes recorded by 29 stations in western Turkey. Median models were derived from S-wave Fourier amplitude spectra for selected 22 frequencies, by utilizing the MLR procedure which performs the maximum likelihood (ML) estimation of mixed models where the fixed effects are treated as random (R) effects with infinite variance. At this stage, b (geometrical spreading coefficient) and Q (quality factor) values were decomposed, simultaneously. The residuals of the median models were examined by utilizing the single-station sigma analysis to obtain the site terms of 29 stations. Sigma for the median models is about 0.422 log10 units and decreases to about 0.308, when the site terms from the single-station sigma analysis were considered (27% reduction). The event-corrected within-event standard deviations for each frequency are rather stable, in the range 0.19-0.23 log10 units with an average value of 0.20 (± 0.01). The site terms from single-station sigma analysis were compared with the site function estimates from the horizontal-to-vertical-spectral-ratio (HVSR) and generalized inversion (INV) techniques by Akyol et al. (2013) and Kurtulmuş and Akyol (2015), respectively. Consistency was observed between the single-station sigma site terms and the INV site transfer functions. The results imply that the single-station sigma analysis could separate the site terms with respect to the median models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mudbrick is a challenging material to interpret, maintain, and preserve in terms of planning and treatment decision-making—especially when recovered during archaeological excavation. Further challenges exist where mudbrick remains have been exposed and abandoned, as interactions with the environment (especially water and wind) introduce additional dissolution and damage of the resource. In this paper, we present multidisciplinary research focused on the interpretation and preservation of ancient and vernacular mudbrick architecture in the Marmara Lake Basin in western Turkey. Of interest is the preservation of mudbrick and stone foundations at Kaymakçı, a Middle to Late Bronze Age, ridge-top citadel. We demonstrate that utilizing multiple lines of evidence, including macromorphological, mineralogical, and chemical studies interpreted within the context of extant vernacular traditions in the region, produces a nuanced understanding of the archaeological evidence. Further, ethnographic and experimental archaeological research with local stakeholders allows for the development of a robust template for testing and implementing sustainable site-preservation strategies for in situ architecture with immediate communities.

This study assessed the suitability of Landsat ETM+ and QuickBird digital number values and various vegetation indices for predicting some structural parameters of forests in western Turkey. The empirical relationships between the structural parameters such as stand volume, basal area, tree density and quadratic mean diameter, and Landsat ETM+ and QuickBird satellite images were estimated using stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results indicated weak relationships between forest structural parameters and Landsat ETM+ images. The adjusted R2 values of the regression analysis using the spectral digital number values for stand volume, basal area, tree density and quadratic mean diameter were found to be 0.37, 0.32, 0.44 and 0.25, respectively. Based on the vegetation indices, the adjusted R2 values of the regression analysis were attained as 0.36, 0.34, 0.28 and 0.17, respectively. However, the results demonstrated moderate relationships between the forest structural parameters and the QuickBird satellite image. The adjusted R2 values from the regression analysis using the digital number values for stand volume, basal area, tree density and quadratic mean diameter were found as 0.57, 0.45, 0.29 and 0.30, respectively. Depending on the vegetation indices, the adjusted R2 values from the regression analysis were obtained as 0.54, 0.41, 0.41 and 0.44, respectively. When the results from Landsat ETM+ and QuickBird satellite images are compared with each other, it could be stated that the QuickBird satellite images provide better representation of structural parameters of forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of spatial and temporal variations of dry spells was carried out for western Turkey using daily precipitation data of 28 stations from 1966 to 2011. Three indices and four levels of precipitation-per-day threshold were considered. Indices are number (NDS), mean length (MDS) and maximum length (MxDS) of dry spells, and the thresholds are 0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mm/day. The results showed that a general decreasing gradient from north-east to south-west is evident for NDS with exceptionally higher values at south-west at 10 mm/day threshold. Mean MDS depicts an opposite pattern to that of NDS particularly for 0.1 and 1 mm/day. Longer mean MDS values are observed at western and eastern parts for 5 and 10 mm/day. For all threshold levels, there is a clear increasing gradient from north-east to south-west for mean MxDS. Trend analysis showed that the majority of trends of the indices at all thresholds are statistically non-significant at 95% level. It can be concluded that the study area as a whole has experienced a general and slight (statistically non-significant) decreasing tendency for NDS but a general and slight (statistically non-significant) increasing tendency for MDS and MxDS. Over the same period, total annual precipitation has shown statistically non-significant decline at almost all stations. It can be concluded that the slightly decreasing tendency in total annual precipitation has been accompanied by slightly decreasing NDS and by slightly increasing MDS and MxDS. This suggests that the study area has received less precipitation and experienced less frequent but longer duration of dry spells over the period 1966-2011. The droughts in the study area have become relatively worse in terms of not only the total amount of precipitation but also duration of dry periods, although dry periods have occurred less frequently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey is one of several countries frequently facing significant earthquakes because of its geological and tectonic position on earth. Especially, graben systems of Western Turkey occur as a result of seismically quite active tensional tectonics. The prediction of earthquakes has been one of the most important subjects concerning scientists for a long time. Although different methods have already been developed for this task, there is currently no reliable technique for finding the exact time and location of an earthquake epicenter. Recently artificial intelligence (AI) methods have been used for earthquake studies in addition to their successful application in a broad spectrum of data intensive applications from stock market prediction to process control. In this study, earthquake data from one part of Western Turkey (37-39.30° N latitude and 26°-29.30° E longitude) were obtained from 1975 to 2009 with a magnitude greater than M ≥ 3. To test the performance of AI in time series, the monthly earthquake frequencies of Western Turkey were calculated using catalog data from the region and then the obtained data set was evaluated with two neural networks namely as the multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLPNNs) and radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The results show that for monthly earthquake frequency data prediction, the proposed RBFNN provides higher correlation coefficients with real data and smaller error values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reallocation of land is one of the most essential and challenging stages of land consolidation (LC) projects. In this study, the success of two different methods used in the reallocation phase was evaluated. One of these methods is interview-based reallocation, and the other is fuzzy logic-based reallocation method. The projects' success was determined by consolidation rate, number of enterprises, number of parcels per enterprise, average parcel size, and shareholding status of the parcels. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the project carried out by both methods was successful. Consolidation rate, number of enterprises, and average parcel size values give better results with the fuzzy logic method. The number of parcels per enterprise turned out to be equal (1) in both methods. It was found that the number of single shares in the shareholding status of the parcels is higher in the fuzzy logic method. It was also revealed that single share parcel areas are more in the interview-based distribution method. It is possible to say that the fuzzy logic method is more successful than the interview-based method. • The results of the fuzzy logic based land reallocation model are compared with the results of the interview based model. • It is concluded that the results of fuzzy logic based land reallocation (54.74%) are better than the results of interview based land reallocation (45.93%). • As a result of the study, it was concluded that considering farmer's demands in fuzzy logic method would lead to more successful consolidation projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent earthquakes caused severe damages on the existing buildings. By this motivation, an important amount of research work has been conducted to determine the seismic risk of seismically active regions. For an accurate seismic risk assessment, processing of ground motions would provide an advantage. Using the current technology, it is not possible to precisely predict the future earthquakes. Therefore, most of the current seismic risk assessment methodologies are based on statistical evaluation by using recurrence and magnitude of the earthquakes hit the specified region. Because of the limited number of records on earthquakes, the quality of definitions is questionable. Fuzzy logic algorithm can be used to improve the quality of the definition. In the present study, ground motion data profile of western Turkey is defined using an intelligent hybrid processing. The approach is given in a practical way for an easier and faster calculation. Earthquake data between 1970 and 1999 from western part of Turkey have been used for training. The results are tested and validated with the earthquake data between 2000 and 2015 of the same region. Enough approximation was validated between calculated values and the earthquake data by using the intelligent hybrid processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, transmitted mainly through mosquito bites, is generally asymptomatic but may also result in mild fever, meningitis, encephalitis and death in various animals and humans. The presence of the WNV in Turkey has been reported previously. However, comparative epizootiological data on the recent prevalence of the WNV infection in various animal species and humans in western Turkey are limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of WNV infection in animals and humans in western Turkey. Four hundred and forty serum samples were collected from 40 cats, 60 cattle, 90 humans and 50 sheep, goats, camels, horses, and broiler breeder chickens between the years 2009 and 2012. The serum samples were tested for antibodies against the envelope protein (E) of the virus using a commercial competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (cELISA). The human samples were retested using commercial Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). No antibodies were detected in cats, sheep, goats, and chickens. Seropositivity rates of 44% (22/50) in camels, 32% (16/50) in horses, 20% (12/60) in cattle and 41.1% (37/90) in humans were found. The results of the seropositivity in humans obtained using cELISA and IFAT were identical. These data suggest that the WNV infection may be present subclinically in horses, camels, cattle and humans in western Turkey and may pose a threat to animal and human health in the region and surrounding areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil-gas 222Rn concentrations were investigated on an active Simav Graben/Fault System in Western Turkey. Measurements to understand the causes of variations in soil-gas 222Rn were conducted in three distinct sections such that seven selected measurement points in each section lie on a line that is approximately perpendicular to the main fault line. It was found out in each section that values obtained at two adjacent points were abnormally higher than the rest. The corresponding concentrations were measured as 60.76–63.93 kBq/m3, 33.00–45.78 kBq/m3, and 56.20–84.69 kBq/m3 on the first, second, and third lines, respectively. These values, which differ significantly from measurements conducted on a similar line, are thought to be stemming from crustal stress caused by faulting or acidic-intrusive rocks in the region. • Soil-gas 222Rn anomalies were investigated on an active fault system in Turkey. • Radon anomalies were observed along the three lines. • These anomalies may indicate buried crustal stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to assess the influence of the composition and texture of the limestone on aggregate properties from the five working dimension stone quarries wastes of Karaburun Peninsula in Western Turkey. The limestone samples were tested to determine their petrographic, mineralogic, and chemical characteristics and aggregate properties. Then, the testing concretes were prepared by using these aggregates, and hardened concrete properties were determined. According to the results obtained, limestone was found to be suitable for use as coarse and fine aggregate in normal-strength concrete production. But, the quality of concretes made using the limestone aggregates were found to be dependent on the silica ratio present in them. The threshold value of the silica ratio is determined to be 2 % by weight for the alkali-silica reaction development in concrete made with the Karaburun dimension stone quarries wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sığacık Gulf is located in the southern part of the Karaburun Peninsula in the Aegean Region. This region is restricted by two important ridges; Karaburun and Seferihisar Ridges. In order to determine the geothermal and marine hot springs, marine shallow seismic and magnetic surveys were applied in 2011. Approximately 250 km seismic reflection data were collected by Dokuz Eylül-1 vessel. As preliminary results of seismic and magnetic surveys, authors suggest that Sığacık Gulf may have geothermal potential or hot water springs on the sea-floor. Determined negative gravity anomalies should be investigated with multi-disciplinary surveys (CTD, marine-chemistry, side scan sonar, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Soma coal basin is one of the largest economic lignite-bearing alluvial basins of western Turkey. The Miocene succession of the coalfield contains two lignite seams successions; Lower Lignite, Middle Lignite. Kerogen in the deposits is type III, as indicated by organic petrographic observations and Rock-Eval data. Total organic carbon (TOC) values are between 28.45 and 73.38% in the formation. Tmax values vary between 403 and 429 C, confirming maturation trends indicated by vitrinite reflectance data (between 0.35-0.48 Ro%). Organic facies type C and CD were identified in the investigated units. The organic matter is partly oxidized/oxidized and reworked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed 1764 records from 322 micro- and moderate-size local earthquakes in the central west Turkey to separate source, site and near-surface attenuation effects by utilizing a generalized inversion technique (GIT) to the spectra. GIT site transfer functions were compared with horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) estimates by Akyol et al. (Pure Appl Geophys 170(12):2107-2125. doi: , ). Large amplitude values of vertical component GIT site transfer functions were obtained at different frequency bands for some of the sites. These results imply contaminations of HVSR estimates due to basin geometry induced waves caused by deep or shallow lateral heterogeneities. GIT source function estimates were interpreted as Brune source model. Weak epicentral dependence of near-surface attenuation parameter κ with large scattering could be attributed to the source and propagation path complexities along different paths arriving to the stations. Large f values with large κ values emphasize near-surface weathered zones attenuation effect at high frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menderes Massive is a NE-SW-trending metamorphic terrain in western Anatolia. The massive is composed of regionally metamorphosed rocks of mica-schist and marble. The Bozdag Mountain is the main horst system in Kucuk Menderes river basin. It is composed of several N-S oriented small horsts and grabens and contains important karst features, such as poljes and sinkholes. Ayvacik and Subatan Poljes are typical closed depressions draining into Ayvacik and Subatan sinkholes (ponors). Both are developed along the N-S directed fault system. The main objective of this study is to determine the karstification and hydrogeochemical features of water circulating in marble terrain and controlled by deep sinkholes in the Bozdag Mountain. Detailed speleological studies demonstrated that the degree of karstification of marble rock depends on the regional tectonic structure, the mineralogy of marble and the water recharge rate into the sinkholes. Tritium isotope and tracer tests indicate very fast flow and connection between Subatan surface water and a spring in lower elevations with high Ca and Mg ion concentration at the south of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical behavior of continental lithosphere of Aegean region and western Turkey is one of the foremost interesting geological disputes in earth sciences. This region provides complex tectonic events which produced a strong heterogeneity in the crust as such in among most continental regions. The reasons of the ongoing lithospheric-scale extension within the Aegean region can be revealed by the correlation with the prevailing kinematic and dynamic factors such as roll-back of the subduction slab and back arc extension, westward extrusion of the Anatolian micro-plate, block rotations and transtensional transform faults. Seismological studies of earthquake source mechanisms and slip inversions play important roles on deciphering the current deformation and seismotectonic characteristics of the region. In recent years, several moderate earthquakes have occurred in the Gulfs of Gökova, Sığacık, Kuşadası, and Simav Graben. We studied source mechanisms and rupture histories of those earthquakes to retrieve the geometry of active faulting, source characteristics, kinematic and dynamic fault parameters and current deformations in western Turkey. We used teleseismic body-waveform inversions of long-period P- and SH-, and broad-band P-waveforms. We also checked first motion polarities of P-waves recorded at both regional and teleseismic stations. Inversion results revealed E–W striking normal faulting mechanisms with small amount of left-lateral strike-slip components in the Gulf of Gökova, and NE–SW oriented right-lateral strike-slip faulting mechanisms in the Gulf of Sığacık. In Simav Graben, earthquake source parameters show dominantly normal faulting mechanisms with strike-slip components. Our inversions resulted in focal depths for the earthquake ranging from 10 to 15 km and NE–SW trending T-axes directions. The finite-fault slip distribution and rupture propagation models exhibit seismic moment releases and large displacement values which essentially occurred at hypocenters of the earthquakes. The overall results exhibited uniform and circular-shaped rupture propagations along dip directions of fault planes. Although most of the focal mechanism solutions show dominantly normal faulting mechanisms associated with the E–W oriented horst–graben structures in western Turkey, there are also strike-slip faulting mechanisms related to remarkable strike-slip faults which are capable of generating damaging earthquakes, particularly in the Gulf of Sığacık and Karaburun Peninsula. Thus, we suggest that present-day deformation in the Gulfs of Gökova, Sığacık, Kuşadası, and Simav Graben (western Turkey) is still mainly driven by the N–S extensional tectonics, but we tentatively further emphasize the importance of strike-slip faults in shaping tectonic structures in the Aegean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Şaphane relay ramps (SAR-I and SAR-II) are well-developed structures formed by extensional tectonic settings in western Turkey. Their formation is controlled by the configuration of 2 different breaching faults located in between and the overlapping area of 3 normal faults, which are the Şaphane, Gürlek, and Yumrutaş faults. The relay ramps form within a ~3 km-wide and ~12 km-long interaction zone between 045° and 060° trending faults on the northern boundary of the Erdogmuş-Yenigediz graben. Some variations in structural styles and its products (for example, overlapping slip-lines (slickenlines), fractures, and antithetic-synthetic faults) are observed along the breaching faults in the relay ramps that were probably created during the formation of the relay structures. In this research, field data from these segmented normal faults having displacement and an interaction area are presented. This normal faulting that resulted from the recent extensional tectonic regime is related to the whole crustal deformation in western Turkey, and the progressive stages have created such a characteristic structure, the relay ramp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turtleback surfaces are common elements of highly extended terrains all over the world. This paper presents a 3D model explaining the formation of turtleback surfaces based on field observations made on the Horzum Turtleback of the Alaşehir graben, western Turkey. Three essential features have been determined as forming a turtleback surface. These are 1) the rolling hinge mechanism on a normal fault system, where the initial fault stays operational after forming second and third normal faults in its hanging wall; 2) relay ramps between initial fault segments; and 3) a synextensional intrusion on the shear zone of the initial normal fault at midcrustal level. The strike-slip tectonic setting is not among the essential features as suggested recently for Death Valley turtlebacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palynofloras of the Kocaçay and Cumaovası basins in western Turkey that belong to a time-span from the late Early to late Middle Miocene (the late Burdigalian-Serravallian) are studied and compared with published palynofloras of Europe and Turkey. Palynological data and numerical climatic results obtained by the coexistence approach indicate palaeoclimate changed from warm subtropical to temperate during the late Burdigalian-Serravallian. Moreover, the palaeoclimates of the Kocaçay and Cumaovası basins are compared with continental palaeoclimatic records of coal-bearing sediments in western Turkey and current temperatures in the İzmir region. According to this comparison, palaeoclimatic results of these basins and other localities in western Turkey show a distinct difference as a result of orographic change. The palaeovegetation in the Kocaçay and Cumaovası basins during the studied time-span was affected by palaeotopography and palaeoclimate. In these basins mixed mesophytic, coniferous forests, and swamp palaeovegetation generally predominated during the late Early-early Middle Miocene. The role of the herbaceous taxa increased at the end of the late Middle Miocene (the Serravallian) in the Kocaçay and Cumaovası basins. It is obvious from the palynomorph data of these basins that grassland palaeovegetation started to expand in the late Middle Miocene. Unlike in Central Europe, where late Burdigalian and Langhian represent a period of outstanding warmth, the so-called Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum, cold month mean temperatures reconstructed in this study point to an ongoing cooling trend, already from the late Burdigalian onwards, possibly related to increasing terrestrial conditions in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sedimentological and geochemical study was performed on the travertines in the southern part of the Uşak geothermal field, western Turkey, to assess the applicability of a fluvial tufa facies model in interpreting late Quaternary travertine deposits developed along the stream valleys that follow fault and fracture systems. Modern thermal (31 to 38°C) springs are found on the floor of the valley between 480 m and 520 m above sea-level. The distribution and nature of travertine facies were determined from natural outcrops. Samples of the travertines and spring water were characterized using a range of geochemical and petrographic methods. Waterfall, slope and pool facies associations consist of various combinations of travertine facies and subordinate detrital facies. Waterfall and slope facies associations of the older deposits occur where the springs emerged onto a hillslope or topographic break. In contrast, the pool facies association developed in depressions or flat areas that were fed by thermal springs. The youngest generation (1·85 ka) precipitated at lower elevations than the older ones (147 to 153 ka). Stable carbon and oxygen isotope values of the Aksaz travertines range between +4·3‰ and +6·3‰ (Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite) and −12·6‰ and −7·2‰ (Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite), respectively. The high δ13C values suggest that the thermal waters were charged with isotopically heavy CO2 of deep origin. Based on palaeotemperature calculations, the temperatures of the palaeosprings are slightly higher (up to 44°C) than the present equivalents, but sometimes the temperature is lower, probably due to mixing with the stream water. Although the thermal waters occasionally are impeded by fluvial activity, travertine precipitation occurs in the protected parts of the Aksaz Stream valley. This contribution highlights the applicability of the fluvial facies model for tufa for the interpretation of travertine deposits worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Middle Miocene extension related bimodal volcanism. [•] Different petrological processes created different volcanic associations. [•] Felsic volcanics represent unique geochemical and isotopic features. [•] They were derived from disequilibrium partial melting of crustal material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the Denizli Basin (Turkey), located in the western Anatolian extensional province, travertine and tufa deposition has been an ongoing process for at least 600,000years. Travertine bodies, which are 30 to 75m thick and each covers areas of 1 to 34km2, are up to 1km3 in volume. Today, spring waters in this area have temperatures of 19 to 57°C, are of the Ca–Mg–HCO3–SO4 type in the Pamukkale, Kelkaya and Pınarbaşı areas and the Ca–Mg–SO4–HCO3 type at Çukurbağ. Thermal waters along the northern margin of the basin are generally hotter than those in the east–southeast and south. The δ18O and δD values of the spring waters indicate a meteoric origin. The average temperatures of the hydrothermal systems in the Denizli Basin appear to have decreased from Pleistocene to Holocene. Travertine, which formed from the hotter water, is more widespread than the tufa that formed in the cooler spring waters. Deposition of the travertine, which formed largely on slopes, in depressions, and along fissure ridges (mostly on northern basin margins), was controlled by the interplay between various intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. The travertines are formed largely of calcite with only minor amounts of aragonite in some of the vertically banded, crystalline crust, raft and pisoid travertines found in some of the northern sites. The aragonitic samples, rich in Sr, are typically found around the spring orifices and along the central axis of the fissure ridges. The stable isotope values of the travertine found in the northwest and southeast parts of the basin are different. The δ13C values of the northern travertine deposits are more positive (3.7 to 11.7‰ VPBD) than those found in the south–southeast areas (−4 to 5.8‰ VPDB). In contrast, the travertine and tufa in the southeastern areas have higher δ18O values (−15.2 to −7.8‰ VPDB) than those of the northern areas (−16.6 to −4.8‰ VPDB). Available evidence indicates that spring activity and associated travertine precipitation in the Denizli Basin were controlled largely by tectonic activity rather than by climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 28 March 1970, an unexpected and destructive earthquake (Ms = 7.2) originated along the Erdoğmuş fault (EF), which forms the southern margin of the modern Erdoğmuş–Yenigediz graben in the central part of the Akşehir–Simav fault system. The EF is a N-dipping normal fault, ∼12 km long, generally E–W-trending, and characterized by a minor right-lateral strike–slip component. To determine its past activity, a palaeoseismological exploratory trenching study was conducted. Two trenches (EFT-1 and EFT-2) were excavated on the ground surface rupture of the 1970 Gediz earthquake near Erdoğmuş village. Based on the relative displacement between units observed and mapped in EFT-1, at least three events were identified. Two events were also identified in EFT-2. Only one of the events in EFT-1 can be dated via14C. The estimated recurrence interval on the EF is ∼910 ± 40 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A description of four new species of Dolichopoda Bolivar, 1880 (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae) from Eastern Aegean region (Southern Sporades), including Western Turkey, is reported. This brings to a total of 11 the number of Dolichopoda species recorded for caves of the Aegean area. Overall, these species show a high degree of morphological homogeneity and they are very close to D. paraskevi Boudou-Saltet, 1973 from Crete and D. naxia Boudou-Saltet, 1972 from Cyclades (Naxos Island). The Western Turkish species are morphologically not closely related to the other Anatolian species; this suggests an independent origin for the taxa occurring in the Southern Taurus and Black Sea regions. These new data help to better define the already high level of diversity of the Hellenic Dolichopoda and strengthen the hypothesis that the central area of dispersal for the genus would correspond to the ancient Aegean plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]