THE KOLTUK KAYASI PERCHED SYNCLINE (AMANOS MOUNTS, HATAY)
KOLTUKKAYASI TÜNEMİŞ SENKLİNALİ (AMANOS DAĞLARI, HATAY)

Author : Emre ÖZŞAHİN
Number of pages : 1161-1191

Abstract

Perched synclines developed as a result of topographic inversion of geographical formations during geomorphologic development are highly remarkable in Jura type reliefs. The current study examines the formation and geomorphologic characteristics of Koltukkayası perched syncline in the Amanos Mountains. In addition to utilizing the related literature, the study employed 1/25.000 scale topography map ANTAKYA-O36-c1 prepared by General Command of Mapping (GCM) as basic material. Geological characteristics were compiled with the help of geological maps of various scales prepared by different researchers. Geomorphology map of the study was created according to the method implemented in the region by Erol (1990) who made use of the detailed analysis of the topography sheets, topographic profiles and satellite images. Mapping phase of the study and the drawing of the profiles were undertaken with the help of ArcGIS/ArcMap 10 package program of geographical Information Systems (GIS) software. Obtained data is checked in situ and with field studies and any missing information was completed. Results show that Koltukkayası perched syncline developed in bed rock in the Upper Jura-Low Cretaceous limestone, dolomite and dolomitic limestone lithology. The folds that formed the Koltukkayası perched syncline probably occurred as the product of Alpine orogenesis resulting from N-S directional compressive tectonic that was effective in the ophiolitic settlement during the Upper Cretaceous period. The folds shrouded incompatibly in the Upper Cretaceous-Eocene Range had been exposed as exhumed surfaces by breaking free from the floor as a result of the second ophiolitic settlement during the Middle Eocene period. They moved in the counter-clockwise direction as a result of the faulting developed following this process and achieved their current states. Folded land that form Koltukkayası perched syncline was straightened by the erosion surface that was observed during the Upper Miocene period. Perched syncline was formed at the end of the process that started with the erosion surfaces. The existence of the perched synclines in the area shows that the region is currently in the period of maturity; that the Amanos Mountains identified today as horst previously had a folded structure and that they had been raised with a high tempo to obtain the current character. Further studies on identification of other geographical formations of the same type will contribute to better

Keywords

Relief inversion, Perched synclinal, Geomorphology, Amanos mountains, Hatay.

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