The geology and evolution of the Tokat massif, south central Pontides. International Geology Review


YILMAZ Y., SERDAR H. S., GENC Ş. C., YİĞİTBAŞ E., GÜRER Ö. F., Elmas A., ...More

INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW, no.39, pp.365-382, 1997 (Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 1997
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.365-382
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Affiliated: No

Abstract

T h e Tokat Massif is a major metamorphi c complex of the south-centra l Pontides, th e origin and development of which have long remained unknown . Recent detailed field-based mapping has revealed th e major geological features of this complex. The Tokat Massif appears to be a tectoni c mosai c composed of thre e major components: (1) th e Yesilirmak Group ; (2) the Turha l Metaophiolite ; and (3) th e Amasya Group. Th e Yesilirmak Group, which consists of a coherent lithoiogical sequenc e involving Paleozoic basement and overlying Triassic units, represents a short-lived basin assemblage. Th e Turhal Metaophiolit e consists of an ophiolitic mélange association and slices of a stratigraphically ordered ophiolite. The Amasya Group, th e higheststanding tectoni c unit, is represented by a lower Paleozoic clastic succession. T h e different major tectonostratigraphi c assemblages of the Tokat Massif record a continentcontinen t collision between the Laurasian Amasya Group an d the Gondwana n Yesilirmak Group. T h e Turhal Metaophiolite , sandwiched between the two continenta l fragments, represents remnants of an oceani c realm that was consume d between th e two continents. Th e thre e major tectoni c components were assembled and underwen t regional metamorphism durin g the Late Triassic-Liassic transition, and were later covered durin g the Liassic by basal detrital units.