Reviewing the geomorphologic and neotectonic features of the Gonen Basin (NW of Turkey)

Abstract

The tectonic movements played a very important role of the formation of the Gonen Basin. During Quaternary period many dip and strike slip faults ocurred in the area. These faults affected the geomorphology and drainage system of the basin. The aim of this study is to determine the role of the tectonic activities occurred during the Quaternary period in forming the Gonen basin which is the one of the depressions on the southern Marmara Region on the northwest of Turkey. The tectonic movements formed the geomorphic units such as, depressions, scarps, off-set river channels, graben, horst, caused the deformation of surfaces. The faults affected the landscape and had important role the forming of the present drainage system. Hot springs came out along the fault lines. The down and up faultings accelerated the morphodynamics of the rivers, hence the erosional and depositional activities increased. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of The 2nd International Geography Symposium-Mediterranean Environment