LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY AND FACIES CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONTINENTAL - SHALLOW - MARINE MIOCENE DEPOSITS (ZARA - SİVAS)

Abstract

The and space relationships of sedimentary environments and depositional evolution of Sivas Miocene Basin is studied south of Zara town. 2 formations and 4 members are defined. Early Miocene Ağılkaya formation (1900 m) is composed of Karayün member (alluvial fan and fluvial deposits), Hafik member (sabkhaic gypsums) and Karacaören member (shallow marine). On the other hand Early-Middle Miocene Eğribucak formation (550 m) is only represented by Sekitarla member (fluvial deposits) in this part of the basin. Facies analyses reveal 13 lithofacies representing deposition in lagoon to shallow marine, tidal flat, playa and sabkha, alluvial fan and fluvial environments. The currently debated and controversial relative age of the Hafik member gypsum deposits is assigned to (?) Oligocene - Early Miocene based on the stratigraphic relations observed throughout the basin. Petrographic data together with North-Northwestern paleocurrent directions indicate an ophiolithic source area situated to the South-Southeast of the basin