Tectonics characteristics of the Çaybaği (Elaziğ) area

The rocks units ranging from upper-Cretaceous to Quaternary exposed in the study area. The aim of this study is to derive information on the relation of the individual rock units, active tectonics and structures due to active tectonics in order to explain geotectonic evolution of the area. Paleotectonic and neotectonic structures are intensely observed in the study area. During field work, fault slip data in determined locations have been measured in order to determine age of the structural features and calculate paleostress tensor. The kinematic analyses indicate that there are two different deformation phases in the Çaybağı Basin. Deformation phase 1 is characterized by NNW-SSE directed compression and operated in the late Miocene- early Pliocene interval. In this setting, primarily Palu Anticline as well as E-W trending folds, and Çatakbaşı and Çaybağı thrust faults occured. Deformation phase 2 is characterized by NNE-SSW directed compression and vertical stress is interchanged σ2 and σ3. It operated in the early Pliocene to present. The large scale NE-SW trending left lateral, NW-SE trending right lateral strike slip faults have occurred in this phase. Pertek and Soğanlı faults are main structures of the area. Moreover, N-S directed extension, which is the opposite direction of the main compression direction; structures are observable in the area. Key Words: Çaybağı Basin, Çaybağı thrust fault, Çatakbaşı thrust fault, Palu anticline, Pertek fault, Elazığ.