The investigation of the Akçapinar and Salihli segments of the Gediz graben system through paleoseismological trench studies

The Gediz Graben is about 140 km long and oriented in the NW-SE direction, and it is a highly active tectonic graben. This area, forming boundary with the Bozdağ Horst, is surrounded by prominent normal faults cutting through Plio-Quaternary alluvial fans. This depression area, irrigated by the Gediz River and hosting many civilizations throughout history, has confronted all residing civilizations with the reality of earthquakes. Especially cities like Sart Ancient City, which were significant settlements of their time, have been abandoned due to earthquakes. To better understand the faults causing these earthquakes, morphometric analyses were conducted in 174 drainage basins belonging to the Bozdağ Horst. These analyses determined that the southern margin of the Gediz Graben is highly active. In light of these findings, two paleoseismological trenches were opened on the Akçapınar-Salihli segments, identified as seismic gaps. In each trench, traces of two ancient earthquakes were found. These earthquakes, dated using the 14C dating method, are observed to coincide with historical earthquakes that affected the Sardes Ancient City.