Paleoclimate studies in the Çaybağı formation (Hacisam-Kavakköy surroundings, east of Elazığ)

This study was carried out in order to make paleoclimatic and environmental interpretations as a result of palynological and isotope researches in the area around Hacısam and Kavakköy villages of Çaybağı Formation cropping out between Kovancılar-Çaybağı in the eastern parts of the Tauride Tectonic Unit. In the study area, Upper Cretaceous aged Elazığ Magmatites, Middle-Late Eocene aged Kırkgeçit Formation, Early Pliocene aged Çaybağı Formation, Plio Quaternary aged Palu Formation and recent alluviums are located in the study area. Within the scope of this study, samples were taken from the organic matter-rich claystones, mudstones and peat sediments of Boğaziçi I and II sections measured during field studies, and samples that could be palynologically identified. Ziyaret Tepe measured section and samples were used for this purpose. Palynological studies, which can be identified from organic matter-rich claystones, mudstones and peat deposits, which are widely distributed in the study area and observed along the sections, were carried out. In the light of the palynological findings, the records of the paleo vegetation (palevegetation) to be obtained, the paleotopography and paleoclimatic conditions during the deposition of the sedimentary sequence in which the samples were collected were approached. Among the samples of Boğaziçi 1 section, pollens of gymnosperm plants are represented by Pinaceae-Pinus haploxylon and diploxylon, Cedrus, Abies, Tsuga and Picea. The presence of rich gymnosperm pollens in the samples indicates the presence of medium and high topographic areas in the near and/or far surroundings of the storage area. In addition, the abundance of Abies, Piceae and Cedrus pollens, which increased at some levels, indicates that the climate is cooling. Pollens belonging to angiosperm plants are represented by Quercus deciduous and evergreen types and Juglandaceae-Juglans in the samples belonging to the Boğaziçi section. Pollens with similar characteristics and richness to the ones belonging to Boğaziçi 1 were observed in the Ziyarettepe samples. Considering the presence, absence and coexistence of spores and pollen throughout the geological time, it can be said that the organic matter-rich levels in the study area were deposited during the Early Pliocene. In the δ 13C and δ18O isotope studies, cooling and warming phases followed each other in paleoclimate, especially in the measured section of Ziyaret Tepe.