The investigation of geothermal areas in izmir bay and its surroundings (As an example of Gülbahçe bay)

The West Anatolia is one of the most important areas with respect to geothermal and hydrothermal activities because of both horst-graben structures and active volcanism. The terrestrial areas in the vicinity of Gülbahçe bay in the western part of Izmir bay have been known as thermal hot waters. The aim of this study is to examine the existence of these hot waters in Gülbahçe bay. The high resolution seismic and side scan sonar studies were carried out to been verified the area with high geothermal potential. In the consequence of these studies, it was determined that a number of high structures clustered on the sea floor. Morphological highs in the vicinity of intersection of Gülbahçe-Ilıksu fault and Gülbahçe fault zone is related to main faults and fracture zones. It was determined that these highs were covered in the middle of Gülbahçe Bay. In accordance with the heavy metal analysis, increasing of the Al, Ba, Fe, Sr, Ni and Zn elements was determined in that area.According to palynological results obtained from sediment samples in Gülbahçe Bay, terrestrial and marine paleoenvironmental conditions determined for the Late Holocene period. Pseudoschizaea seldom and microforaminiferal test abundantly accompany with these palynomorphs and this cooperation could be suggested presence of hot water outlet in the Gülbahçe Bay during the Late Holocene period. The iron oxide form on the microforaminiferal test and various palynomorphs is related to the thermal activity in the Gülbahçe Bay.