Determination of the relative tectonic evolution of yeşi̇lyurt fault by morphometric indices

In this thesis, various morphometric indices such as Mountain-Front Sinuosity (Smf), Hypsometric Curve (HC) and Integral (HI), the Ratio of Valley Floor Width-to-Height (Vf), and Asymmetry Factor (AF) were utilized to assess the tectonic geomorphology and deformation characteristics of the potentially active, left-lateral Yeşilyurt Fault (YF). This fault extends approximately 70 km in a ENE direction from the eastern Kale district of Malatya province to the Yeşilyurt settlement. The fault was divided into four segments (S1, S2, S3, and S4) from east to west. The calculated Smf values indicate moderate tectonic activity for the S1, S2, and S3 segments, while S4 exhibits low tectonic activity. HC and HI values were determined for 17 sub-basins along the YF. The sub-basins with dominant tectonic activity over erosion were limited to one per segment on S1, S2, and S4, while erosion generally prevailed in all other segments. Nineteen Vf values were measured along the four segments, with the lowest Vf values occurring on the S2 segment. The relative uplift rates for the S1, S2, and S3 segments range between 0.05 and 0.5 mm/year, whereas for the S4 segment, the rate is below 0.005 mm/year. Additionally, 64.71% of the catchments in the study area exhibited AF values indicating high asymmetry, which suggests strong tectonic influence. These findings imply that the drainage basin is largely asymmetric, likely due to significant tectonic activity. Furthermore, the length of the S1, S2, S3, and S4 segments suggests that the YF is capable of generating earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from Mw 6.3 to 7.2. Further studies are necessary to assess the earthquake hazard posed by the YF, which has the potential to impact the Malatya city center and surrounding areas. These results highlight the active role of the YF in the region's tectonic deformation.