New biochronological and igneous geochemical evidence of Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous basaltic volcanism related to rifting and spreading of the S Neotethys (Antalya Complex northern outcrop), SW Türkiye
Gondwana Research, cilt.157, ss.281-308, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 157
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.gr.2026.04.006
- Dergi Adı: Gondwana Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Geobase, Zoological Record
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.281-308
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Basalt, Geochemistry, Radiolaria, Rifting, S Neotethys, SW Türkiye
- Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The objective of this research is to better understand the timing and processes of continental rifting and passive margin development of the Southern Neotethys in the Eastern Mediterranean region, mainly by using a combination of biochronology and igneous chemistry of basaltic rocks. The study area, the northern outcrop of the Antalya Complex (Antalya nappes) in the Isparta Angle, exemplifies multi-stage continental rifting during Permian-Triassic. New evidence is presented here from the relatively little-known northern outcrop, near the apex of the Isparta Angle. In this area, three related tectono-stratigraphical units and ophiolitic rocks were emplaced onto adjacent Mesozoic carbonate platforms during latest Cretaceous-Palaeocene. One of these, the Middle Antalya Unit, includes important evidence of rift and passive margin-related deep-sea sediments and basaltic volcanics. These lithologies occur within 1: Upper Permian-uppermost Cretaceous successions of relatively distal deep-sea sediments (e.g., radiolarites, pelagic carbonates) that in places are depositionally associated with (i.e., underlain, interbedded with or overlain by) basaltic lavas; 2. Local successions of deep-sea sediments that are preserved as blocks and dismembered thrust sheets within uppermost Cretaceous (Campanian-Maastrichtian) sedimentary melange (olistostromes). The depositional ages reported here are mainly based on new radiolarian biochronology, in relation to associated basaltic rocks. On this basis, two main phases of volcanism are recognised: first, Upper Triassic OIB and locally MORB, and secondly Mid-Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous OIB, E-MORB and N-NMORB. Taking account of the local to regional geology, and rare occurrences of related Upper Permian alkaline volcanics, the Upper Triassic volcanics are interpreted to represent late-stage continental break-up and initial seafloor spreading. In contrast, the Middle Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous volcanics represent renewed rifting/sea floor spreading that opened the S Neotethys to its maximum width. Subsequent regional crustal contraction triggered the formation and eventual emplacement of Upper Cretaceous supra-subduction zone ophiolites and the deep-sea sedimentary and volcanic rocks discussed here.