Structural interpretation of the Tuzgolu and Haymana Basins, Central Anatolia, Turkey, using seismic, gravity and aeromagnetic data

Abstract

Abstract The Tuzgolu Basin is the largest basin in Central Anatolia. It is connected to the Haymana Basin by a small channel-shaped basin called the Tersakan Basin. The study area has smooth topography with a stable young sedimentary cover and limited outcrop zones, but displays a complex geology with intense active tectonism and poor seismic quality beneath the surface. In the study reported here an attempt was made to determine the subsurface structure of the basement by three-dimensional modelling of gravity data. The seismic and magnetic data were also integrated with the available geological data to check the modelling results. The modelling results suggest that the deeper parts of the Haymana Basin are located to the east of Haymana city centre, at a maximum depth of 8 km, with the exception of the depression to the north, which is located 25 km northwest of Bala city centre at a maximum depth of 10 km. The channel-shaped Tersakan Basin (connecting the Haymana and Tuzgolu Basins) is located west of Lake Tuzgolu, and the deepest part of this basin is approximately 5.5 km. The Tuzgolu Basin has three major depressions: (1) the Southern Aksaray Depression, which is covered by younger volcanic rocks, is the largest but in general the least explored area; (2) the Eregli Depression; (3) the Sultanhani Depression. Almost all of these depressions have an average depth of 8 km; however, some of the deeper segments are at a depth of approximately 12–13 km. Our results suggest the possibility of hydrocarbon potential in these basins.