New age findings on the stratigraphy of the Keban metamorphites

Abstract

Keban metamorphic rocks, located in Eastern Taurides, consist of platforms type carbonate and clastic rocks, regionally metamorphosed in greenschist facies. The age of the Keban metamorphites was based on two fossil findings (Glomospira and Ammodiscus family) which of the microorganism species were not detected and they were observed in only one location in Zeryandere, Permian aged estimated. The other formations of the metamorphic sequence were correlated with it. The age for the Keban metamorphites has been proposed as Permo-Triassic/Permo-Carboniferous up to now. All geological evaluations of the region were based on these ages. For the first time in this study, trace fossils (vermes trace) like Planolites, Rhizocorallium and Thalassinoides have been observed extensively. These fossils were detected on the layer surfaces of the Gogodere stratified dolomitic-crystallized limestone which is a member of Nimri formation, represents the medium level of the Keban metamorphites. The limestone levels include these trace fossils correspond to a typical “vermicular limestone facies”, representing Early-Middle Triassic (Scythian-Anisian) in Taurides. Allochthonous Keban metamorphic rocks consist of several nappes which overlaid by the others. There are three nappes in the study area; the lower nappe is constitute Early Triassic-Jurassic Nimri formation, the middle nappe is constitute Late Devonian Keban marbles and Delimehmet formation and the upper nappe is Early Carboniferous Süleymanlı formation. Also metabasic intercalations consisting green metadiabases pre-Triassic aged are observed in the middle and upper nappes. The regional correlations propose that the Keban metamorphites are equivalent of the Bolkardağı Union.