Drip Tectonics and The Uplift of Central Anatolia

The uplift of Central Anatolia over the last 8-10 m.y. is associated with a broad 1 km plateau, with higher elevations at the north (Pontides) and the south (Taurides) margins. A number of geophysical, petrological and geological evidence suggests that the Central Anatolian (Kırşehir) arc root was removed 10 Myrs ago. To investigate the role of potential arc root removal process in the style of drip tectonics, a series of numerical experiments are conducted. Model predictions are tested against a range of geological and geophysical observables from Central Anatolia. Numerical models demonstrate that an arc root removal event has a distinct spatial and temporal effect in the crust resulting in plateau uplift > 1 km. The vertical loading and crustal deformation change during drip evolution. Lithospheric rheology and plate convergence can significantly modify the magnitude and length scale of the uplift. This drip tectonics process is in good agreement with the geologic evidence for the broad plateau uplift of Central Anatolia, as well as seismic data showing thin or missing lithosphere and a remnant structure characteristic of a removal event. While this research focuses on the Late Cenozoic geodynamic evolution of Central Anatolia, the outcome of this work may have general implications for the development of other orogenic areas where compelling documentation on drip tectonics has been interpreted (e.g., Central Andes, Tibet, Sierra Nevada, Colorado plateau, Mediterranean Alpides).