Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
The extension tectonic regime affected Western Anatolia in the neotectonic age.
Izmir lies on the west side of the Gediz Graben and bound by the Gulf of Izmir. There
are several active faults that have triggered the dense earthquake activity recorded
beginning from the 20th century as shown in Figure 3. In addition some major faults
have the capacity to produce big earthquakes. According to the report on Active Faults
and Seismicity in Izmir and its vicinity (Emre et al., 2005), there is not enough inves-
tigation on the earthquake activity potential except for the Gediz Graben. The report
defi nes active faults within a 50 km semi-diameter area which has an origin at cen-
tral Izmir. Emre et al. (2005) defi ned the 14 active faults shown in Figure 4 through
the region. These faults are Guzelhisar, Menemen, Yenifoca, Izmir, Bornova, Tuzla,
Seferihisar, Gulbahce, Gumuldur, Gediz Graben detachment faults, Daglikizca,
Kemalpasa, and Manisa Faults. The following paragraphs give brief explanations
about these active faults and focus on the TF in detail.
Figure 4.
Important faults of Izmir and its vicinity modified from (Emre et al., 2005) (GF: Guzelhisar
Fault, IF: Izmir Fault, BF: Bornova Fault, TF: Tuzla Fault, SF: Seferihisar Fault, GuF: Gumuldur Fault).
The TF is in the southwest of Izmir, between Cape Doganbey, and Gaziemir coun-
ties with an alignment trending NE-SW. It has been known by different names in the
literature, such as Cumaovasi and Orhanli faults (Emre and Barka, 2000; Saroglu et al.,
1992). The fault is 42 km long through the land side. However, in 2004 and 2005, after
the investigations performed by GDMRE Sismik-1 research ship in Cape Doganbey
