An international research project led by the Department of Geological Engineering at our University’s Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, and supported by TÜBİTAK, has revealed significant findings regarding the geodynamic structure of the Central Anatolia Region. The study scientifically demonstrated that the Tuz Gölü Fault moves vertically at a rate of approximately 1.3 millimeters per year.

 

The results indicate that Central Anatolia is expanding in an east–west direction and highlight that the interaction between active faults and volcanism in the region may increase potential earthquake risks.

 

THE MOVEMENT OF THE TUZ GÖLÜ FAULT PROVEN FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH THIS METHOD

 

In the study, led by Dr. Gülin Gençoğlu Korkmaz from the Department of Geological Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences as the principal investigator, the zircon double dating technique was applied for the first time in the literature to fault surfaces and lava flows cut by faults. This enabled the geometry and movement type of the Tuz Gölü Fault to be clearly determined.

 

The data obtained revealed that, contrary to previous assumptions, the fault is not a strike-slip fault but rather exhibits a normal fault character, with a vertical displacement of approximately 1.3 mm per year.

 

DEBATES ON THE FAULT TYPE HAVE COME TO AN END

 

The geological nature of the Tuz Gölü Fault had previously been subject to differing interpretations in the scientific community. There had been disagreements in the literature as to whether the fault was normal or strike-slip. With this study, the geometry, type, and movement rate of the fault were determined using high-precision methods, thereby resolving these scientific uncertainties.

 

HASANDAĞ VOLCANO EMPHASIS: ATTENTION TO POTENTIAL RISKS

 

Another striking aspect of the research is the proximity of the fault line to an active volcano such as Hasandağ. According to experts, the coexistence of active faults and active volcanoes may increase earthquake risk and the potential magnitude of earthquakes due to their interaction and the accumulation of stress. Additionally, the risk of volcanic eruptions may also rise. Therefore, such regions need to be studied in detail, volcanic observatories should be established, and volcanoes in our country should be monitored frequently and continuously. It is emphasized that such geodynamic interactions may increase stress accumulation and the seismic hazard potential in the region.

 

HIGH-PRECISION NEW METHOD TO BE USED IN OTHER FAULTS AS WELL

 

The zircon double dating method used in the study stands out as an advanced technique that allows the combined evaluation of uranium–lead and uranium–thorium–helium dating, offering high accuracy and precision.

 

It is stated that this method can also be applied to other active fault zones in Türkiye and around the world, particularly the North Anatolian Fault and the East Anatolian Fault.

 

SCIENTIFIC AND SOCIETAL CONTRIBUTION

 

This study, conducted under the leadership of our University, provides an important contribution not only to regional geology but also to earthquake hazard assessments, disaster risk management, and the development of scientific methods.

 

The research offers a new perspective for scientific studies aimed at better understanding Türkiye’s active tectonic structure.

 

 

Konya Technical University KTUN