Westward propagation of the North Anatolian fault into the northern Aegean: Timing and kinematics

We present new evidence for the propagation processes of the North Anatolia n fault. Folding in the Dardanelles Straits region allows us to document th e timing of the deformation preceding, and the finite displacement after, t he passage of the propagating tip of the fault. The accuracy of the observa tions is due to interplay between deformation and the sea-level changes in the Mediterranean (the well-known Messinian regression followed by the Plio cene transgression). The long-term kinematics around the Sea of Marmara pul l-apart (total displacement of about 85 km over the past 5 m.y.) is similar to the present-day kinematics deduced from space geodesy. At a larger scal e, westward propagation of the North Anatolian fault over nearly 2000 km in the past 10 m.y. appears to be associated with strain recovery, suggesting that the continental lithosphere retains long-term elasticity.