K. Gessner et al., An active bivergent rolling-hinge detachment system: Central Menderes metamorphic core complex in western Turkey, GEOLOGY, 29(7), 2001, pp. 611-614
Two symmetrically arranged detachment systems delimit the central Menderes
metamorphic core complex and define a bivergent continental breakaway zone
in the Anatolide belt of western Turkey. Structural analysis and apatite fi
ssion-track thermochronology show that a large east-trending syncline withi
n the Alpine nappe stack in the central part of the orogen is related to la
te Miocene-early Pliocene to recent core-complex formation. The syncline fo
rmed as a result of two opposite-facing rolling hinges in the footwalls of
each of the two detachments. Back-rotation of the syncline limbs suggests t
hat the detachments rotated from an initial dip of 50 degrees -60 degrees t
o a currently shallow orientation of 0 degrees -20 degrees.