δ60Ni and δ13C Composition of Serpentinites and Carbonates of the Tekirova Ophiolite, Turkey, and Meatiq Ophiolite, Egypt

Nickel isotope fractionation patterns in continental ultramafic environments generally show a depletion of δ60Ni in weathered rocks and an enrichment in bedrock samples. The present study focuses on stable Ni isotope fractionation patterns in carbonate-rich, ultramafic ophiolite samples with concomitant fluids at an active serpentinization site in southwestern Turkey, with a comparison to results from an inactive serpentinization site in the Eastern Desert of Egypt with carbonate-rich samples. All solid phase data from the inactive serpentinization area are consistent with previously reported values from serpentinites, whereas the solid precipitates in the active area (SW Turkey) give values slightly heavier than previously reported data. However, the Ni isotopic signatures in the active serpentinization system likely reflect the scavenging of light Ni by iron oxide and carbonate precipitation, as has been previously demonstrated in laboratory coprecipitation experiments. It is also possible that the active system results resemble previous laboratory experimental results that show a relatively strong initial fractionation between fluids and solids, which then diminishes with time due to aging of the precipitates.

Late Quaternary subsidence records from the Datça graben and Cnidus ancient city (SW Turkey): sea-level changes versus tectonics

The Datça graben in southwestern Anatolia is a WNW-trending seismically active depression, with tectonic activity since Pliocene time. This tectonic activity is controlled by normal faults, which have effected ancient settlements. The Cnidus city (old and modern) –an ancient mercantile centre during the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods– is one of the places that has recorded this activity. The ancient harbour walls of Cnidus, lying 2.2-4.0m below sea level, contain important traces about sea-level changes and tectonics over the past 2.6kyr. Palaeostress analysis along boundary faults in the Datça graben yields an almost N–S oriented pure tensional regime, compatible with earthquake focal mechanism solutions located around the Datça Peninsula. Additionally, an almost E−W trending surface rupture related to a historical earthquake in modern Cnidus, which shows normal fault characteristics, gives further support to the ongoing extension along the Kızlan, Karaköy and Cnidus fault zones. Previous studies on late Quaternary sea-level changes around the Datça Peninsula suggest that 2.6kyr ago sea level was 1.0-1.25m lower than today. From the present-day depth of the Old Cnidus harbour remains and regional sea-level records, it can be inferred that tectonics has played a significant role. Our calculations show that the Datça graben is subsiding at rates of 0.36-0.46mm/yr in the central part and 1.05-1.15mm/yr in the southern part. These values match those found in other areas around the Datça Peninsula.