Devonian in Turkey - a review

Abstract

The Devonian Period is represented in Turkey by almost complete non-metamorphic sections of more than 1000 meters, which exhibit varying lithofacial associations. They are parts of thick Paleozoic sedimentary successions in the Pontides, Taurides and Arabian Plate. The tectonic setting and the paleogeographical origin of these terranes is different. Therefore, the litho- and biostratigraphy and facies characteristics of these Devonian successions would enable a comparison and a paleogeographical assignment of these tectono-stratigraphic units. Devonian successions of the Arabian Plate and of the Taurides are represented by facies associations ranging from tidal flat to a deep shelf. Whereas, those of the Istanbul and Camdag-Zonguldak areas in the Pontides by a deepening upward sequence front a shallow shelf into a basin and a stable shelf, respectively. The Devonian of the Arabian Plate and the Taurides can surely be assigned to Gondwana. A Peri-Gondwanan (Avalonian) setting is suggested for the paleogeographic position of the Devonian of the Pontides.