Stratigraphic Features of the Yesilova Ophiolite, Burdur, South-Western Turkey

Abstract

The Yesilova ophiolite is located in the Alpine zone as a major part of the Lycian nappes of western Taurus. It was formed at the southern branch of Neo-Tethys, and was abducted over the southern edge of the Menderes Massif during the Cenonian during Laramian orogenesis. The ophiolite in the study area starts with tectonite, consisting mainly of harzburgites (37.02 % MgO, 38.77 % SiO₂, and 0.42 % Cr₂O₃) and smaller amounts of dunite and chromite pods. The sequence continues with cumulates, including (from bottom to top) dunite, wehrlite, clinopyroxenite, layered and nonlayered gabbro (45.53 % SiO₂, 11.92 % Al₂O₃, and 13.11 % MgO), and plagiogranite (77.41 % SiO₂, 0.25 % K₂O). The tectonite and cumulates have been cut by isolated gabbro and diabase dikes. The altered volcanites are found at the top of ophiolitic sequence, and were abducted by the Upper Cretaceous Kızılcadag Mélange, with limestone, chert–radiolarite blocks, and ophiolitic rock fragments. The upper Eocene Varsakyayla Formation rests over the mélange; it contains abundant nummulites and is composed of conglomerate sandstone, limestone, and conglomerate towards the top. The stratigraphic sequence continues with the Pliocene–Quaternary Niyazlar Formation, consisting of terrigenous conglomerate intercalated with sandstone, and ends with rock talus and alluvium.