Abstract
In the Mersin area, the calcretes are widespread and occur in a variety of forms. The upper surface of the hard laminated crust (hardpan calcrete) represents a distinctive surface morphology of dome-like or slightly elongated dome-like and rarely ridge-like morphologies. These antiformal surface morphologies are interpreted as calcrete-tepee structures. Their cross-sections appear as an upward buckled crust or surface undulation. Troughs are present between the dome-like morphologies, and rarely associated with vertical and subvertical fractures. Petrographic and stable isotope data suggest formation in a vadose zone under subaerial conditions. Semi-arid climatic conditions of Mediterranean type are favourable for calcrete development and furthermore for tepee formation in hardpan calcretes. Thermal and moisture related expansion and contraction seem to be the most likely mechanisms in formation of the calcrete tepees.
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Eren, M. Genesis of tepees in the quaternary hardpan calcretes, Mersin, S Turkey. Carbonates Evaporites 22, 123–134 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03176242
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03176242