Structural evidence for strike-slip deformation in the Izmir-Balikesir transfer zone and consequences for late Cenozoic evolution of western Anatolia (Turkey)

The Izmir-Balikesir transfer zone (IBTZ) is a recently recognized strike-slip dominated shear zone that accommodates the differential deformation between the Cycladic and Menderes core complexes within the Aegean Extensional System. Here, we present new structural and kinematic data obtained from field observations and 1/25,000 scale mapping of Miocene to Recent units within the IBTZ around Izmir Bay. The results point out that the IBTZ is a transtensional brittle shear zone that affects the pre-Neogene basement rock units, the early-middle Miocene volcano-sedimentary units and the Plio-Quaternary continental units.