Petrological evolution of Karliova-Varto volcanism (Eastern Turkey): Magma genesis in a transtensional triple-junction tectonic setting

Abstract

A diffuse and voluminous (>1400 km(3)) Miocene-Quaternary volcanic activity developed around the Karliova Triple Junction in East Anatolia as a consequence of collisional tectonics among Anatolia, Arabia and Eurasia continental plates. The volcanic rocks of this region are grouped into three phases of activity: 1) Early Phase (Solhan volcanism; similar to 73-4.4 Ma), with emplacement of alkali basalt to trachyte lava flows and pyrodastic successions; 2) Middle Phase (Turnadag and Varto volcanism; similar to 3.6-2.6 Ma), mostly with products with the same compositional range plus minor dadtes and rhyolites, and 3) Late Phase (Ozenc volcanism; similar to 2.6-0.5 Ma), with emplacement of alkali basaltic, hawaiitic and mugearitic lavas and dykes.