Overview
An international research collaboration, spearheaded by Selma Sarı, documented marine deposits from the Late Middle Pleistocene in the Mut Basin, located in southern Türkiye. These deposits, found within the TOL-1 section, are preserved at an elevation of 1,177 meters (3,860 feet) above mean sea level. Their identification marks them as the highest known Late Middle Pleistocene marine deposits globally, specifically dating to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 7. The site is situated on the southern margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau.
Research Context
The investigation focused on identifying and characterizing ancient marine sediments. The chronological context places these specific deposits within the Late Middle Pleistocene, a geological epoch spanning approximately 781,000 to 126,000 years ago, with the MIS 7 stage occurring within this period. Documenting these high-altitude marine deposits contributes to the understanding of paleo-sea levels and tectonic uplift in the region.
Approach
Selma Sarı and her international colleagues conducted an investigation at the TOL-1 section. This work involved documenting the characteristics and location of the marine deposits. The explicit methodology for documentation is not detailed beyond the investigation itself.
Findings
- The highest known Late Middle Pleistocene marine deposits globally were documented.
- These deposits are situated in the TOL-1 section of the Mut Basin, southern Türkiye.
- The elevation of these deposits is 1,177 meters (3,860 feet) above mean sea level.
- The chronological attribution for these deposits is Late Middle Pleistocene, specifically Marine Isotope Stage 7 (MIS 7).
- The geographical location is on the southern margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau.