Geochemistry of Çamardı Formation sediments, central Anatolia (Turkey): implication of source area weathering, provenance, and tectonic setting

The upper Cretaceous-Eocene Çamardl Formation is exposed along the northern edge of the Ulukışla Basin (central Anatolia) and consists of turbiditic sediments. The sediment geochemistry has been studied in order to understand the provenance, source area weathering, and tectonic setting of the basin. Çamardl Formation sediments are characterized by low to moderate SiO2 contents, variable abundances of major elements, and a relatively high proportion of ferromagnesian elements. Evidence from discrimination diagrams of sedimentary provenance, tectonic setting, major element geochemistry and Sc/Th, Cr/Th, Co/Th, Zr/Sc, La/Sc, La/Co, Cr/Sc, Y/Ni, and K/Rb values show that the Çamardl Formation sediments were derived from mafic, felsic, and intermediate sources. The chemical index of alteration (CIA: 57.63–78.11) revealed moderately weathered source rocks. Then major and trace element concentrations indicated deposition in an active continental margin and continental island arc settings.