Slip-motion estimation along the Ovacik fault near Erzincan (Turkey) using ERS-1 radar image: Evidence of important deformation inside the Turkish plate

A synthetic aperture radar ERS-1 scene, used to complement a Landsat TM scene, allows better understanding of the structure of the active Ovacik fault, southwest of Erzincan (Turkey). The radar image shows that the Ovacik fault is interrupted at its crossing point with the Kemaliye fault. Recent compressive displacements have reactivated the Kemaliye fault, while a pull-apart basin has been generated along the Ovacik fault. Estimates of offsets of major rivers and analysis of the complex fault geometry given an estimated left-lateral strike slip displacement of 12.5–20 km along the Ovacik fault for the last 13 Ma, which is similar to the rate of movement along the East Anatolian fault located in the east and forming the boundary of the Turkish plate.