Vent distribution and its relation to regional tectonics, Cappadocian Volcanics, Turkey

The distribution of polygenetic and monogenetic volcanoes of the Neogene-Quaternary Cappadocian Volcanic Province (CVP) is analyzed to investigate the relationship between vent location and regional tectonic lineaments. Two fault systems exist in the province. One system (Miocene-Quaternary Tuzgölü–Ecemiş system) is oblique, whereas the other system (late Miocene–Pliocene CVP system) is parallel to the long axis of the CVP. The polygenetic volcanoes are aligned parallel to the second system but concentrate around the major faults of the first system. Regional offsets are proposed along the first fault system based on the distribution of the polygenetic volcanoes. The monogenetic volcanoes group into five geographically distinct clusters. In the western part of the CVP, the monogenetic cones are aligned parallel to the CVP system, whereas in the central part the cones are fed by dikes injected along the recent fractures of the Tuzgölü–Ecemiş system. In the eastern part, the monogenetic cones form along the radial fractures of the Erciyes composite volcano.