Collision-related slab break-off volcanism in the Eastern Anatolia, Kepez volcanic complex (TURKEY)

The Neogene–Quaternary volcanic products, related to Arabian and Anatolian Plate collision along the Bitlis Suture Zone, cover wide areas on both plates. One of these volcanic exposures on the Arabian Plate is the Kepez volcanic complex (KVC). This study aims explain to petrogenesis of KVC. Although some examples display alkaline affinities, the majority of the volcanic rock is calc-alkaline and can be defined in three main groups. 40Ar/39Ar data obtained from dacite, basalt and andesite rock groups within the KVC yield ages of between 13.5 and 15.5 Ma. Geochemical and petrographical data show that the andesitic rocks are products of homogeneous mixing between basic end-member magmas and dacitic magmas which are the products of partial melting of lower crustal compositions. Basaltic products of KVC are asthenospheric mantle derived, while dacitic and andesitic volcanic rocks are crustal origin. High Sr and Nd isotope ratios may indicate that andesitic and dacitic rocks originated from continental crust. The lithospheric mantle, which is subducting underneath the Anatolian plate, must have experienced slab break-off processes 13–15 million years ago and sunk into the asthenosphere. KVC were produced with the collision between Arabian and Anatolian Plates and related uplift of the East Anatolia region.