2. Lithostratigraphy

The existence of Eocene ‘olistostromes’ has long been known in the Kyrenia Range (see Ducloz, Reference Ducloz1972; Cleintaur, Knox & Ealey, Reference Cleintaur, Knox and Ealey1977; Baroz, Reference Baroz1979). They were interpreted as having formed either in a subduction trench or in a flexurally controlled foredeep (Robertson & Woodcock, Reference Robertson, Woodcock, Reading, Watterson and White1986). The emplacement of the olistostromes in the Kyrenia Range was then followed by south-verging thrusting (Ducloz, Reference Ducloz1972; Baroz, Reference Baroz1979). Afterwards the thrust belt was unconformably overlain by conglomerates of Late Eocene – Oligocene age, marking the base of a contrasting cycle of marine clastic-dominated deposition (Ducloz, Reference Ducloz1972; Baroz, Reference Baroz1979; Robertson & Woodcock, Reference Robertson, Woodcock, Reading, Watterson and White1986; McCay & Robertson, Reference McCay and Robertson2012). Conglomerates at the base of this overlying succession contain igneous clasts that shed light on the source of ophiolitic rocks in the region and thus on the regional tectonic model.

The sedimentary melange (olistostromes) was mapped as the Kalaograia–Ardana Flysch on the three maps that accompany the Cyprus Geological Memoir No. 9 (Ducloz, Reference Ducloz1972) and as the Ardana–Kalogrea Formation on the Geological Map of Cyprus (1979). Isolated masses of Late Palaeozoic limestone were interpreted as olistoliths (i.e. detached blocks) within this unit. Baroz (Reference Baroz1979) introduced the term Kalaograia–Ardana Formation to distinguish this unit from underlying well-stratified pelagic limestones and volcanic rocks of Maastrichtian – Early Eocene age, and also from overlying terrigenous clastic sedimentary rocks of Late Eocene – Late Miocene age (Fig. 4). In conjunction with the first mapping of the entire Kyrenia Range, Hakyemez et al. (Reference Hakyemez, Turhan, Sönmez and Sümengen2002) retained the same definition of the formation but utilized Turkish names for the type area. Accordingly, we use the term Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation.

Figure 4.

Summary stratigraphy of the Kyrenia Range, from Robertson, Taslı and İnan (Reference Robertson, Parlak and Ustaömer2012b ).

The type area, Bahçeli (Kalaograia) village, is located on the northern flank of the Kyrenia Range while Ardahan (Ardana) is to the south (Fig. 3). The succession in the type area near Bahçeli (Kalaograia) is incomplete and strongly deformed (Fig. 5), while Ardahan (Ardana) is located on Miocene sedimentary rocks. Baroz (Reference Baroz1979) described several additional sections, in particular a thick succession that is well exposed in the Eastern Range near Agios Ioannis (Fig. 3). This and several other successions discussed here are shown in Figure 6. Baroz (Reference Baroz1979) defined several formations and members within the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation, as summarized in the online Supplementary Material available at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo. However, we use an informal stratigraphy here because formal stratigraphical subdivision is not appropriate for describing a melange (see Fig. 7).

Figure 5.

Sketch cross-section of the type area of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation, south of Bahçeli (Kalaograia) village (Figs 2, 3). Note the folding and backthrusting at this location. This section is also affected by high-angle strike-slip displacement (Late Miocene?). No. 20 (ringed) shows the location of a sample collected for nannofossil dating (for species list, see online Supplementary Material available at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo).

Figure 6.

Field relations of key outcrops. (i) Block of pelagic limestone plus lava (Lapithos/Lapta Group) within debris-flow deposits of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation, unconformably overlain by Upper Eocene – Oligocene conglomerates. Near Karaoğlanoğlu (Ayios Georgios), Western Range (see Fig. 2). (ii) Mass-flow unit largely made up of Lower Eocene nummulitic limestone; located between underlying Paleogene pelagic carbonates and depositionally overlying Upper Eocene – Oligocene conglomerates; east of Lapta (Lapithos), Central Range (see Fig. 2, locality 2). (iii) Debris-flow deposits of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation associated with exotic blocks ofserpentinized harzburgite, pillow basalt and radiolarite; unconformably overlain by Upper Eocene – Oligocene conglomerates (Bellapais/Beylerbey Formation); Kyrenia road, west of Beşparmak (Pentadactylos) (see Fig. 9, locality 3). (iv) Paleogene pelagic carbonates, transitional upwards into debris-flow deposits dominated by redeposited Paleogene pelagic carbonates, limestones and basaltic lavas; NW of the Armenian monastery (Antifonitis kilise) (see Fig. 9, locality 4).

3. Biostratigraphy

New data are presented here for planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils. Existing biostratigraphical information is presented in the online Supplementary Material available at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo. In outline, the succession of the underlying Lapithos (Lapta) Group (Melounda (Mallıdağ) and Ayios Nikolaos (Yamaçköy) formations) is dated as Maastrichtian – Early Eocene (see Henson, Browne & McGinty, Reference Henson, Browne and McGinty1949; Baroz, Reference Baroz1979; Hakyemez et al. Reference Hakyemez, Turhan, Sönmez and Sümengen2002; Hakyemez & Özkan-Altıner, Reference Hakyemez and Özkan-Altıner2007; Robertson, Parlak & Ustaömer, 2012a). The succession passes transitionally upwards into the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation. Baroz (Reference Baroz1979) reported that the matrix of the Kalaograia–Ardana Formation (as named by him) varies from Middle Eocene to Late Eocene based on foraminifera. Large foraminifera characteristic of the Middle Eocene were reported from the Central Range (‘Milous Breccia’). Facies in the Central and Eastern ranges (‘Armenian Monastery Breccia’) were inferred to be no younger than Middle Eocene based on planktonic foraminifera (see Fig. 8).

The oldest age reported from the unconformably overlying succession of the Kythrea (Değirmenlik) Group is Late Eocene based on the planktonic foraminifer Globorotalia cerroazulensis, reported in two thin intercalations of marl close to basal conglomerates from near Kayalar (Orga) (Fig. 3). Marls higher in the succession are better dated as Oligocene (Baroz, Reference Baroz1979; McCay et al. Reference McCay, Robertson, Kroon, Rafffi, Ellam and Necdet2013).

A Permo-Carboniferous age for the exotic blocks (Kantara Limestone) in the melange was suggested by Reichel (Reference Reichel1945 a, b). P. Knup and others (in Baroz, Reference Baroz1979) later reported a Middle–Late Permian age for some of the exotics. Baroz (Reference Baroz1979) inferred a variety of Middle–Late Permian – Late Cretaceous ages. In addition, other exotic blocks include Upper Triassic pelagic limestone with the pelagic bivalve, Halobia sp., Jurassic pelagic limestone with Saccocoma sp. and Globochaete sp., Middle Jurassic limestone with the benthic foraminifer Protopeneroplis sp., Cretaceous pelletal and micritic limestone with orbitolinids, miliolids, Cuneolina sp. and Pithonella sp. and also Late Cretaceous limestone with rudist bivalve debris (Hippurites sp). Early–Middle Eocene planktonic foraminifera were reported from the matrix of the limestone blocks (G. Bizon in Baroz, Reference Baroz1979).

Figure 7.

Simplified sedimentary log of the Maastrichtian – Middle Eocene mega-sequence in the Kyrenia Range (between two unconformities) that begins with transgressive sub-aqueous carbonate breccias and ends with the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation; unconformably overlain by the basal conglomerates of the Upper Eocene – Oligocene Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation. No complete intact succession is exposed in any one section; see Figure 9 for logs of local partial successions (data from Baroz, Reference Baroz1979 and this study).

3.a. Planktonic foraminiferal data

A Middle Eocene (Lutetian) age was determined during this study based on planktonic foraminifera that were extracted from marls in the lower and middle parts of the succession of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation in the Eastern Range. The complete listing of the foraminifera identified is given in the online Supplementary Material available at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo.

Muddy samples, each weighing c. 1 kg were crushed and soaked in dilute (10%) hydrogen peroxide for 12–24 hours to help disaggregate the foraminiferal tests from their matrix. Some degree of etching took place but this did not affect the biostratigraphic identification. The residues were washed through a 100 μm screen and dried in an oven at <50°C. About 900 specimens were picked and cleaned using ultrasonic agitation during 10–15 second intervals. The planktonic foraminifera were studied using an optical microscope with ×40 and ×100 magnifications. The preservation of the planktonic foraminifera was assessed visually as being moderate to poor due to dissolution. The planktonic foraminifera were imaged using a field emission scanning electron microscope at the Mersin University of Advanced Technology, Education and Application Centre. The age assignments are based on the well-established zonal distributions of planktonic foraminiferal species (e.g. Pearson et al. Reference Pearson, Olsson, Huber, Hemleben and Berggren2006).

Several samples were studied from the lower to middle parts of the formation (see online Supplementary Material available at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo), specifically from a well-exposed forest road section between Mallıdağ (Melounda) and the crest of the range (c. 1 km NE of Mallıdağ (Melounda); Figs 8, 9, log 4). Several samples suggest a Middle Eocene (Lutetian age) or even a middle Lutetian age. The maximum likely age range inferred here is Early Eocene (late Ypresian) to late Middle Eocene (Bartonian). Additional samples were studied from the middle part of the succession further NE, along the Geçitkale–Mersinlik (Lefkoniko–Flamoudi) new road section (Fig. 9, log 6). The dated samples are from the middle part of the succession (the lower part is not exposed). The maximum age inferred range is late Ypresian – earliest Bartonian (E8–E11), while several samples suggest a Lutetian (E8–E11) or even middle Lutetian age (top E9).

Figure 8.

Scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) and photomicrographs of planktonic foraminifera from hemipelagic marls interbedded with terrigenous gravity flows from the lower part of the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation, 1 km NE of Mallıdağ (Melounda). (a–d) Acarinina bullbrooki, (a–c) SEM images, sample K10/67: (a) umbilical; (b) spiral; and (c) edge sides; (d) sample K10/17; (e) Turborotalia frontosa, SEM image, spiral side, sample K10/72; (f) Globigerinatheka sp., SEM image, umbilical side, sample K10/60; (g) Globigerinatheka sp., sample K10/6; (h) Igorina broedermanni, sample K10/16; (i) Acarinina praetopilensis, sample K10/7; (j) Morozovelloides crassatus, sample K10/16; (k) Morozovelloides coronatus, sample K10/16; (l) Orbitoclypeus ramaraoi ramaraoi, sample K10/52; (m) Alveolina cf. A. ellipsoidalis, sample K10/19; (o) Chapmanina sp., sample K10/33; (p) Sphaerogypsina globulus, sample K10/52. Scale bars: 0.2 mm. See Supplementary Publication Table S1 for the complete list of the assemblages identified in each sample and Supplementary Publication Table S2 (available at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo) for the author index of species mentioned in figure above and the text.

Figure 9.

Measured sedimentary logs 1–7 of local partial successions in the Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation and adjacent units. The succession as a whole is dissected by Eocene thrusting as discussed in the text. See Figure 2 for the locations of the logs.

In summary, the assemblage Globigerinatheka sp., Hantkenina sp., Globorotalia bullbrooki ( = Acarinina bullbrooki), Globorotalia spinulosa ( = new valid name Morozovelloides crassatus in Pearson et al. Reference Pearson, Olsson, Huber, Hemleben and Berggren2006), Globorotalia aragonensis (Morozovella aragonensis) and Truncorotaloides topilensis ( = Acarinina topilensis) supports a Middle Eocene age for much of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation.

3.b. Nannofossil data

Samples of marl were collected from the same sections that were studied for planktonic foraminifera, plus one additional section. Smear slides were examined using an Ortholux polarizing microscope with an oil-immersion objective at a magnification of ×1600 and the nannofossils were identified and dated according to the widely accepted biostratigraphy of Martini (Reference Martini and Farinacci1971), Perch-Nielsen (Reference Perch-Nielsen, Bolli, Saunders and Perch-Nielsen1985) and Varol (Reference Varol and Bown1999). Representative taxa are shown in Figure 10, while a complete list of the taxa is given in the online Supplementary Material available at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo.

Figure 10.

Optical micrographs of calcareous nannofossils. (1) Chiasmolithus oamaruensis (Deflandre), sample no. K-12-2; forest road 1 km NE of Mallıdağ (Melounda); (2) Cribrocentrum reticulatum (Gartner & Smith), sample no. K-12-6; Geçitkale-Mersinlik (Lefkoniko–Flamoudi) new road section; (3) Coccolithus pelagicus (Wallich), sample no. K-12-2; higher in same new road section as (3); (4) 4- Dictyococcites bisectus (Hay, Mohler & Wade), sample no. K-12-3; same section; higher in succession; (5) Discoaster saipanensis Bramlette & Riedel, sample no. K-12-6; same section; higher in succession; (6) Discoaster multiradiatus (Bramlette & Riedel), sample no. K-12-7; same section; higher in succession; (7) Ericsonia formosa (Kamptner), sample no. K-12-2; base of formation in the Geçitkale-Mersinlik (Lefkoniko–Flamoudi) new road section; (8)Ericsonia robusta (Bramlette & Sullivan), sample no. K-12-18; slice of the Melounda (Mallıdağ) Formation above the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation; forest road 1 km NE of Maildağ (Melounda); (9) Helicosphaera euphratis Haq, sample no. K-12-2; Geçitkale–Mersinlik (Lefkoniko–Flamoudi) new road section; (10) Helicosphaera salebrosa Perch-Nielsen, sample no. K-12-7: higher in the same section; (11) Reticulofenestra dictyoda (Deflandre), sample no. K-12-10; near base of succession; forest road 1 km NE of Mallıdağ (Melounda); (12) Reticulofenestra hillae Bukry & Percival, sample no. K-12-21; near base of the formation; section or crest road north of Yamaçköy (Ayios Nikolaos); (13) Reticulofenestra umbilica (Levin), sample no. K-12-10; near base of succession; forest road 1 km NE of Mallıdağ (Melounda); (14) Sphenolithus spiniger Bukry, sample no. K-12-22; near base of the formation; section on crest road north of Yamaçköy (Ayios Nikolaos); (15) Sphenolithus conspicuus Martini, sample no. K-12-10; forest road 1 km NE of Maildağ (Melounda); (16) Sphenolithus editus Perch-Nielsen, sample no. K-12-10; location as above; (17) Sphenolithus moriformis (Brönnimann & Stradner), sample no. K-12-22; section on crest road north of Yamaçköy (Ayios Nikolaos); (18) Sphenolithus obtusus Bukry, sample no. K-12-2; near base of exposure in Geçitkale-Mersinlik (Lefkoniko–Flamoudi) new road section; (19) Sphenolithus primus Perch-Nielsen, sample no. K-12-16; forest road 1 km NE of Mallıdağ (Melounda). See Supplementary Publication Table S3 (available at http://journals.cambridge.org/geo) for the complete listing of taxa identified and the inferred ages.

Samples of pale-coloured chalky marl were studied from the section (between Mallıdağ (Melounda) and the crest of the range; see Fig. 9, log 6). Samples from near the base of the succession contain nannofossil assemblages that are diagnostic of the Middle–Late Eocene (Bartonian–Priabonian). Samples from higher in the section are mainly suggestive of a Middle Eocene – Early Oligocene age. One sample contains an assemblage of Middle–Late Eocene – Early Oligocene? age (i.e. Bartonian–Priabonian–Latdorfian?). Palaeocene, Early Eocene and some Middle Eocene nannofossils are reworked. The topographically highest sample is from pelagic carbonate with scattered nodules of replacement chert. This can be lithologically correlated with the Ayios Nikolaos (Yamaçköy) Formation. A Palaeocene – Early Eocene (Danian–Ypresian) assemblage is present in this sample. The Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation is, therefore, terminated upwards by a thrust fault in this section, in agreement with the mapping by Baroz (Reference Baroz1979).

An additional sequence that is transitional between the Ayios Nikolaos (Yamaçköy) Formation and the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation was sampled along the forest road running along the crest of the range directly north of Yamaçköy (Ayios Nikolaos) (see also Baroz, Reference Baroz1979). The nannofossil assemblages there suggest an overall Middle Eocene – Oligocene? (Bartonian–Oligocene?) age. One sample is more specifically of a Middle Eocene (Lutetian) age, while Palaeocene – Early Eocene nannofossils are interpreted as being reworked.

Further samples (K-12-2 to -7) were collected along the Geçitkale–Mersinlik (Lefkoniko–Flamoudi) new road section (Figs 9 (log 6), 11). The nannofossils are suggestive of a Middle Eocene – Oligocene? (Bartonian–Oligocene?) age. One sample (K-12-6) contains a Late Eocene – Oligocene? (Priabonian?–Oligocene) assemblage, while nannofossils of Palaeocene – Early Eocene and Middle Eocene are reworked. One sample from a highly deformed section in the type area south of Bahçeli (Kalaograia) (Figs 3, 5) was found to have a non-specific Middle Eocene – Early Oligocene (Lutetian–Latdorfian) assemblage. Lastly, one sample was dated from chalky debris-flow deposits in the middle part of the succession along the access road to Antifonitis monastery (Antifonitis kilise) (Fig. 3). A Middle Eocene – Oligocene? (Bartonian–Oligocene?) assemblage is present, while Palaeocene – Early Eocene and Middle Eocene nannofossils are reworked.

Figure 11.

Sketch cross-section of the extensive exposure of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation in the Eastern Range, as exposed along the new road from Ardahan (Ardara) to Kantara (see log 6 in Fig. 9).

Taken together, the planktonic foraminiferal and nannofossil age data indicate that the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation is of Middle Eocene age (ranging up to and including the Bartonian). The overlying cover is dated as being of Late Eocene – Oligocene age.

4. Sedimentary successions

In the Middle Eocene, the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation varies according to its location in the Eastern, Central and Western Kyrenia Range (Fig. 2), as documented in the following sections.

4.a. Successions in the Eastern Range

A sedimentary transition is exposed in several outcrops from the underlying Palaeocene – Lower Eocene Ayios Nikolaos (Yamaçköy Formation) to the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation. An easily accessible succession is located along the forest road to the northeast of Mallıdağ (Melounda) (Fig. 9, log 4). The underlying sediments of the Lower Eocene Ayios Nikolaos (Yamaçköy) Formation are pink–reddish-coloured pelagic carbonates, locally with chert of diagenetic replacement origin. The pelagic carbonates are interbedded with several well-cemented limestone gravity-flow deposits, ranging from graded calcarenite (i.e. calciturbidites) in beds up several tens of centimetres thick to calc-breccias (i.e. mass-flow deposits) up to several metres thick (Fig. 12a). The clasts in these redeposited carbonate rocks are characteristic of the Triassic–Cretaceous Trypa (Tripa) Group, specifically the St Hilarion (Hilaryon) Formation and the Sykhari (Kaynakköy) Formation (Fig. 4).

Figure 12.

Field photographs. (a) Upper levels of the Ayios Nikolaos (Yamaçköy) Formation showing typical reddish-coloured background hemipelagic carbonates interbedded with a limestone debris flow, 1 km NE of Mallıdağ (Melounda), Eastern Range. (b) Well-bedded sandstones (high-density turbidites or mass-flow deposits) with mudstone intercalations (Geçitkale–Mersinlik/Lefkoniko–Flamoudi section; see Fig. 9, log 6). (c) Lenticular debris-flow deposit, including rounded clasts of neritic limestones, higher in the same section as (b). (d) Exotic blocks of Permian shallow-water limestone (Kantara Limestones) within a matrix of debris-flow deposits, crest of the Eastern Range near Phonia (see Fig. 9, log 5). (e) Limestone breccia related to the Kantara Limestones, interpreted as a contemporaneous slope deposit (not as part of the Eocene matrix of the sedimentary melange) near Kantara castle. (f) Debris-flow deposit dominated by well-rounded clasts of limestone (Kantara Limestones), interpreted as matrix of the sedimentary melange, near Phonia (see Fig. 9, log 5).

The pinkish-coloured Ayios Nikolaos (Yamaçköy) Formation passes upwards into muddy hemipelagic carbonates with interbeds of normally graded, redeposited limestones (calciturbidites and carbonate debris-flow deposits). These typically thicken and coarsen upwards to form beds up to 2 m thick (Fig. 9, log 4). The clasts are again mainly dark-grey neritic limestone and dolomite, typical of the Trypa (Tripa) Group. A very similar transition is well exposed along the ridge crest road south of Yamaçköy (Ayios Nikolaos) (Baroz, Reference Baroz1979; Fig. 3).

A much thicker exposure of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation is exposed further east in cuttings along the road from Ardahan (Ardana) to Kantara (Fig. 9, log 6) and also along the Geçitkale–Mersinlik (Lefkoniko–Flamoudi) road section in the Eastern Kyrenia Range (Fig. 12b). The base of the formation is not exposed in these sections. However, an upwards transition from the Ayios Nikolaos (Yamaçköy) Formation is seen along-strike to the west, specifically to the NW of Yamaçköy (Ayios Nikolaos). In the Ardahan (Ardana) to Kantara road section (Fig. 9, log 6), the lower part of the succession is dominated by sandstone turbidites with subordinate pale-grey hemipelagic marls and lenticular debris-flow conglomerates. Similar debris-flows are well exposed along the Geçitkale–Mersinlik (Lefkoniko–Flamoudi) road section (Fig. 12c). The overall succession is affected by folding and a structural break (Fig. 9, log 6). There is also evidence of slumping and soft-sediment deformation (Fig. 13a).

Figure 13.

Field photographs. (a–d) Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation; (e, f) Late Eocene – Oligocene Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation from the Central and Eastern ranges. (a) Soft-sediment slump deformation in the higher levels of the Geçitkale–Mersinlik (Lefkoniko–Flamoudi) road section, Eastern Range. (b) Detached block of serpentinized harzburgite in a matrix of sheared mudstones and debris-flow deposits; higher levels of the Ardahan (Ardana) to Kantara road section (see Fig. 9, log 6). (c) Unconformity (highlighted by white line) between Eocene bedded debris-flow deposits of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation (subvertical) and the Upper Eocene – Oligocene basal conglomerates of the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation, road section 1 km WSW of Beşparmak (Pentadactylos). (d) Steep unconformity (marked as white line) between Eocene bedded debris-flow deposits of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation and the Upper Eocene basal conglomerates of the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation (both subvertical), 0.4 km S of Beylerbey (Bellapais). (e) Basal conglomerate of the Beylerbey (Bellapais) Formation, showing well-developed clast imbrication picked out by elongate rounded limestone clasts, 1 km WSW of the site of Değirmenlik (Kythrea) spring; arrow shows inferred direction of palaeoflow. (f) Abundant well-rounded clasts of diabase and basalt in the basal conglomerate of the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation, 0.4 km S of Beylerbey (Bellapais).

The upper part of the succession is a thickening- and coarsening-upwards succession, dominated by mass-flow deposits with exotic blocks. The exotic blocks are mainly shallow-water limestone (equivalent to the Kantara Limestones), pelagic carbonate and basalt (equivalent to the Lapithos (Lapta) Group) plus sheared serpentinite, pillow basalt, radiolarian chert and rare pelagic limestone (Fig. 13b). Similar debris-flow-type conglomerates and breccia are well exposed, interspersed with large exotic blocks of neritic limestone (Kantara Limestones) near the crest of the range, ranging from the west (e.g. near Phonia) (Figs 9 (log 5), 12d, f) to further east (e.g. near Sinan Tepe/Shiaoros) (Fig. 9, log 7) and beyond Kantara (Figs 2, 3).

5. Lithofacies

The Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation encompasses the main lithofacies as described in the following sections.

5.c. Sandstones

Sandstones mainly occur as normally graded interbeds, ranging up to several metres thick (Fig. 12b). Graded sandstones commonly contain rounded clasts up to tens of centimetres in diameter. Graded sandstones are best developed in the lower levels of the succession in the Eastern and Central ranges, where they are typically interbedded with mudstones and pelagic chalks. Most beds lack the internal sedimentary structures (e.g. parallel and cross-lamination) that characterize classical turbidity current deposits (Bouma, Reference Bouma1962).

A study of 20 representative thin-sections under the optical microscope revealed a wide range of constituents, as shown in Figure 14a–l.

Figure 14.

Photomicrographs of thin-sections viewed in plane-polarized light: (a–d) uppermost part of the Ayios Nikolaos (Yamaçköy) Formation; (e–l) Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation. (a, b) Redeposited carbonate rich in benthic foraminifera, near Lapta (Lapithos), Central Range (see Fig. 6, section ii). (c) As (a, b) but showing the sparse matrix of biomicrite rich in planktonic foraminifera but free of terrigenous detritus. (d) Redeposited bioclastic carbonate rich in fragmented large foraminifera; near Beylerbey (Bellapais). (e) Terrigenous dominated sandstone, especially rich in angular fragments of quartz and radiolarian chert, near the Armenian Monastery (Antifonitis kilise), Central Range. (f) Typical mixed provenance sandstone including grains of quartz, calcareous bioclasts, serpentinite and schist, Geçitkale–Mersinlik (Lefkoniko–Flamoudi) road section. (g) Angular grains of serpentinite plus biomicrite and foliated micaschist; Geçitkale-Mersinlik (Lefkoniko-Flamoudi) road section. (h) Grains of serpentinite and radiolarian chert, plus mainly carbonate and quartz grains, near Mavri Skala, Eastern Range. (i) Foliated micaschist grain, Geçitkale–Mersinlik (Lefkoniko–Flamoudi) road section. (j) Black phyllite grain plus micritic carbonate, serpentinite and quartz, near Mavri Skala, Eastern Range. (k) Altered basalt grain, Geçitkale–Mersinlik (Lefkoniko–Flamoudi) road section. (l) Diabase grain with plagioclase microphenocrysts in a chloritized mesostasis near Kayalar (Orga), Eastern Range. B – basalt; Be – benthic foram; C – chert (variably recrystallized, both primary radiolarian chert and silica replaced carbonate); D – dolerite; M – metamorphic rock fragment; N – nummulitid; P –pelagic carbonate lithoclast; Ph – phyllite (metamorphic rock clast); Q – quartz; S – serpentinite (ophiolite-derived rock clast).

1. 1. Grains of ophiolite-related rocks in the form of abundant serpentinite, red radiolarian chert/shale (variably recrystallized) and minor basalt/diabase/microgabbro. Basalt is variably altered and ranges from aphyric to plagioclase-phyric (Fig. 14g, h, k, l).

2. 2. Bioclastic grains, with variable amounts of reworked benthic foraminifera (often fragmented), shell fragments, echinoderm plates, calcareous algae and carbonate intraclasts (both pelagic and neritic derived) (Fig. 14a–d). The benthic foraminifera include Orbitoclypeus ramaraoi ramaraoi, Nummulites sp., Discocyclina sp., Alveolina sp. and Sphaerogypsina sp. (N. İnan, pers. comm. 2012).

3. 3. Terrigenous grains, i.e. quartz, muscovite, biotite, ferromagnesian grains (clinopyroxene, amphibole), siltstone and also rare grains of metamorphic rocks (quartzite, folded mica schist, black phyllite and calc-mylonite). Many of the quartz grains are unstrained, typical of quartz in plutonic rocks (e.g. granite) (Fig. 14e, i, j).

4. 4. Well-lithified limestone (mainly micritic and biomicritic). Silicified limestone is also locally present in the form of grey microcrystalline chert.

5. 5. Crystalline limestone (marble) and rare dolomite.

Other less-common grains include plagioclase, microcline, glauconite and chloritic lumps. Unrecrystallized limestone grains are common throughout the successions in the Eastern Range, while marble and dolomite are widespread in the Central and Western ranges. In some outcrops the upper part of the succession is dominated by serpentinite, basalt or radiolarian chert. Where a matrix is present this is generally micritic and is variably recrystallized to microspar-sized carbonate.

Five thin-sections representing typical sandstones from different parts of the range were point counted (400 points; 3 mm spacing). The data are plotted on three widely used ternary diagrams in Figure 15 (Dickinson & Suszec, Reference Dickinson and Suczek1979; Dickinson, Reference Dickinson and Zuffa1985). The compositional fields of sandstones from the unconformably overlying Late Eocene – Miocene Kythrea (Değirmenlik) Group are shown for comparison (McCay & Robertson, Reference McCay and Robertson2012), as this highlights the rather unusual and specific composition of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation.

Figure 15.

Point-count data (400 points per sample) for six representative sandstones from the different parts of the Kyrenia Range and comparisons with the composition of the unconformably overlying Late Eocene – Late Miocene Değirmenlik (Kythrea) Group (from G. McCay, unpubl. PhD thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2010; McCay & Robertson, Reference McCay and Robertson2012 a). (a) Q-F-L plot (after Dickinson, Reference Dickinson and Zuffa1985); (b) Qm-F-Lt diagram (after Suczec & Ingersoll, Reference Suczek and Ingersoll1979); (c) Lm-Lv-Ls diagram (after Suczec & Ingersoll, Reference Suczek and Ingersoll1979); (d) Qp-Lv-Lsm diagram (after Graham, Inresoll & Dickinson, Reference Graham, Inresoll and Dickinson1976). See text for discussion.

The Q–F–L diagram (Fig. 15a) shows that the samples are overwhelmingly dominated by lithics, as are the sandstones from the overlying Kythrea (Değirmenlik) Group. On the Qm–F–Lt diagram (Fig. 15b) the sandstones are very lithic rich, again similar to the Kythrea (Değirmenlik) Group. The sandstones are dominated by igneous lithics and sedimentary lithics on the Lm–Lv–Ls diagram (Fig. 15c), broadly similar to the overlying Kythrea (Değirmenlik). It should be noted that serpentinite, gabbro and microgabbo of plutonic (i.e. non-hyperbyssal origin) are included within the igneous category. A plot of polycrystalline quartz versus volcanic-hyperbyssal lithics (again including plutonic rock grains) versus the combined sedimentary and metamorphic lithics (Qp–Lv–Lsm diagram; Fig. 15d) shows that the samples mainly lie within the much larger field of the overlying Kythrea (Değirmenlik) Group. The plots are greatly influenced by the abundance of serpentinite and carbonate clasts. When carbonate grains are excluded, a typical sample of sandstone from the Eastern Range contains 68% ultramafic igneous grains (serpentinite), 15% basic igneous grains (basalt, diabase, microgabbro), 12% metamorphic grains (mainly schist) and 5% sedimentary grains (shale and radiolarian chert). No significant compositional variation in the point-counted sandstones was observed according to location or stratigraphic position throughout the range.

5.e. Detached blocks

Detached blocks (defined as >1 m in size) are either of intraformational or exotic origin with respect to the rocks exposed in the Kyrenia Range. The lower and middle parts of the succession in the Central and Western ranges are characterized by elongate blocks of poorly lithified pelagic carbonate and basaltic volcanic rocks, similar to the Palaeocene – Early Eocene Ayios Nikolaos (Yamaçköy) Formation. At the lower end of the size spectrum the displaced units comprise attenuated beds (i.e. phacoids) several metres thick by <5 m long, set in a chalky matrix (e.g. near the Armenian monastery/Antifonitis kilise; Fig. 9, log 5). At the upper end of the size spectrum there are large displaced stratal packages, up to tens of metres long and many metres thick, set in poorly consolidated reworked chalk. These lithologies are well exposed along the road from the Armenian monastery (Antifonitis kilise) to Esentepe (Ayios Ambrosios), and also along the forest road westwards. The succession in the Western Range also contains abundant material typical of the Ayios Nikolaos (Yamaçköy) Formation (Fig. 9, log 1).

The upper parts of the successions throughout the range are characterized by exotic blocks that have no exposed source within the Kyrenia Range. These fall into two main lithological associations. The first is the Middle Permian – Late Cretaceous Kantara Limestones, while the second is represented by ophiolite-related lithologies. Clasts of basalt occur, especially in the higher stratigraphical levels associated with clasts of diabase, gabbro, serpentinite and red radiolarian chert.

The erosionally resistant Kantara Limestones characterize the crest of the Eastern Range, notably near Olimpos, Phonia, Sinan Tepe (Shiaoros) and Kantara (Figs 2, 3, 12d). The blocks are up to several hundred metres in size. Closely associated blocks appear to have been derived from the break-up of a once relatively continuous stratal unit (e.g. Sinan Tepe/Shiaoros; Fig. 9, log 7). Generally smaller limestone blocks (<10 m in size) are scattered within sandy mass-flow deposits (e.g. Phonia area; Fig. 9, log 5). In the type area (road to Kantara; Fig. 3) several limestone blocks lie on a carpet of serpentinite-derived mass-flow units, while others are enveloped in mass-flow deposits. In addition, blocks of serpentinite and other rocks are entrained in mass-flow units (e.g. higher levels of the Ardahan/Ardana to Kantara road section; Fig. 13b).

The Kantara Limestones are mainly micritic, ranging from shelly to pelletal, although sparitic carbonates are also locally present. Along the road to Kantara the limestones include weakly stratified sedimentary breccia that is made up of poorly sorted, angular clasts of micritic limestone (<30 cm in size), set in a pale granular matrix (Fig. 12e). The breccia includes occasional clasts of angular, medium-grained quartz-muscovite-rich sandstone.

The structurally and stratigraphically highest levels of the succession in the Eastern and Central ranges include occasional elongate blocks and discontinuous sheets of serpentinized harzburgite (<20 m thick by several hundred metres long), for example, in the Kantara area (Fig. 9, log 6) and Beşparmak (Pentadactylos) areas (Fig. 6iii). The serpentinite is sheared and contains blocky inclusions (<1 m in size) of serpentinized harzburgite. Small sheets/blocks of radiolarian chert/shale, pillow lava and pillow breccia (highly altered) and gabbro are also locally present. The ophiolite-related rocks are in mutual contact with each other and define a block-against-block fabric (Fig. 16). This contrasts with the ‘Kantara Limestone’ blocks that occur individually within debris-flow deposits.

Figure 16.

Field evidence of ophiolite-related lithologies in the upper part of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation. The field relations are indicative of a pre-existing accretionary melange that included serpentinized harzburgite, pillow basalt and radiolarite. The older melange was emplaced as slide blocks within the debris-flow deposits of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation in the upper part of the succession exposed along the Ardahan (Ardana) to Kantara road section, just S of the ridge crest (Fig. 9, log 6).

The field evidence suggests that the ophiolite-related blocks represent fragments of a pre-existing tectonic melange (i.e. recycled melange) that originally included serpentinite, basalt/microgabbo and radiolarian shale/chert.

5.f. Geochemistry of basaltic clasts

To determine the possible tectonic setting of origin of the basaltic rock, various samples of basalt, diabase and microgabbro were collected from the Mavri Skala, Kantara road and Sinan Tepe (Shiaoros) areas (Fig. 17). However, the mafic rocks are mostly strongly altered and only five samples proved to be compositionally suitable for tectonic discrimination (see Table 1).

Table 1.

Chemical data for basaltic clasts from conglomerates from the upper part of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation. K samples: 24, 26: Mavri Skala; 34, 25: Ardahan–Kantara road section (see Fig. 16); 46: east of 34 and 25 on the road to Kantara. gam samples: gam-B2 and gam-B3 from Kalaograia (Bahçeli) village; gam-I3 and gam-I5 from Motidhes (İncesu) village; gam-C4, gam-C6 and gam-C7 collected from Platáni (Çınarlı) village; gam-K2R and gam-K10 from Kythrea (Değirmenlik) village; gam-P8 and gam-P9 from Panagra (Geçitköy) village. See Figure 17 for sample locations.

Figure 17.

Locations of samples for which chemical analyses of basaltic rocks are reported here from the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation (large filled squares) and the unconformably overlying Upper Eocene – Oligocene basal conglomerate of the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation (large filled circles); See Table 1.

The samples were analysed for major and trace elements by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) using the technique described by Fitton et al. (Reference Fitton, Saunders, Larsen, Hardarson and Norry1998) and modified by Fitton & Godard (Reference Fitton, Godard, Fitton, Mahoney, Wallace and Saunders2004). When plotted on a diagram used to characterize altered basaltic rocks using elements that are immobile during weathering and low-grade alteration (Fig. 18b), the rocks plot in the basaltic field. Three of the samples are tholeiitic while two are of transitional composition (Fig. 18a).

Figure 18.

Rock nomenclature and rock characterization diagrams for basaltic clasts analysed from the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation and the unconformably overlying Upper Eocene – Oligocene basal conglomerate of the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation. (a) Rock composition diagram showing that all of the clasts considered except two are tholeiitic (diagram from Pearce & Cann, Reference Pearce and Cann1973), (b) Rock classification showing that all but one of the rocks plotted are basaltic (diagram from Pearce, Reference Pearce and Wyman1996). See Figure 17 for sample locations.

On normalized mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB-) ‘spider’ plots that can be used to indicate the similarities to or differences from typical MORB (Fig. 19a), three samples plot close to MORB for most of the high-field-strength elements (HFSE). Two samples show strong magmatic depletion and exhibit U-shaped profiles, comparable with boninites (i.e. high-magnesian andesites). The large-ion-lithophile elements (LILE) are relatively enriched, which may reflect weathering. On bivariate diagrams that are used to infer tectonic setting (Fig. 20a–c), the samples are scattered through several different fields. However, two samples plot exclusively in the IAT (island arc tholeiite) or the VAB (volcanic arc basalt) fields (Fig. 20a, c). On the Ti/100 versus Zr versus Yx3 ternary diagram (Fig. 21a) the samples plot within or near the CAB (calc-alkaline basalt), IAT+MORB and IAT fields. On the TiO₂ versus MnO×10 versus P₂O₅×10 diagram (Fig. 21b), all of the samples plot within or close to the IAT field (with one on a boundary line) and the boninite field.

Figure 19.

Normalized ‘spider’ diagrams. (a) N-MORB plot of clasts from the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation. (b) N-MORB plot of clasts from the Upper Eocene – Ologocene basal conglomerate of the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation. (c) Chondrite-normalized plots of clasts from the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation. Normalizing values from Sun & McDonough (Reference Sun, McDonough, Saunders and Norry1989). Comparative fields (shaded and labelled) from Kızlıdağ ophiolite (Pearce et al. Reference Pearce, Stern, Bloomer and Fryer2005; K. Huang, unpubl, Masters thesis, University of Hong Kong, Reference Huang, Malps, Xenophontos, Moumani, Shawabkeh, Al-Malabeh and Abdelghafoor2007; Bağçı et al. Reference Bağçi, Parlak and Höck2008; Faloon et al. Reference Falloon, Danyushevsky, Crawford, Meffre, Woodhead and Bloomer2008). See Figure 17 for sample locations.

Figure 20.

Bivariate tectonic discrimination diagrams for basaltic clasts from the upper part of the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation and the unconformably overlying conglomerates (Late Eocene – Oligocene) of the Beylerbey (Bellapais) Formation: (a) Ti versus Zr (diagram from Pearce & Cann, Reference Pearce and Cann1973); (b) Zr/Y versus Zr (diagram from Pearce & Norry, Reference Pearce and Norry1979); and (c) Cr versus Y (diagram from Pearce, Reference Pearce and Thorpe1982). Comparative fields: Kyrenia Range (Robertson & Woodcock, Reference Robertson, Woodcock, Reading, Watterson and White1986; K. Huang, unpubl, Masters thesis, University of Hong Kong, 2007) and South Troodos Transform Fault Zone (Gass et al. Reference Gass, MacLeod, Murton, Panayiotou, Simonian and Xenophontos1994). See Figure 17 for sample locations.

Figure 21.

Ternary tectonic discrimination diagrams for basaltic clasts from the upper part of the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation and the unconformably overlying conglomerates (Late Eocene) of the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation: (a) Ti versus Zr versus Yx3 (diagram from Pearce & Cann, Reference Pearce and Cann1973) and (b) TiO₂ versus MnO×10 versus P₂O₅×10 (diagram from Mullen, Reference Mullen1983). See Figure 20 for key to fields and data sources.

On several of the tectonic discrimination diagrams, a few samples plot within the compositional field of the Maastrichtian – Early Eocene basalts of the Lapithos (Lapta) Group. The basalts of the Kyrenia Range are mainly of enriched within-plate type (Pearce, Reference Pearce1975; Robertson & Woodcock, Reference Robertson, Woodcock, Reading, Watterson and White1986). However, some of the basalts exhibit a negative Nb anomaly, suggestive of a subduction influence (K. Huang, unpubl. Masters thesis, University of Hong Kong Reference Huang, Malps, Xenophontos, Moumani, Shawabkeh, Al-Malabeh and Abdelghafoor2007). Such basalts cannot be distinguished from ophiolite-related basalts using the available geochemical data. However, some the basalts are inferred to have been derived from the Lapithos (Lapta) Group based on their co-occurrence with pelagic chalk derived from the Lapithos (Lapta) Group.

On each of the tectonic discrimination diagrams, at least one of the samples lies well outside the compositional range of the Lapithos (Lapta) Group. These samples, which include boninite, co-occur with clasts of ophiolite-related rocks (e.g. serpentinite, gabbro, radiolarian chert), suggesting an ophiolite-related origin.

6. Structural evidence

The entire stratigraphy beneath the Late Eocene – Oligocene Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation was deformed into a pile of southwards-verging thrust sheets. The timing of thrusting is constrained as during or after the Middle Eocene deposition of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation but prior to the accumulation of the unconformably overlying Late Eocene basal conglomerates of the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation.

The Eastern Range is dissected into two major thrust sheets, both of which are folded (Fig. 22a). In the Central Range, the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation is locally exposed in a lower thrust sheet. This is overthrust by a major thrust sheet of Mesozoic rocks that forms the core of the Central Kyrenia Range and includes extensive exposures of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation. In the Western Range the formation is present in the lowest and highest levels of the thrust stack.

Figure 22.

Key structural relationships showing: (a) the dissection of the Eastern Range into several large thrust sheets and (b) the contact area between the Central Range and the Eastern Range (both modified from Baroz, Reference Baroz1979).

Throughout the Kyrenia Range the Maastrichtian – Early Eocene succession shows evidence of a penetrative pressure solution cleavage, which is best preserved in the well-lithified competent limestones compared to chalks and lavas. Widespread soft-sediment folding, mainly in the marls, chalks and sandstones, formed while the sediments were still poorly consolidated (Fig. 13a).

Throughout the range as a whole, the thrust geometry (e.g. fold and thrust vergence) is generally southwards-facing (Baroz, Reference Baroz1979; Robertson & Woodcock, Reference Robertson, Woodcock, Reading, Watterson and White1986). In contrast, along the northern flank of the Central Range in some areas (e.g. near Bahçeli/Kalaograia; Figs 2, 6d) pelagic carbonates of the Lapithos (Lapta) Group exhibit outcrop-scale asymmetrical folding, C/S (where C is equivalent to the shear plane and S to the foliation) fabrics and small-scale duplexing, which indicate northwards displacement. The overlying Late Eocene – Late Miocene sedimentary rocks including the basal conglomerates lack this style of deformation.

The Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation is commonly affected by high-angle faulting that is orientated subparallel to the range (e.g. in the type succession near Bahçeli/Kalaograia; Figs 2, 5). This deformation probably relates to left-lateral strike-slip transpression of at least partly Late Miocene – earliest Pliocene age (McCay & Robertson, Reference McCay, Robertson, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013). In addition, the range is transected by numerous cross-cutting faults, the majority of which do not cut the overlying Late Eocene – Recent sediments (McCay & Robertson, Reference McCay, Robertson, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013).

Regional mapping (Ducloz, Reference Ducloz1972; Baroz, Reference Baroz1979) indicates that exposures of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation in the Eastern Range trace westwards into the lower structural levels of the Central Range (Fig. 22b). The area where the Central Range passes into the Eastern Range is offset by an array of generally NNE–SSW-trending, mostly left-lateral, faults suggesting that the Central Range has been offset southwards with respect to the Eastern Range. This in turn suggests that facies typical of the Eastern Range may be present beneath the exposed front of the Central Range. Turbiditic and debris-flow deposits, comparable with the succession in the Eastern Range, are indeed locally exposed along the southern margin of the Central Range beneath younger deposits (e.g. below Bufavento castle; Fig. 3).

7. Geochemistry and provenance of clasts in overlying conglomerates

The sedimentology and composition of the basal conglomerates of the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation are important; their sedimentology sheds light on the regional palaeoenvironments during the Late Eocene – Oligocene, while their composition (lithological and geochemical) provides important information on the regional provenance of the sediments.

The basal conglomerates are interpreted as non-marine alluvial fan deposits (McCay & Robertson, Reference McCay and Robertson2012). These pass upwards into shallow-marine deltaic deposits and then into finer-grained deeper-marine gravity-flow deposits (McCay & Robertson Reference McCay and Robertson2012).

The clasts in the basal conglomerates are generally well rounded and well sorted. The conglomerates are mostly clast supported and were transported generally southwards, based on palaeocurrent evidence (e.g. clast imbrication) that was mainly collected from the southern flank of the range (McCay & Robertson, Reference McCay and Robertson2012; Fig. 13e). The conglomerates along the northern flank of the range are relatively disorganized (Fig. 13f), but where clast imbrication is present this is again generally southwards (McCay & Robertson, Reference McCay and Robertson2012).

The clasts making up the basal conglomerates are mainly sedimentary rocks, especially recrystallized carbonate, dolomite and pelagic carbonate (see G. A. McCay, unpubl. PhD thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2010 for quantitative clast count data). Igneous clasts are common, mainly dolerite and microgabbro (Fig. 13f). There are also occasional metamorphic rocks (e.g. marble, quartzite, schist), calcite vein material and intraclasts (e.g. shale). Relatively unaltered basalt is rare due to preferential weathering compared to diabase and microgabbro but was collected for chemical analysis where present. The sedimentary rocks can be correlated with the Triassic–Cretaceous Trypa (Tripa) Group and the Maastrichtian–Paleogene Lapithos (Lapta) Group. The conglomerates are relatively enriched in erosionally resistant rocks, especially radiolarian chert, quartzite and diabase. The conglomerates are thinner in the Eastern Range (<5 m) and mainly reflect the composition of the subjacent rocks, that is, the Maastrichtian–Paleogene Lapithos (Lapta) Group and the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation. Clasts of lithologies similar to the Kantara Limestones are relatively abundant in the Eastern Range.

Forty-two clasts of basaltic composition (basalt, dolerite and microgabbro) were analysed by XRF (using the methods specified in Section 5.f.) from a total of six localities on both the northern and southern flanks of the range (see Fig. 17). Of these, 11 representative samples were analysed for Rare Earth Elements (REE) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at the Acme Analytical Laboratories Ltd., British Columbia, Canada (see Table 1).

The analysed clasts contain phenocrysts of plagioclase and clinopyroxene, together with microphenocrysts of plagioclase and pyroxene (altered) in a very fine-grained to glassy mesostasis. The phenocrysts show a glomero-porphyritic texture in some cases (G. McCay, unpubl. PhD thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2010).

Based on the abundances of relatively immobile elements, all but one of the samples are both basaltic and tholeiitic (Fig. 18a, b). On N-MORB spider plots (Fig. 19b) some of the basalts have a near-MORB composition of HFSEs but are relatively depleted in Nb. Other samples are more depleted in HFSEs with or without a relative negative Nb depletion. The U-shaped trends of the immobile elements in a number of the samples are characteristic of boninites. In addition, all of the samples are relatively enriched in LILEs which is probably due to alteration. On a chrondrite-normalized plot (Fig. 19c) some of the samples exhibit relatively primitive compositions, while others are relatively depleted. Some of the chrondrite-normalized patterns are similar to island arc tholeiites and boninites from several modern settings, including the northern Tonga trench and the Mariana arc-basin system.

The samples were also plotted on a range of tectonic discriminations diagrams. On the Ti versus Zr diagram (Fig. 20a) some samples plot in the IAT (island arc tholeiite) field, while others extend into the MORB+IAT+CAB field. The majority of the samples plot outside the IAT field however, due to strong depletion in the relevant elements. The strong depletion is also apparent on the Zr/Y versus Zr diagram (Fig. 20b) in which only a small number of samples plot in the recognized MORB, WPB and IAT fields. On the Cr-Y versus Y diagram (Fig. 20c) the majority of the samples plot in the VAB field, with several in the MORB+WPB fields.

Further discrimination is achieved on the Ti/100 versus Zr versus Yx3 diagram (Fig. 21a), in which most of the samples plot outside the recognized fields due to strong depletion in Zr, with some in the MORB+VAB fields. Finally, on the TiO₂ versus MnO×10 versus P₂O₅×10 diagram (Mullen, Reference Mullen1983; Fig. 21b) the samples mainly plot in the boninite field, with some in the IAT field.

The most obvious source, the underlying basalts of the Maastrichtian–Palaeocene Lapithos (Lapta) Group, was not a major contributor to the analysed clasts in the basal conglomerates because few plot in the compositional field of these rocks. However, some less-depleted samples do lie within the range of compositions of the Lapithos (Lapta) Group basalts, reflecting the fact that some of these volcanic rocks exhibit a subduction influence (Huang, Malps & Xenophontos, Reference Huang, Malps, Xenophontos, Moumani, Shawabkeh, Al-Malabeh and Abdelghafoor2007; K. Huang, unpubl. Masters thesis, University of Hong Kong, Reference Huang, Malps, Xenophontos, Moumani, Shawabkeh, Al-Malabeh and Abdelghafoor2007). On the other hand, many of the samples are compositionally similar to the diabase dykes reported from the South Troodos Transform Fault Zone, which is generally accepted to have formed in a supra-subduction zone setting (Gass, Reference Gass, Malpas, Moores, Panayiotou and Xenophontos1990; Robinson & Malpas, Reference Robinson, Malpas, Moores, Panayiotou and Xenophontos1990; MacLeod & Murton Reference MacLeod, Murton, Prichard, Alabaster, Harris and Neary1993; Gass et al. Reference Gass, MacLeod, Murton, Panayiotou, Simonian and Xenophontos1994). They are also compositionally similar to the sheeted dykes of the Eastern Albanian ophiolite (Phillips-Lander & Dilek, Reference Phillips-Lander and Dilek2009) and some other ophiolites formed in supra-subduction zone settings.

8. Regional-scale structure

To place the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation and the overlying basal conglomerates of the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation in the context of the Kyrenia Range as a whole, eight structural profiles were prepared based on reconnaissance traverses. The structural profiles (Fig. 23) highlight several key features as follows.

Figure 23.

Structural profiles of the Kyrenia Range illustrating the relative roles of the Late Eocene versus Late Miocene thrusting. See Figures 2 and 3 for locations. Note the setting of the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation and the unconformably overlying Late Eocene – Oligocene Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation. The range as a whole is thrust southwards over Middle Miocene turbidites and locally evaporitic sediments of the Kythrea (Değirmenlik) Group. The basal thrust fault of the range is laterally continuous although locally obscured by Quaternary deposits (e.g. landslips). Individual profiles show the following distinctive features. (a) Imbrication of Neogene (Oligocene – Upper Miocene) terrigenous sediments (Kythrea/Değirmenlik Group) within the thrust stack; local stratigraphic inversion indicates the presence of large-scale S-facing recumbent folds; back thrusting (Late Miocene) characterizes the north margin of the range in this area. (b) High-angle faulting and large-scale landslipping(Early–Middle Pleistocene) along the southern range front; southwards-directed thrusting. (c) South-directed thrusting; high-angle faulting and also large-scale landslipping along the southern range front; top-to-north normal faulting may relate to pre-Neogene exhumation. (d) Large-scale southwards imbrication of the Mesozoic carbonate platform; folding (Late Eocene) and lateral displacement along high-angle strike-slip or transpressional faults; top-to-north normal faulting along the northern range margin (possibly related to pre-Neogene exhumation). The unconformity between the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation and the Upper Eocene – Upper Miocene Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation is locally overturned. (e) Southwards imbrication of Mesozoic and Paleogene lithologies relates to Eocene thrusting. Evidence of strike-slip displacement and steep (neotectonic) normal faulting (e.g. SSW face of Beşparmak (Pentadactylos). (f) Range interior cut by steep faults that probably originated as Eocene thrusts that were steepened and reactivated by strike-slip (or transpression). (g) Late Eocene thrusting associated with large-scale S-verging folding; the unconformity between the Mesozoic meta-carbonate (Trypa/Tripa Group) and the Maastrichtian Melounda (Mallıdağ) Formation was reactivated by high-angle faulting (Late Miocene or possibly younger). Late Miocene backthrusting affected the northern margin of the range. (h) Eocene and Late Miocene southwards thrusting and high-angle faulting.

1. 1. The stack of thrust sheets comprising the Kyrenia Range was finally emplaced southwards over Late Miocene gravity-flow deposits of the Kythrea (Değirmenlik) Group (Henson, Browne & McGinty, Reference Henson, Browne and McGinty1949; Robertson & Woodcock, Reference Robertson, Woodcock, Reading, Watterson and White1986; Harrison et al. Reference Harrison, Newell, Batihanli, Panayides, McGeehin, Mahan, Ozhur, Tsiolakis and Necdet2004; McCay & Robertson Reference McCay, Robertson, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013; Fig. 23a–h). The basal thrust along the southern front of the range can be equated with the Kythrea Fault, as mapped by Baroz (Reference Baroz1979) (Fig. 2; McCay & Robertson, Reference McCay, Robertson, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013).

2. 2. Late Eocene – Miocene sediments of the Kythrea (Değirmenlik) Group are incorporated into the structurally lower levels of the thrust stack, especially in the western part of the Central Range (Fig. 23a). The thrust stack therefore cuts downwards in the direction of overall tectonic transport during the Late Miocene – earliest Pliocene late-stage phase of thrusting.

3. 3. Local stratigraphical way-up reversals indicate the presence of large-scale south-verging recumbent folds (nappes) in several areas (e.g. Eastern Range: Fig. 23g, h; Western Range: see Robertson, Taslı & İnan, Reference McCay and Robertson2012b ). These are of potentially of Eocene and/or Late Miocene – earliest Pliocene age.

4. 4. The stratigraphy is dissected by approximately E–W-trending high-angle faults, especially in the Eastern Range (Fig. 23f, g); these faults are interpreted as left-lateral strike-slip faults, again potentially of Eocene and/or Late Miocene – earliest Pliocene age.

5. 5. North-verging backthrusting is widely developed along the northern flank of the range, related to both the Middle Eocene and the Late Miocene – Early Pliocene phases of thrusting (Fig. 23a, g).

6. 6. In addition, the thrust stack is cut by numerous approximately N–S-trending faults of different offset (e.g. separating the Eastern and Western ranges) that do not appear in the N–S traverses.

10. Regional setting

Any interpretation needs to take account of the geology of the adjacent areas, especially equivalents of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation exposed in southern Turkey.

The Kyrenia Range extends NE-wards beneath Cilicia Basin to re-emerge on the mainland as the Misis Range (Fig. 1). The Misis Range is dominated by blocks of Mesozoic platform carbonate set in a siliciclastic matrix of gravity-flow deposits (Kelling et al. Reference Kelling, Gökçen, Floyd and Gökçen1987; Gökçen et al. Reference Gökçen, Kelling, Gökçen and Floyd1988; Robertson et al. Reference Robertson, Unlügenç, İnan and Taslı2004). The Misis Range is covered by, or faulted against, Quaternary sediments to the north, while it is thrust southwards over Early Miocene deep-water clastic sedimentary rocks to the south. The main difference between the Eastern Kyrenia Range (plus the Karpas Peninsula) and the Misis Range is that in the latter area the clastic matrix between exotic blocks of limestone is reported to range from the Eocene to the Early Miocene (Gökçen et al. Reference Gökçen, Kelling, Gökçen and Floyd1988; see also Robertson et al. Reference Robertson, Unlügenç, İnan and Taslı2004), whereas only Middle–Late Eocene matrix sediments occur in the Kyrenia Range. In the eastern part of the Misis Mountains the melange is underlain by thrust sheets of basic volcanic rocks and volcaniclastic sediments that are interbedded with Late Cretaceous pelagic carbonates and radiolarites (Robertson et al. Reference Robertson, Unlügenç, İnan and Taslı2004).

The Misis Range turns NE-wards and continues as the Andırın Range (Fig. 1), which is also dominated by melange (Misis-Andırın Complex of Robertson et al. Reference Robertson, Unlügenç, İnan and Taslı2004). Rather than being a narrow lineament similar to the Kyrenia and Misis ranges (<5 km), the Andırın Range is up to tens of kilometres across and includes thrust sheets of Mesozoic platform carbonates (Andırın Limestone), pelagic sedimentary rocks and dismembered ophiolitic rocks (e.g. serpentinized harzburgite, pillow basalt and red radiolarian chert), all associated with mass-flow-type deposits (Robertson et al. Reference Robertson, Unlügenç, İnan and Taslı2004). Beneath this are deep-water carbonates and volcanic rocks that can be compared with the Lapithos (Lapta) Group in the Kyrenia Range. The melange and related units are unconformably covered by Miocene carbonate or siliciclastic sedimentary rocks and were thrust SE-wards over Early Miocene deep-water gravity deposits to the SE (Robertson et al. Reference Robertson, Unlügenç, İnan and Taslı2004).

The Andırın Range curves eastwards to form the front of the Tauride allochthon in the Engizek Range (Perinçek & Kozlu, Reference Perinçek, Kozlu, Tekeli and Göncüoğlu1984; MTA, 2002; Fig. 1). In this area, a comparable sedimentary melange is dominated by blocks of Mesozoic carbonate-platform-derived rocks set in a matrix of gravity-flow deposits. The melange is transgressed by Early–Middle Miocene mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sediments and is thrust southwards over Miocene gravity-flow deposits (Robertson et al. Reference Robertson, Unlügenç, İnan and Taslı2004; Hüsing et al. Reference Hüsing, Zachariasse, Van Hinsbergen, Krijgsman, İnceöz, Harzhauser, Mandic, Kroh, Van Hinsbergen, Edwards and Govers2009).

Taken as a whole, the regional evidence indicates that the Kyrenia Range represents one segment of a larger belt of thrust sheets and related melange and so must be interpreted in this context.

To the north of the Kyrenia Range, beyond the Cilicia Basin, coastal southern Turkey is dominated by a relatively autochthonous Palaeozoic–Paleogene continental sequence within what is known as the Geyik Dağ (Fig. 1). This is covered by a series of thrust sheets and ophiolitic rocks that were emplaced in two phases during Late Cretaceous and Early–Middle Eocene time (Özgül, Reference Özgül1997; Mackintosh & Robertson, Reference Mackintosh, Robertson, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013). The exposed allochthonous platform carbonates were overthrust southwards by accretionary melange (Mersin melange) and ophiolitic rocks (Mersin ophiolite) during latest Cretaceous time (Parlak & Robertson, Reference Parlak and Robertson2004; Parlak, Reference Parlak2006). The melange includes serpentinite, within-plate-type volcanic rocks (interpreted as rift-related units or emplaced oceanic seamounts), Triassic–Jurassic radiolarites, limestone blocks and dismembered thrust sheets of Permian–Cretaceous age. The overriding ophiolite exhibits a complete upper mantle and crustal sequence of geochemically supra-subduction zone type (Parlak et al. Reference Parlak, Höck, Kozlu and Delaloye2004). The melange is locally covered by transgressive Palaeocene shallow-marine carbonates, passing upwards into more extensive Eocene–Oligocene and Miocene sediments which blanket much of the area (see Parlak & Robertson, Reference Parlak and Robertson2004). There is no evidence that the ophiolite and melange were tectonically transported relative to the platform basement and its cover after latest Cretaceous time.

Further east in SE Turkey there is widespread evidence of subduction-related magmatism cutting the Tauride continental rocks. Granitic rocks intruded the Malatya–Keban platform, part of the Tauride continent, during the Late Cretaceous (Yazgan & Chessex, Reference Yazgan and Chessex1991; Parlak Reference Parlak2006; Rızaoğlu et al. Reference Rızaoğlu, Parlak, Höck, İşler, Robertson and Mountrakis2006, Reference Rızaoğlu, Parlak, Höck, Koller, Hames and Billor2009). There is also evidence of arc-type granitic magmatism dated as 53–45 Ma (Early–Middle Eocene) in the Doğanşehir area (Karaoğlan et al. Reference Karaoğlan, Parlak, Robertson, Thoni, Klötzli, Koller, Okay, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013).

To the NW of the Kyrenia Range, coastal southern Turkey is dominated by the metamorphic rocks of the Alanya Massif (Fig. 1) which comprise three main thrust sheets. The middle thrust sheet includes a blueschist melange of inferred Late Cretaceous age that, critically is interpreted as an oceanic remnant (Okay & Özgül, Reference Okay, Özgül, Dixon and Robertson1984; Çetinkaplan et al. Reference Çetnkaplan, Candan, Okay, Oberhanslı, Koralay and Kozlu2009). The metamorphic rocks there were exhumed during Late Cretaceous time. The thrust sheets making up the Alanya Massif as a whole were emplaced northwards over unmetamorphosed continental margin and oceanic (ophiolitic) rocks of the Mesozoic Antalya Complex (equivalent to the Antalya Nappes). The Alanya Complex in this area is inferred to have formed along the southern margin of the Tauride carbonate platform (Özgül, Reference Özgül1984; Robertson et al. Reference Robertson, Clift, Degnan and Jones1991; Robertson, Reference Robertson, Frostick and Steel1993). The allochthonous rocks of the Alanya Massif, plus the Antalya Complex, were finally emplaced northwards over the relatively autochthonous Tauride platform (Geyik Dağ) during Early–Middle Eocene time. There was also late-stage southwards overthrusting of a Tauride thrust sheet in the SE (MTA 2002).

The Alanya Massif has been restored as a small Mesozoic ocean basin termed the Alanya Ocean, with the Tauride continent plus the Antalya Complex to the north and a smaller continental fragment to the south (Görür et al. Reference Görür, Okay, Şengör, Tüysüz, Sakınç, Yiğitbaş, Akkök, Barka, Oktay, Sarıca, Yaltırak, Yılmaz, Ersoy, Elmas, Örçen, Ercan, Şaroğlu and Akyürek1998; Robertson Reference Robertson, Robertson, Emeis and Camerlenghi1998; Robertson, Taslı & İnan, Reference Robertson, Taslı and İnan2012b ; Robertson, Parlak & Ustaömer, Reference McCay, Robertson, Kroon, Rafffi, Ellam and Necdet2013). The southern margin of this inferred oceanic basin could be contiguous with the Mesozoic carbonate platform of the Kyrenia Range (Robertson, Parlak & Ustaömer, Reference Robertson, Parlak and Ustaömer2012a , Reference Robertson, Parlak, Ustaömer, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013).

The İzmir–Ankara–Erzincan ocean was located to the north of the Tauride microcontinent (Geyik Dağ) and its former continental margin, now represented by the Tauride thrust sheets; this finally sutured in Early–Middle Eocene time (Şengör & Yılmaz, 1981; Robertson & Dixon, Reference Robertson, Dixon, Dixon and Robertson1984; Görür et al. Reference Görür, Oktay, Seymen, Şengör, Dixon and Robertson1984, Reference Görür, Okay, Şengör, Tüysüz, Sakınç, Yiğitbaş, Akkök, Barka, Oktay, Sarıca, Yaltırak, Yılmaz, Ersoy, Elmas, Örçen, Ercan, Şaroğlu and Akyürek1998). The closure fuelled the final southwards emplacement of the Tauride thrust sheets and also the related northwards backthrusting (e.g. south margin of the Alanya massif). After closure of the İzmir–Ankara–Erzincan Ocean, the convergence of Africa and Eurasia is inferred to have jumped to the Southern Neotethys Ocean, the only Mesozoic oceanic basin remaining between Africa and Eurasia. As a result the hinterland of the Kyrenia Range to the north was reactivated and thrust southwards, resulting in uplift, southwards thrusting erosion and mass-wasting to form the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation (Fig. 25).

Figure 25.

Sedimentary-tectonic interpretation of the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation as the fill of a foredeep that was created as a flexural response to southwards thrusting. (a) Eastern Kyrenia Range (the largest outcrop). The overriding thrust sheets include unmetamorphosed Middle Permian – Cretaceous shallow-water carbonates (Kantara Limestones) and a variety of ophiolite-related rocks, emplaced in response to re-thrusting and mass-wasting. The material that was emplaced is likely to have originated from a pre-existing accretionary complex (i.e. as recycled melange). (b) Central Kyrenia Range. Large volumes of Paleogene chalk and volcanic rocks were redeposited, coupled with the emplacement of ophiolite-derived blocks. Exotic blocks of unrecrystallized limestone (Kantara Limestones) are absent from this area. Only the features that can be logically inferred from the field exposures are shown (see Fig. 26 for a plate tectonic model).

11. Role in Neotethyan tectonic development

The sedimentary melange of the Middle Eocene Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation records a key part of the development of the northerly active continental margin of the Southern Neotethys. The Neotethys rifted during Late Permian –Triassic time, existed during the Mesozoic and largely closed during the Cretaceous, leaving remnants in the east (SE Turkey) until the Early Miocene and in the west (SW of Cyprus) until present day (Robertson, Parlak & Ustaömer, Reference Robertson, Parlak, Ustaömer, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013). The sedimentary melange is interpreted as having formed in a flexurally controlled foredeep that was underlain by a continental-related carbonate platform (Trypa/Tripa Group) rather than oceanic crust. This suggests that the sedimentary melange is not a conventional accretionary prism related to subduction. This platform was located along the southern margin of an active continental margin that was underlain by a northwards-dipping subduction zone. In addition, the melange includes exotic blocks that were probably derived from a subduction complex of probable Late Cretaceous age to the north. The boninite ophiolitic volcanic rocks of the Late Eocene – Oligocene Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation were also derived from the north. Several driving mechanisms can be considered, as follows.

1. 1. Subduction zone roll-forward. This could have caused compression and imbrication of the continental margin. Subduction zone roll-forward is likely if young, hot buoyant oceanic crust (<50 Ma) was subducted. However, the subducting crust would be expected to be old because spreading began during the Triassic (e.g. Robertson et al. Reference Robertson, Clift, Degnan and Jones1991). It has recently been suggested from evidence in SE Turkey (Doğanşehir area) that a spreading axis subducted in order to create Early Eocene granulite facies metamorphic rocks (cooling ages of 52–50 Ma) that occur as blocks associated with a metamorphosed ophiolite (Berit metaopholite) (Karaoğlan et al. Reference Karaoğlan, Parlak, Robertson, Thoni, Klötzli, Koller, Okay, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013). However, there is no independent evidence of the age of the oceanic crust being subducted during the Eocene.

2. 2. Steady-state northwards subduction. Eocene subduction-related magmatism is documented in SE Turkey (Yılmaz, Reference Yılmaz1993; Robertson et al. Reference Robertson, Ustaömer, Parlak, Unlügenç, Taslı and İnan2006; Karaoğlan et al. Reference Karaoğlan, Parlak, Robertson, Thoni, Klötzli, Koller, Okay, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013). However, steady-stage subduction processes alone cannot have generated the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation and also imbricated the associated continental margin.

3. 3. Acceleration or reactivation of northwards subduction. This could have caused a pulse of compression, leading to destabilization and southwards thrusting of the active continental margin. A Palaeocene–Eocene ‘flare-up’ of subduction has indeed been inferred for the along-strike continuation of the Southern Neotethyan margin in Iran (Verdel et al. Reference Verdel, Wernicke, Ramezani, Hassanzadeh, Renne and Spell2007, Reference Verdel, Wernicke, Hassanzadeh and Guest2011).

4. 4. Collision of a topographic edifice (continental fragment or oceanic seamount) with a trench. This could have deformed the continental margin but lacks supporting evidence (e.g. accretion of seamount material).

5. 5. Southwards-directed compression related to collision elsewhere in Neotethys. The Middle Eocene timing of the genesis and emplacement of the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation approximately corresponds to the suturing of the İzmir–Ankara–Erzincan ocean (‘N Neotethys’) to the north. This ocean straddled what is today Anatolia from the Aegean region to Iran (Şengör & Yılmaz, 1981; Robertson & Dixon, Reference Robertson, Dixon, Dixon and Robertson1984) and finally closed during Early–Middle Eocene time (i.e. pre-Bartonian) (Şengör & Yılmaz, 1981; Görür et al. Reference Görür, Oktay, Seymen, Şengör, Dixon and Robertson1984; Andrew & Robertson, Reference Andrew and Robertson2002; Mackintosh & Robertson, Reference Mackintosh, Robertson, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013). The closure and collision affected much of central and western Turkey and drove the final southwards emplacement of the Tauride oceanic- and continental-margin-derived thrust sheets onto the Tauride continent. Several tectonic lineaments were active during Early–Middle Eocene time to the north of the Kyrenia Range, mainly involving southwards thrusting (Fig. 1).

The Kyrenia Range is likely to have been tectonically juxtaposed with the Alanya Massif at least by Paleogene time. The present-day Cilicia Basin is inferred to have formed from the Oligocene onwards (Robertson & Woodcock, Reference Robertson, Woodcock, Reading, Watterson and White1986) and therefore did not separate Cyprus from southern Turkey during the Eocene. The southwards-directed compression that affected the Taurides and the Alanya Massif area could therefore also have affected the Kyrenia Range. In this interpretation, a southwards-moving wave of compression triggered flexural subsidence of continental crust to the south, extending at least as far as the Kyrenia Range. The overriding thrust sheets, which were predominantly made up of ophiolite-related lithologies and Middle?–Late Permian – Late Cretaceous limestones then underwent mass-wasting to form the debris-flow deposits and exotic blocks/sheets. Southwards-directed compression culminated in the imbrication of the Kyrenia continental margin, including the Middle Eocene foredeep.

After southwards thrusting ended, northwards subduction continued to be active and the oceanic slab rolled back southwards. The continental margin collapsed allowing clastic material to prograde southwards to form the Late Eocene – Oligocene non-marine to shallow-marine basal conglomerates of the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation (Baroz, Reference Baroz1979; Robertson & Woodcock, Reference Robertson, Woodcock, Reading, Watterson and White1986; McCay & Robertson, Reference McCay and Robertson2012; Fig. 24). During this time the Troodos ophiolite to the south continued to be overlain by deep-water pelagic sediments, unaffected by thrusting or collisional tectonics (e.g. Robertson, Reference Robertson1977 b).

A key remaining question is the source of the subduction-related boninite-type clasts, particularly in the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation. Comparable ophiolite-related melange formed during the Late Cretaceous, for example elsewhere along the southern margin of the Tauride continent (e.g. Antalya Complex: Woodcock & Robertson, Reference Woodcock and Robertson1982; Robertson, Reference Robertson, Robertson, Emeis and Camerlenghi1998; Misis-Andırın Complex: Robertson et al. Reference Robertson, Unlügenç, İnan and Taslı2004). Several possible source areas for the boninitic clasts can be considered, as follows.

1. 1. The boninitic clasts originated from an ophiolitic thrust sheet that was emplaced at a high-structural level during the Middle Eocene southwards thrusting. The boninitic rocks were then subaerially eroded, shedding boninitic clasts into the Late Eocene – Oligocene basal conglomerates (Bellapais/Beylerbey Formation). However, the rarity of basaltic clasts in the palaeo-colluvium at the base of the Bellapais (Beylerbey) Formation in several areas (McCay & Robertson, Reference McCay and Robertson2012) suggests that the Kyrenia Range itself was not an important source

2. 2. The boninite-type clasts originated to the south, associated with the Troodos ophiolite. For example, similar boninitic lavas are exposed along the South Troodos Transform Fault Zone in the south of the island and its extension into SW Cyprus (McLeod & Murton, Reference MacLeod, Murton, Prichard, Alabaster, Harris and Neary1993; Gilbert & Robertson, Reference Gilbert, Robertson, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013). The palaeocurrents in the overlying conglomerates are southwards directed (McCay & Robertson, Reference McCay and Robertson2012), however, suggesting that the main source of the ophiolitic rocks was to the north.

3. 3. A southerly derivation could also be envisaged if ophiolitic rocks were translated inboard (to the north) of the Kyrenia Range by strike-slip. Boninites are also, for example, associated with the Hatay ophiolite, S Turkey (Bağçi, Parlak & Höck, Reference Bağçi, Parlak and Höck2008) and the Baer–Bassit ophiolite, N Syria (Al-Riyami & Robertson, Reference Al-Riyami and Robertson2002) to the east. However, these ophiolites correlate with the Troodos ophiolite that was positioned to the south of the Kyrenia Range in palaeotectonic reconstructions (Robertson, Taslı & İnan, Reference Robertson, Taslı and İnan2012b ) and there is no independent evidence of strike-slip translation of ophiolitic rocks during the required Middle–Late Eocene time.

4. 4. The boninitic clasts in the basal conglomerates were eroded from large outcrops of ophiolite-related rocks to the north of the Kyrenia Range (now beneath the Cilicia Basin) during Late Eocene – Oligocene time.

Option 4 fits the available evidence best. Assuming such a northerly origin, there are two possible ocean basins from which the ophiolitic rocks could have been derived. The first is a correlation with the Mersin ophiolite (Fig. 1; see above), which is inferred to have been emplaced from a Mesozoic ocean basin to the north of the Tauride carbonate platform (i.e. Inner Tauride ocean; Parlak & Robertson, Reference Parlak and Robertson2004; Parlak et al. Reference Parlak, Karaoğlan, Rızaoğlu, Klötzli, Koller and Billor2012). Boninitic lavas have not been reported from the Mersin ophiolite but could be concealed by cover sediments. The Mersin melange beneath the ophiolite (Parlak & Robertson, Reference Parlak and Robertson2004) includes large detached blocks of Permian limestone, serpentinite and pelagic sedimentary rocks (e.g. radiolarites), lithologies that, broadly speaking, are present as blocks in the Kalaograia–Ardana (Bahçeli–Ardahan) Formation. However, against such a northerly origin, from the Palaeocene onwards the Mersin ophiolite and melange were covered by sediments and show no evidence of thrust displacement after their initial, latest Cretaceous emplacement.

The second alternative is that the boninitic clasts were derived from an ocean basin (Alanya Ocean) that existed between the Mesozoic platform of the Kyrenia Range and the Tauride continent to the north (Okay & Özgül, Reference Okay, Özgül, Dixon and Robertson1984; Robertson, Reference Robertson, Robertson, Emeis and Camerlenghi1998; Robertson, Parlak & Ustaömer, Reference Robertson, Parlak, Ustaömer, Robertson, Parlak and Ünlügenç2013; see above). In this interpretation, ophiolitic rocks including the boninites formed above a northwards-dipping subduction zone within the Alanya ocean basin and were thrust beneath the Tauride carbonate platform, probably during latest Cretaceous time. The overriding plate made up of Permian – Late Cretaceous platform carbonates became the source of the unmetamorphosed Kantara Limestone blocks. The Alanya Ocean may have closed during the Late Cretaceous but, more probably, only finally closed during Early–Middle Eocene time, perhaps driven by the regional-scale suturing of the İzmir–Ankara–Erzincan Ocean to the north. The second alternative is more consistent with the available geological evidence.