The age of the Büyük Menderes graben (west Turkey) and its tectonic implications

Abstract
The age of formation of the Büyük Menderes graben (middle Burdigalian-middle Serravallian) is earlier than previously considered (Tortonian). This supports the contention of Seyitogˇlu & Scott that north-south extensional tectonics in west Turkey commenced at the latest during early Miocene time, following a Palaeogene compression.