Türkiye Jeoloji Bülteni

Geo Heritage of the Niksar (Tokat) Region

Abstract: Study area is located within the North Anatolian Fault Zone which has a length of 1200 kilometers andone of the most important active strike-slip fault zones in the world. This fact caused formation of naturallakes, morphotectonic structures, canyons and valleys as a result fault activity. Fault-controlled Niksarpull-apart basin, Efkerit valley, Luvi temple, Sisma cave, travertines, Dilimkaya canyon, Ayvaz mineralwater, fault-controlled young volcanic rocks, came in light to be suggested as geoheritage. In this study,these sites and nearby locations have been studied from geological point of view in detail and aimed todraw attention of the researchers and local authorities this region’s historical, cultural sides and alsocreate awareness to the geological heritage and bring these area as an alternative for geotourism.