Sedimentological and Geochemical Characteristics of Carbonate Deposits in the Singeç Valley (Pertek, Turkey) Geothermal Region

The present study investigates the carbonate deposits in the Singeç Valley, Eastern Anatolia, to elucidate their sedimentological, geochemical, and tectonic impacts. Field observations, petrographic analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed on old and recent travertine samples in the present study. The geochemistry of fossil, recent travertines, and mud samples was also studied to elucidate their mineralogical composition, depositional environments, and hydrothermal influences within the study. The study revealed that carbonate deposits in Singeç Valley are predominantly shaped by hydrothermal fluid circulation linked to faults. XRD diffractograms indicate that carbonate precipitation in the study area is mainly calcite. SEM images reveal that fibrous and dendritic calcite crystals are prevalent in travertines. According to chemical analyses, Ca-Ba-Zn-As, Al-Cu-K-Na-Pb, and Li-Mg-Sb have similar chemical behavior. Trace elements in the precipitations, such as Sr, Mn, and Fe, are also closely related to hydrothermal processes. The travertines are rich in Ca, Fe, Sr, and Mn, indicating direct influence of thermal water-rock interactions and oxidative precipitation processes.