Morphotectonic and structural signatures of the Savrun Fault: implications for its Neogene evolution (SE Turkey

The destructive earthquakes of February 6, 2023 in southern Turkey renewed scientific interest in neighboringfault systems whose late-stage tectonic histories remain poorly constrained. One such structure is the SavrunFault, located northeast of Adana and southwest of the Sürgü-Çardak Fault. This study investigates the tectoniccharacter and Neogene to Quaternary evolution of the Savrun Fault through an integrated approach that combinesfield observations, lithostratigraphic relationships, morphotectonic indices and GIS-based remote-sensinganalyses. The fault extends from Kozan toward Göksun and exhibits well-developed structural elements, includingfault planes, fracture systems and associated deformation within Lower to Middle Miocene sedimentaryunits. In contrast, overlying Quaternary colluvial and alluvial deposits show no evidence of displacementor disruption. Morphotectonic indices (Smf, SL, HI, Af, Vf) reveal localized landscape modification, yet theundisturbed nature of young fluvial and alluvial units indicates that the fault has not experienced documentedreactivation during the Quaternary. Despite its close spatial relationship to the seismically active Sürgü-ÇardakFault, the Savrun Fault lacks geomorphic or stratigraphic indicators of late-stage slip. Its southern segment,particularly near the Bağdaş Plateau, is interpreted as a transpressional zone that likely ceased motion duringthe Middle to Late Miocene. These combined observations suggest that, although structurally prominent, theSavrun Fault plays no measurable role in present-day deformation. The refined tectonic interpretation presentedhere contributes to a clearer understanding of fault architecture and Neogene landscape evolution in the centralAmanos-Göksun region.