Geology and stratigraphy of Hod (Artvi̇n) Region, Eastern Pontides, NE Turkey

This study reports a revised geological map and a stratigraphic section of the Hod region. It represents a synthesis of new data and earlier work. New results gathered from field geological mapping and petrographic investigation have clarified the lithological boundaries, textural characteristics, the stratigraphical relationships between various rock formations and spatial distribution and behavior of structural elements. Hod region, located in the eastern part of the eastern Pontides (Artvin district), comprises Jurassic to Cretaceous volcanic and sedimentary sequences with a roughly north-north-east trending, steeply east dipping stratigraphy. These lithological units are Liassic Berta Formation, Dogger Kırgülü Formation and Hızarlıdere Formation, Malm-Lower Cretaceous Öğdem Formation and İnanlı Member, Lower Cretaceous Aşağımaden Formation, Turonian Çatak Formation, Santonian Kızılkaya Formation and Santonian-Campanian Evliyatepe Formation. Among these formations, intermediate to felsic volcanic and volcanosedimentary rocks of Kızılkaya Formation are significant as they host several volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) and epithermal deposits throughout eastern Pontides. Hod Maden Au-Cu deposit which represents one of the highest-grade gold and copper discoveries made globally in recent years is also located in Hod region. Therefore, the revised geological map and stratigraphy presented here are important contributions to the regional geology and essential tools for exploration geologists working in the region.</p