Identification and Characterization of Two New Obsidian Sub-Sources in the Nemrut Volcano (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey): the Sicaksu and Kayacik Obsidian

Abstract

In the framework of the GeObs project (http://geobs.univ-rouen.fr), we performed an exhaustive field study of obsidian lava out cropping of the Nemrut volcano (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey). The macroscopic facies and the chemical characteristics of all sub-sources are presented and compared to each other. The Nemrut sub-sources are distinguishable using microscopic facies and geochemistry (LA-ICP-MS) data. We identify and characterize two previously unknown outcrops (Sicaksu and Kayacik) both located in the western part of the volcano. Only one of these two sub-sources, which is located near the Sicaksu village, provides good quality obsidian for knapping. 40Ar/39Ar dating of this sub-source reveals an age of 203 +/- 18 ka. It thus belongs to the early pre-caldera stage of the Nemrut volcano. Chemical analyses and comparison of datasets composed of results from (i) all Nemrut sub-sources sampled, and (ii) various artefacts presented in Khalidi et al. (this volume) and attributed to the Nemrut volcano, clearly match these artefacts to the Sicaksu outcrop. The data obtained from a combination of fieldwork and geochemical analyses demonstrates that the Sicaksu obsidian outcrop was exceptionally important as a source of obsidian raw material for the production of tools and artefacts by prehistoric populations across the Near East. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. In the framework of the GeObs project (http://geobs.univ-rouen.fr), we performed an exhaustive field study of obsidian lava out cropping of the Nemrut volcano (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey). The macroscopic facies and the chemical characteristics of all sub-sources are presented and compared to each other. The Nemrut sub-sources are distinguishable using microscopic facies and geochemistry (LA-ICP-MS) data. We identify and characterize two previously unknown outcrops (Sicaksu and Kayacik) both located in the western part of the volcano. Only one of these two sub-sources, which is located near the Sicaksu village, provides good quality obsidian for knapping. 40Ar/39Ar dating of this sub-source reveals an age of 203 +/- 18 ka. It thus belongs to the early pre-caldera stage of the Nemrut volcano. Chemical analyses and comparison of datasets composed of results from (i) all Nemrut sub-sources sampled, and (ii) various artefacts presented in Khalidi et al. (this volume) and attributed to the Nemrut volcano, clearly match these artefacts to the Sicaksu outcrop. The data obtained from a combination of fieldwork and geochemical analyses demonstrates that the Sicaksu obsidian outcrop was exceptionally important as a source of obsidian raw material for the production of tools and artefacts by prehistoric populations across the Near East. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.