The Importance of the Geomorphological and Volcanological Indicators in Determining Obsidian Source Areas

Abstract

As understood from the artifacts found in the archaeological excavation areas, the obsidian belonging to the volcanic areas of the Eastern Anatolian Region spread to a very wide area by being traded in prehistoric times. For this reason, it is important to carry out a study on obsidian diffusion and volcanic-geomorphological features in the Eastern Anatolia Region. In this study, the importance of volcanological and geomorphological indicators in the determination of obsidian sources is given by examplifying field studies with geomorphological and geological approaches in the volcanic areas of Eastern Anatolia Region The basic characteristics of obsidian (color, texture, durability, hardness, etc.) presence, quantity and availability as raw materials are closely related with volcanic and geomorphological processes. For example; The chemical and physical properties of the obsidian appear largely under the control of volcanism. Magmatic processes play an important role in the spread of the obsidian surface areas and in the formation types (dom, dyke, flow, etc.). The presence of obsidian in a volcanic massif is the result of volcanism, but at the same time, its continuation in the same area later also depends on the type and severity of the entire erosion process. Namely, the next volcanic activity and or erosional processes in the volcanic area may cause the obsidian to fossilize or be completely eroded and destroyed. In addition, this kind of effect also changes the presence and proportion of obsidian in the colluvial and alluvial material known as secondary sources on the area.