Middle–late Pleistocene marine molluscs from Izmit Bay area (eastern Marmara Sea, Turkey) and the nature of Marmara – Black Sea corridors

摘要: Abstract In this study, marine Pleistocene mollusc faunas from deposits along the southern shores of Izmit Bay area (Marmara Sea, Turkey) are reviewed. Ten samples five localities spanning middle and late intervals assessed compared to four a Holocene age. For fauna, total 59 species (33 bivalve 26 gastropod species) recorded, some which reported for first time region. The fauna bears large resemblance faunas, even though conditions were lacking during sea-level drops in Marmara Sea Basin intervening times. is dominated by that typify so-called Uzunlarian while indistinguishable Karangatian Black Basin. Several common (including Bittium reticulatum , Rissoa spp. Lucinella divaricata ) show both assemblages Yalova mainly represent seagrass palaeoenvironments. Palaeosalinities estimates uppermost mesohaline polyhaline, typically around or above 20 psu, almost similar optimum salinity Uzunlarian. However, it slightly lower then Upper Karangatian, representing location an embayment with freshwater input at time. sections located flank North Anatolian fault system responsible strong local uplift study area. contain evidence three high stands, separated terrestrial intervals. When regional rates (approximately 0.2 mm/y) oceanic sea-levels considered likely highstand correspond relative sea level stands MIS7, MIS5e possibly MIS5d but further required confirm such suggestion.