Seismic Stratigraphy of Offshore Esenköy, Eastern Sea of Marmara; Türkiye

This study presents a high-resolution seismic stratigraphic and structural interpretation of the Esenköy offshore which is located at the northern margin of the Armutlu Peninsula in the Sea of Marmara. Four distinct seismic units (U1–U4) were identified based on variations in reflection characteristics, continuity, depositional and truncation geometries. Unit U1 is characterized by weak, parallel reflections, thinning northward, while U2 displays sigmoid clinoforms that thicken in the same direction. Unit U3 shows parallel to semi-parallel reflections and is marked by high-amplitude boundaries, whereas the lowermost unit, U4, exhibits chaotic to discontinuous reflectors indicative of older or tectonically influenced deposits. Seismic profiles reveal marked changes from south to north, including the development of canyon head structures that incise into the upper surface of U3 without affecting deeper units. Depth structure and thickness maps indicate that tectonic activity, sediment input variability, and slope morphology play key roles in controlling the distribution and deposition of these units. The results highlight the combined influence of tectonic structuring, sedimentary processes, and morphological evolution in shaping the stratigraphy of this tectonically active marine margin.