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Geodynamic evolution of ophiolites from Albania and Greece (Dinaric-Hellenic belt): one, two, or more oceanic basins?

Authors :
Bortolotti, Valerio
Chiari, Marco
Marroni, Michele
Pandolfi, Luca
Principi, Gianfranco
Saccani, Emilio
Source :
International Journal of Earth Sciences; Apr2013, Vol. 102 Issue 3, p783-811, 29p, 3 Diagrams, 2 Charts, 3 Graphs, 2 Maps
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

All the geological constraints for an exhaustive reconstruction of the Triassic to Tertiary tectonic history of the southern Dinaric-Hellenic belt can be found in Albania and Greece. This article aims to schematically reconstruct this long tectonic evolution primarily based on a detailed analysis of the tectonic setting, the stratigraphy, the geochemistry, and the age of the ophiolites. In contrast to what was previously reported in the literature, we propose a new subdivision on a regional scale of the ophiolite complexes cropping out in Albania and Greece. This new subdivision includes six types of ophiolite occurrences, each corresponding to different tectonic units derived from a single obducted sheet. These units are represented by: (1) sub-ophiolite mélange, (2) Triassic ocean-floor ophiolites, (3) metamorphic soles, (4) Jurassic fore-arc ophiolites, (5) Jurassic intra-oceanic-arc ophiolites, and (6) Jurassic back-arc basin ophiolites. The overall features of these ophiolites are coherent with the existence of a single, though composite, oceanic basin located east of the Adria/Pelagonian continental margin. This oceanic basin was originated during the Middle Triassic and was subsequently (Early Jurassic) affected by an east-dipping intra-oceanic subduction. This subduction was responsible for the birth of intra-oceanic-arc and back-arc oceanic basins separated by a continental volcanic arc during the Early to Middle Jurassic. From the uppermost Middle Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous, an obduction developed, during which the ophiolites were thrust westwards firstly onto the neighboring oceanic lithosphere and then onto the Adria margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14373254
Volume :
102
Issue :
3
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
International Journal of Earth Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
86213130
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-012-0835-7