Extensional collapse of the Hellenides: a review.
- A. A. Kilias 1
- M. D. Tranos 1
- M. Orozco 2
- F. M. Alonso-Chaves 3
- J.I. Soto 2
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1
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
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2
Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra
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3
Universidad de Huelva
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ISSN: 0214-2708
Year of publication: 2002
Volume: 15
Issue: 3-4
Pages: 129-139
Type: Article
More publications in: Revista de la Sociedad Geológica de España
Abstract
In this paper we summarise the geometry and kinematics of late-orogenic extension and orogen collapse in the Hellenic arc-shaped orogen during the Tertiary. The Hellenic orogen shows both symmetric and asymmetric late-orogenic extension giving rise to the exhumation of deep-seated crustal rocks. Double-vergent extension took place in the cold accretionary pris (Olympos, Ossa, Pelion, and Crete) without significant crustal heating, whereas asymmetric extensional collapse occurred in the back-arc areas (Rhodope and Cyclades), associated with significant crustal heating. Extension started in the internal Hellenides during the Eocene and extended progressively to the external Hellenides during the Miocene. Tertiary late-orogenic extension of the Hellenides occurred concomitantly behind a south-to-southwest migrating compressional front, finally forming an arched orogenic system. Late-orogenic extension in the Hellenides could have been driven by changes in the rate and direction of convergence between the African and Eurasian plates during the Tertiary.