Extensional collapse of the Hellenides: a review.

  1. A. A. Kilias 1
  2. M. D. Tranos 1
  3. M. Orozco 2
  4. F. M. Alonso-Chaves 3
  5. J.I. Soto 2
  1. 1 Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
    info

    Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

    Salónica, Grecia

    ROR https://ror.org/02j61yw88

  2. 2 Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra
    info

    Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra

    Granada, España

    ROR https://ror.org/00v0g9w49

  3. 3 Universidad de Huelva
    info

    Universidad de Huelva

    Huelva, España

    ROR https://ror.org/03a1kt624

Journal:
Revista de la Sociedad Geológica de España

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.