Evidence from Late Cretaceous-Paleogene volcanic rocks of the Kyrenia Range, northern Cyprus for the northern, active continental margin of the Southern Neotethys

Abstract Late Cretaceous felsic and latest Cretaceous-Paleogene basaltic volcanic rocks are exposed throughout the Kyrenia Range, N Cyprus. Field mapping of key, well-exposed western range indicates that volcanics mainly crop out in southerly, frontal part range, separated from farther north by a thrust. New U-Pb zircon dating primary age c. 74.0?Ma (Late Campanian). The characterised evolved compositions were probably generated an extensional subduction-related setting. Their relatively low Nb Y but high Rb concentrations, together with characteristic Th/Ta ratios (6–20), suggest mature continental arc have within-plate chemical characteristics (in east), although some subordinate subduction influence; e.g. negative west). Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic signatures (i.e. positive eNd(t) eHf(t) values) derivation basalts several OIB-like mantle sources, probable involvement crustal (recycled) component elevated Nb/Y ratios). Comparisons SE Turkey, where arc-related granitic widely developed, Range igneous may originated to south Alanya metamorphic massif (N Cyprus) correlative units Turkey. Cyprus Turkey (Maden Complex) interpreted represent incipient marginal basin formation, possibly oblique-convergent setting, prior Miocene suturing Arabia. In light alternatives, we infer genesis Paleogene related stages development northerly active margin Southern Neotethys.