Interactions of plutons and detachments: a comparison of Aegean and Tyrrhenian granitoids

Abstract. Back-arc extension superimposed on mountain belts leads to distributed normal faults and shear zones interacting with magma emplacement within the crust. The composition of granitic magmas emplaced at this stage often involves a large component crustal melting. Miocene Aegean granitoids were in metamorphic core complexes (MCCs) below crustal-scale low-angle ductile zones. Intrusion processes interact along detachments, from hot magmatic flow pluton root zone colder brittle deformation detachment. A comparison plutons island Elba MCC back-arc region Apennine subduction shows that these are characteristic pluton–detachment interactions general. We discuss conceptual model, tested by numerical models. Mafic injections partially molten lower crust above asthenosphere trigger ascent felsic magmas, controlled strain localization persistent top guide until transition. Once system definitely enters regime, detachment upper intruded, while new detachments migrate upward direction shearing.