Late Cenozoic Evolution and Present Tectonic Setting of the Aegean–Hellenic Arc

The Aegean–Hellenic arc is a deformed sector of long heterogeneous orogenic system (Tethyan belt), constituted by an inner old metamorphic crystalline core flanked younger chains European and African affinity, running from the Anatolian to Pelagonian zones. Due convergence between Arabian promontory Eurasian continental domain, that belt has undergone westward extrusion, accommodated oroclinal bending, at expense surrounding low buoyancy domains. Since late Miocene, when Aegean Tethyan collided with Adriatic promontory, southward bowing accelerated, leading consumption Levantine Ionian oceanic domains formation Mediterranean Ridge accretionary complex. peculiar distribution extensional compressional deformation in zone mainly been influenced different rheological behaviours ductile (Cyclades arc) brittle outer (Hellenic arc). developed without involving any major fragmentation, whereas underwent break its most curved sector, which led separation eastern (Crete–Rhodes) western (Peloponnesus) Hellenic sectors. After separation, these structures shortening patterns, respectively driven southwestern Anatolia Libyan Cycladic Arc domain (Peloponnesus). A discussion given about compatibility observed pattern main alternative geodynamic interpretations Nubia–Eurasia relative motions so far proposed.