Palaeo-stress regimes and structural framework during the Mesozoic-Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Crimean Mountains (the northern margin of the Black Sea)

• The Crimean Mtns (CM) are divided into two parts by a NW-SE oriented main fault zone. Two systems of E-W and faults were reactivated since the Cretaceous. structures control Cenozoic inversion CM. model shows major role indenter during inversion. This paper presents chronology tectonic events in Mountains based on micro- (palaeo-stress) macro-scale (tectonic structures) structural analysis Recent studies have attempted to fit geology CM geodynamic context subduction Neotethys plate beneath Eurasian margin; however, these attempts remain difficult controversial as they dominantly stratigraphic analysis. New results indicate that development within was largely determined influence pre-existing occurred long before Cretaceous rifting Black Sea (BS). could explain features geological structure Western Eastern separated Alushta–Simferopol Fault Zone (ASFZ). palaeo-stress allows us identify trends timing Mesozoic–Cenozoic deformations with greater precision. Superimposing low-magnitude seismicity (M ≤ 3) defined established cross-sections permit localization currently active structures. Considering both recent scientific achievements concerning this study, we propose qualitative formation BS Basin its BS-Greater Caucasus (GC). In model, Shatsky Ridge (ShR), moving north, acts an deforming GC. practical importance for modelling hydrocarbon exploration .