Neogene outer-arc evolution in the Cretan segment of the Hellenic arc: tectonic, sedimentary and geodynamic reconstructions

Abstract

The work presented in this thesis aims to establish a high-resolution tectonic and sedimentary reconstruction of Neogene extensional basins on Crete, in combination with a quantification of the extension development in a continental outer-arc. The first step considers the establishment of a detailed tectonostratigraphy, which concentrates on the timing of the various late Paleogene and Neogene deformation phases on Crete. Then, the relationship between deformation and geodynamics was determined by comparing the resolved tectonostratigraphy with the results of forward numerical modelling of horizontal patterns of stress and deformation associated with the Hellenic subduction. Finally, the integration of the tectonostratigraphy with basin-fill patterns of the Late Miocene half-grabens provides good means to dicriminate between regional and local effects on the evolution of the Cretan half-graben basins.