Formulation of the conceptual model for the tectonic geomorphological evolution of an area: Five main rivers of Greece as a case study

Abstract

This paper associates the tectonic conditions of five rivers (integrated drainage networks) in northwestern Greece, for the purpose of formulating the conceptual model of its tectonic and geomorphological evolution. The applied methodology consisted in the synthesis of elements from the fields of Tectonics and Geomorphology, using suitable software and GIS-techniques, and the correlation of fault and drainage network trends by the use of rose diagrams to reveal the structures and tectonic events affecting the different orders of the branches and its evolution. The relation between morphology, tectonics and the development of the drainage network enabled comparison across different areas, the grouping of rivers and the identification of areas influenced by the same geodynamic regime. In northwestern Greece, two main groups of rivers were distinguished, flowing across areas featuring different tectonic conditions, while a transitional zone between them was defined. The stages of the area's tectonic and geomorphological evolution were identified with highlighting the definitive impact of tectonic structures on the configuration of the river routes, e.g. the Petousi-Souli Fault which forms a natural boundary in the centre of the study area and new elements were added. In view of the aforementioned, northwestern Greece is an independent transitional area in the geodynamic regime of the entire eastern Mediterranean. Notably, the methodology applied to these rivers may also be used in other areas, thus constituting a standard tool for investigating the geodynamic regime and evolution.