Structural applications and discussion of a paleomagnetic post-Paleozoic data base for the Central Mediterranean

Abstract

A post-Paleozoic paleomagnetic data base has been compiled for the Central Mediterranean, with the intention of listing directions at the highest possible level of data combination. The value of the entries depends on the number and quality of data available. The most reliable data are those based on regionally distributed localities and sites where the age is known to a stage and where tectonic correction has been made; these represent a whole tectonic unit in a given period of time. The lowest-quality directions are those based on few samples and isolated in space and time. In the tectonic interpretation of the listed data this variation in quality of data has been taken into consideration. Indications for Cenozoic movements having a fundamental influence on the now observable distribution of the clockwise and counter-clockwise rotated paleomagnetic directions were treated first, and those for older movements afterwards. Microplate, block and nappe movements were considered as possible mechanisms for the rotation. Of these, the last two mechanisms explained satisfactorily the occasional local deviations from a general pattern. Other differences, however, such as those which exist between the Northern Calcareous Alps or the Tisza unit and the counter-clockwise rotated superunit of the Central Mediterranean, which are large and persisted through a longer period of time, are best explained by independent movement of the whole unit.