Tertiary extension of continental crust and uplift of Psiloritis metamorphic core complex in the central part of the Hellenic Arc (Crete, Greece)

Abstract

Kinematic analysis of the deformation in central Crete suggests that the structural evolution and exhumation of the high pressure/low temperature (HP/LT) rocks outcropping at the Mount Psiloritis metamorphic core complex are associated with a regional, Miocene, north —south extension and thinning of the continental crust. This tectonic regime developed under bulk coaxial strain conditions, with ductile deformation in the lower and brittle deformation in the upper crust, and followed, on the decompressional path, a north — south compression associated with a HP/LT metamorphism in the lower crust. This compressional event took place during Oligocene — Early Miocene and led to overthickening of the accretionary wedge in the Hellenic Arc. An east —west directed compression accompanied, in the final stages, the Miocene north — south extension of the continental crust.