Testing alternative tectonic models for the Permian-Pleistocene tectonic development of the Kyrenia Range, N Cyprus: Implications for E Mediterranean Tethyan palaeogeography

Abstract

Three published alternative tectonic models of the Permian-Pleistocene development of the Kyrenia Range, N Cyprus are tested, supported by new field, geochemical and micropalaeontological evidence: 1. The Kyrenia Range represents the northern continental margin of the S Neotethys, close to its present relative position. The range initiated as a Permian-Cretaceous rift/passive margin, switching to a N-facing active margin during Late Cretaceous-Neogene; 2. The Range was located along the N African continental margin until the Neogene when northward subduction transferred it to the southern margin of the Eurasian plate; 3. The Range is a far-travelled allochthon that was emplaced to near its present position, probably during the Eocene.In the light of regional comparisons, especially with southern Turkey, the combined evidence mainly supports tectonic model 1. Sedimentary and palaeontological data show that the restored stratigraphy of the Kyrenia Range indicates Late Permian initial rifting and Early-Middle Triassic advanced rifting, followed by Jurassic-Early Cretaceous passive margin subsidence. Small exposures of ophiolite-related melange located between the Mesozoic carbonate platform and the overlying latest Cretaceous-Palaeogene deep-water volcanic-sedimentary succession include evidence of HP/LT metamorphism, pointing to Late Cretaceous subduction. MORB/boninites, diabase-gabbro and extensive harzburgitic serpentinite originated as a SSZ ophiolite, together with a possible high-grade metamorphic sole (garnet amphibolite) and an accretionary prism (E-MORB/OIB; metachert). Microfossil evidence indicates exhumation of the melange and the underlying platform prior to Late Maastrichtian. A mass-transport complex formed within a compression-related foredeep during the Middle Eocene. Associated southward thrusting and folding culminated in emergence and subaerial erosion, generating a major unconformity, that was followed by subaerial and then marine deltaic deposits (Late Eocene-Oligocene). Following major Late Miocene southward thrusting, uplift of the Kyrenia Range took place during the Pleistocene, related to collision of the leading edge of the North African plate (Eratosthenes Seamount) with the Eurasian (Anatolian) plate.