Sur la geologie de l'Egee; regard sur la Crete (Grece)

Abstract

Abstract The oldest rocks exposed on Crete (Greece) are Paleozoic? metamorphic rocks. Five series are represented in the overlying sedimentary cover, whose deposition took place in a geosynclinal environment from Triassic to Eocene time. Molasse deposits are the principal representatives of the late geosynclinal phase (Miocene); marls and limy sandstones and conglomerates were formed during the postgeosynclinal phase (Pliocene). Major faults are the dominant tectonic feature of the island. Two nappes are identified: the Pindus nappe on which the ophiolitic (sub-Pelagonian) nappe is superimposed in places. Differential uplift and intense normal faulting have broken the island into a number of massifs separated by lowlands.