The geological structure and the tectonic evolution as factors of instability in the Pindos zone area (Greece)

SummaryThe Geological Structure and the Tectonic Evolution as Factors of Instability in the Pindos Zone Area (Greece) The zone of flysch in western Greece is known as a terrane bearing the most frequent landslide manifestations. Nevertheless, extensive landslide phenomena have been observed in the trunk of central-western continental Greece, where the Olonos-Pindos isopic zone dominates. These take place on formations which, in contrast with the flysch, would be assumed as solidstable rocks on first consideration.In the present study the geologic-lithological structure, as well as the tectonic evolution of the above mentioned formations (mainly thin plated Upper Cretaceous limestones) are examined in correlation with the acting mechanism and causes of the observed mobilization. In addition, it is argued that the principal factors of instability, which prepare certain locations in long-term process for landslide manifestations, are connected with the geological structure and tectonic evolution of the Pindos zone and some particular characteristics of it. These features constitute inherent alpine factors of instability which, acting at places in conjunction with certain secondary exogene ones, progressively generate conditions of critical looseness of the rock.Finally, the observed general instability of the Corinthian gulf coastal slopes is mentioned, which is also closely connected with the prevailing vertical neotectonic movements and the accumulation of stresses in this active trough.With 3 Figures