Geodynamische Interpretation Ostkretas

The phenomenon of “Stockwerk“-tectonics characterizes Eastern Crete. Autochthonous bedded limestone (“Plattenkalk”) is overlain by the allochthonous units of the “Phyllitic-Series”, the Tripolitza- und Pindos-Series. The “Phyllitic-Series” were recognized as a mélange. The mélange is due to gravity-sliding tectonics under an overburden pressure. Geological evolution and geophysical data across the section Santorin-Crete were interpreted. Instead of a mobile crust hypothesis of moving plates with subduction zones a fixed crust hypothesis of vertical uplift and corresponding subsidence is suggested. The nappe transport by forces of gravity is a secondary effect.