New stratigraphic and paleontological data from carbonates related to the Vourinos-Pindos ophiolite emplacement: Implications for the provenance of the ophiolites (Hellenides)

Abstract

Microfacies analysis and conodont dating on carbonates associated with the Vourinos-Pindos ophiolite emplacement on the Pelagonian unit in northern Greece, combined with structural analysis, enhance our understanding of the palaeogeography and geotectonic evolution of the Hellenides. We focus on a dismembered Triassic Hallstatt Limestone succession incorporated as blocks in the Middle-Late Jurassic Avdella ophiolitic mélange, which is identical to a Triassic succession in the western Pindos (Hallstatt/Pindos succession). Initially, the Hallstatt/Pindos succession was deposited on the outer shelf along the eastern Pelagonian margin and later incorporated into the mélange during west-directed obduction processes. During the Middle to early Late Jurassic, ophiolites obducted on the eastern Pelagonian margin, resulting in a nappe stack in front of the ophiolites in the lower plate position. Newly formed trench-like basins in front of the advancing nappe stack became filled with sedimentary mélanges, consisting of ophiolitic material mixed with blocks from the Hallstatt/Pindos succession, deposited in an outer shelf position. Subsequently, the Pindos ophiolites overthrust their foreland basin, forming a typical ophiolitic mélange (Avdella mélange). Consequently, the Triassic-Middle Jurassic Hallstatt/Pindos succession represents a far-traveled Middle-Late Jurassic nappe deriving east of the Pelagonian unit, which was bulldozed westward in front of the west-directed obducting Neotethys ophiolites. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Ophiolites, melanges and blueschists collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/ophiolites-melanges-and-blueschists