Mirdita Zone ophiolites and associated sediments in Albania reveal Neotethys Ocean origin |
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| Authors: | Hans-Jürgen Gawlick Wolfgang Frisch Lirim Hoxha Paulian Dumitrica Leopold Krystyn Richard Lein Sigrid Missoni Felix Schlagintweit |
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| Institution: | 1.Department for Applied Geosciences and Geophysics: Prospection and Applied Sedimentology,University of Leoben,Leoben,Austria;2.Institute of Geosciences,University of Tübingen,Tübingen,Germany;3.Geological Survey of Albania,Tirana,Albania;4.Guemligen,Switzerland;5.Department of Palaeontology,University of Vienna,Vienna,Austria;6.Center for Earth Sciences,University of Vienna,Vienna,Austria |
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| Abstract: | The Mirdita Ophiolite Zone in Albania is associated with widespread mélanges containing components of up to nappe-size. We
dated matrix and components of the mélange by radiolarians, conodonts, and other taxa. The components consist of radiolarites,
pelagic limestones and shallow-water limestones, all of Triassic age, as well as ophiolites. Triassic radiolarite as a primary
cover of ophiolite material proves Middle Triassic onset of Mirdita ocean-floor formation. The mélange contains a turbiditic
radiolarite-rich matrix (“radiolaritic flysch”), dated as Late Bajocian to Early Oxfordian. It formed as a synorogenic sediment
during west-directed thrusting of ophiolite and sediment-cover nappes representing ocean floor and underplated fragments of
the western continental margin. The tectonic structures formed during these orogenic events (“Younger Kimmeridian or Eohellenic
Orogeny”) are sealed by Late Jurassic platform carbonates. The geological history conforms with that of the Inner Dinarides
and adjoining areas; we therefore correlate the Mirdita-Pindos Ophiolite Zone with the Vardar Zone and explain its present
position by far-distance west-directed thrusting. |
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| Keywords: | Albania Mirdita ophiolites Neotethys Ocean Ophiolitic mélange Vardar Zone |
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