Kinematics of Late Cretaceous subduction initiation in the Neo‐Tethys Ocean reconstructed from ophiolites of Turkey, Cyprus, and Syria

• DOI: 10.1002/2016jb013821
• Publication Date: 2017-04-05T22:18:18Z
• Authors: Marco Maffione; Douwe J. J. van H...; Giovanni I. N. O....; Freek C. van der ...; Antony Morris
• Keywords: geodynamics; Tethys Ocean; Obduction

Abstract Formation of new subduction zones represents one the cornerstones plate tectonics, yet both kinematics and geodynamics governing this process remain enigmatic. A major initiation event occurred in Late Cretaceous, within Neo‐Tethys Ocean between Gondwana Eurasia. Suprasubduction zone ophiolites (i.e., emerged fragments ancient oceanic lithosphere formed at suprasubduction spreading centers) were generated during are today distributed eastern Mediterranean region along three ~E‐W trending ophiolitic belts. Several models have been proposed to explain formation these evolution associated intra‐Neo‐Tethyan zone. Here we present paleospreading directions from six Upper Cretaceous Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, calculated by using published paleomagnetic data sheeted dyke complexes. Our results show that ~NNE‐SSW which propose part a step‐shaped system composed ~WNW‐ESE segments. We infer developed old (Triassic?) lithosphere, fracture perpendicular weakness zones, since Neo‐Tethyan ridge fragmentation would already subducted Pontides Cretaceous. provide an alternative kinematic model call for future research on mechanisms inception (and cold) metamorphic soles below absence nearby ridges.