Geometry and kinematics of deformation in the Albanian orogenic belt during the Tertiary

Geological survey and structural analysis across the Central and Northern Albanides allows us to establish the kinematic and strain history of the Albanian orogenic belt from the time of the Tertiary continental collision between the Apulian and European plates. Four main deformation events are distinguished: D1 occurred during the Eocene–Oligocene, causing SW vergent imbrication of the External Albanides associated with NE-ward back thrusting. During D1 compression, the Korabi zone of the Internal Albanides together with the overlying Mirdita ophiolites, overthrust onto the External Albanides. Crustal thickening accompanied D1 deformation. D2 took place during the Oligocene–Miocene and was related to crustal thinning and extensional exhumation of the footwall External Albanides, while plate convergence continued and compression migrated SW-ward to the more external parts of the Albanides. During D2 extension, Mirdita ophiolites detached downwards to SW, covering parts of the External Albanides. A younger D3 NE-SW shortening followed during the Middle–Late Miocene. Finally, high angle D4 normal faults strongly modified from the Miocene onwards the pre-existing deformation geometry of the Albanides. The Tertiary kinematic evolution of the Albanides is in good agreement with the Tertiary kinematics history of the Hellenides, revealing that the same geodynamic processes affected both regions during the Tertiary.