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

摘要: 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.