Abstract The Preveli nappe of Crete (Uppermost Unit) is derived from Permo-Triassic sediments and volcanics. Structural data, deformation microfabrics and petrological constraints suggest that subduction of the Preveli rocks was related to ESE-directed D2 shearing under epidote-blueschist-facies conditions ( T = 360 ± 40°C and P > 1.0 GPa). New U-Pb ages of rutile from blueschist (132 ± 12 and 135 ± 10 Ma, 2σ) suggest that subduction and related HP-LT metamorphism occurred during the Early Cretaceous (Eohellenic phase). 39 Ar- 40 Ar dating of ferri-winchite and Rb-Sr dating of phengite yielded 125 ± 10 Ma (1σ) and 131 ± 7 Ma (2σ), respectively, which also reflect the subduction stage. Further Rb-Sr dating of phengite and albite, coupled with trace element data (B, Li), revealed four growth stages, which are younger. They range from 120 to 90 Ma and are attributed to fluid-assisted shearing and reactivation of the main foliation at still deep structural levels (>1 GPa). Alpine emplacement of the Preveli nappe on top of the Pindos Unit was accommodated by brittle top-to-the west thrusting and west-vergent D3 folding. The age of this event has been constrained at 31 ± 9 Ma (2σ), by U-Pb dating of calcite. Despite the uncertainty, this age confirms that the Preveli nappe was emplaced after the deposition of the Paleogene Pindos flysch. The new data suggest that the Preveli nappe is derived from the Rhodope-Strandja or from the Sakarya Zone of Turkey. When travelling towards its recent position on Crete, the Preveli nappe should have passed the Cyclades, where similar rocks are exposed.
Zulauf et al. (Thu,) studied this question.