Tectonic evolution of the North Aegean trough

Abstract

Summary Geological field data are used together with interpretation of Landsat images, results obtained during a Jean Charcot cruise in 1972, and other available seismic reflection profiles, to discuss the tectonic evolution of the North Aegean trough. This bathymetric trough is located over a narrow sedimentary basin with up to 6 km of sediment connected to two NNW-SSE sedimentary basins: the Thermaïkos and Kavala basins. The prevailing tectonic regime is extensional associated with strike-slip, with no evidence of compression as confirmed by seismo-tectonic observations. This regime has dominated the evolution of the North Aegean, as the prolongation of the North Anatolian fault since the Tortonian, However, the present eastern bathymetric trough does not have the same tectonic origin. The main extensional zone apparently lies to the north of it and continues eastward into the Thrace basin up to the Maritsa fault.