The Boeotian Flysch revisited: new constraints on ophiolite obduction in Central Greece

Abstract

This paper reports new data on biostratigraphy, stratigraphy and syn-sedimentary deformation of the so-called “Boeotian Flysch” cropping out in key areas in Central Greece (Levadhia, Parnassus, Iti). Because of its age, sedimentary evolution and mechanisms of the syn-sedimentary deformation, the Boeotian Flysch represents a key element providing useful hints on the Cretaceous paleogeography reconstruction of the Dinaric-Hellenic Chain and in particular on the obduction at the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition in the eastern continental margin of the Adria plate.

We provide here a new detailed study of different features of the Boeotian Flysch, with particular emphasis on reconstructing and dating its stratigraphy. In particular, we recognized two distinct turbiditic systems: the Lower Boeotian Flysch (Tithonian?-Aptian) and the Upper Boeotian Flysch (Cenomanian-Coniacian), which are separated by a main unconformity marking a sedimentary hiatus lasting from Aptian p.p. to Albian. By means of the improvement of the age, stratigraphy and deformation history of this syn-tectonic turbidite deposit, we therefore contribute to better define the chronology of the early phases of continental stage of obduction, and the following continental collision between Adria and Eurasia.

The analyses of the collected data allowed us to propose for the Boeotian Flysch a deposition within an obduction-related foredeep basin associated with a flexural depression/flexural bulge due to crustal loading of westerly-directed ophiolite obduction.