The late Alpine evolution of an extensional shear zone, Naxos, Greece

The mid-Miocene structural evolution of the metamorphic complex on Naxos involved deformation in a kilometre-scale low angle ductile shear zone. The structures described are consistent with exhumation of the metamorphic complex during crustal extension after, and possibly during, localized high temperature Barrovian-style metamorphism. Non-coaxial fabrics developed throughout the structural history indicate that upper levels were transported to the north during ductile extension. This shear Sense is opposite that inferred previously for the development ‘Cordilleran-style metamophic core complexes’ in the Cvclades. Ductile deformation was accompanied during its later stages by E-W directed compression.