Remnants of the Hercynian orogen along the 'Calabrian-Peloritan arc', southern Italy: a review

Remnants of the Hercynian orogen, disturbed by Alpine tectonics, occur widely along the ‘Calabrian-Peloritan arc’. Indications of former oceanic conditions, for example Palaeozoic ophiolites and original deep water sediments, are lacking. Metamorphism developed under intermediate to low pressure conditions; the post-metamorphic plutonism appears to be more compatible with intracontinental orogenic processes than with an active continental margin. The possible evolution of this segment of the Hercynian orogen is discussed.