Synthesis of Literature and Field Work Data Leading to the Compilation of a New Geological Map—A Review of Geology of Northwestern Greece

摘要

This paper presents the geological structure of the entire region of northwestern Greece (Epirus). Four geotectonic zones (Subpelagonian, Pindos, Gavrovo, and Ionian) develop in this area, overthrusting one another, their compression axes trending NE-SW. Normal, reverse, and strike-slip faults with main directions NNW-SSE, NE-SW, and E-W have influenced the geological formations. In the context of this paper, the results of all previous, relevant studies were considered, summarized and reviewed, in order to provide a brief historical recursion and present some of the most important discoveries made in the area, from 1840 until present. All these results were evaluated and combined, the geological formations were grouped according to their characteristics and field work enabled the confirmation or addition of new data, which led to the compilation of a new geological map, using GIS techniques, for the improved visualization of the geological and tectonic structure of northwestern Greece. This map illustrates a lot of new data, based on detailed geological-tectonic mapping, depicting the precise boundaries of the geological formations, detecting of Neogene and Quaternary sediments and evaluating fault activity. The knowledge and illustration of an area’s geological structure constitute a dynamic tool for further scientific research and economic development.