Field guides

No.2: Mountain Building in Western Crete North and South of Sfinari

Folding of quartzite and phyllite strata and a second phase faulting indicate rock deformation at different levels within the earth’ crust. A nappe of Miocene rock on the Phyllite Quartzite unit indicates nappe tectonics.         

No.3: Triassic Gypsum of the Phyllite Quartzite Unit in Western Crete

Highly deformed gypsum occurs together with rauhwacke within the Phyllite Quartzite unit. The evaporate rock is thought to have severed as a lubricant during nappe tectonics. However, the stratigraphic allocation of the gypsum is still controversial.        

No.4: Western Crete, Stovles to Paleochora

Thick quartzite beds and siltstones have been offset by large faults containing fault gouge. A second location is a good example of the Cretan Detachment. A Tripoliza limestone nappe overlies the Phyllite Quartzite unit. Good examples of a tectonic thrust breccia.  

No.5: Kalamos-Sequence of the Phyllite-Quartzite Unit in Western Crete

Impressive isoclinal folds within phyllite and aragonite rocks. The presents of aragonite is a sign of high pressure low temperature metamorphism and subsequent rash uplift. Fossils are not deformed in spite of folding and metamorphic conditions.        

No.6: Holocene Reefs as Indicators of Sea Level Changes near Plakias

Marine organisms are important carbonate rock builders. This guide introduces some of the taxa and processes involved. A large Holocene reef is exposed along the coast revealing marine morphological features. Boulders of porphyritic volcanic rock are thought to have been deposited by a Tsunami.    

No.1: Pleistocene to Holocene Crustal Movement, Phalasarna, Paleochora and Aradhena Gorge

Ancient uplifted harbor ruins destroyed by a tsunami and erosional notches as well as red algae crusts help to determine former sea level changes. Fine examples of carbonate sand dune rock and former marine terraces.