Geophysical
outlook on structure of the Albanides
Alfred
Frasheri1*, Salvatore Bushati2 and Vilson Bare3
1
Polytechnic University of Tirana, Faculty of Geology and
Mining
,
Albania
.
2
Academy of Sciences of
Republic
of
Albania
,
Tirana
,
Albania
3
National Scientific Center of Hydrocarbons,
Fier
,
Albania
(*)
Corresponding author (frasherialfred@yahoo.com)
(Received
16 May 2009; accepted 28 November 2009)
Abstract: The Albanides represent the assemblage of the
geological structures in the
territory
of
Albania
. This paper presents a review of the existing seismological, reflection seismic,
gravity, magnetic, electrical, and geothermal information, and relates them to
the geological structure of the Albanides. Two major paleogeographic domains
form the Albanides. The Internal Albanides belong to the Subpelagonian Trough.
The External Albanides develop out of the
Western passive margin and continental shelf of the Adriatic plate. Regional
gravity anomalies are attributed to the depth variation of the Moho
discontinuity, and the block structure setting of the crust. The Albanides are
interrupted by a system of longitudinal fractures in NW - SE direction and
transversal fractures. Intensive Bouguer anomalies and turbulent magnetic field
with weak anomalies characterize the ophiolithic belt of the Internal Albanides.
These data favor the allochton character of ophiolites. The Internal and the
External Albanides show a nape character. A common feature of Ionian and Kruja
structural belts in External Albanides is their Westward thrusting. Two tectonic
styles are observed in the Ionian zone, namely duplex and imbricate tectonics.
Miocene and Pliocene molasses of Peri-Adriatic Depression cover the Western part
of Ionian zone.