Tectonic control of the Meteora conglomeratic formations (Mesohellenic basin, Greece)

A major tectonic influence on the formation of Meteora's iconic conglomeratic pinnacles is revealed, with deformation linked to subduction beneath the Mesohellenic basin (MHB) driving a shift from marl to conglomerate deposition. This change, observed across the MHB, is supported by sedimentological and structural evidence, including tilting within fan-deltas and large pebble inputs from rapidly uplifted eastern regions. The study identifies two successive depocenters separated by a faulted anticline (Theopetra-Theotokos structure), with vertical movements dominating deformation, including early Miocene synsedimentary normal faults. The research integrates sedimentological analysis with structural geology to unravel the tectonic controls shaping Meteora's unique landscape.

Ferriere, J., Chanier, F., Reynaud, J.-Y., Pavlopoulos, A., Ditbanjong, P., Migiros, G., Coutand, I., Stais, A., & Bailleul, J. (2011). Tectonic control of the Meteora conglomeratic formations (Mesohellenic basin, Greece). Bulletin de La Société Géologique de France, 182(5), 437–450. https://doi.org/10.2113/gssgfbull.182.5.437