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Kinematics of the Alpine arc and the motion history of Adria

Nature volume 337, pages 158–161 (1989)Cite this article

Abstract

The Alps have been interpreted traditionally in terms of north- or northwest-directed convergence between Africa and Europe1, with Adria (the continental underpinnings of the Adriatic sea and northern Italy) acting as a promontory of the African continent2. This has been supported by recent analyses of Africa/Europe relative plate motions3–5, which indicate dominantly north–south-directed convergence during the Tertiary phase of intracontinental shortening. We show here, however, that kinematic indicators from Alpine tectonites are difficult to reconcile with this motion history (Figs 1 and 2), and are explained best by roughly west-northwest-directed Adria–Europe motion since about 70 million years ago, combined with an arc-normal pattern of motion driven by local body forces. This implies that Adria has moved independently of both Africa and Europe since at least the Late Cretaceous.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PR, England, UK

    J. P. Platt, P. C. Cunningham, J. F. Dewey, M. Helman, M. G. Shepley, S. Wallis & P. J. Western

  2. IGL, Universität Giessen, Senckenbergstrasse 3, D-6300, Giessen, FRG

    J. H. Behrmann

  3. BP, Britannic House, Moor Lane, London, EC2Y 9BU, England, UK

    M. Parish

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Platt, J., Behrmann, J., Cunningham, P. et al. Kinematics of the Alpine arc and the motion history of Adria. Nature 337, 158–161 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1038/337158a0

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