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TECTONIC NAPPES & DETACHMENT FAULTS

52. Erimoupolis Thrust

Over the beach of Erimoupolis there is a characteristic thrust of the Tripolitsa tectonic nappe (limestone) on the Phyllite-Quartzite tectonic nappe (shale and other metamorphic rocks). The tectonic conduct (thrust) is observed over a great length along the road. The conduct is part of the Crete Detachment Fault.

53. Karydi Thrust

The impressive tectonic contact of the limestones of Tripoli on the sapphires of the Phylites – Quartzites seems very clear on the slopes of the road. This tectonic contact, also known as the Cretan detachment fault, is a very large fault with almost horizontal surface, which runs almost all of Crete. This fault creates the conditions for the appearance of many springs as the water penetrating the limestone of Tripoli meets the underlying impenetrable Phylites – Quartzites.

54. Kato Zakros Thrust

In the gorge of Kato Zakros one can observe the characteristic Tripolitsa tectonic nappe thrust on the Phyllite-Quartzite (shale and other metamorphic rocks) tectonic nappe. Tectonic conduct (thrust) can also be observed at other points within the gorge and is its base level, creating the conditions necessary for the development of small springs.

55. Xirolimni Tectonic Nappe

The area of Xirolimni is characteristic both due to its wind park and also for its tectonic structure, as one can observe there the entire Tripolitsa tectonic nappe on the Phyllites – Quartzites. The typical observation position of the nappe isjust east of Armi peak.

56. Adravastoi Thrust

Just before the hamlet of Adravasti is the characteristic Tripolitsa tectonic nappe thrust on the Phyllite-Quartzite (shale and other metamorphic rocks) tectonic nappe. The tectonic conduct (thrust) is observed over a great length along the road. The conduct is part of the Crete Detachment Fault.

57. Skalia Thrust

Just before the Skalia position, on the E4 trail, one can make out the thrust of the Magassa tectonic nappe on the Tripolitsa nappe. Through tectonic conduct (thrust) one can see the Magassa limestone on the Tripolitsa flysch.

58. Katsounaki Thrust

On the cliffs above the road to Xerokambos, shortly before the hamlet, one can make out the thrust of the Magassa tectonic nappe on the Tripolitsa nappe. Through tectonic conduct (thrust) one can see the Magassa limestone on the Tripolitsa flysch.

59. Estavromenos Klippe

Just above the settlement of Pefki, to its northwest, dominates a steep and high hill, at the top of which is the church of Estavromenos. From a geotectonic point of view, this hill constitutes a κlippe (hence the name Estavromenos Klippe), i.e. a residual form of the tectonic nappe (cover) of Tripoli on the Phyllites – Chalazites s.l. The hill consists of limestones of Tripoli which are tectonically placed on the metamorphosed rocks of Phyllites – Chalazites s.l. which we observe at the base of the hill, from where the steps to its top begin, where the small church is. The view from the top is unique, as it lends itself to the interpretation of the geological landscape, but it also stretches generously towards the South Cretan Sea.