Ophiolite complex of Demir Kapija, Gevgelija

Abstract

Ophiolite complex of Demir Kapija, Gevgelija is the largest block of the Vardar oceanic lithosphere preserved and situated in the central subzone of the Vardar zone. The complex has a NW-SE strike dipping towards northwest. In the territory of the Republic of Macedonia, it is 50 km long and 25 km wide. The complex extends further south in the territory of neighbouring Greece where it is known as Gevgelli series. The northwest position of the complex situated in Macedonia is covered by Upper Eocene – Pliocene layers of the Tikvesh valley. Towards southeast it is covered, in part, by Pliocene – Quaternary layers extending further south to the territory of Northern Greece. Investigations carried out so far on the geology, tectonics and lithostratigraphy of the ophiolite complex determined the following geologic structure: a formation of gabbros and accompanying plutons; a vein complex; a formation of massive basalts; a formation of spilitized pillow basalts; a spilite – keratophyre level; a basalt chert formation; a flysch formation and carbonate formation of Upper Tithonian age