Abstract

Correlations of the geological elements between different segments of the Variscan Belt in southern Europe (Maures Massif, Corsica-Sardinia Block, Northern Apennines) allow to define a common structural-metamorphic evolution from Early Carboniferous syn-collisional event to the Late Carboniferous-Early Permian, extensional shearing events. In particular, the composite extensional tectonism in the Maures Massif (e.g. the Grimaud Fault) and Sardinia (e.g. the Posada-Asinara Line) consists of two shearing events: a ductile event in the amphibolite facies and and a following ductile (greenschist facies)/brittle and brittle event. During the latter event, syn-tectonic magmatism took place. The correlation of the pre-Alpine successions of the Northern Apennines with ones of the Central and NE Sardinia suggests a possible continuation of the Posada Valley Zone and the Posada-Asinara Line within the Tuscan segment of the Variscan belt. Also on the basis of paleogeographic data, we suggest that, during the Carboniferous-Permian times, the Maures Massif, Corsica-Sardinia block and the Tuscan part of Adria (Northern Apennines) were likely adjacent in the southern part of the Variscan Belt.