Rift Segmentation: structural mapping of syn-rift successions between the Kerpini-Tsivlos and Mamoussia-Pirgaki Faults, Greece

Abstract

The Corinth Rift of Central Greece is currently active in the Gulf of Corinth. A series of rotated fault blocks from the early rift stages are preserved onshore in the southern part of the rift. These are well-exposed in incised river valleys, allowing detailed studies of normal faulting and associated syn-rift sedimentation. The study area for this project is limited between the Kerpini-Tsivlos and Mamoussia-Pirgaki Faults. This is an area where lateral correlation of faults and sedimentary packages is challenging, evident by a great variety in previous interpretations. Several major faults cannot be traced directly across the river valleys, and there is an ongoing debate about whether these faults terminate or are displaced laterally by relay or transfer structures. Through detailed structural mapping assisted by 3D modelling software, this study has investigated the along-strike continuity of faults and depocentres. Furthermore, it has investigated the relative age relationships between faulting and sedimentation in order to contribute to the understanding of the rift evolution.