Transpressional deformation in northwestern Sardinia (Italy): insights on the tectonic evolution of the Variscan Belt

Structural investigations in northwestern Sardinia highlight the occurrence of a regional D2 transpressional deformation related both to NNE–SSW direction of compression and to a NW–SE shear displacement. The deformation is continuous and heterogeneous, showing a northward strain increase, indicated by progressively tighter folds and occurrence of F2 sheath folds. D2 transpression is characterised by the presence of a crustal-scale shear deformation overprinting previous D1 structures, related to nappe stacking and top-to-the-south and southwest thrusting. The L2 prominent stretching lineation points to an orogen-parallel extension and to a change in the tectonic transport from D1 to D2. It is attributed to the position of Sardinia close to the northeastern part of the Cantabrian indenter during the progressive evolution of the Ibero-Armorican Arc. D1 phase developed during initial frontal collision, whereas D2 deformation characterised the progressive effect of horizontal displacement during the increasing curvature of the arc. To cite this article: R. Carosi, G. Oggiano, C. R. Geoscience 334 (2002) 287–294.