An overview of Mediterranean Ridge collisional accretionary complex as deduced from multichannel seismic data

The Mediterranean Ridge (eastern Mediterranean) is a large accretionary com plex that results from the Africa-Europe-Aegean plates convergence. Multich annel seismic data, combined with previous results showed that the ridge co mprises distinct major structural domains facing different forelands: (1) A n outer domain is bounded to the south by the ridge toe. Underneath the Ion ian and Levantine outer Ridge, Messinian evaporites act as a major decollem ent level. (2) An axial, or crestal, ridge domain with mud diapiric and mud volcano activity is bounded to the north by backthrust. (3) A less tectoni zed inner Ridge domain, possibly a series of former forearc basins, abuts t he Hellenic Trench. The ridge displays strong along-strike variations. Thes e variations can be interpreted as consequences of an ongoing collision aga inst the Libyan continental promontory.