Geodynamics of the Aegean Sea and surrounding mountains in the Mediterranean mobile belt

The data available on the tectonic structure, seismicity, and recent horizo ntal crustal movements in the Aegean Sea and adjacent mountainous areas ind icate that the Neogene-Quaternary geodynamics of this region can be consist ently interpreted solely in terms of the assumption that the tectogenesis o f the region is controlled by a volume enlargement in layered rocks due to the influx of additional mineral material carried by deep fluids. The consi derable role of the lateral movement of the Anatolian microplate is doubtle ss. The problem related to the effect of the northward drift and subduction of the African lithospheric plate remains unclear.