Neogene to Quaternary rifting and inversion in Corsica: retreat and collision in the western Mediterranean

Stratigraphic, structural, and fission track data have been integrated in order to unravel the Neogene to Quaternary tectonic evolution of northeastern Corsica. Results indicate that during early to middle Miocene the study area was affected by a rapid cooling at low temperatures accompanied by exhumation and rifting. Basin inversion occurred during the Tortonian, again followed by extension in the Messinian to early Pliocene. Compressional deformations are finally recorded by early Pliocene to Quaternary deposits. Alternating rifting and inversion events are recorded not only in northeastern Corsica but also in many peri-Tyrrhenian regions. This alternation can be explained in terms of intraplate propagation of the compressional stress related to the Africa-Europe convergence and to a discontinuous slab retreat along the Apennine subduction system. A pause in the slab retreat implies a break of the back are extension in the upper plate, and it allows a temporary propagation of Africa-Europe compression.