Abstract
Detailed studies in the Western Limassol Forest Complex, Cyprus have revealed plutonic and structural histories that differ markedly from the Penrose type ophiolite of the Troodos Massif to the north. A tectonized harzburgite of upper mantle origin acts as host to multiple mafic and ultramafic intrusions, forming a plutonic core complex. Mafic and picrite dykes cut and are cut by E–W trending shear zones, demonstrating syn-tectonic magmatism. A retrogressive metamorphic and progressive cooling history of the intrusive suite indicates uplift of the host, mantle harzburgite while in a sea-floor setting. It is suggested here that the geological evolution of the Western Limassol Forest Complex indicates formation of anomalous oceanic lithosphere in the active domain of an Upper Cretaceous, leaky transform fault.
