Convergence between the African and European plates during the Cenozoic together with deep mantle dynamics have caused the formation of acute arcs in the Western Mediterranean and associated intraplate volcanism in NW Africa at different scales. The region is a complex orogen that provides a natural laboratory where to test hypotheses on the evolution of subduction and collision of plates, large scale strike-slip deformation, and intraplate deformation, mantle plumes and volcanism. A number of new geological and geophysical data acquisition efforts are focused in this area and open the door for new reinterpretations and discoveries. The aim of the session is to foster exchange and collaboration among researchers from various disciplines to gain a better understanding of this region. We solicit studies from geophysics, geodesy, numerical modeling, tectonics, volcanology, geochronology, metamorphic and igneous petrology, as well as integrated studies aimed at constraining the lithospheric structure, tectonics and geodynamic evolution of this region. We specially encourage contributions constraining the operation of (active or ancient) deep processes using geophysics, geodesy, structural geology, and petrology and geochemistry of lower crust and mantle, volcanism and associated xenoliths.

Sponsored by International Lithospheric Project (ILP)– Task Force “Medyna”