Geology of the Zicavo Metamorphic Complex, southern Corsica (France)

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the Zicavo Metamorphic Complex (southern Corsica), which is part of the innermost Axial Zone of the Corsica-Sardinia Variscan belt. To better evaluate its geological and structural outline, a 1:5000 geological map, coupled with new structural/microstructural and petrographic data, is presented. The complex is formed by three tectonic units, from bottom to top: (i) an Orthogneiss Unit, (ii) a Leptyno-Amphibolite Unit, and (iii) a Micaschist Unit. They are separated by ductile shear zones with a top-to-the-SE sense of shear. They underwent a polyphase deformation and polymetamorphic history, with a shortening stage in the amphibolite facies, responsible for the main structures and shearing, followed by an exhumation phase.