Geodynamics of collision and collapse at the Africa–Arabia–Eurasia subduction zone – an introduction

Shortly after the recognition of plate-tectonics, Wilson (1966) proposed his now famous cycle describing the creation and demise of ocean basins. His original four stages still form the basis for plate-tectonic discussions today: (1) rifting of a continent; (2) continental drift, sea-floor spreading and formation of ocean basins; (3) subduction initiation and progressive closure of ocean basins by subduction of oceanic lithosphere; and (4) con-tinent–continent collision and final closure of an ocean basin. The Mediterranean basin constitutes the westernmost extremity of the Tethyan domain (e.g. Stampfli & Borel 2002). Here, the last remains of this former oceanic basin have nearly disappeared, thus representing stage (4). This final