Foliated cataclasites at the base of the Antola unit (italy):structural features and geological implications

The Antola unit is a huge and wide nappe belonging to the Liguride of the Northern Apennines (Italy), deformed at high structural levels during the Eocene tectonic events related to closure of the Ligure-Piemontese oceanic basin and the subsequent continental collision. In this paper the structural study of foliated cataclasites recognized at the base of the Antola unit is provided. The foliated cataclasites display a well-developed S foliation and less abundant R shears, showing a top-to-the-northwest sense of shear. This supports a northwestward 'alpine' vergence of the Antola unit during the early stage of its emplacement during the Eocene.