The Mirdita Ophiolite Zone in Albania is associated with widespread
melanges containing components of up to nappe-size. We dated matrix and
components of the melange by radiolarians, conodonts, and other taxa.
The components consist of radiolarites, pelagic limestones and
shallow-water limestones, all of Triassic age, as well as ophiolites.
Triassic radiolarite as a primary cover of ophiolite material proves
Middle Triassic onset of Mirdita ocean-floor formation. The melange
contains a turbiditic radiolarite-rich matrix (''radiolaritic
flysch''), dated as Late Bajocian to Early Oxfordian. It formed as a
synorogenic sediment during west-directed thrusting of ophiolite and
sediment-cover nappes representing ocean floor and underplated fragments
of the western continental margin. The tectonic structures formed during
these orogenic events (''Younger Kimmeridian or Eohellenic
Orogeny'') are sealed by Late Jurassic platform carbonates. The
geological history conforms with that of the Inner Dinarides and
adjoining areas; we therefore correlate the Mirdita-Pindos Ophiolite
Zone with the Vardar Zone and explain its present position by
far-distance west-directed thrusting.