Petrographic and geochemical characteristics of the ophiolitic rocks in Northern Samothrace, Greece

The ophiolite occurence in Samothrace consists of mafic plutonic rocks intruded by W-trending dolerite dikes. The petrographic and geochemical examination suggests tha tthey are gabbros corresponding to the intermediate segment of an ophiolite sequence.
   All rocks studied have tholeitic compositions. In addition the dolerites yield geochemical distribution patterns exhibiting characteristics of island arc tholeites. Our results indicate involvement of a subduction component in the petrogenesis of these rocks. In view o f comparable data reported from similar occurrences elsewhere in the Circum-Rhodope Belt. The probability of a supra-subduction-zone-type tectonic environment is suggested for these ophiolites.