The Mt. Veri block Shales: considerations on the Late Cretaceous tectonic evolution of the Ligurian basin, Italy [Le Argilliti a blocchi di M. Veri: considerazioni sulla evoluzione tettonica del Bacino Ligure nel Cretaceo superiore]

Chaotic complexes associated with regular turbiditic succession are widespread in the N Apennines (Italy). Such complexes are composed of elements of different origins (among them ophiolites are very common). Commonly they have an abundant shaly matrix, are without stratigraphical and structural order, and give fundamental clues to the understanding of the early phases of the sedimentary and tectonic history of the N Apennines. Studies the area between La Spezia and Trebbia Valley, the chaotic complexes associated with the Helminthoid flysch unit of the N Apennines. The Helminthoid flysch unit is covered by the more internal Bracco/Val Graveglia and Mt. Gottero units, characterized by an ophiolitic basement with its sedimentary cover. The geological characters of 5 selected areas (Zignago, Caranza/Varese Ligure, high Taro Valley, Sopralacroce, Aveto-Trebbia Valley) are described.