The oldest rocks exposed on Crete (Greece) are Paleozoic? metamorphic rocks. Five series are represented in the overlying sedimentary cover, whose deposition took place in a geosynclinal environment from Triassic to Eocene time. Molasse deposits are the principal representatives of the late geosynclinal phase (Miocene); marls and limy sandstones and conglomerates were formed during the postgeosynclinal phase (Pliocene). Major faults are the dominant tectonic feature of the island. Two nappes are identified: the Pindus nappe on which the ophiolitic (sub-Pelagonian) nappe is superimposed in places. Differential uplift and intense normal faulting have broken the island into a number of massifs separated by lowlands.