EUROPE/Mediterranean Tectonics 139 Figure Palaeogeodynamics at about 30 Ma The locations of the subduction zones were controlled by the Mesozoic palaeogeography The Alps Betics formed along the south eastwards dipping subduction of Europe and Iberia underneath the Adriatic and Mesomediterranean plates The Apennines developed along the Alps Betics retrobelt to the east, in which oceanic or thinned pre existing continental lithosphere was present Similarly, the Carpathians started to develop along the Dinarides retrobelt (i.e the Balkans) The fronts of the Alps Betics orogen were cross cut by the Apennines related subduction back arc extension