The Western Carpathian lithosphere a mosaic of Neoalpine, Paleoalpine and Hercynian structures
Abstract
Based on critical analysis of the earlier models, new interpolation of former geophysical data and the results of the integrated modeling, we constructed a new map of the lithosphere thickness in the Carpathian-Pannonian Basin System region. The complicate structure of the Western Carpthian lithosphere with specific physical and rheological properties is a result of the youngest deep-seated processes in the orogene collision zone and high thermal stage of the Pannonian back arc basin system. The crust of the Western Carpathians and neighbouring areas has a complicate pattern and it is composed of fragments being formed during Neoalpine, Paleoalpine and Hercynian orogenic stages. Geophysical investigations are available to identify most of these crustal structures. In this study we described particularly: the structures of Neolapine collision (slab detachment zone, compresional accretionary wedge of the Outer Western Carpathians - Flysch belt, extension structures and astenosphere diapir as a result of back-arc extension), structures related to the Cretaceous thrust-stacking, subhorizontal reflection packages interpreted as extensional structures of various generations, underplated intra-Penninic (Oravic) continental ribbon, traces of Meliatic oceanic suture and north-dipping reflection beam are interpreted as the boundaries of Hercynian lithotectonic units with opposite vergency to the Paleoalpine units.
- Publication:
-
EGS - AGU - EUG Joint Assembly
- Pub Date:
- April 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003EAEJA.....4114B