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EUROPROBE PROJECTS
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PANCARDI:
Dynamics of
Ongoing Orogeny |
The Pannonian Basin, Carpathian arc, Dinaride
(PANCARDI) system offers an outstanding opportunity to study the
interaction of asthenospheric and lithospheric processes and their mutual dependencies
during volcanic arc and related fore- and back-arc basin development. The evolution of the
highly arcuate Carpathians is driven by the interrelated processes of subduction, slab
roll-back, plate boundary retreat into a continental embayment, asthenospheric up-welling,
and lateral extrusion of the eastern Alps and Dinarides-Balkan orogens.
The arc is unique in providing a snapshot of still-active, soft collision between the
Carpatho-Pannonian and Eurasian plates. Another remarkable feature of the region is the
interplay of contraction, strike-slip and extension which led to the formation of the
Pannonian Basin, with the coeval radial displacements of nappes and the progression of
volcanism during formation of the Carpathian arc. This scenario and the seismicity in the
Vrancea zone, apparently related to slab detachment, provide key constraints on the
relative role of lithospheric and asthenospheric driving mechanisms during orogeny.
The PANCARDI region, with its subaerial exposure and
large existing data base, provides a ready opportunity for gathering new information
critical to our understanding of orogen dynamics. Within the context of a
multidisciplinary investigation of the whole lithosphere, PANCARDI has a
particular focus on the following main goals:
Reconstructing the Neogene to Quaternary evolution of the arc-basin
system, with kinematic and palaeomagnetic constraints contributing to the palinspastic
restoration of the orogen.
Relating the long-term processes of subduction, arc formation and basin
development to the neotectonics and the on-going seismicity, providing a basis for seismic
hazard assessment and earthquake engineering in this densely populated area.
Understanding the origin of the nearly vertical Vrancea slab, as it is
defined by seismicity in the mantle below the foothills of the eastern Carpathians.
Establishing the Miocene to Recent magmatic history of the Carpathian arc;
defining the sources of the calc-alkaline and alkaline magmas that were coupled in time
and space to the west-to-east progression of deformation in the foreland fold and thrust
belt.
Understanding the chemical evolution of the mantle lithosphere beneath the
Pannonian Basin and the relative importance of subduction and plume-related processes.
Assessing the significance of collisional thickening, extensional
unroofing and lateral extrusion in the eastern Alps and Dinarides for Pannonian Basin
development.
Get the PANCARDI text and figures out of the EUROPROBE 1996
publication by clicking on the corresponding text. Click on the figure and see the image
enlarged
PDF-viewers can be obtained through the net
for different operating systems.
Text (PDF file, 1.2 Mb)
For more information please contact the project
leader:
Dr. Cestmír Tomek
Institute of Geology and Palaeontology
University Salzburg
Hellbrunnerstr. 34/III
A-5020 SALZBURG
AUSTRIA
Tel: +43-662/8044 54 19, /8044 54 00, /8044 0
Fax: +43-662/8044 621
E-mail: cestmir.tomek@sbg.ac.at
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