Exhumation of the Danubian nappes system (South Carpathians) during the Early Tertiary: inferences from kinematic and paleostress analysis at the Getic/Danubian nappes contact

Abstract

A detailed kinematic study based on the analysis of brittle structures, combined with a description of structures in the adjacent foredeep, allows for the definition of three major tectonic episodes during the Late Cretaceous–Tertiary evolution of the central part of the South Carpathians. Following Middle Cretaceous and older orogenic phases, the first tectonic event that affected the studied area was a Late Cretaceous NNW–SSE oriented contraction, which led to the final major emplacement of the Danubian and Getic nappes. During the Paleogene–Early Miocene, an extension event induced rapid exhumation of the Danubian units, leading to the formation of large normal faults dipping towards both the foreland and the hinterland. This extension, together with dextral rotation of the South Carpathians around the western corner of the Moesian platform, allows for the NE-ward movement of the internal continental blocks with respect to the foreland platforms. In the Late Miocene, E-ward translation of the internal South Carpathians units with respect to the Moesian Platform was accommodated through a large-scale E–W oriented strike–slip corridor within the South Carpathians. The general Paleogene–Early Miocene NE to E-ward rotation and the Late Miocene E-ward translation of the Rhodopian fragment allowed for the accommodation of roll-back and contraction taking place in the East Carpathians.