Lithospheric memory and stress field controls on polyphase deformation of the Pannonian basin–Carpathian system

Abstract

The Pannonian basin–Carpathian system displays pronounced lateral variation in lithopsheric structure and sedimentary basin configuration. The tectonic history of the system is characterised by a polyphase history with Late Miocene extension in the Pannonian basin and simultaneously occurring compression in the Carpathian arc. Pre-existing structures play a key role in subsequent basin reactivation, explaining anomalous features in subsidence characteristics and inferred thinning factors. The area exhibits a relatively high level of neotectonic activity, imaged by high resolution seismic data, intraplate seismicity and stress indicator data. Major parts of the system have experienced a rapid late Neogene uplift and erosion, amounting up to several kilometres in the Romanian Carpathians. A major part of the present basin configuration, previously primarily attributed to basin formation mechanisms such as stretching in the Pannonian basin and lithospheric flexure in the Carpathians, appears to be strongly affected by recent deformation, postdating basin formation of the Pannonian basin and the Carpathian foredeep. These findings affect modelling predictions of basin subsidence, sediment sourcing, thermal evolution and hydrodynamic regime with implications for hydrocarbon play-concepts in the area.