Neogene kinematic development of the East Carpathian bend area, central Romania

Abstract

Kinematic analysis of fault slip data from the junction of the eastern and southern Carpathian fold-thrust belt documents distinct movement patterns associated with successive phases of Neogene deformation. Early to Middle Miocene deformation achieved ESE to SE shortening accommodated by nearly orthogonal to oblique (sinistral) thrusting in the eastern Carpathians and oblique (dextral) thrusting in the southern Carpathians. Following Late Miocene burial of the thrust front beneath foreland sediments, the kinematic framework changed to one of sinistral escape of material from the eastern Carpathians, which drove minor NNE–SSW shortening in the southern Carpathians. The kinematic data indicate progressive clockwise rotation of the shortening direction until ∼11 Ma, which is consistent with clockwise rotation of the Tisza–Dacia block as it converged with the European/Moesian platform.