Neotectonics and Quaternary landscape evolution of the Gödöllő Hills, Central Pannonian Basin, Hungary

Abstract

Quaternary landscape evolution of the Gödöllő Hills was governed by both structural and climate-related erosional processes. Considerable neotectonic deformation has been documented in the form of inversion of deep-seated earlier normal faults and transpressive reactivation of a syn- to post-rift transtensional strike-slip zone, the Tápió–Tóalmás Zone (TaTZ) and related en echelon folds. The structural inversion is mainly expressed by the folding of the uppermost pre-Quaternary horizons and deformation of the surface, which suggests late Pliocene-Quaternary (∼4–0 Ma) compressional–transpressional deformation with NE–SW maximal horizontal stress axis. Drainage anomalies can be frequently connected to neotectonic structures. The uplift of the anticline hinges led to enhanced surface erosion, river piracy and development of radial drainage networks. Minor amplitude of surface undulations respective to the amplitude of folds in the upper Miocene layers reflects the syn-folding denudation of the surface during the early part of the neotectonic phase (late Pliocene to early Quaternary). On the other hand, the NW–SE-trending rectilinear features of the landscape show no tectonic control, they were shaped mostly by deflation. The combination of preliminary DEM analysis, field studies and the mapping of subsurface structural elements proved to be successful in separating landforms developed under or in absence of neotectonic control. The presence of landforms controlled by neotectonic structures suggests ongoing deformation of the Central Pannonian Basin.