Abstract
The kinematic models proposed for the Tertiary evolution of the Romanian Carpathians explain its arcuate shape by the progressive displacement of the upper plate (Tisza-Dacia block) around the western margin and then along the northern margin of Moesia, the latter representing the stable foreland autochthon. The main tectonic events took place in the Eocene when a former nappe pile, formed by the end of the Cretaceous and representing the actual Southern Carpathians, underwent extension. This episode was followed by dextral wrenching that was accompanied by the opening of the Getic Depression as a pull-apart basin along the northern Moesian margin, at the current location of the Southern Carpathian foothills. This deformation operated from Oligocene to Lower Miocene times. Although from the Lower Miocene onwards the progressive eastwards motion of the Tisza-Dacia block accounted for well-defined accommodating structures in both the frontal (Eastern Carpathians) and lateral (Getic Depression) sides of the accretionary wedge, the Eocene to Lower Miocene tectonics left apparently no imprint upon the outer thin-skinned belt.We have looked for the sedimentary records of these tectonic events by building and integrating several detailed sedimentary logs near the contact between the Outer Carpathians and Moesia. Two main facies associations were defined in terms of basin energy, i.e. proximal high-energy prograding associations, represented by coarser sedimentary units and distal variable-energy aggrading associations. Based on the wide incision observed at the base of the high-energy units and on the clast provenance, we assume a tectonic origin for the vertical changes observed in the dipping attitude of the beds, which account for angular unconformities. Importantly, the regional correlation of the Eocene-Lowermost Miocene formations points to a progressive migration in time and space of the high-energy sedimentary units, which get younger eastwards, consistent with the direction of the tectonic transport of the Carpathian allochthon.
Highlights
The overall structural architecture of the South eastern Carpathian thin-skinned belt results from a progressive shortening which began as early as the Mid-Cretaceous, due to the closure of the former Upper Jurassic-Cretaceous CeahlauSeverin ocean (Schmid et al, 2008)
We have looked for the sedimentary records of these tectonic events by building and integrating several detailed sedimentary logs near the contact between the Outer Carpathians and Moesia
In order to understand and address the issue of this “time gap” we focus on the Eocene-Lower Miocene sedimentary records from outcrops located at the transition zone between the frontal part of the Tisza-Dacia blocks (Eastern Carpathian thrust system) and the lateral border of the aforementioned blocks (Southern Carpathians-Getic Depression)
Summary
The overall structural architecture of the South eastern Carpathian thin-skinned belt results from a progressive shortening which began as early as the Mid-Cretaceous, due to the closure of the former Upper Jurassic-Cretaceous CeahlauSeverin ocean (Schmid et al, 2008). Schmid et al, 2008), the shortening recorded in the Eastern Carpathians was mainly acquired during the MiddleLate Miocene (Sandulescu, 1984, 1988), in contrast to the Paleogene-Early Miocene age of dextral translations along curved dextral faults in the Southern Carpathians-Balkans (Fig. 1, Fugenschuh and Schmid, 2005; Tarapoanca et al, 2007). Such discrepancy in the ages is due to the fact that. Correlating the high-energy, coarse facies that follow the erosional unconformities provide valuable insights into the tectonic imprint on the sedimentation during the Eocene-Lowermost Miocene
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
