Structural contraints of neotectonic activity in the eastern part of the Western Carpathians orogenic wedge

Abstract

The eastern part of the Western Carpathians orogenic wedge covering the territory eastward from the 20° meridian could serve as an example for close relation between basement rock structural anisotropy and the neotectonic morphostructural pattern. The neotectonic evolution of the region has been guided by crustal deformations of the entire main Western Carpathian fault systems, defined by steeply dipping faults of NE-SW, NW-SE, S–N and E-W directions. The fault sets bound morphostructural units and form the base for the Quaternary neotectonic activity and landscape development of the region. Closely linked to Western Carpathian lineaments they reflect both the Moho topography and directional orientation of adjoining platform margins. The fault sets represent inherited, poly-stage structures genetically correlating to Cretaceous fold pattern of the Western Carpathians being repeatedly reactivated during Cenozoic times. Summarising vertical movement ratios among neotectonic units, particularly between the highest uplifted/subsiding blocks, we have found the maximal Quaternary movements rate of the region reaching ca 1315 m and neotectonic movements rate of 1710 m.