Abstract
The balancing exercise of the ?single-ocean model? and reexa - mination of Jurassic paleogeographic conditions and tectonic interaction allowed the reconstruction of the mosaic of independent microplate margins and sutured northwestern Tethyan realm (Vardar Ocean). The overprinted Mesozoic convergent margin referred to as the ?Zvornik suture? was of special interest in the reconstruction of the displaced ophiolite belts of Dinarides and Vardar Zone. The surface?subsurface constraints of these mixed crustal units, in particular the polyphase strike-slip character of the ?Zvornik suture? yields the presence of at least two of Neotethyan basins extrapolated in the vicinity of the northwestern segment of this paleosuture - related fault system. The restoration and synopsis shows a limited capability for obduction-related emplacement of the Vardar oceanic lithosphere (West Vardar Zone) accounting the polyphased strike-slip tectonics. The balancing and the proposed tectonic/paleogeographic recon struction does not exclude obduction, but it shows a limited capability with much shorter across-strike width of the highlydeformed West Vardar ophio lite. The presence of the two distinct autochthonous Tethyan oceans divided by this important dextral strike-slip fault zone is suggested: The Inner Dina ric?(Mirdita?Pindos) Ocean or Dinaric Tethys (identified by the Inner Dinaric Ophiolite Belt) and the Vardar Ocean (identified by the West Vardar Zone). The West Vardar Zone remains to be a subzone of the principal composite Neotethyan suture referred to as the Vardar Zone s.s., whereas the Dinaric Tethys have been (re)incorporated to the area of Dinarides (Adria microplate). The northern segments of these two landlocked basins were on both sides of the Inner Dinaridic continental ridge (referred to as the Drina-Ivanjica block), divided by the protracted strike-slip activity of the ?Zvornik suture?.
Highlights
The lithosphere of independent expanding oceans (150–200 km in width) bounded by the continental crust often elevate the conveyed ophiolite slices on top of the bordering passive margins (PeArce et al, 1984; GArfuNkel, 2006; DOGlIONI et al, 2007; VAN hINSBerGeN et al, 2015)
The following imbricated systems are stacked farther towards the southern Pannonian Basin: (1) Adriatic–Dinaridic carbonate platform formations, (2) carbonate-clastic units of the passive continental margin referred to as the Bosnian flysch, (3) (Inner) Dinaridic Ophiolite Zone and overstepping late Jurassic to cretaceous cover sequences, (4) Active continental margin units represented by the upper cretaceous–Paleogene trench sediments with blueschists, tectonized ophiolite mélange, medium-grade metamorphic rocks originated from the upper cretaceous–Paleogene sediments including the granitoids of the late Alpine age, (5) The nappe consisting of the allochtonous Paleozoic– Triassic formations which is thrust onto the ophiolites and genetically related sedimentary formations
By building on in-depth composite Neotethyan geological constraints, the study filtered out important arguments aiding the hitherto reconstructions of the complex Tethyan Mesozoic paleogeographic and tectonic configuration in the area of Western Balkans
Summary
The lithosphere of independent expanding oceans (150–200 km in width) bounded by the continental crust often elevate the conveyed ophiolite slices on top of the bordering passive margins (PeArce et al, 1984; GArfuNkel, 2006; DOGlIONI et al, 2007; VAN hINSBerGeN et al, 2015). The interface area between this north-eastern ophiolitebearing Adria margin (Inner Dinarides Ophiolite belt), the composite Vardar Zone and spatiotemporally unconnected Jadar block is represented by the complex fault system referred to as the Zvornički šav or “Zvornik suture”
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
