Early Badenian Research Articles

A review of the Neogene formations and beds in Slovenia, Western Central Paratethys

Neogene sedimentary successions are found in eastern and northeastern Slovenia. Their formation was closely related to the evolution of the western part of the Pannonian Basin System and the Central Paratethys; it was influenced by global transgressive and regressive cycles as well as by global, regional and local tectonics. Several formations and beds were defined within the Neogene sedimentary successions which can be found in three separate areas. The first one includes the formations north of two major fault systems, the Periadriatic Fault System and the Mid-Hungarian Zone, which were associated with the Mura-Zala and the Styrian Basins, respectively. Successions south of these major faults are not formally connected to any of the major basins and developed in two distinct parts: a strip between Tunjice and Kozjansko to the north and the Krško area to the south. From the Egerian to the early Badenian, different areas exhibit different types of sedimentation, whereas from the middle Badenian onwards, sedimentation in different zones is partly comparable, depending on the type of depositional environment. Egerian and Eggenburgian sediments are only found south of the above-mentioned major fault zones, whereas Karpatian sedimentation only occurred north of them. Sediments in both areas are characterized by alternation of shallow marine, brackish and terrestrial sedimentation. In contrast, sedimentary environment in the Badenian evolved from a terrestrial, mainly fluvial environment with alluvial fans, through a transitional stage (delta and lagoon) to a shallow and deep marine environment. The Sarmatian sequences reflect a brackish environment with decreasing salinity and continue into extensive Pannonian delta systems that gradually fill the basins from west to east. The formations that correspond to the Pannonian in the Mura-Zala Basin can be correlated with the formations in the Krško area. The Pliocene is characterized by terrestrial sedimentation with the formation of rivers and lakes in the newly established intramontane basins.

On the status of Pecten burdigalensis Lamarck var. polonica Pusch, 1837 (Bivalvia: Pectinidae)

The well-known Pleuronectia badensis Fontannes, 1882 (currently classified as Cristatopecten cristatus badense) is declared as a n omen protectum against the older synonym Pecten burdigalensis var. polonica Pusch, 1837 considered a nomen oblitum. It ranges from the early to the late Miocene (Burdigalian–Messinian) of the NE Atlantic and Mediterranean. In the Central Paratethys it appeared in the early Miocene (Karpatian, correlating with the latest Burdigalian) and became extinct in the middle Miocene (Late Badenian, correlating with the early Serravallian). In Poland – the northernmost part of Central Paratethys – the occurrence of this taxon is limited to the late Early Badenian (late Langhian).

On the status of Pecten burdigalensis Lamarck var. polonica Pusch, 1837 (Bivalvia: Pectinidae)

The well-known Pleuronectia badensis Fontannes, 1882 (currently classified as Cristatopecten cristatus badense) is declared as a n omen protectum against the older synonym Pecten burdigalensis var. polonica Pusch, 1837 considered a nomen oblitum. It ranges from the early to the late Miocene (Burdigalian–Messinian) of the NE Atlantic and Mediterranean. In the Central Paratethys it appeared in the early Miocene (Karpatian, correlating with the latest Burdigalian) and became extinct in the middle Miocene (Late Badenian, correlating with the early Serravallian). In Poland – the northernmost part of Central Paratethys – the occurrence of this taxon is limited to the late Early Badenian (late Langhian).

ALLUVIAL-LACUSTRINE-MARINE COMPLEX OF MOUNT MEDVEDNICA: THE EARLY SYN-RIFT DEPOSITION AND PALAEOGEOGRAPHY (EARLY TO MIDDLE MIOCENE, NORTH CROATIAN BASIN)

Mt. Medvednica belongs to the western part of the Neogene rift-type North Croatian Basin that occupies the south-western Pannonian Basin System. The Lower to Middle Miocene continental to marine sedimentary complex was studied on Mt. Medvednica in order to interpret the early syn-rift depositional environment and reconstruct palaeogeography of the North Croatian Basin. Based on facies analysis, deposits are grouped into 16 facies based on their lithological characteristics. Six of the facies belong to the alluvial environment that is characterized by coarse-grained bedload siliciclastics. Nine facies are of lacustrine origin. They comprise: a) limestone of shallow lake carbonate bench with silty coal of vegetated marsh, b) deep lake and prodelta marl with sand and conglomerate intercalations deposited by gravity flows, and c) coarse-grained Gilbert-type delta conglomerate. The lacustrine deposits compose a transgressive-regressive sequence. The studied succession ends by facies of calcareous silt intercalated by conglomerates. These deposits belong to the marine offshore to prodelta as the consequence of establishment of the connection to the sea. The deposition was strongly controlled by allogenic factors, such as synsedimentary tectonics, climate, eustatic sea level changes and explosive volcanic activity. The alluvial deposits of Mt. Medvednica are the oldest syn-rift deposits and belong to the large alluvial plain that probably covered the entire North Croatian Basin in the Ottnangian and the Karpatian. These deposits are overlain by the lower Badenian lacustrine deposits, but the question of the existence of one large or several small lakes in the early Badenian North Croatian Basin remains open.

Middle Miocene Rissooidea (Caenogastropoda) of Letkés (Hungary)

A Middle Miocene (Early Badenian) Rissooidea assemblage with 19 species of ten genera is described and illustrated from the fossiliferous locality at Letkés (Börzsöny Mts, Hungary). The material represents the most highly diverse occurrence of the superfamily in the Pannonian Basin System. Nine species are recorded for the first time in this region. Rissoa federicoi nom. nov. is proposed as new name for the junior homonym Rissoia (Turboella) acuticosta Sacco, 1895.

Corrigendum

Corrigendum

Making the most out of historical cores for geothermal exploration

Abstract During the current trend of the energy transition, many stratigraphic intervals that previously were thought as uneconomical from an oil and gas business perspective are being re-evaluated for low-carbon energy resource potential such as geothermal. This study presents a case study from the Vienna Basin, Austria, where the Early Badenian Rothneusiedl Formation has been targeted for a re-evaluation, utilizing existing sparse subsurface datasets of vintage quality. The historical cores were subjected to diverse analytical techniques covering sedimentological, petrophysical and thermophysical aspects. These analysis techniques provided the fundamental lithological characteristics and led to the creation of a synthetic conceptual sedimentological log, resultant selection of samples for further analyses, as well as the creation of gross depositional environment maps. The reservoir and thermal properties guided by the core-based lithofacies were required for evaluating the feasibility of the target strata. Overall, the limited and historical cores provided significant and robust data that proved crucial for assessing uncertainties and identifying sub-areas of the Vienna Basin for harnessing geothermal energy. This study demonstrates an important case example of the utilization of historical cores to their maximum potential and reiterates the value of core-derived data amongst digital technologies of the twenty-first century.

Correction: Paleontological and lithological evidence of the late Karpatian to early Badenian marine succession from Medvednica Mountain (Croatia), Central Paratethys

Correction: Paleontological and lithological evidence of the late Karpatian to early Badenian marine succession from Medvednica Mountain (Croatia), Central Paratethys

New Conorbidae and Conidae (Conoidea, Neogastropoda) records from the Middle Miocene of Hungary

Newly collected Early Badenian (Middle Miocene) Conorbidae and Conidae assemblages are presented from three localities in the Hungarian part of the Pannonian Basin. Ten species – among others Pseudonoduloconus wagneri (Boettger) – are recorded for the first time in the region, others show extended geographical distribution. A new species, Monteiroconus strauszi n. sp. is designated. With 67 figures and 1 table.

Paleontological and lithological evidence of the late Karpatian to early Badenian marine succession from Medvednica Mountain (Croatia), Central Paratethys

Paleontological and lithological evidence of the late Karpatian to early Badenian marine succession from Medvednica Mountain (Croatia), Central Paratethys

Middle Miocene marine flooding: New 40Ar/39Ar age constraints with integrated biostratigraphy on tuffs from the North Croatian Basin

In the North Croatian Basin which is located in the southwestern part of the Pannonian Basin System, Miocene tuff deposits have been observed at several localities in the area of Banovina, Medvednica Mt. and Slavonia. Here we present new 40Ar/39Ar age results obtained from volcanic glass from the Laz tuff (15.42 ± 0.15 Ma) intercalated with lacustrine freshwater/brackish deposits, the Jovac tuff (15.10 ± 0.06 Ma) intercalated with lacustrine freshwater deposits, the Čučerje tuff (14.81 ± 0.08 Ma) and the Nježić tuff (14.40 ± 0.03 Ma) both deposited in a marine environment. Fossil data (calcareous nannofossils/foraminifera) from the underlying and overlying beds of the tuffs from Čučerje and Nježić match the geochronological data i.e. NN5 zone and M6 zone were determined. Integration of biostratigraphic and geochronological data enable a better understanding of the NCB sedimentary evolution and constrain the Middle Miocene marine flooding event in the marginal areas of the western part of the NCB at ~15 Ma i.e. early/middle Badenian boundary. These results together with the existence of lower Badenian marine sediments in the Sava depression (in the southern part of NCB) suggest it is possible to conclude that during the early Badenian in the NCB, freshwater lacustrine and marine environments coexisted.

UPPER BURDIGALIAN-MIDDLE SARMATIAN CALCAREOUS NANNOFOSSILS FROM TOTEA-VĂLENI AREA (GETIC DEPRESSION, ROMANIA)

This work presents the calcareous nannofossils identified in samples recovered from 7 boreholes drilled on the western side of the Olt River, in the Totea, Colibasi, Radinesti and Valeni areas, within the central-southern part of the Getic Depression. These boreholes crossed upper Burdigalian–middle Sarmatian sediments. The identified assemblages are typical for the following calcareous nannofossil biozones: upper part of NN 3 – lower part of NN 4, corresponding to the late Burdigalian time interval, upper part of NN 4, corresponding to the early Badenian, NN 5, spanning the middle Badenian, and, respectively, NN 6-NN 8, covering the late Badenian – middle Sarmatian interval. The diversity and abundance of the identified nannofossil assemblages allow palaeoenvironmental reconstructions

Crustal exhumation and depocenter migration from the Alpine orogenic margin towards the Pannonian extensional back-arc basin controlled by inheritance

The formation and deformation history of back-arc basins play a critical role in understanding the tectonics of plate interactions. Furthermore, opening of extensional back-arc basins during the overall convergence between Africa and Europe is a fundamental process in the overall tectonic evolution of the Mediterranean and adjacent areas. In this frame, Miocene tectonic evolution of the western Pannonian Basin of Central Europe and its connection to inherited Cretaceous structures of the Eastern Alpine nappes are presented. Revision of published and addition of new structural and thermochronological data, as well as seismic profiles from the western Pannonian Basin is complemented by high-resolution thermo-mechanical numerical modeling in order to propose a new physically consistent tectono-sedimentary model for the basin evolution. The onset of extension is dated as ~25–23 Ma, and higher rates are inferred between 19 and 15 Ma at the south-western part of the area (Pohorje, Kozjak Domes, Murska Sobota Ridge, and Mura-Zala Basin). Rift initiation involved the exhumation of the middle part of the Austroalpine nappe pile along low-angle detachment faults and mylonite zones. The Miocene low-angle shear zones could reactivate major Cretaceous thrust boundaries, the exhumation channel of ultra-high-pressure rocks of the Pohorje Dome, or Late Cretaceous extensional structures. Miocene extension was associated with granodiorite and dacite intrusions between 18.64 and 15 Ma. The Pohorje pluton intruded at variable depth from ~4 to 16–18 km and experienced ductile stretching, westward tilting, and asymmetric exhumation of its eastern side. Terrestrial early Miocene (Ottnangian to Karpatian, 19–17.25 Ma) syn-rift depositional environment in supradetachment basins evolved to near-shore and bathyal one by the middle Miocene (Badenian, 15.97–12.8 Ma). Deformation subsequently migrated eastwards to the western part of the Transdanubian Range (Keszthely Hills) and to newly formed grabens. In this formerly emerged terrestrial area active faulting started at 15–14.5 Ma and continued through the late Miocene almost continuously up to ~8 Ma but basically terminated in the Mura-Zala Basin by ~15 Ma (early Badenian). These observations suggest a ~200 km shift of active faulting, basin formation, and related syn-tectonic sedimentation from the SW (Pohorje and Mura-Zala Basin) toward the Pannonian Basin center. Building on the above described observational and modeling data makes the Pannonian Basin an ideal natural laboratory for understanding the coupling between deep Earth and surface processes.

Vegetation and climate changes during the Miocene climatic optimum and Miocene climatic transition in the northwestern part of Central Paratethys

The study of pollen spectra mirrors the evolution of landscape and climatic changes in the northwestern part of Central Paratethys domain during the regional stages Karpatian–Badenian (Late Burdigalian–Langhian to Early Serravalian; NN4‐NN6 biozone). This interval includes the Miocene climatic optimum (MCO) and the Miocene climatic transition (MCT) at 14.8–12.0 Ma. Here we study the pollen record from marine strata in eight wells and sections (Hevlín, Slup, Medlov, Iváň, Lomnice, Židlochovice, Baden Soos, and Devínska Nová Ves) including a total of 92 samples. The standard pollen diagrams are simultaneously analysed using the Palaeotropical/Arctotertiary concept (P/A), synthesized diagrams, coexistence approach, and a technique allowing to reconstruct diversity of plant functional types in order to unravel climate changes and their impact on the biosphere. Warmest climate conditions supporting a diverse, thermophilous mixed mesophytic forest vegetation with a high proportion of broadleaved evergreen PFTs persisted in the neighbouring continental parts during the Karpatian to Early Badenian (NN4‐NN5 biozone) representing the MCO. Evidence for the MTC and subsequent cooling (NN5 and NN6 at ca. 14 Ma) comes from lower percentages of thermophilous and evergreen elements and higher diversity of deciduous PFTs in the ecospectra (Devínska Nová Ves, NN6 biozone). Inferred annual precipitation rates above 800 mm and the almost continuous presence subtropical swamp tree pollen point to the persistence of overall humid climate conditions in the study area. Reconstructed precipitation data and the presence of drought‐tolerant plant functional types (PFTs) point to a seasonal climate. The studied records partly show shorter term cyclic changes in climate and plant diversity related to glacial events in the Langhian. Using the proportion of broadleaved evergreen versus broadleaved deciduous tree diversity as indicator for temperature changes, several alternations of warmer and cooler phases are obvious from the record. Moreover, sedimentary facies plays an important role for quality and resolution of terrestrial signals in marine strata.

The polyphase rifting and inversion of the Danube Basin revised

Abstract To track the evolution and formation of one of the major sub-basins of the Pannonian back-arc basin system, we re-evaluate pre-rift, syn-rift, post-rift, and inversion stages of the Danube Basin. This synthesis builds upon a new compilation of (i) geophysical measurements, (ii) current data about the substratum of the basin, (iii) recent advances in stratigraphic architecture of the basin fill, (iv) subsidence history, (v) geomorphological evolution, and (vi) new biostratigraphic and geochronological data.The history of the basin begins with the pre-rift stage represented by the pre-Neogene basement, which belongs to an Eo-Alpine mountain range uplifted at the end of the Cretaceous. The core of the mountain range was formed by pre-Alpine high-grade metamorphic complexes, with a dome-like structure. The crystalline complexes were overlain by late Paleozoic and Mesozoic cover and nappes, which were later eroded during the early Cenozoic. These pre-rift processes were triggered by (i) the late Cenozoic collision of the Alpine-Carpathian orogenic wedge with the European platform, (ii) the crustal extension resulting from the northeastward lateral extrusion of the Alpine-Carpathian-Pannonian lithospheric microplate, and (iii) the subsequent updoming of the lithospheric mantle. This stage was followed by the polyphase rifting of the basin associated with extensive volcanic activity. This syn-rift stage consists of four phases. The first syn-rift phase dated to the early Badenian (~15.2–13.8 Ma), with subsidence documented in the Blatne and Želiezovce depressions, was characterized by accommodation rates up to ~900 m·Ma-1. The second syn-rift phase dated to the late Badenian (~13.8–12.6 Ma), exhibited accelerated subsidence with accommodation rates up to ~2300 m·Ma-1, and mainly affected the Blatne depression. The third and fourth syn-rift phases took place during the Sarmatian (~12.6–11.6 Ma) and early Pannonian (~11.6–9.5 Ma) and the accommodation rates reached ~900 m·Ma-1 and ~1000 m·Ma-1, respectively. They were documented in the Risňovce, Komjatice and Gabcikovo-Győr depressions, confirming the eastward subsidence migration, up to the external zone of the middle Miocene mantle upheaval. The late Miocene post-rift stage, commonly refered to as a thermal subsidence stage (~9.5–6.0 Ma), was associated with formation of a widespread planation surface called the “Mid-mountain level” on the margins of the basin. The history of the Danube Basin terminates with the inversion stage which began after ~6.0 Ma and is still ongoing. It includes the continuous uplift of the basin margins and the subsidence of the central depocenters. The fluvial depositional systems did not behave steadily, because (i) lateral channel mobility and area of deposition increased progressively until ~4–3 Ma and caused onlaps on the base of the succession, followed by (ii) gradual confinement of the streams to the central part of the basin by uplifting basin margins, recorded by formation of river terrace staircases.

The “Rzehakia beds” on the northern shelf of the Pannonian Basin: biostratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental implications

The Miocene genus Rzehakia, an endemic brackish bivalve that lived in the Paratethys Sea, recorded in late Ottnangian sediments deposited during the regression of the Central Paratethys Sea in the semi-enclosed Alpine-Carpathian foreland basin, is closely related to the Rzehakia found hundreds of kilometres away in the early Badenian transgressive sequence situated in the Western Carpathians hinterland. The finding of the “Rzehakia beds” from the Malý Krtis site in the Novohrad-Nograd Basin provides insight into the palaeobiogeography of the Central Paratethys. The present study documents Rzehakia-bearing deposits of an alternating wave-dominated, river-influenced environment and of a fluvial-dominated, tide-influenced, wave-affected environment, probably located on the prodelta slope of a compound deltaic clinoform. Corresponding calcareous nannofossil assemblages, marked by the absence of Sphenolithus belemnos and the co-occurrence of Helicosphaera ampliaperta with Sphenolithus heteromorphus without Helicosphaera waltrans, indicate the NN4 Zone. Furthermore, the presence of the regional benthic foraminiferal marker Uvigerina graciliformis indicates a Karpatian age and the planktic Globorotalia transsylvanica restricts the profile stratigraphic range to the upper Burdigalian-Langhian part of the NN4 Zone (i.e., upper Karpatian-lower Badenian). In accordance with updated palaeogeographic data, these results led us to the conclusion that the “Rzehakia beds” in the Novohrad-Nograd Basin are synchronous with or younger than those from the Alpine-Carpathian Foredeep and are possibly related with their middle Miocene (late Kotzakhurian–early Tarkhanian) occurrences in the Eastern Paratethys.

Paleoenvironmental evolution of Central Paratethys Sea and Lake Pannon during the Cenozoic

Deep wells penetrated Cenozoic sedimentary record of two different basins: 1) Oligocene retro-arc basin which is buried under the 2) Miocene back-arc Danube Basin. This study is focused on biotic and abiotic proxies discussed in terms of existing biostratigraphical, paleoenvironmental and sedimentological data. Biotic proxies are represented by palynofacies and biomarkers (palynomorphs, AOM, phytoclasts, TOC, Pr/Ph ratio, steranes). Abiotic proxies are represented by inorganic geochemistry (e.g., CIA, Sr/Ba, Ga/Rb, Th/U, SiO2/Al2O3, Corg/P and enrichment factors). The biotic and abiotic proxies helped to refine the knowledge about the changes in redox conditions, salinity, depositional system, and paleoclimate. In the study area five temporally different environments are observed: 1) Sedimentation in the Oligocene fragment of the retro-arc Hungarian Paleogene Basin that took place on a highly proximal part of the shelf. A major dysoxic event connected with humid marsh environment is documented within (last Rupelian transgression; Ru4/Ch1–Ch2). 2) After a hiatus the Danube Basin initiated with early Badenian (Langhian) stable oxic to slightly dysoxic shelf with minor salinity changes (Lan2/Ser1-Ser2 transgression). 3) Late Badenian (early Serravallian) dysoxic deposition, similar in all basins of the Central Paratethys, was influenced by upwelling connected with the Ser2-Ser3 transgression. 4) Sarmatian (late Serravallian) dysoxic event associated with subsequent flooding (Ser3-Ser4/Tor1), which created shallow marginal marine environment. 5) Pannonian (Tortonian-Messinian) sedimentation took place on an oxic shelf of the Lake Pannon near a fluvio-deltaic source, most likely represented by the paleo-Danube delta system.

Stratigraphy revision of upper Badenian of Rakovica stream near Belgrade (Central Paratethys, Serbia)

Belgrade area is a region of high paleobiodiversity, being ranked among the best known in Serbia. The prominent position among a number of Middle Miocene (Badenian) fossiliferous sites in the vicinity of Belgrade (southern Pannonian Basin, Central Paratethys) are occupied with sediments of Rakovica stream, also known as ?Rakovica sands?. Here, the integrated evidence based on new fossil findings of calcareous nannoplankton, foraminifera and molluscs assemblages, allows the stratigraphic revision of the clastic facies of the Rakovica succession. Based on the studies of lithological composition, high paleodiversity molluscs fauna and local palaeogeographical setting, it can be concluded with reasonable certainty that deposits of Rakovica stream entitled ?Rakovica sand? represents a sandstone of the shallow marine (littoral) environment during Lower Badenian time. Large benthic foraminifera Ammonia viennensis (d?ORBigny), and Borelis haueri (d?ORBigny) as well as zone marker nn5 Sphaenolithus heteromorphus defLandRe correspond to this biostratigraphic level. during the late early Miocene and Middle Miocene (Badenian), the climate in the Central Paratehys was mainly subtropical. This is supported at its southern margin by the presence of thermophilous mollusc taxa, as well as the Conidae, Strombidae, Xenophoridae, Pleurotomidae, Turridae, Muricidae, etc. Consequently, the investigated deposit can be ascribed to the early Badenian which biostratigraphically corresponds to the nn5 nannozone by correlation with successions in theirs type-areas to the Central Paratethys, and defines preciously the time of the marine transgression in this area.

Střednopleistocenní sesuv na svazích Drahanské vrchoviny u Viničných Šumic

In 2018 an excavation of 20 × 20 m large and up to 5 m thick calcareous clays of the Langhian age was found. Rich and diversified assemblages of foraminifers with species Orbulina suturalis Brön. and Martinotiella karreri (Cush.) indicate early Badenian (in sense of the Central Paratethys regional stratigraphy) age of the sediments, zone M5b sensu Berggren et al. (1995). Variously deformed lenses and layers of fine-grained sand with several blocks of white calcareous silts and with two layers of clayey sediments with pebbles were found. The identified outcrop is part of a large landslide situated at the western margin of the Carpathian Foredeep. Samples determining the age of the landslide movements were taken from Badenian clays and from slope sediments with pebbles for study of palynomorphs. Very rich and diversified fauna was described mainly from the fine-grained sand creating layers in calcareous clays. The assemblage contained tests of foraminifers, spines of the echinoids, fragments of sponge spicules, rich fragments of molluscs and zoarias of bryozoas, worms – Ditrupa cornea (Linnaeus, 1758), Serpula sp., ?Serpulidae indet., fragments of brachiopods, arthropods, coral, ostracods, teleostei etc.The findings from the Badenian and Quaternary periods were mixed by slope movements. Large landslide in the Middle Pleistocene was the terminal gravity proces in the area of Viničné Šumice.

Evolution of a sedimentary infill of a palaeovalley at a distal margin of the peripheral foreland basin

The entrenched Odra palaeovalley, cut into the bedrock of the distal margin (forebulge basal unconformity) of the Moravian Carpathian Foredeep (peripheral foreland basin) is filled with an almost 300 m thick pile of Miocene deposits. The directon of the valley (NW–SE to NNW–SSE) has been controlled by faults subparallel with the system of “sudetic faults“. The sedimentary succession consists of 5 facies associations/depositional environments, which are interpreted (from bottom to top, i.e. from the oldest to the youngest) as: 1 – colluvial deposits to deposits of alluvial fan, 2 – deposits of alluvial fan, 3 – fan-delta deposits, 4 – shallow water delta to nearshore deposits and 5 – open marine deposits. This fining-up and deepening-up succession reveals the following: the formation of the new flexural shape of the basin; deep erosion connected with uplift and tilting of the forebulge and reactivation of the NW–SE trending basement faults; the Early/Middle Miocene sea level fall; alluvial deposition mostly driven by tectonics and morphology; forebulge flexural retreat; Middle-Miocene sea level rise; back-stepping of valley infill; marine invasion during the Early Badenian with shift of the coastline further landward of the pallaeovalley. Tectonics related to contemporary thrusting processes in the Western Carpathians are assumed to be the dominating factor of the studied deposition at the expense of eustatic sea level changes. Provenance studies have proven that the pre-Neogene basement (i.e. the Early Carboniferous clastic “Culmian facies” of the Moravian-Silesian Paleozoic) represents an important source for the conglomerates and sands, which volumetrically dominate in the palaeovalley infill. However, they also showed, that the deposits of the earlier Carpathian Foredeep Basin sedimentary stage (Karpatian in age?) covered the area under study and were eroded and resedimented into the palaeovalley infill.