Klippen Belt Research Articles

ERT field survey supported with numerical and analogue modeling applied to study a fragment of the Pieniny Klippen Belt (Spisz Pieniny Mountains, southern Poland)

Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) method was applied to study a fragment of the Pieniny Klippen Belt (PKB), which has been investigated for more than 100 years. The study area is located in the Spisz Pieniny Mountains of southern Poland. The PKB in this region includes a characteristic belt of limestone outcrops. ERT turned out to be an effective method to determine the structure of this part of the PKB, revealing its zonal nature and documenting the presence of limestone olistoliths and allowing estimates of their sizes. Moreover, we show that proper planning and conducting of ERT measurements in the field is critical to the effective use of resistivity data for geological inference and interpretation. This has been demonstrated by performing appropriate numerical and analogue ERT modeling that shows possible ambiguous results arising from the field ERT survey. Awareness of this issue can help researchers avoid and minimize false interpretation of ERT data.

Crustal deformation from GNSS measurement and earthquake mechanism along Pieniny Klippen Belt, Southern Poland

The dynamic geological features of the Pieniny Klippen Belt (PKB) in southern Poland are nowadays a focal point of researchers as it is recognised as an active zone of crustal discontinuity. In the present study, we employed long-term analysis of ground-based global navigation satellite system (GNSS) measurements (from 2004 to 2020) to probe the crustal deformation, strain rates, and rotational rates in the PKB unit and the surrounding region, i.e., Magura Nappe (MN) and Podhale Flysch (PF) units. Measured velocities from GNSS observables are modelled by the auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) method to comprehend the long-term tectonic deformation. Our results showed that the ARIMA-modelled velocity varied from ~ 0.15 to ~ 8.86 mm/yr, indicating about 8.71 mm/yr difference along all units. Such differences suggest that crustal slip along the active thrusts and folds is the major factor causing regional deformation. The strain rates in PKB are also varying from the western to the eastern part. The rotational rates in PKB show a counterclockwise (CCW) pattern similar to the strain rates. These patterns suggesting that the PKB was rotated in the CCW direction with a large angle during the Miocene period. Finally, we analysed the seismicity for a period from 2004 to 2020 by using Bayesian moment tensor inversion and multivariate Bayesian inversion. The Bayesian inversion was applied based on bootstrapping chain analysis to figure out the earthquake mechanism using moment tensor inversion for the mainshock that occurred in Poland on 20 July 2018. The inversion results for the 2018 earthquake resolved a thrusting mechanism with nodal plane-1 having a strike of 346°, dip of 32°, and rake of 92° and a nodal plane-2 with a strike of 163°, dip of 58°, and rake of 89°. Since the seismicity in the Poland region has experienced less significant earthquakes in the last century, it is reasonable to attribute this lower seismic activity to the correspondingly low slip rates discerned through geodetic monitoring efforts.

Tectorotularia hexagona (Polychaeta, Serpulidae) co-existing with Rhynchostreon suborbiculatum (Bivalvia, Gryphaeidae) in a river-dominated marginal marine environment of Cenomanian–Turonian age in Slovakia: An example of Late Cretaceous amensalism or competition?

The mutual relationship and co-occurrence of the tube-dwelling polychaete Tectorotularia hexagona and the oyster Rhynchostreon suborbiculatum in an instance of fluctuating marginal marine environment, represented by the Orlové Sandstone in the Western Carpathians (Pieniny Klippen Belt), is recorded. As a consequence of climate change during the Cenomanian and early Turonian, changes over time in key ecological factors (e.g., decrease in freshwater inflow and increase in temperature and water mass salinity) led to critical trophic alterations in the marginal marine system studied. The environmental change from polyhaline/eutrophic to euhaline/lower nutrient conditions led to a reduction in the pioneer palaeopopulation of R. suborbiculatum, and Tectorotularia hexagona and other stenohaline marine recliners took over the ecological niches originally occupied by the oyster. In this respect, the relationship between T. hexagona and R. suborbiculatum may be considered a Late Cretaceous example of competition between two groups of sessile-benthic recliners. In the present work, two different tube morphologies of T. hexagona from Hôrka are described, and the tube microstructure of this species is documented for the first time. In addition, the material from Hôrka is compared with that from the type locality, Essen in Germany, and ‘Hamulus’ hexagonus and Tectorotularia ‘westfalica’ are considered to constitute one and the same species. The wider ecological and systematic context of this serpulid species is discussed as well.

Systematics and biostratigraphy of ammonites across the Sinemurian/Pliensbachian boundary in the Ukrainian Carpathians (Pieniny Klippen Belt)

Systematics and biostratigraphy of ammonites across the Sinemurian/Pliensbachian boundary in the Ukrainian Carpathians (Pieniny Klippen Belt)

Traces of collisional and transtensional processes between the Carpathia and the European platform in the geoelectric image (NE Slovakia and SE Poland)

We present the latest magnetotelluric models on profiles in the northeastern part of Slovakia and the southeastern part of Poland. These models are focused on deciphering the tectonic structures at the contact of the Inner Carpathians with the European Platform in this area. For the Inner Carpathian block, we propose the term Carpathia. Profile SA-01 shows shallower structures and the parallel MT-05 profile shows deeper structures. These models are also correlated with the seismic profile CEL-05. All results are compatible and show an original subduction-collisional structure, which was later replaced by a transpressive-transtensional one. The most striking structures are thick highly conductive subhorizontal zones in the middle crust and a tectonically controlled deep vertical conductive structure—the Carpathian conductive zone. Other significant structures, which also appear in the seismic section, are back thrusting of Flysch Belt and the Klippen Belt basement (Penninic crust) uplift.

Late Cretaceous age of magmatism at Vršatec in the Pieniny Klippen Belt, Western Carpathians, Slovakia

Late Cretaceous age of magmatism at Vršatec in the Pieniny Klippen Belt, Western Carpathians, Slovakia

Heavy minerals of the aeolian sediments in the East Slovak Basin (Western Carpathians) – Implications for their origin, transport process and sedimentary history

Aeolian sediments usually indicate glacial or periglacial arid-climate conditions, and knowledge of their sedimentary character and mineral composition can reveal the locality’s palaeo-environment and palaeo-geographic history. Reconstruction is provided by heavy-mineral surface micro-textural and geochemical analysis, and this detected the source area, source rocks and transport conditions for the Würmian wind-blown sands which form several dune types in the East Slovak Basin. The heavy-mineral morphology, surface micro-textures and low mineral maturity of the aeolian sediments preserve traces of past sub-aquatic environments and local aeolian transport. The heavy-mineral geochemistry suggests initial detrital derivation from local sources. This was formed by re-worked and re-mobilised Magura Nappe flysch sandstones in the Western Carpathians, with likely contribution of the Pieniny Klippen Belt flysch sediments indicated in sporadic pyrope-rich garnet. The associated detrital pyroxene and amphibole geochemistry denotes primary andesite source rocks which dominate lithology in the surrounding Neogene volcanic mountain chains. These are the Slanské vrchy, Vihorlatské vrchy and Zemplínske vrchy Mountains. The further occurrence of detrital hydrogrossular indicates derivation from contact-metamorphic zones associated with the volcanic rocks. Although different garnet types in the distinct dune profile zones may have resulted from heavy mineral re-sorting during active dune movement, they suggest sources changed by local wind directions. Orientation of basic linear features of the dunes derived from the digital terrain model indicates (paleo)wind generally from the north.

Characteristics structures of the mélange zones in the Ukrainian Carpathians

Mélange is characterized by the block-in-matrix fabric in which rigid blocks of different sizes, lithologies, and ages are distributed in a ductile matrix. Though mélange is a significant component of orogenic belts, in the Ukrainian Carpathians, mélanges of tectonic origin have not been reported. We have described the mélange zones widespread in the Pieniny Klippen Belt, Marmarosh Klippen Zone, and the inner nappes of the Outer Ukrainian Carpathians, as well as the typical deformation structures developed within them.
 The mélange matrix is characterized by a scaly fabric formed by cleavage surfaces and somewhere arranged in S-C structures. Lenticular clasts within the matrix show their long axis aligned to the tectonic foliation. Rotation of the boudins occurs against the shear direction following the formation of the S-C structures. The rigid clasts somewhere demonstrate sigma-type rotation structures. Some blocks within the mélange are highly fractured up to tectonic breccias.
 The study of tectonic slicken-sides and other deformation structures within the Pieniny belt demonstrates the presence of regular stress fields correlated with the geodynamics of the Carpatho-Pannonian region. The main stress field indicates the SW-NE regional compression related to the formation of Carpathian nappes and S-N — trending dextral strike-slip faults. Our study in the Priborzhava quarries records the Oash right-lateral strike-slip fault zone. In the Pieniny Klippen Belt some oblique normal faults of the Carpathian direction are related to the Transcarpathian Depression formation. The study showed that the mélange zones in the inner part of the Ukrainian Carpathians were formed largely due to strike-slip movements. In contrast, in the outer part of the Carpathian orogen, they formed mainly due to thrusting.

STRATIGRAPHY OF THE UPPER CRETACEOUS SEDIMENTS WITH OCEANIC RED BEDS (CORBs), UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS

Cretaceous deposits containing pelagic red beds (CORBs – Cretaceous Oceanic Red Beds) are developed in the Ukrainian Carpathians. CORBs have a global distribution, they are sharply depleted in organic matter and their formation is associated with periods of cooling and intensive circulation of cold, oxygen-enriched deep-sea currents that oxidize organic carbon. CORBs in the Ukrainian Carpathians are common in the Upper Cretaceous, while the Lower Cretaceous sediments, especially in the Outer (Flysch) Carpathians, are often enriched in organic matter (in particular the black shales of the Shypot and Spas formations). Such change in sediments enriched and depleted in organic matter may be associated with regular climate changes. In the Inner Carpathians, in the both the Peniny Klippen Belt and the Marmarosh Klippen Zone, CORBs are represented by thick (100-200 m) mostly red-colored marls and shales that make up the Turonian – Maastrichtian Puchov Formation. A fragment of the Puchov Formation of the Turonian age is presented in the Marmarosh Massif. Stratigraphically, the lowest CORBs represented by layers of pink marls are noted in the upper part (Middle-Upper Cenomanian) of the Tysalo Formation in the Peniny Klippen Belt. Deposits containing CORBs in the Peniny Klippen Belt are intensively deformed, in some places they are transformed into thin shale rocks or friction mud and are part of the tectonic mélange, while in the Marmarosh Klippen Zone they lie monoclinally and are weakly deformed. In the Outer Carpathians, CORBs are represented by: Turonian–Paleocene variegated shales and marls of the Holyatyn Beds (Subsilesian Nappe); Turonian–Coniacian red-colored and variegated shales belonging to the lower member of the Yalovets Formation (Dukla, Chornohora, Svydovets, and Krasnoshora nappes); and pack of Turonian variegated marls included in the Sukhiv Formation (Burkut nappe). CORBs represented by red-brown interlayers, occur both in the uppermust Albian– lower Cenomanian (Eiffellithus turriseiffeli Zone) of the Sukhiv Formation, and in the Santonian upper member of the Yalovets Formation. CORBs in the Outer Carpathians are deformed to a greater or lesser extent, plastic marls of the Sukhiv Formation are especially strongly deformed, which makes it much more difficult to establish their stratigraphic sequence. The age of the deposits of the Ukrainian Carpathians, which contain CORBs, has been clarified. The studied sediments are correlated with the Geologic Time Scale (2020) on the basis of nannoplankton and planktonic foraminifera. The biozonal scale based on nannoplankton of A.M. Romaniv is compared in the range BC27/UC0 (upper Albian – lower Cenomanian) – UC20 (upper Maastrichtian) according to the first appearance of zonal species according to the scale of J. Barnett (1998). Accordantly, the Eiffellithus turriseiffeli Zone (uppermost Albian–Lower Senomanian); Gartnerago obliquum Zone (Middle Senomanian–lowermost Turonian); Eiffellithus eximius-Marthasterites furcatus Zone (Lower Turonian–lowermost Upper Coniacian); Micula staurophora-Tetralithus obscurus-Broinsonia parca Zone (Upper Coniacian- lowermost Middle Campanian); Tetralithus aculeus Zone (Middle Campanian); Tetralithus? trifidus (Middle Campanian– lowermost Upper Campanian); Nephrolithus frequens (Upper Campanian–Upper Maastrichtian) are distinguished. The biozonal division of the Upper Cretaceous of the Carpathians according to planktonic foraminifera after N.I. Maslakova was modified and compared with the biochronozones of a typical section of the Tethys region (Coccioni, Premoli Silva, 2015). In the studied sediments, the following zones are distinguished: Thalmanninella reicheli (middle part of the Lower Cenomanian), Rotalipora cushmani (middle part of the Lower Cenomanian–Upper Cenomanian), Helvetoglobotruncana helvetica (lower part of Turonian), Dicarinella concavata (top of Turonian–lowermost Santonian), Contusotruncana fornicata (most of Santonian), Globotruncanita elevata (lower part of the Campanian), Contusotruncana morozovae (middle part of the Campanian), Globotruncanita stuarti (top of the Campanian–lower part of the Maastrichtian), Abathomphalus mayaroensis (upper part of the Maastrichtian); beds with Thalmanninella globotruncanoides (lower part of the Lower Cenomanian), assemblage with Marginotruncana schneegansi, Marginotruncana sigali, Marginotruncana renzi (upper part of Turonian). Benthic foraminifera Uvigerinammina jankoi Zone (Turonian); Spiroplectinella costata Zone (Coniacian–Lower Santonian); Caudammina gigantea Zone (Upper Santonian–Lower Campanian); Rzehakina inclusa Zone (Upper Campanian– Maastrichtian); Rzehakina fissistomata Zone (Paleocene) were identified accordantly to zonal schemes of L.D. Ponomaryova and B. Olszewska. The lower boundary of the CORBs in the Ukrainian Carpathians is correlated with the Senomanian-Turonian boundary on the basis of appearance of planktonic foraminifers of Helvetoglobotruncana helvetica Zone and benthic foraminifers of Uvigerinammina jankoi Zone in the base of both Puchov Formation (Pieniny Klippen Belt) and Holyatun Beds (Subsilesian Nappe), as well as in the lowermost part of the Yalovets Formation (Dukla, Chornohora, Svydovets and Krasnoshora nappes).

Depth structure of the Transcarpathian Depression (Ukrainian part) according to density modeling data

The presented research is devoted to the construction and calculations of the density model along the regional CMRV-DSS profile RP-17 (Chop–Velykyy Bychkiv), running along the Transcarpathian depression. Based on the results of density modeling, the distribution of density in the Earth’s crust was obtained in accordance with its seismic structure and gravity field as well as the density structure of individual layers. A tectonic interpretation of the obtained results was provided. The Mukachevo and Solotvyno parts of Transcarpathian depression have their own structural features, autonomous geological development and are distinguished by Neogene geodynamics. The analysis of density properties showed that in the Neogene sedimentary layer of both depressions there is a change in the density of various rocks in the depth intervals of 200—950; 950—1450; 1450—2050 m. In the Solotvyno depression in the depth intervals of 200—950 and 1450—2050 m, the density is greater than in Mukachevo, due to the presence of sandstones, tuffs, mudstones, and siltstones. In the interval 950—1450 m of Solotvyno depresson, on the contrary, the density is lower than in Mukachevo one, due to the presence of salt and clay. The Earth’s crust of Mukachevo depression is more compacted, as it contains a «basalt» layer. The Solotvyno depression consists of two parts and its average density corresponds to a diorite composition. The north-western block is of higher density and more homogeneous. The south-eastern one is of lower density and composed of a large number blocks of different densities separated by faults. The boundary of the lower density zone (PK 105—110) runs along the south-eastern branch of the Stryi-Latorytsia shear zone. This zone appears fragmentary on the density section, being similar to a mantle fault, with a lateral differentiation of density values, as well as the largest concentration of earthquakes, especially in the upper part of the Earth’s crust. The low-density area is probably associated with the transition from the Solotvyno depression to the structures located to the south-east of it. Thus, the block with the lowest density (2,38 g/cm3) of the Mesozoic-Paleozoic folded basement can be attributed to the Fore-Alkapa suture zone, represented by the Pieniny Klippen Belt and the Monastyrets nappe, which turns in the meridional direction in the zone of junction with the Tisza-Dacia terrane. The block located below with a density of 2,64 g/cm3 can be connected with the Marmarosh massif, or with the Rakhiv nappe. It was established that the crust of the Alkapa terrain along the profile is represented by three large blocks with a smaller block structure inside each one. The two more density blocks with different crust structure correspond to the Mukachevo depression. The lowest density third block belongs to the north-eastern part of the Solotvyno depression, the eastern border of which coincides with the area of clustering of earthquake hypocenters. The south-eastern part of the Solotvyno depression probably represents a transition zone between the Alkapa and Tisza–Dacia terrains. Two lithospheric fault zones are distinguished. The first one separates Mukachevo and Solotvyno depressions. The second zone is located between the Khust and Tyachiv faults in the low-density zone along the entire section of the Earth’s crust. These two zones are assumed to be connected by the Vynogradiv fault. It is characterized by a large cluster of earthquakes and located in the transition from extension and subsidence to compression and uplift. Low velocity (density) zones of the Transcarpathian depression can be associated with lithospheric fault zones. There are the most active horizons of modern geological and geophysical transformations of the mineral environment of the Earth’s crust and can be a potential source of deep oil and gas.

Lineaments in the Gravity Image of the Border Zone between the Central and Outer Carpathians

The research area covers the border zone between the Central and Outer Carpathians. The purpose of this research was the interpretation of this zone based on a gravitational survey. This survey was integrated with the results of surface mapping, a deep seismic survey, and deep drillings. Three major tectonic units are located in this area: the Outer (Flysch) Carpathians, the Pieniny Klippen Belt (PKB), and the Central Carpathians. All three units contain a significant amount of flysch sequences. The lowering of the Bouguer anomaly value from north to south reflects the dip of the crystalline European Plate; in turn, the renewed increase in value correlates very well with the emergence of the crystalline ALCAPA Plate. The range of variability of the Bouguer anomaly value largely masks smaller anomalies in amplitude originating from smaller geological structures. Only three anomalies with significant horizontal extent and greater amplitudes are visible: two are clearly correlated with the Orava-Nowy Targ Basin and the third anomaly is likely connected with the thicker pile of the Outer Carpathian flysch. To separate the boundaries of geological or tectonic structures (lineaments), a horizontal derivative (THDR) and an analytical signal (ASA) were used. Both methods allowed us to confirm existing geological and tectonic boundaries (lineaments) and to identify new ones.

Coral assemblages and environments from Bajocian reefs in the Western Carpathians

The systematics of the coral assemblages of the Vršatec Limestone from the Pieniny Klippen Belt (Western Carpathians) that inhabited the NW Tethyan margin during the Bajocian is revisited here based on a new and extensive sampling of coral specimens collected at four outcrops. The assemblage consists of 12 genera and 13 species, including the new species Proaplophyllia slovakensis and the first Bajocian occurrence of the genus Enallhelia. Morphometric analyses also allow us to synonymize multiple species citations of the genus Thecosmilia into a single species. A quantitative study shows that five genera tend to be most common at all outcrops, namely Cladophyllia, Dendraraea, Isastrea, Periseris, and Thecosmilia, documenting relatively high homogeneity in the qualitative generic composition of coral assemblages but quantitative differences among the four outcrops. Coral specimens are frequently affected by macroborings (Gastrochaenolites, Entobia, and Trypanites) and coated by microbialitic components. We suggest that these reefs grew in the optimum of the Bajocian reefal window (i.e., shallow-water photic environments above storm wave base). We also identify three traps (typological, nominal, and induction traps) that led in the past to the false stratigraphic attribution of these reefs, when they were erroneously assigned to the Oxfordian rather than to the Bajocian.

Geodynamic Studies in the Pieniny Klippen Belt in 2004–2020

ABSTRACT The Pieniny Geodynamic Test Field is situated in the middle of the region between the Inner and Outer Carpathians. Geodynamic research conducted in the past in the Pieniny Klippen Belt (PKB) region were suggestive of neotectonic activity. The goal of the investigation was to determine whether the nearby structures, the Podhale Flysh (FP) and the Magura Nappe (MN), are affected by neotectonic activity in the PKB. The goal of the study was to ascertain the velocity and direction of motion of stations situated close to the Pieniny Geodynamic Test Field’s 3 main structures. Twelve GNSS stations, including 6 in the PKB, 3 in the MN, and 3 in the FP, make up the Pieniny Geodynamic Test Field. Three GNSS sites in the Tatra Mountains (TM) complete the entire geodynamic test field. The satellite observations made between 2004 and 2020 (excluding the year 2005 due to lack of observation) were investigated to identify the horizontal movements. Using the IGb14 reference system, the station’s positions and velocities were calculated. First, daily sessions were used to process the horizontal coordinates of the points for an average observation epoch in a given year. Sixteen measurement epochs were included in the long-time solution. Based on the horizontal velocity residues in the north–south and east–west directions, the station’s movement was calculated. The collected results were compared to information from the EUREF Permanent GNSS Network (EUREF) and to the findings of prior research on the tectonic activity of the PKB. The results of horizontal displacements calculated using GNSS measurements in the area of the PKB and nearby structures—the MN and the FP are presented and analyzed in this article.

Transcarpathian Depression: Study of Low-Velocity Zones in the Earth’s Crust Based on the Seismic Regional Profiles Data

Transcarpathian depression (TD) is located in the junction zone of the eastern margin of ALCAPA terrain and the northern part of Tisza-Dacia one, buried under thick Neogene molasses. The Earth’s crust structure of the TD is not clearly understood.
 The purpose of this work is to refine the TD crust structure and identify low-velocity zones by interpreting wave images obtained from WARR PANCAKE profile data using the finite-difference reflection/refraction migration method.
 The crustal domain beneath the TD is interpreted to be limited from southwest by a fault gently southwest dipping, traced from Pieniny Klippen Belt on the surface. Within domain two suture zones being the Alpine Tethys ocean remnants and cemented the European plate and ALCAPA microplate, were distinguished: Piemont-Liguria and PKB ones, as well as a rootless fragment of ALCAPA terrain. The Outer Carpathians thrust belt of 13 km depth borders the TD by subvertical Transcarpathian fault. The crust structure of the Pannonian segment is interpreted to be a pile of thick- and thin-skinned basement nappes of the Tisza terrain and cover nappes with superimposed younger extensional structures.
 High-reflectivity and low-velocity zone at depths of 10­—20 km is identified. The zone follows the pattern of isotherms in the temperature range of 300—500°. On the deep seismic sounding (DSS) Chop—Velykiy Bychkiv profile, running along TD and crossing the PANCAKE line, two low-velocity zones were also distinguished. Published data on numerical and physical modeling, the deep well cores, as well as fault zones in natural outcrops suggest that the low-velocity zones have increased porosity, fracturing, and fluid saturation. Our results suggest a high hydrocarbon potential of the TD, associated with the low-velocity zones.

Reply to the comment on “variable structural styles and tectonic evolution of an ancient backstop boundary: the Pieniny Klippen Belt of the Western Carpathians” by Pelech et al. (this issue)

Reply to the comment on “variable structural styles and tectonic evolution of an ancient backstop boundary: the Pieniny Klippen Belt of the Western Carpathians” by Pelech et al. (this issue)

ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ВІДСЛОНЕНИХ РОЗРІЗІВ ТУРОНУ-МААСТРИХТУ ПЕНІНСЬКОЇ ЗОНИ УКРАЇНСЬКИХ КАРПАТ ЗА ДРІБНИМИ ФОРАМІНІФЕРАМИ

Purpose. Micropaleontological characteristics of individual exposed sections of Turonian-Maastrichtian sediments of the Pieniny Klippen Belt in the Ukrainian Carpathians with detailed age determination by foraminifera. Method. Field geological and stratigraphic research, foraminiferal analysis. Results. In the studied sections, Turonian, Coniacian, Campanian and Maastrichtian deposits were identified. The deposits of the Lower Turonian are determined by the disappearance of the genus Rotalipora and the appearance of the species Dicarinella hagni; the Upper Turonian was identified by the distribution of representatives of the genus Marginotruncana. According to the division of the Upper Cretaceous of the Ukrainian Carpathians after planktonic foraminifera, the Dicarinella concavata Zone (top of the Turonian-most of the Coniacian) and the sequence of zones in the Campanian-lower Maastrichtian interval were identified: Globotruncanita elevate Zone; Contusotruncana morozovae Zone, Globotruncanita stuarti Zone. The established subdivisions are correlated with the biochronozones of the modern Geologic Time Scale such as Dicarinella concavata Zone (top of the Turonian – most of the Coniacian), Globotruncanita elevate Zone, Contusotruncana plummerae Zone, Radotruncana calcarata Zone, Globotruncanella havanensis Zone, Gansserina gansseri Zone within the Campanian-lowermost Maastrichtian. Scientific novelty. For the first time, exposed sections of the Turonian-Maastrichtian of the Pieniny Klippen Belt of the Ukrainian Carpathians were studied and correlated with modern regional and international foraminiferal scales for the appearance of index species. Practical significance. The results obtained are important for the compilation of regional stratigraphic schemes and interregional correlation of sediments.

TECTONIC DEFORMATIONS AND PALEOSTRESS FIELDS IN THE ROCK COMPLEXES OF THE PIENINY KLIPPEN BELT IN THE CITY OF SZAWNYCTA (POLAND)

Purpose of the paper is study of faults and folds and reconstruction of paleostress fields in rock complexes of the Pieniny Klippen Belt in Pieniny Mts. area (Southern Poland). Methods of field geological and structural research were involved, including the kinematic method with subsequent reconstruction of paleostress fields using the program Win-Tensor. The results. On the right bank of the Danube River in the south-western outskirts of the city of Szczawnytsia (Southern Poland), numerous fold and fault deformations, their kinematic types and structural patterns were studied in the large rootless block of the PKB. Paleostress fields of the thrust, normal and strike-slip kinematic types have been restored. In the inverse stress field, thrusts were formed on the border of competent and incompetent rocks. Drug-folds, mélange and broken formations zones were formed in the more ductile rocks of the lower block. In the normal-type stress field, the former thrusts were activated as normal faults and cuted by the ortogonal and oblique sinistral strike-slip faults. The kinematic sence of the thrusts changed to an oblique normal faults with a component of the sinistral strike-slip, in the bodering zones of the activated faults, drag folds ans s-type folds were formed. In the youngest stress field, the former thrust surfaces were activated as strike-slip ones. Shear deformations were also recorded along thrust-limiting orthogonal and oblique surfaces. Kinematic types of tectonic deformation and folded structures in the different parts of the studed rootless block vitnesses the rotation of the fault wings in the horizontal and vertical planes. The wavy shape of the surface of the movement of the rootless block may be the reason for the simultaneous existence of a field of compression and tension in its various segments. Scientific novelty. As a result of the research, the kinematic types of fault, their relationships and features of development in various paleostress fields were determined. The features of the structure of the thrust and the faults that cut them, the relationships of folded and faulted deformation are established. Changes of the kinematic types of faults in time from the inverse to the strike-slip type have been established. Practical impact. The obtained results complement the history of the formation of the Pieniny Klippen Belt and can be used to refine tectonic maps and select a geodynamic model of the region. Key words: Pieniny Klippen Belt, paleostress, thrust, strike-slip, mélange.

EDM-GNSS distance comparison at the EURO5000 calibration baseline: preliminary results

Abstract At the Pieniny Klippen Belt in Poland, the novel primary reference baseline EURO5000 is required as part of the European Research project GeoMetre to both validate refractivity-compensated EDM prototypes and investigate the metrological traceability of GNSS-based distances. Since the aimed uncertainty is 1 mm at 5 km (k = 2), the design, construction, and validation must be carefully prepared to fulfil the high standards of the GeoMetre field campaigns which are planned to be carried out in May 2022. This contribution describes the main features of the EURO5000 and presents the results of the preliminary validation which includes a first comparison between the results obtained by using precise currently available EDMs as well as GNSS techniques following the standard GNSS geodetic processing algorithms, on the one hand, and the improved GNSS-Based Distance Meter (GBDM+) approach developed at UPV, on the other hand. The preliminary validation presented in this contribution also permits (1) to detect potential problems in the use of the baseline such as potential geodynamic problems, atmospheric refraction or multipath limitations, (2) to produce a set of reliable results, and (3) to pave the way for the final field comparisons between the novel EDMs and the GBDM+ approach. The result of this metrological experiment may significantly contribute to overcome the limitations of current high-precision deformation monitoring applications that require their scale to be consistent with the SI-metre within 0.1 ppm in several km.

Mélange, Flysch and Cliffs in the Pieniny Klippen Belt (Poland): An Overview

The Pieniny Klippen Belt (PKB) is located in the suture zone between the Central and Outer (Flysch) Carpathians. Its structure is an effect of prolonged processes of the Cretaceous–Miocene folding, thrusting and uplifting. In this zone, tectonic components of different ages and features, including strike-slip-bounded tectonic blocks, thrust units, as well as toe-thrusts and olistostromes, result in the present-day mélange characteristics of the PKB, where individual tectonic units are difficult to distinguish. In the PKB, both tectonic and sedimentary events triggered the mélange creation. The name “Klippen Belt” is derived from cliffs (German Klippen). These cliffs form harder, more erosion-resistant elements of the mélange, residing within less competent clastic deposits, sandstones, shales and marls that form flysch complexes. The cliffs often represent olistoliths, which glided down from elevated areas to the deeper basinal zones. Two olistostrome belts were distinguished. The older one resulted from subduction of the southern part of the Alpine Tethys, and the younger originated in response to the northward shift of the accretionary wedge. The other cliffs were placed within the surrounding clastic by tectonic deformational processes. The flower structure of the PKB was formed during the collision and strike-slip movement of the lithospheric plates. This structure is limited on both sides by deep-rooted faults. Several evolutionary stages could be distinguished in these areas. The rift-related stage is expressed by the opening of the Alpine Tethys that contains two major basins—Magura and Pieniny (Złatne) basins, separated by Czorsztyn Ridge. The reorganization of the Alpine Tethys basins and the development of the accretionary prism happened during the synorogenic stage. This process was initiated by the movement of the Central Carpathians. Thick flysch sequences with olistostromes were deposited in these basins. The Czorsztyn Ridge was destroyed during the late orogenic stages.

The Orava segment of the Pieniny Klippen Belt: Lithology, structure and stratigraphy based on the organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts (Šariš Unit)

The Orava segment of the Pieniny Klippen Belt: Lithology, structure and stratigraphy based on the organic-walled dinoflagellate cysts (Šariš Unit)