Western Carpathians Research Articles

Mineralogy and genetic considerations of the metamorphosed As-rich manganese ore mineralisation at the Diely occurrence near Poráč (Northern Gemeric Unit, Western Carpathians, Slovakia)

Mineralogy and genetic considerations of the metamorphosed As-rich manganese ore mineralisation at the Diely occurrence near Poráč (Northern Gemeric Unit, Western Carpathians, Slovakia)

Variability of trace elements in bodies of scrapers (Ephemeroptera) and predators (Plecoptera) from mountain rivers of Dzungarian Alatau (Kazakhstan) and Western Carpathians (Slovakia).

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in aquatic environments can be influenced by local environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations, pH levels, sediment composition, dissolved organic matter content, and the presence of other chemical substances. We analyzed the differences in trace elements accumulation (S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ba, and Pb) between two trophic guilds-scrapers (Ephemeroptera) and predators (Plecoptera)-of freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates collected from mountain streams in Kazakhstan and Slovakia. Trace elements in dried insect bodies were analyzed using an X-ray spectrometer, and physicochemical parameters of stream water were investigated at each sampling site. Our results showed significant differences in Fe, Ti, and Sr levels in predators from Kazakhstan and Cu levels in predators from Slovakia. Despite some trace elements showing higher concentrations in one group over another, the overall differences between regions were more pronounced. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the primary factors influencing trace elements variability were associated with environmental conditions such as temperature, oxygen levels, and total dissolved solids (TDS). PCA components indicated a higher load of trace elements in the warmer, less oxygenated streams, particularly in Kazakhstan. These findings suggest that both biotic (feeding strategies) and abiotic (geographical and environmental conditions) factors significantly influence trace elements dynamics in freshwater ecosystems.

An Overview of the Thrips Fauna of the “Góra Bucze” Landscape-Nature Complex in Western Carpathians (Poland)

Although thrips are commonly viewed primarily as agricultural pests [...]

Reconstruction of the historic flood of 1813 on rivers in the mountains of the Western Carpathians (Slovakia)

ABSTRACT The catastrophic flood of 1813 that occurred in the Western Carpathians region was the largest natural disaster ever recorded here. The 1812/1813 winter season was very cold with abundant snow cover. Spring and summer months were also rich in liquid precipitation, further increasing soil saturation and catchment runoff. Torrential rains were reported to occur from 24 to 26 August when two deep low-pressure systems met over the Western Carpathians above the headwaters of large rivers like Váh and Hron. This resulted in a flood with the flood wave being 10 m above the long-term river stage. In this study we summarize the findings from our archival research to report on the causes, severity and extent of the 1813 flood. Using three-dimensional terrain modelling we have reconstructed the culmination water level in two towns affected by the flood from the rivers Váh and Hron using historical maps and preserved flood marks.

Reiβscheiben ingots as markers of copper imports to the market of Medieval Novgorod

During the Middle Ages, massive ingots were the standard type of copper raw material obtained from European mines and exported across the Baltic and North Seas over vast distances. In Russian literature, they are known as “flat cakes” and “loafs”, while in the foreign one they are referred to as Reißscheiben (torn out disk). The article provides information about 24 cases of finding massive ingots. Most of the finds are concentrated on international trade routes and mark the main directions of movement of copper raw materials from mining operations located in the Western Carpathians, Erzgebirge and Eastern Alps, to the North and Baltic Seas. Recording and mapping of Reißscheiben that were not subject to remelting, and, therefore, retained the primary “isotopic marks”, provide valuable information for identifying sources of metal and establishing the routes of importing metal raw materials to the territory of medieval Rus. Huge volumes of copper shipwreck cargoes can be considered as reference samples when interpreting Pb-Pb data obtained for both different types of ingots and finished products.

Climatic sensitivity and the growth prospects of Silver fir and European larch in the Carpathians in the light of observed climate changes

One consequence of climate change is the rapid extinction of spruce monocultures in the Carpathians. Therefore, the need has arisen to replace spruce with other highly productive species that ensure the stability and biodiversity of mountain forests, such as the Abies alba and Larix decidua. These co-occurring conifers show different successional and phenological characteristics: L. decidua is a light-demanding species that dominates in the early successional stages, while A. alba is a shade-tolerant tree. This study attempts to identify climatic factors that determine the tree-ring width of fir and larch in order to assess the growth prospects of these species in the context of the ongoing climate change. As a measure of the vitality of trees, tree-ring widths of 42 sub-populations of fir and 36 of larch from the area of the Western Carpathians were used. Regional growth patterns for each species were used to estimate the relationship between temperature/precipitation and radial growth. Linear correlation analyses and nonlinear Random Forest models were used. Fir growth was significantly positively influenced by the high temperature of January–March and July and the high precipitation of February and July of the year of tree-ring formation. Larch growth was positively affected by the high temperature of May and the low precipitation of April and September of the year of tracheid formation. Unlike larch, fir growth increased if May and June of the preceding year were warm. The dominant climatic factor influencing fir growth was February temperature, whereas for larch growth, it was the May temperature of the year of tree-ring formation. Most of the recently observed changes in climatic factors that are important for the growth of both species are favorable. Thus, increasing their share in the Carpathian forests seems fully justified, as this will contribute to the stability, productivity, and biodiversity of the region’s forests.

Geochemical characterization of trace fossil assemblages in spotted marls and limestones of the Lower Jurassic of the Western Carpathians: environmental implications

AbstractThe trace fossils of the spotted limestones and marls from upper Pliensbachian of the Skladaná Skala section, Western Carpathians (Slovakia), are characteristic of Zoophycos ichnofacies preserved in outer shelf deposits. The ichnoassociation is dominated by Lamellaeichnus and Chondrites, while Palaeophycus, Planolites, Teichichnus, Thalassinoides, Trichichnus, and Zoophycos, are less abundant. The presence of relatively large sized traces (reaching a decimetre in horizontal dimension for Thalassinoides and Zoophycos) and continuously well bioturbated deposits point to well oxygenated shallow zone (mixed layer) and deeper part of stiffed substrate of the transitional layer of bottom substrate up to the first tens of centimetres to depth. A first tier (tier I) corresponds to the shallowest sediment occupied by Bathysiphon tests and other epifaunal body fossils. The tier II is characterized by shallow infaunal burrows of deposit feeders (Planolites) and permanent dwelling, open burrows (Palaeophycus, Thalassinoides) located in a Ca-rich sediment (corresponding to CaCO3). The tier III is dominated by deposit feeders (Lamellaeichnus, Teichichnus) that burrowed stiff Ca-rich sediment below the redox boundary. Trace fossils of tier III are rich in fine siliciclastics (high content in Si, Al, K mainly associated to clays) and pyrite framboids (enrichment in Fe, S and Co). The deposit-feeders of tier III maintain connection to the sediment-water interface. Tier IV (Zoophycos, Teichichnus and large Chondrites), and deepest infaunal forms of the tier V. (Trichichnus, Pilichnus and tiny forms of Chondrites) comprises trace fossils commonly rich in pyrite framboids with relatively high content of Fe, S, and Co, congruent with chemosymbiotic behaviour commonly inferred for Chondrites, Trichichnus, and the organic-matter storage of Zoophycos.

Changes in hydraulic and physico-water parameters of surface waters under the influence of anthropogenic activities in the Western Carpathians

To evaluate the quality of watercourses in the Western part of Carpathians from a hydro-chemical perspective, a systematic approach is required. This involves gradually excluding factors that contribute to the washing, mixing, and transportation of contaminants in the watercourse pathway. The model that considers spatial dependencies by autoregression was implemented in this study to determine the correlation between hydrodynamic and physico-chemical characteristics of waters at surface in different groups and forms of catchment use. The surface water at forested areas had the maximum average shear stress of 0.178 N∙m−2. The watercourse at sustained grassland had the maximum average Reynolds number (Re) of 23,654 and the minimum number of 0.426 at arable lands. Spatial autoregression analysis revealed space-time relations in various measurement points. When constructing the space-physical model, it is important to consider the influence of hydraulic characteristic parameters on the generation of physicochemical indicators in the flysch basin. Specifically, it may be beneficial to take into account the turbulent diffusion coefficient. The autoregression analysis demonstrated that for the ions P-PO43− and K+ in surface water on cropland and for total iron and the cation K+ ion grassland (p < 0.05), the turbulent diffusion coefficient proved to be of great importance. The study did not identify any physicochemical dependency for woodland surface waters. The findings can be utilised to create an erosion model that considers the contribution of material supply in a catchment area, specifically from weathered Carpathian flysch or surface runoff, to the alimentation of alluvial deposits.

The influence of local and distant sources of precipitation pollutant emissions in the Western Carpathians in the context of climatic and socio-economic changes

This study analyses the influence of atmospheric circulation type (ACT) on the basic physical parameters of precipitation, i.e. pH and specific electrolytic conductivity (SEC), during a period of pronounced climate change and socio-economic transformation in the Western Carpathians, focusing on the central portion of the Western Beskids. Calculations and analyses were based on measurements of daily precipitation water samples, which were related to data from the calendar of synoptic situations proposed by T. Niedźwiedź. During the 1995–2020 study period, the average annual and seasonal pH exhibited a positive trend, whereas the SEC exhibited a negative trend. The average pH was observed to be lower for anticyclonic ACT, particularly during the winter season, when an increase in precipitation water acidification was caused by the inflow of pollutants from the Silesian conurbation, the Cracow agglomeration and the nitrogen plants in Tarnów (Wa and NWa types), in addition to pollutants from Slovakia (Ea and SEa types). In autumn (SON), an increase in the SEC of precipitation water was observed due to an increase in atmospheric dust concentration. Comparing the changes observed in average pH and SEC under different ACTs between the first and last decades of the study period indicates an overall increase in pH and decrease in SEC, despite a lack of clear changes in the distribution of circulation types.

Impact of winch-assisted logging machinery on soil disturbance in the mountainous forests of Western Carpathians

IntroductionTimber harvesting on steep terrain is a challenge in terms of economic viability, safety, and environmental performance. Felling with chainsaws and use of yarders seems optimal in this environment. However, using mobile traction winches allows for the safe work of ground-based technologies even in these challenging conditions.MethodsOur study assessed the impact of winch-assisted cut-to-length harvesting on soil disturbance in young forest stands (up to 40 years old) across slopes of 14.9°-27.4° (27–52%). Utilizing 78 measurement points (i.e., 234 measurements), we analyzed soil samples from trail ruts, between ruts, and undisturbed areas for soil bulk density (g.cm−3) and soil moisture content (%), simultaneously measuring penetration resistance (MPa), penetration depth (cm) and rut depth (cm).ResultsThe results highlighted that areas without winch assistance experienced the most significant increases in soil bulk density (up to 22.35%) and penetration resistance (up to 26.8%), though these differences were not statistically significant. Linear mixed effects models did not confirm a significant effect (p > 0.05) of a traction winch on the soil bulk density (g cm−3) and penetration resistance (MPa) in the ruts of the forwarding trails. Mean forwarding trail profile depths ranged from 4.63 to 7.28 cm, with the maximum depths between 10.86 and 17.25 cm, showing deeper ruts in non-assisted areas. Moreover, the presence of the traction winch (p < 0.05) significantly affected the maximal depth of the forwarding trail rut.ConclusionThe findings suggest that winch-assisted harvesting may mitigate soil disturbance (rut depths) on steep slopes, offering a sustainable option for utilizing ground-based machinery with reduced environmental impact.

Factors shaping home ranges of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the Western Carpathians

Understanding how large carnivores utilize space is crucial for management planning in human-dominated landscape and enhances the accuracy of population size estimates. However, Eurasian lynx display a large inter-population variation in the size of home ranges across their European range which makes extrapolation to broader areas of a species distribution problematic. This study evaluates variations in home range size for 35 Eurasian lynx in the Western Carpathians during 2011–2022 based on GPS telemetry and explains how intrinsic and environmental factors shape lynx spatial behaviour when facing anthropogenic pressure. The average annual home range size of lynx ranged from 283 (± 42 SE) to 360 (± 60 SE) km2 for males and from 148 (± 50 SE) to 190 (± 70 SE) km2 for females, depending on home range estimator (95% MCP, KDE and AKDE). Females with kittens had smaller annual and summer home ranges compared to non-reproducing females and subadults had smaller home ranges compared to adults. Lynx home range size was explained by availability of roe deer, except for summer, when alternative prey was likely available. We also found clear evidence of human-induced changes in lynx home range size, in particular, forest cover significantly decreased the home range size of male lynx during summer while road density led to an expansion of both annual and summer lynx home ranges. Lynx exhibited consistent fidelity to their home ranges throughout consecutive seasons, showing no seasonal variations. Strong territoriality was observed among competing males maintaining relatively low home range overlaps and considerable distances between centres of activity. The most pronounced tendency for association was observed between males and females, maintaining relatively close proximity year-round. The insights into lynx spatial requirements provided by our study will greatly enhance the accuracy of population size estimates and effectiveness of mitigation measures across the Western Carpathians.

Crustal and upper mantle 3-D Vs structure of the Pannonian region from joint earthquake and ambient noise Rayleigh wave tomography

SUMMARY The Pannonian Basin, situated in Central Europe, is surrounded by the Alpine, Carpathian and Dinaric orogens. To understand its tectonic characteristics and evolution, we determine a shear wave velocity model of its crust, mantle lithosphere and asthenosphere consistently by jointly inverting Rayleigh wave phase velocities measured consistently from earthquake (EQ) and ambient noise (AN) data. For the AN data, continuous waveform data were collected from 1254 stations, covering an area within 9° from the centre of the Pannonian Basin during the time period from 2006 to 2018. This data set enabled the extraction of over 164 464 interstation Rayleigh phase-velocity curves, after applying a strict quality control workflow. For the EQ data set more than 2000 seismic events and about 1350 seismic stations were used in the broader Central and Eastern European region between the time-span of 1990 to 2015, allowing us to extract 139 987 quality controlled Rayleigh wave phase-velocity curve. Using the combined data set, a small period- and distance-dependent bias between ambient noise and earthquake measurements, mostly below 1 per cent but becoming larger towards longer periods has been found. After applying a period and distance dependent correction, we generated phase-velocity maps, spanning periods from 5 to 250 s. 33 981 local dispersion curves were extracted and a new approach is introduced to link their period-dependent roughness to the standard deviation. Using a non-linear stochastic particle swarm optimization, a consistent 3-D shear wave velocity model (PanREA2023) encompassing the crust and upper mantle down to 300 km depth was obtained with a lateral resolution reaching about 50 km at the centre of the study area for shorter periods. The crust beneath the Carpathian orogen exhibits a distinct low-velocity anomaly extending down to the Moho. It is referred to as Peri-Carpathian anomaly. Similar anomalies were observed in the Northern Apennines, while the Eastern Alps and Dinarides, as collisional orogens, generally demonstrate higher velocities in the upper crust. High crustal shear wave velocities are also evident in the Bohemian Massif and the East European Craton. The brittle upper crust of the Pannonian Basin is characterized by alternating NE–SW trending high- and low-velocity anomalies: the western and central Pannonian low-velocity anomalies and the Transdanubian and Apuseni high-velocity anomalies related to Miocene sedimentary basins and intervening intervening interbasinal highs exposing Pre-Cenozoic rocks including crystalline basement rocks. Beneath the Southeastern Carpathians, a NE-dipping slab was identified, extending to depths of at least 200 km, while a slab gap is evident beneath the Western Carpathians. A short south-dipping Eurasian slab was imaged beneath the Eastern Alps down to only 150–200 km depth. The Adriatic lithosphere is subducting near-vertically dipping beneath the Northern Apennines, and a slab gap was observed beneath the Central Apennines. In the Northern Dinarides, a short slab was evident, reaching depths of around 150 km. The Southern Dinarides featured a thinned but possibly incompletely detached slab.

Travertine and calcareous tufa occurrences as an indicator of the ongoing tectonic activity of the Central Slovak Fault System inferred from airborne laser scanning data, geomorphometric, and structural analysis (Northern Slovakia)

The travertine formation process, active over the Quaternary, has enabled the origin of one of the largest travertine accumulations in the Western Carpathians. Travertines and calcareous tufas are associated with the tectonic activity of the Central Slovak Fault System, a 45 km wide and 140 km long N-S oriented fault zone. As the geological mapping, structural analysis, geomorphometric and isobase surface analysis revealed, the development of faults was polyphase and the travertine/tufa precipitation was not a continuous process. In addition, numerous travertine/tufa morphofacial varieties have been recognized within the study area, such as travertine/tufa terraces and tufa cascades, hillslope paludal tufa crust, phytoherm framework tufa barrages, lacustrine microdetrital tufas, bryophyte-dominated self-built channel, and fluvial tufa crust, reflecting its local geomorphology and precipitation factors. In the Revúcka dolina Valley, the travertine/tufa geobodies thus represent a reliable indicator of the tectonic activity over the Neogene up to Quaternary. The structural data provided relevant evidence confirming the character of orogen-parallel extension for the current tectonic/neotectonic regime in the Inner Western Carpathians. High-resolution topography derived from airborne laser scanning and the subsequent application of various geomorphometry techniques allowed quick identification of the edges of the terrace cascade systems and morpholineaments. Based on our observations, in this zone, the significant vertical movements of normal faults took place with a maximum estimated offset of 800–1000 m. The achieved results also support the use of the presented multifaceted methodology to understand the interplay between geomorphogenesis, hydrology, and tectonics.

Differential Responses of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) Phenology and Density to a Changing Environment: A Study from Western Carpathians.

Environmental factors regulate the regeneration of mountain spruce forests, with drought, wind, and bark beetles causing the maximum damage. How these factors minimise spruce regeneration is still poorly understood. We conducted this study to investigate how the phenology and population dynamics of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), a dominant understory species of mountain spruce forests, are related to selected environmental factors that are modified by natural disturbances (bark beetle and wind). For this, we analysed bilberry at different sites affected by bark beetles and adjacent undisturbed forests in the Tatra National Park (TANAP) during the growing season (April-September) in 2016-2021, six years after the initial bark beetle attack. The observations were taken along an altitudinal gradient (1100-1250-1400 m a.s.l.) in two habitats (disturbed spruce forest-D, undisturbed spruce forest-U). We found that habitat and altitude influenced the onset of selected phenological phases, such as the earliest onset at low altitudes (1100 m a.s.l.) in disturbed forest stands and the latest at high altitudes (1400 m a.s.l.) in undisturbed stands. Although there were non-significant differences between habitats and altitudes, likely due to local climate conditions and the absence of a tree layer, these findings suggest that bilberry can partially thrive in disturbed forest stands. Despite temperature fluctuations during early spring, the longer growing season benefits its growth.

The Effectiveness of Tannin on the Amount of Damage to Forest Trees and Stands Caused by Red Deer in the Western Carpathians

Damage caused by cloven-hoofed game and wild animals is a serious problem in Slovakia and neighboring countries. In 2022, the damage to forests in Slovakia was estimated at a level of almost EUR 2.9 million. Despite several implemented measures, the situation is so severe that successfully restoring some trees in some heavily attacked stands is impossible. This paper deals with the preventive elimination of damage caused by red deer in forest stands by the biological method of applying tannin-based mineral licks. Specifically, licks containing tannin obtained from the edible chestnut were used for testing. Several positive effects are attributed to tannins in developing livestock and animal fitness status. To date, however, the question of using tannins as biological agents for the possible protection of forest stands has not been addressed. Therefore, red deer damage was assessed at two localities with similar natural conditions in the central part of the Western Carpathians to explore such a possibility. After the initial sample measurement of the bark-stripping damage caused by the red deer in the autumn, mineral licks with tannin were placed in one selected study area over the winter. The levels of and differences in forest damage by deer between areas with the application of licks with tannin and without tannin were detected in spring of the following year. In the location treated with tannin, the number of damaged sample plots decreased, and the mean plot damage did not increase (no statistically significant differences were registered in mean plot damage between autumn and spring). Meanwhile, in the control location, the total amount of bark-stripped area doubled, mainly due to a statistically significant increase in mean plot damage between autumn and spring. Based on this, we conclude that tannin had a significant preventive effect and considerably reduced the extent of bark stripping. Such promising results indicate that tannin licks can effectively mitigate the problem of bark-stripping damage in areas heavily attacked by red deer.

Provenance of Upper Paleozoic Sandstones from the Western Carpathians (Slovakia): Petrofacies analysis and U–Pb detrital zircon geochronology

Provenance of Upper Paleozoic Sandstones from the Western Carpathians (Slovakia): Petrofacies analysis and U–Pb detrital zircon geochronology

Lithology, U[sbnd]Pb zircon geochronology, and geochemistry of the Austroalpine Sieggraben Complex: Pre-Alpine vs. Alpine history

The Sieggraben Complex (SC) in Eastern Austria provides comprehensive information on the pre-Permian, Permian, and Alpine (Cretaceous) evolutional stages of the crustal and mantle sections included into the Austroalpine basement HP/UHP belt. The SC in the Sieggraben–Schwarzenbach area consists of three, top-to-bottom tectono-stratigraphic units: (1) the Paragneiss unit, (2) the Marble–Eclogite unit, which contains MORB and OIB types of mafic rocks, and (3) the Micaschist–Calcschist unit. The N-MORB type mafic rocks yield a UPb age of 369.7 ± 2.0 Ma, have εNd(370) = +8.5 to +7.4 and TDM(2st) of 0.42–0.50 Ga, while the E-MORB types (UPb ages around 400 Ma) show εNd(400) = +9.4 to +5.6 and TDM(2st) of 0.37–0.67 Ga, both indicating rather juvenile mantle sources during the formation of the inferred oceanic Devonian basin. The rocks of these units revealed Cambrian, Proterozoic, and Archean zircon sources. The ages of 285.8 ± 9.2 and 265.7 ± 2.1 Ma from eclogite and amphibolite, respectively, and 265.5 ± 1.4 Ma from paragneiss indicate an important Permian metamorphic overprint. Permian granitic dykes dated from ∼265 to 260 Ma, exceptionally at 273 and 253 Ma, crosscut the lithological units. A clinopyroxenite dyke, which crosscuts harzburgite of the underlying mantle fragment, yielded a magmatic age of 253.3 ± 2.9 Ma. Overall, these ages suggest a strong Permian extension, overheating, and melting of the crustal and mantle rocks. The eclogite ages from ∼100 Ma, but mainly between 92 and 90 Ma, constrain the Late Cretaceous metamorphic event terminated by an 88.4 ± 0.8 Ma pegmatite intrusion in the Paragneiss unit. The Permian and Cretaceous metamorphic events often caused resetting of the relatively older zircon ages, together with a decrease of zircon εHf(t) values, and an increase of whole-rock 87Sr/86Sr values. A Carboniferous metamorphic age of ∼340 Ma was rarely detected. The SC finally represents a part of an early Late Cretaceous intra-continental subduction zone, which formed within a strongly-thinned crystalline basement due to the Devonian and Permian extensions. A similar Cretaceous suture zone with HP amphibolite, dated at ∼130–100 Ma by white mica ArAr ages (100–90 Ma exhumation), has been described around the Lubeník line between the Gemeric and Veporic tectonic units of the Inner Western Carpathians in the framework of the Cenozoic AL–CA–PA (Alpine–Carpathian–Pannonian) microplate.

Surface Flux Patterns of Nutrient Concentrations and Total Suspended Solids in Western Carpathian Stream within Agricultural, Forest, and Grassland Landscapes

The intricate processes of surface water erosion are vital for ecological systems and river-scale management; yet, understanding them comprehensively remains a challenge. Forested agricultural catchments, especially in the Carpathian region, face significant degradation, potentially leading to inorganic nutrient leaching and total suspended solid (TSS) flux. Continuous rainwater inundation of soils in river valleys exacerbates this issue. Utilizing innovative tools like SWAT+, studies have revealed higher concentrations of inorganic nutrients in main watercourses from flysch catchments, with agricultural use linked to N-NO3− concentrations and pasture use linked to anion P-PO43−. Maintaining detailed records is crucial for researchers comparing data. SWAT+ proves valuable for studying TSS washing out and inorganic nutrient leaching, informing collaborative watershed management policies involving stakeholders from agriculture, conservation, and water management sectors. The insights on nutrient leaching, particularly phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), are instrumental for shaping policies targeting nutrient pollution within pasture land use for EU agriculture. These findings can guide policy frameworks focused on sustainable practices, especially for eco-schemes, and encourage collaborative watershed management efforts.

Research on an effective artificial regeneration method for selected commercially important coniferous tree species on a large sanitation cut site situated in the Javorníky Mts., Western Carpathians

Research on an effective artificial regeneration method for selected commercially important coniferous tree species on a large sanitation cut site situated in the Javorníky Mts., Western Carpathians

Variscan lithotectonic units of the Suchý massif in the Strážovské vrchy Mts., Western Carpathians – products of sedimentary, tectonometamorphic and granite forming processes

The present geological investigation of the Pre-Alpine structure of the western part of Strážovské vrchy Mts (the Suchý massif; Western Carpathians) has distinguished three lithologically distinct Variscan lithotectonic units, which originated (1) in the deeper parts of oceanic basin (prevailingly metapelites with different content of organic matter, metabasalts, metacarbonates?); (2) sediments of the continental slope (flyschoid sediments with a predominance of greiwacke sediments; both VmD0); (3) a unit of continent basement primarily of pre-VmD0 granitic composition (orthogneiss). These rock sequences of differing geotectonic provenances were amalgamated and metamorphosed in the pre-intrusive (Pre-Mississipian) stage; pre-VmD2). Regarding the Variscan polyorogenic evolution, Variscan processes in Tatricum represent the Meso-Variscan evolution (VmD). The maximum P-T conditions of orogenic (regional) metamorphism (up to 610 °C and 7.5–8.5 kbar) were not sufficient for more extensive anatexis. Field observations indicated that the production of a limited volume of granitoid melts occurred mainly at the contacts of amalgamated lithotectonic units. Probably due to the heat, produced by the hot line below the collisional orogen and contributing also to unroofing processes (in orogenic phase VmD2) there started new granitization process. This stage of Mississippian VmD2 granite formation is associated with the emplacement of various types of granitoid magma, encompassing the oldest granodiorites with frequent schliers, representing a poorly differentiated and poorly mobile crystal slurry (present in the SE part of the territory). In the highly evolved collision phase, masses of leucogranites intruded comformably with the deformation plan in the metamorphic complexes, interacting with surrounding metamorphic rocks in shallower crustal conditions and causing their contact metamorphic overprint (up to 590 °C and 3–4 kbar). The syn-deformation character of leucocratic granites is proved by the orientation of biotite flakes parallel to the deformation plane of surrounding metamorphites. Part of leucogranites, especially in the central parts of the bodies, is omnidirectional. The stress field acted not only during the intrusion of the leucogranite magma, but also in the subsolidus stage. The final stage of this process is the formation of large bodies of pegmatites in extensional VmD2 fractures oriented at a large angle to the main stress component. The texture of the grey blocky K-feldspar pegmatites and the lack of H2O-bearing minerals point to pneumatolytic fracturing in a subsequently opened environment in VmD2. The final stage of VmD2 is represented by intrusions of I-type granodiorites with indications of magma mixing, or mingling. The chemical dating of monazites in granitoids allowed to date individual phases of granitization process in the range of 360–345 Ma, which youngest ages correspond with the formation of pegmatites. Dating of monazite in metamorphic rocks points to their thermal overprint during granitization process (360–350 Ma), having already earlier metamorphic overprint (380–370 Ma). The scenario of placement of granitoid intrusions is consistent with the decompression regime (in VmD2) after the end of VmD1c crustal thickening until the fracturing of the crustal block with of I-type magma intrusions of deeper origin. After this period, the exhumation of crystalline blocks, partial diaphtoresis and later surface erosion continue until the Lower Triassic. The re-submergence of the crystalline complexes is associated with a low degree of Alpine metamorphic reworking.