Western Carpathians Research Articles

Seismic damage in Quaternary fluvial gravels in low-seismicity thrust-and-fold-belts: Case study of the Outer Western Carpathians (Poland and Slovakia)

In this contribution, we propose a model of Quaternary seismicity in the Outer Western Carpathians. The model presents results of analysis of fractured clasts performed in 268 exposures of Quaternary fluvial gravels within the ca. 5,000 km2 large segment of the Outer Western Carpathians comprising: Outer Carpathian nappes, the innermost part of the Carpathian Foredeep, and two intramontane basins – the Orava-Nowy Targ Basin and the Nowy Sącz Basin. Moreover, to precise stratigraphic position of the host gravels we performed OSL dating in 16 exposures and 14C dating in 4 exposures. Outside the intramontane basins, seismic damage in Quaternary strata is largely focused along all major overthrusts and some of the large-scale strike-slip and normal faults, whereas, within the intramontane basins, the damage is dispersed within the whole basins. Our results show that seismic damage within Quaternary strata in the Outer Western Carpathians results both from co-seismic fault rupture and from seismic shaking. During Quaternary times, the Outer Western Carpathians have been affected by earthquakes since the Pleistocene until Present. Seismic damage in Quaternary strata results from light (Mw5-) earthquakes with the exception of hanging limbs of the normal faults bordering the Orava-Nowy Targ Intramontane Basin which have been affected also by moderate (Mw5+) earthquakes. Our model can be significant for understanding seismic hazards in low-seismicity thrust-and-fold belts. In the studied case, this is important as the densely populated intramontane basins show the largest seismic damage.

Neo-Alpine uplift and subsidence zones in the Western Carpathians: Product of kinematic activity on Cenozoic AnD3 (NW-SE and NE-SW) and AnD4 (E-W – subequatorial and N-S – submeridian) regional faults

Article presents the role of disjunctive (brittle and brittle-ductile) regional faults of two Cenozoic Neo-Alpine orogenic phases in the Western Carpathians: The AnD3 phase, producing conjugate systems of NW-SE (dominantly dextral shearing) as well as NE-SW (dominantly sinistral shearing), and younger AnD4 phase manifested with regional faults of subequatorial (E-W) and submeridian (N-S) courses (with dominantly uplift and subsidence kinematics). The disintegration of upper crust by kinematic activity on both (AnD3 and AnD4) fault systems produces the origin of block-shaped setting with lateral offsets, eventual rotation (in AnD3), as well as mutual uplifts or subsidences (in AnD4) of individual blocks. This tectonic setting represents the most striking morphological feature at the end of Cenozoic Neo-Alpine orogenic cycle, frequently overprinting or re-activating older tectonic structures. Article provides an interpretation that parallel with the applied global stress field, the AnD4 subequatorial (E-W) and submeridian (N-S) coursing faults can originate also by merging of individual segments of synthetic (oriented N-S) and antithetic (oriented E-W) megashears between parallel AnD3 shear faults of both systems (NW-SE or NE-SW). Merging of individual segments of antithetic shears arranged naturally in one line creates a predisposition for the origin of equatorial (E-W) trending faults, while merging of synthetic segments produces meridian (N-S) trending faults, both being principal in later AnD4 phase.

Ecological conditions affect plant species richness of beech forests along an altitudinal gradient

Spatial heterogeneity of biodiversity is linked to environmental gradients across landscapes. In forest vegetation, trees essentially affect the forest understorey flora, not only by forming the microecological conditions but also by their competitiveness. Here, we investigate the changes in taxonomic diversity along the altitudinal gradient in forests dominated by the strongly competitive, European beech (Fagus sylvatica), considering different ecological drivers important for vegetation diversity. The response of plant species diversity to changing characteristics is mostly non-linear or has an increasing trend. This reflects the specific environments of the studied region of Western Carpathians (Central Europe), where a high variability of geological substrates and the occurrence of base-rich rocks at higher altitudes increase species diversity. The beech cover, the geological substrate and the orography were found to be the most significant factors determining the diversity patterns. The increasing trend towards higher altitudes is significant on carbonate bedrock regardless of any other studied factors. The geological conditions multiply the number of species almost twice on carbonates compared to the communities on silicates. The Veľká Fatra Mts and Slovenský raj Mts are the plant diversity hotspots of beech forests in the Western Carpathians.

An Anthropogenically Created Landscape as a Habitat for the European Ground Squirrel Population Using the Example of the Muránska Planina National Park in the Western Carpathians (Slovakia)

The main goal of the study, based on historical-geographical research, was to reconstruct the history of an anthropogenically created cultural landscape on the southern edge of the Muránska Planina National Park in the Western Carpathians (Slovakia) as a potential European ground squirrel habitat. Humans began to change the original forest landscape in the second half of the 13th century in connection with the construction of Muráň castle, which became the economic center of the study area. The first written mention of the existence of Muráň castle (castro Muran) dates to 1271. The original deciduous forests were gradually removed and transformed into agricultural land. At the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, we can almost certainly assume the existence of an agricultural landscape in the territory called Biele Vody (part of the study area) on the right side of the Muránsky Potok valley in such spatial dimensions as it is at present. The landscape created in this way provided suitable ecological conditions for the successful survival of the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus). The analysis and reconstruction of the origins and development of the agricultural landscape were carried out based on detailed archival and terrain research. Map outputs are also the result of the reconstructions. Whether the European ground squirrel was already present in the locality before its conservation translocation (773 individuals were released at the site in 2000–2007) is discussed in detail in this paper. The current ground squirrel colony is dependent on feeding, mainly sunflowers (since 2011), on active management and maintenance of the landscape provided by a herd of donkeys (March–December) and sheep (May–July). The ground squirrel locality Biele Vody is currently a center of ecotourism and ecological education.

Crystal chemistry and origin of epidote-(Sr) in alkaline rocks of the teschenite association (Silesian Unit, Outer Western Carpathians, Czech Republic)

Crystal chemistry and origin of epidote-(Sr) in alkaline rocks of the teschenite association (Silesian Unit, Outer Western Carpathians, Czech Republic)

Simulated warming decreases acidity of forest topsoil under Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H.Karst.) stands in the Western Carpathians

Global warming is affecting the montane forests of the temperate zone, causing a number of changes in all elements of the ecosystem, including the soil. Norway spruce forests, weakened by ongoing decay over several decades, are likely particularly sensitive to climate-induced changes. The response of soil cation exchange capacity components of spruce stands to warming is not well understood. We have assumed that warming will cause significant changes in pH, disrupting ion-exchange relationships in the soil. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first devoted to examining the mechanisms of soil pH change in temperate forest under the influence of warming. The forest in-situ experiment, simulating the soil warming for 578 days, was performed. Laboratory analyses included measurements of pH, and concentrations of carbon and exchangeable forms of calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and aluminum. Shortly after the beginning of simulated warming (84 days), we observed a significant increase in the pH of the topsoil horizons. On average, in the warmed organic (O) horizon, the pH increased by 0.21, and in the mineral (A) horizon by 0.29 pH units. Based on previous studies, the pH increase was most likely triggered by an increase in ammonium-nitrogen content in the warmed soil. Using the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation to model the pH revealed that, in the O horizon, the pH increase is a result of the presence of weaker organic acids, less able to release hydrogen ions during dissociation. In the A horizon, the increase in pH was explained by an increase in abundance of aluminum ions, probably migrating upward from deeper soil layers. We consider that the ion-exchange mechanisms described here will contribute to an improved understanding of the complex processes of spruce forest dieback in the context of climate warming.

A petrochronological study of Fe[sbnd]Ti oxides in rodingites of the Western Carpathians, Slovakia

Rodingitization is the metasomatic transformation of mafic lithologies into rodingite, a Ca-rich and Si-poor rock associated with serpentinized ultramafic bodies. Serpentinization and rodingitization occur simultaneously but it remains challenging to obtain absolute ages on these events in order to identify the geodynamic setting of their formation. In this study, we investigate rodingites from an occurrence in the Western Carpathians with the aim to define the timing of rodingite formation during the tectono-metamorphic evolution of the Carpathian Orogen. The rodingites consist mainly of vesuvianite, diopside, garnet and chlorite. They are noticeably characterized by the presence of FeTi rich aggregates composed of ilmenite, rutile, titanite and calcite. Textural relationships and chemical compositions of the investigated FeTi minerals document their hydrothermal-metamorphic origin. These minerals are characterized by considerable rare earth element (REE) concentrations with prevailing positive Eu anomaly, which presumably derives from the plagioclase-rich protolith of the investigated rodingites. Moreover, the similarity of REE patterns between the analysed phases suggests that the REE concentrations in FeTi minerals are controlled by the immobility and availability of these elements in the system. A particular lamellae texture composed of rutile and calcite originated from titanite destabilization. The titanite destabilization was triggered by cooling, silica leaching and influx of CO2-rich fluids. In situ UPb dating of rutile, which have formed by retrograde breakdown of titanite during rodingitization, yields a crystallization age of 102.6 ± 19.9 Ma. This age is in good agreement with Cretaceous ages of the regional alpine metamorphic evolution reported in the literature and suggests that the rodingitization and serpentinization processes took place during the exhumation and cooling of the accretionary wedge resulting from the closure of the Meliata Ocean.

The influence of habitat conditions on abundance and selected individual traits of Arum alpinum in the communities Populetum albae and Tilio cordatae–Carpinetum betuli (Western Carpathians)

Abstract Studies of selected habitat conditions, as well as spatiotemporal variability of the number and selected traits of individuals of the species Arum alpinum were carried out in 2020–2021 in the foothills of the Western Carpathians. The investigations were conducted in permanent patches located in the Golesz nature reserve (Patch I), near the village of Markowce (Patch II), in the Kozigarb nature reserve (Patch III), and near the village of Żółków (Patch IV). Patches I and III were established in a Tilio cordatae–Carpinetum betuli oak–hornbeam forest with undergrowth dominated by low-growth vegetation with narrow leaves, whereas Patches II and IV were established in a Populetum albae riparian forest with undergrowth dominated by broad-leaved species. The most abundant population of A. alpinum was noted in Patch I, but substantial numbers of both vegetative and reproductive individuals were also present in Patches II and IV. The occurrence of temporal variability of individual traits increased from its lowest level in Patch IV, through Patches I and II, to its highest level in Patch III. The significant positive correlation in all populations between length of petioles and blade dimensions, as well as between length of generative stems and infructescence traits confirmed previous findings. Moreover, we showed that A. alpinum was not closely affiliated with a specific forest community. Significant shading and moist nutrient-rich soils are suitable for this species, while dry soils and excessive insolation may limit the flowering and fruiting of individuals.

The genus <i>Selaginella</i> P. BEAUV. (Selaginellaceae, Lycopodiopsida) in Poland: The occurrence of three species as a result of the historical material verification

Two species of the <i>Selaginella</i> genus were noted in Poland up to date, i.e. <i>S. selaginoides</i> and <i>S. helvetica</i>. The first species occurs in the Western Carpathians and the Western Sudetes, however, its Sudeten sites were less numerous than previously reported. The second species was one of the rarest elements in Polish flora. Two populations were reported in Silesia (SW Poland), but after 1945 the species was not confirmed in the nature and thus currently it is regarded in Poland as extinct. Its occurrence and locations were given in the literature based on the historical sources, yet without revision of herbarium materials. Our research on <i>Selaginella</i> vouchers, collected from the sites in Silesia and primarily identified as <i>S. helvetica</i>, showed that only one population represented <i>S. helvetica</i>, whereas the second one was identified by us as an alien American species, <i>S. apoda</i>. This is the first record of S. apoda occurrence in Poland out of cultivation, and the second in Europe. Accordingly, corrected maps of <i>S. selaginoides</i>, <i>S. helvetica</i> and <i>S. apoda</i> distribution in Poland together with the identification key to the species are presented.

Secondary uranyl arsenates–phosphates and Sb–Bi-rich minerals of the segnitite–philipsbornite series in the oxidation zone at the Prakovce-Zimná Voda REE–U–Au quartz-vein mineralisation, Western Carpathians, Slovakia

AbstractThis work is an investigation of the assemblages of supergene minerals occurring in hydrothermal REE–U–Au quartz-vein mineralisation at the Prakovce-Zimná Voda site, Slovakia. Heterogeneous uranyl arsenates and minor phosphates of the autunite group (nováčekite, kahlerite, threadgoldite, autunite, arsenuranospathite and chistyakovaite) together with scorodite and Sb–Bi-rich philipsbornite–segnitite-series minerals formed by oxidising fluids during decomposition and leaching of primary hypogene uraninite, brannerite and base-metal sulfides and sulfosalts. A progressive change of pH from acidic to near-neutral due to the gradual consumption of sulfides resulted in the formation of late phosphuranylite, pharmacosiderite and arseniosiderite. Goethite and other Fe oxides represent the latest hydrous ferric mineral phases and were formed after most of the As was already fixed in Fe arsenates. Antimony and Bi were taken up only into philipsbornite–segnitite and suggest unusual conditions during this process. X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicates that Sb in the philipsbornite–segnitite is fully oxidised (0.1–0.4 apfu Sb5+, octahedral coordination on the G site). Pentavalent Sb together with the presence of ferric oxides and arsenates and uranyl minerals suggest oxidative conditions during weathering. This study also indicates that hydrous ferric arsenates are dominant and stable secondary minerals in a supergene environment in a quartz vein rich in Fe and As accompanied by elevated concentrations of U, Pb, Sb, Bi, S, P, Ca and Ba under oxidising conditions.

Horné Srnie: Emulation of Carpathian insignia during the Urnfield inflation

AbstractDouble‐armed insigniae of the Carpathian type are mysterious ceremonial symbols of the Urnfields representing the connection between ideological principles in the Western Carpathians. The Horné Srnie metal hoard shows that early Lusatian mountain communities developed an emulation strategy c.1325 BCE that shifts the origins of Lusatian metallurgy roughly by one century, using the elite style of the technologically advanced Piliny culture to represent their social status. The reproduction was motivated by the effort of Lusatian warrior‐priests to maintain their authority during the period of Urnfield societal reorganization and grew into the ‘homemade’ production of low‐quality cast specimens from recycled materials or metallurgical residues.

Microclimate variation and recovery time in managed and old-growth temperate forests

Microclimate is a key driver of forest dynamics and shapes the response of forest organisms to global warming. The spatial and temporal variability of microclimate is strongly affected by forest management, so it is important to know how microclimate varies along successional gradients of managed forests, and how microclimatic dynamics in managed forests differ from those in old-growth forests.We measured forest understorey microclimate along successional gradients in regularly harvested forests and old-growth beech forests affected only by natural disturbances in the Western Carpathians (Central Europe) over a period of three years. We analysed how temperature and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) depended on forest structure and stand age, and how microclimate of managed stands differed from natural old-growth forests.Across forest landscapes we found that microclimatic conditions in managed forests were much more variable than in old-growth forests. Threshold analysis indicated that it takes approximately 54 years after clearing for microclimate to recover to conditions typical of old-growth and mature managed stands.Current forest management cycles create a microclimate landscape that is more dynamic in both space and time than the conditions to which many forest organisms are adapted in old-growth temperate forests in Europe. Adopting a harvesting approach inspired by temporal dynamics of old-growth forests, such as small-scale clearings with remnant trees providing microclimate refugia, is a suitable strategy for climate smart forestry to maintain microclimate buffering in managed forests. By increasing thermal habitat continuity, such options may help integrate biodiversity conservation targets into forest management programmes under climate change.

Tick Activity, Host Range, and Tick-Borne Pathogen Prevalence in Mountain Habitats of the Western Carpathians, Poland.

In mountainous regions, diverse ecosystems provide a habitat for numerous species of organisms. In this study, we focused on ixodid ticks and their presence in the Western Carpathians, Poland. Our objectives were to investigate the impact of environmental factors on tick occurrence and activity, the prevalence of vectored pathogens, and tick hosts, and their role as reservoir organisms for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). To this end, we collected ticks from the vegetation and from animals (Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis, Capreolus capreolus, Microtus spp., Myodes glareolus, Ovis aries). In addition, we collected blood samples from rodents. The collected material underwent molecular analysis, utilizing the high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR technique, to detect the presence of TBPs. Our findings confirmed the occurrence of only two species of ixodid ticks in the study area: the dominant Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor reticulatus with very limited abundance. Temperature significantly influenced tick activity, and the number of I. ricinus nymphs varied with altitude. We also observed a circadian pattern of questing activity in I. ricinus ticks. The main hosts for juvenile tick stages were M. glareolus and A. agrarius, while adult stages were frequently found on C. capreolus. I. ricinus ticks collected from the vegetation were often infected with Rickettsia helvetica (up to 35.71%), Borrelia afzelii (up to 28.57%), and Ehrlichia spp. (up to 9.52%). In contrast, juvenile stages frequently carried Bartonella spp. (up to 10.00%), Mycoplasma spp. (up to 16.67%) and R. helvetica (up to 16.67%). Moreover, we detected genetic material of Mycoplasma spp. (up to 100.00%), Ehrlichia spp. (up to 35.71%), Bartonella spp. (up to 25.00%), and Borrelia spp. (up to 6.25%) in rodent blood samples. The obtained results indicate A. agrarius and M. glareolus as reservoir animals for TBPs in the studied region.

Stratigraphically significant, sporadic Early Cretaceous ammonites in Butkov Quarry (Central Western Carpathians, Slovakia)

Butkov Quarry provides the best exposed stratigraphic sequence of marly limestones with Early Cretaceous ammonites in the Manín Nappe of the Central Western Carpathians. The presented paper deals with the sporadically occurring zonal ammonites, or ammonites of guiding character, from the Lower Valanginian to Upper Hauterivian. Sixteen species are taxonomically elaborated here in detail. More attention is given to the basic taxonomy of the Subfamily Crioceratitinae Gill, 1871. The species described here, like most of the previously published species from Butkov Quarry, are representatives of the Mediterranean bioprovince and are close to the ammonite association from the Vocontian Basin.

Incidence and evolutionary relevance of autotriploid cytotypes in a relict member of the genus Daphne (Thymelaeaceae).

Odd ploidy-level cytotypes in sexually reproducing species are considered a dead end due to absent or reduced fertility. If sterility is only partial, however, their contribution to the population gene pool can be augmented by longevity and clonal growth. To test this, we investigated the cytotype origin and spatial pattern, and pollen viability in three relict shrub species of the genus Daphne (Thymelaeaceae Juss.) in central Europe. Daphne cneorum subsp. cneorum is a widespread European species that has a broad ecological amplitude, whereas D. cneorum subsp. arbusculoides and D. arbuscula are narrow endemics of the western Pannonian Plain and the Western Carpathians, respectively. Our study confirmed that all three taxa are diploid. However, of more than a thousand analysed individuals of D. cneorum subsp. cneorum, five in four different populations were triploid. Our data indicate that these triploids most likely originate from recurrent autopolyploidization events caused by the fusion of reduced and unreduced gametes. High pollen viability was observed in all three taxa and in both diploid and triploid cytotypes, ranging from 65 to 100 %. Our study highlights the significant role of odd ploidy-level cytotypes in interploidy gene flow, calling for more research into their reproduction, genetic variability, and overall fitness. Interestingly, while the endemic D. arbuscula differs from D. cneorum based on genetic and genome size data, D. cneorum subsp. arbusculoides was indistinguishable from D. cneorum subsp. cneorum. However, our study reveals that the subspecies differ in the number of flowers per inflorescence. This is the first comprehensive cytogeographic study of this intriguing genus at a regional scale, and in spite of its karyological stability, it contributes to our understanding of genomic evolution in plant species with a wide ecological amplitude.

Effects of tree canopy on herbaceous understorey throughout the developmental cycle of a temperate mountain primary forest

Temporal dynamics of temperate montane primary forests were described based on data from Central-European nature reserves in the 20th century as a long-term cycle involving tree regeneration, growth, maturation, and disintegration. However, the lack of chronosequences focusing on the herbaceous understory has limited our understanding of plant community dynamics within this developmental cycle. To address questions regarding whether the herbaceous understory follows the cyclic trajectory of the tree layer and if the properties of the tree layer drive the dynamics of the herbaceous understory, we investigated a 19-year chronosequence in ten plots (with five sampling periods) within an unmanaged primary beech-fir forest in the Western Carpathians. The vegetation data from the resampled plots, including herb species frequencies and dendrometric variables, covered a significant portion of the developmental cycle of a single plant community type. The results confirmed the cyclical nature of herbaceous understory development in terms of species composition and diversity trajectories, demonstrating transitions between developmental stages. Diversity was highest during the disintegration stage, with a rapid decline towards the growth stage, followed by a slow recovery as it progressed towards the optimum stage. Temporal responses of individual species, along with ordination analyses, allowed for the separation of taxa associated with the disintegration, growth, and optimum stages, as well as the most stable ones throughout the entire cycle. The proportion of therophytes slightly increased after gap-opening events during disintegration, geophytes were most represented during the growth stage, and hemicryptophytes culminated during the optimum stage. The composition of herb species was significantly affected by the above-ground tree biomass (AGTB), which explained 21.4% of the temporal variability. The sum of the diameter at breast height (Sum of DBH) described an additional 7.2%. The relationship between the frequency of the herbaceous understory and AGTB followed a “U” shape, while the relationship with Sum of DBH was negative and linear. The relationship between the herbaceous understory and the tree overstory is likely driven by competition for light, water, and nutrient resources. These findings provide new insights into the temporal relationships between the herbaceous understory and tree layer development, and they may inspire future studies and management strategies aimed at conserving or enhancing biodiversity in temperate forests.

Salt Tectonics Versus Shortening: Recognizing Pre‐Orogenic Evaporite Deformation in Salt‐Bearing Fold‐And‐Thrust Belts on the Example of the Silica Nappe (Inner Western Carpathians)

AbstractRecognizing salt‐related structures and differentiating them from tectonic shortening‐related anticlines and synclines can be a very challenging task in salt‐bearing fold‐and‐thrust belts, especially in poor outcrop conditions. In this study, we explain several diagnostic structural and sedimentary features that may be used to distinguish pre‐orogenic halokinetic structures from shortening‐related structures on the example of the Silica Nappe (Inner Western Carpathians, Central Europe). Detailed structural mapping in this area resulted in the recognition of several pre‐orogenic salt‐related structures, including linear salt walls and minibasins. Initial evaporite movement started as early as the late Early Triassic, and widespread diapirism occurred during the Middle to Late Triassic, ultimately leading to facies differentiation, with carbonate platform growth in the subsiding minibasins and reduced basinal deposition on top of the diapirs. Later, the inherited salt structures localized the deformation during the Cretaceous Alpine orogeny, and exerted a strong control on the geometry and kinematics of the subsequent deformations. Our new interpretation explains previously unsolved structural problems in the Silica Nappe, like pre‐orogenic thickness variations during the post‐rift phase, frequent young‐on‐older type thrust contacts and multiple folding directions with variable vergencies. The results point out that the Silica Nappe is a fold‐and‐thrust belt, where pre‐orogenic salt tectonics and its effects on the fold‐and‐thrust belt evolution can be studied in detail.

Stratiform U-Cu mineralization in the Lopejské Čelno valley near Podbrezová (Veporic Unit, Western Carpathians)

The studied mineralization is located on the eastern slopes of Lopejské Čelno valley, south of the Lopej village (cadastral area of Podbrezová village, Central Slovakia). The U occurrence was described and classified as U-Cu stratiform mineralization. The mineralization is located in the Ľubietová Zone of Veporic Unit, and is bound to the arkosic sandstones containing Permian volcanoclastic material. The host rock of mineralization underwent low-grade metamorphism and limonitization. Lens shaped ore bodies are characterized by disseminated pyrite, rutile, chalcopyrite, leucoxene and metatorbernite. Small cavities and cracks in rock are also filled and/or coated by goethite, Mn oxides and malachite. Uranium is irregularly distributed within the host rock and is bound to the U-Ti oxides, brannerite and torbernite/metatorbernite. Brannerite and leucoxenized U-Ti oxides are the only one primary uranium U4+ minerals, for the first time identified in studied occurrence. Brannerite forms clusters of needle-like crystals (up to 100 μm in size). It occurs in close spatial and genetic association with U-Ti oxides, rutile, leucoxene and clay minerals. Chemical composition of brannerite and U-Ti oxides differs in ratio of U/(U + Ti): from 0.22 to 0.29 apfu for brannerite and from 0.09 to 0.22 apfu for U-Ti oxides. Metatorbernite forms light green crystals, typically occurs in small cavities and fractures in rock. It shows an unusual light green luminescence under UV radiation. The average chemical composition of metatorbernite can be expressed by empiric formula (Cu0.75Ba0.06Ca0.03K0.04Al0.02Mg0.01Fe0.01)Σ0.94 (UO2)Σ2.00 (PO4)Σ2.01 (H2O)8. Occasionally torbernite/metatorbernite directly replaces single crystals of apatite.

Estimation of specific yield in bedrock near-surface zone of hilly watersheds by examining the relationship between base runoff, storage and groundwater level

A catchment-scale method for estimation of specific yield (Sy) in the zone of groundwater level fluctuation is proposed. It is applicable to hilly watersheds, where deep groundwater discharge – not drained by local streams as baseflow – is small and can be neglected. Therefore, it is mostly employable for bedrock flow systems, dominated by shallow unconfined fractured rock aquifers. Method provides an estimate of specific yield (Sy) by combined analysis of streamflow recession, storage/runoff relationship and groundwater level fluctuation (Q-S-H). For groundwater storage (S) values evaluation, river discharge (Q) master recession curves are constructed and interpreted. The method produces as more reliable results as number of groundwater level observation sites increases. As example, it is demonstrated at the Levočský potok Brook watershed (Western Carpathians, Slovakia), built by fracture porosity dominated Paleogene sediments. Estimated characteristic Sy value is from the interval 0.001–0.002 and 0.002–0.005 for low and medium storage/runoff conditions – or bottom and middle part of GWL fluctuation zone – respectively.

Electron microprobe dating of monazites from rhyolites of the Veľká Stožka Massif (Muráň nappe, Western Carpathians) – implications for the Permian volcanic evolution in Internal Western Carpathians

New results of field research, as well as petrographical and geochronological studies are presented in the form of a geological map, tectonostratigraphic scheme and new magmatic age data of monazite crystallization from the rhyolite body located on SW slopes of the Veľká Stožka Massif, Dudlavka Valley (Muráň Plateau). The rhyolite bodies in the Veľká Stožka area are tectonically incorporated into the Lower Triassic formations at the base of the Muráň nappe. The electron microprobe dating of monazites yields magmatic / volcanic age 281 ± 4.5 Ma (Artinskian – Kungurian), which complements geochronological data from the same rhyolite body below the Veľká Stožka Massif, as well as other rhyolite bodies from Telgárt, Poniky and Tisovec, which, originally erupted in a Permian volcanically active fault zone (VAFZ) geodynamical setting. The comparison of geochronological data 281 ± 4.5 Ma and 269.5 ± 1.8 Ma from the studied locality suggest a geodynamic evolution, where not only one, but several separate volcanic eruption phases acted in the original domain of rhyolitic volcanism. The geochronological correlation of the rhyolite bodies in the Upper Hron Valley, active in time span 281–263 Ma, allowed to identify a volcanic hiatus between 280–271 Ma. Such eruptional pause correlates very well with other volcanic provinces such as Harnobis volcanogenic horizon of the North Veporic realm, the Petrova hora and Novoveská Huta Fm. of the Northern Gemericum, which erupted during hiatus of VAFZ and their activities have ended in during recovering rhyolite eruptions in VAFZ. Reactivation of rhyolitic volcanic activity in VAFZ 271–263 Ma is a result of paleostress reorganisation in Pangea lithosphere. The revealed paleovolcanic relationships highlight interconnection of paleotectonic and paleovolcanic events in the known paleotectonic units of Internal Western Carpathians during Permian.