A few remarks on the Triassic paleogeography and geodynamic link between the Dinarides and the Serbo-Macedonian Unit

Abstract

A recently recycled tectonic hypothesis in which the Serbo-Macedonian Unit rifted off during Ladinian from the Dinarides is tested. The Triassic rifting, according to this concept, led to the opening and the formation of a northwestern branch of Neotethys (=Vardar Ocean). Similar concept explains the developments within the Inner Hellenide allochoton (Serbo-Macedonian Unit and Pelagonides). The testing of early Alpine configuration in Serbia shows, however, that the two crystalline basement units have significant paleogeographic variances. The study moreover includes the differences in Paleozoic metamorphic grades between two inliers, their exhumation times, etc. The investigated pre-Triassic paleogeographic and geodynamic variances unambiguously contradict any connection before and during Triassic (Ladinian). In this regard, by using the available field data, and the juxtaposed Late Paleozoic Variscan tectonometamorphic differences, the paper underscores the large differences in the (pre)Triassic plate configurations and paleogeography. The synthesis displays the two separate positions of these microplates situated along with the length of this segment of the Triassic Eurasian continental margin.