Geological and tectonic setting

Abstract

The present-day geological structure of the Carpatho-Balkan-Dinaric region is controlled by the evolution of the Tethys and Atlantic Oceans and the related movements of the European and the African Plates. The Carpathians, a continuation of the Eastern Alps, formed along the margin of the European Plate to effect the closure of the Neotethys and the Atlantic related Penninic Oceans. The Balkanides are the continuation of the Southern Carpathians of nappe structure. The Dinarid mountain system is also characterized by a multiple nappe structure developed from the Middle Jurassic to the Tertiary. The basement of the Pannonian Basin, enclosed by the mountain systems, is composed of the Tisza and ALCAPA (Alpine-Carpathian-Pannon) Mega-units with markedly different geological structure and evolution history. The Late Neogene basin system was formed as a result of indentation of the Adria Microplate and the subduction of the European Plate margin.