Palaeomagnetism and palaeogeography of the Western Carpathians from the Permian to the Neogene

Abstract

Abstract Geodynamic models for the Western Carpathians require evaluation of palaeomagnetic data from the Outer Carpathian flysch belt, from limestones of the Klippen Belt and from volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Inner Carpathians. Palaeomagnetic data for the Permian to the Neogene are evaluated. The data indicate marked, mostly anticlockwise tectonic rotations of larger rock complexes and nappes. The distribution of palaeomagnetic poles is characteristic of a collision zone, and crosses the apparent polar wandering path for the African plate. Tectonic rotations are observed in both the Inner Carpathians and the Klippen Belt as well as in the Outer Carpathian flysch belt. Most drift occurred during the Permian to Triassic interval, with northward movement from initial southern equatorial latitudes. Drift decelerated from the Jurassic to the Neogene.