TARI, GABOR, Rice University, Houston, TX

ABSTRACT: Alpine Tectonics of the Pannonian Basin

The Neogene evolution of the Pannonian basin is fairly well understood in terms of back-arc extension behind the Carpathian thrust-fold belt. This middle Miocene-Holocene basin, however, is superimposed on an earlier middle Eocene-early Miocene basin traditionally called the Paleogene basin of Hungary.

Although the Paleogene stratigraphy of the basin is well known, its structural evolution is not clear; however, a transtensional origin is assumed analogous to the overlying Pannonian basin. The existing data set on the Paleogene basin can be integrated easily into a compressional basin model. Other intra-Carpathian Paleogene basins, such as the Transylvanian and Slovenian basins, are now considered to be flexural in origin.

Systematic interpretation of reflection seismic data shows that these Tertiary basins are superimposed on a Cretaceous Alpine thrust-fold belt. The internal geometry of this belt in the basement of the Pannonian basin indicates a close relationship to the surrounding mountain belts (Alps, Carpathians, and Dinarides).

Whereas the Neogene Pannonian basin is in a mature stage of exploration, the underlying Paleogene flexural basins are much less explored. Furthermore, the Cretaceous thrust-fold belts should be regarded as frontier areas for future oil and gas exploration efforts.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90990©1993 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, The Hague, Netherlands, October 17-20, 1993.