--> Rift Tectonics in the Pannonian Basin of Central Europe, by G. Tari; #90986 (1994).

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Abstract: Rift Tectonics in the Pannonian Basin of Central Europe

Gabor Tari

The Pannonian basin system is characterized by wide rift and metamorphic core complex styles of middle Miocene back-arc extension. Based on structural interpretation of reflection seismic data, certain areas can be delineated in the basin system which are characterized by distinct modes of upper crustal extension.

In several subbasins extension was accommodated by planar normal faults rotated to different degrees indicating relatively little extension (5-30%). The kinematic role of strike-slip faults, observed in these regions, is the connection of areas characterized by different amounts of extension. Moreover, since these strike-slip faults in some cases bound basin units with not only different magnitude but also with different polarity and direction of extension they are regarded as transfer faults.

Two subbasins (Great Hungarian Plain and the Danube basin) were largely extended during the middle Miocene syn-rift phase. In these areas syn-rift extension was accommodated by low-angle detachment faults indicating large amount of extension (50-200%).

In the Danube basin many of these detachment faults merge into subhorizontal decoupling surfaces in the pre-Tertiary basement, inherited from earlier Cretaceous overthrust planes. Here it is documented in 3-D that the tectonic "pre-conditioning" of the Alpine basement is in fact a key element in the localization of syn-rift normal faults.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994