Dawn and dusk of Late Cretaceous basin inversion in central Europe

Abstract

Abstract. Central and western Europe were affected by a compressional tectonic event in the Late Cretaceous, caused by the convergence of Iberia and Europe. Basement uplifts, inverted graben structures, and newly formed marginal troughs are the main expressions of crustal shortening. Although the maximum activity occurred during a short period of time between 90 and 75 Ma, the exact timing of this event is still unclear. Dating of the start and end of Late Cretaceous basin inversion gives very different results depending on the method applied. On the basis of borehole data, facies, and thickness maps, the timing of basin reorganization was reconstructed for several basins in central Europe. The obtained data point to a synchronous start of basin inversion at 95 Ma (Cenomanian), 5 Myr earlier than commonly assumed. The end of the Late Cretaceous compressional event is difficult to pinpoint in central Europe, because regional uplift and salt migration disturb the signal of shifting marginal troughs. Late Campanian to Paleogene strata deposited unconformably on inverted structures indicate slowly declining uplift rates during the latest Cretaceous. The differentiation of separate Paleogene inversion phases in central Europe does not appear possible at present.

Late to post-Variscan basement segmentation and differential exhumation along the SW Bohemian Massif, central Europe

“…This interpretation is in accordance with the AFT data towards the east of the Cham Fault, where most sample sites are thought to have been covered only with insignificant (< 200 m) or, in parts, even completely lacking sediment thicknesses (Vamvaka et al, 2014). The younger AFT ages to the east of the Cham Fault could thereby be explained by enhanced exhumation during Late Cretaceous inversion tectonics (e.g., Kley and Voigt, 2008;Voigt et al, 2021). As evidenced by the thermochronological record, thrusting of basement blocks led to kilometer-scale exhumation of numerous basement domains in central Europe during this time (von Eynatten et al, 2021).…”

“…This relationship supports our interpretation of domain B comprising higher-grade metamorphic rocks compared to the central part of domain A (i.e., the northwestern part of domain A1), as it shows distinctly lower elevations compared to adjacent areas and thus catches the drainages of its surroundings. Nevertheless, it must be noted that younger, late to post-Mesozoic differential tectonic block motion may also represent an important factor controlling the recent distribution of elevated areas, as significant reactivation of Variscan structures has taken place during this time (e.g., Kley and Voigt, 2008;Voigt et al, 2021). In addition, spatial variations in joint and fracture densities are able to significantly affect the recent topography of the study area.…”

Together but separate: decoupled Variscan (late Carboniferous) and Alpine (Late Cretaceous – Paleogene) inversion tectonics in NW Poland

“…Grey area: present-day post-erosional extent of the Carboniferous basin. Variscan orogenic front (thick dark violet line) is shown as a foreland-verging thrust but it should be kept in mind that this is regional generalizat ion meant to 2018), Krzywiec et al, 2021;Voigt et al (2021), Ziegler (1990) and Ziegler et al (2002).…”

“…This was associated with widespread inversion of the European foreland triggered by the Alpine-Carpathian collision and Iberia-Europe convergence (cf. Kley, 2018;Kley and Voigt, 2008;Kockel, 2003;Kossow and Krawczyk, 2002;Voigt et al, 2021;Mazur et al, 2005). Inversion was associated with substantial uplift and erosion of the axial part of the Polish Basin i.e., the Mid-Polish Trough, which presently forms a regional anticlinal structure referred to as the Mid-Polish Anticlinorium (Swell), outlined by the Cenozoic subcrop of the Lower Cretaceous and older rocks (Fig.…”

“…Figure 4: Schematic extent of the Alpine foreland inversion in Western and Central Europe, compiled after Kley (2018),Krzywiec et al, 2021;Voigt et al (2021),Ziegler (1990) andZiegler et al (2002).…”