Geodynamic evolution and palaeogeography of the Polish Carpathians and adjacent areas during Neo-Cimmerian and preceding events (latest Triassic-earliest cretaceous)

Abstract The aim of this paper is to place the geodynamic and palaeogeographical evolution and position of the major crustal elements of the Polish Carpathians within a global framework. Neo-Cimmerian movements and their synsedimentary consequences are the main objects of our elaboration in relation to sedimentary record. Five time-interval maps are presented, which depict the plate-tectonic configuration, palaeogeography and lithofacies for the circum-Carpathian region and adjacent areas from the Late Triassic through to the Early Cretaceous. Almost simultaneous tectonic events proceeding within different types of Carpathian sedimentary basins (Pieniny Klippen Belt and Outer Carpathian Silesian Basins) indicate the very important role of the Neo-Cimmerian movements (mainly of the Osterwald Phase) in the geodynamic history of the northernmost margin of the Tethyan Ocean. The global plate reorganization is related to this Tethyan Neo-Cimmerian tectonic activity.