Overview of central European tectonics, their hydrocarbon occurrences, and worldwide equivalent examples
- Maxus Energy Corp., Dallas, TX (United States)
Central European tectonics can be subdivided into (1) Pannonian-type basins, related Carpathian-type fold belts and their foredeeps, (2) Alpine-type fold belts and their foredeeps, and (3) intracratonic-type fold belts. The first basin type is the result of rolling back of a subduction zone and simultaneous lateral escape due to regional compression with extension of the over riding plate. Extension in the Pannonian basin is accomplished by low-angle normal faults detaching in the lower crust; compression in the Carpathian fold belt occurs along low-angle thrusts. The slab pull in the subduction zone and extension in the overriding plate are responsible for the low relief of the Carpathian fold belt and an extra deep foredeep. Hydrocarbon production occurs in the basin and the flysch nappes and foredeep of the Carpathian fold belt. Examples of Pannonian-type basins are the lower Magdalena valley and the adjacent Sinu fold belt in Colombia; the Thyrrenian Sea and Apennines, with major production in their frontal structures and foredeep; the east Texas basin and Arkoma foredeep basin; and the Indigirka basin and its adjacent Verkhoyansk fold belt in east Siberia. The Alps, Dinarides, and Hellenides are examples of Alpine-type fold belts, characterized in their final stages by crustal wedging, uplifting and a shallower foredeep. Production may occur on the lateral edges of these fold belts. Worldwide examples are the Appalachians, the Himalayas, and the Pyrenees. Intracratonic fold belts are more contracted versions of tectonic inversion and display typical fold belt geometries. They are represented in central Europe by the Balkan Mountains, the Dobrogea Zone, the Holly Cross Mountains, and the compressional deformation in northern Germany. Production usually occurs near the interface of the fold belt and the adjacent platform. Examples include the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia, the Atlas ranges of northern Africa and the Central basin platform of west Texas.
- OSTI ID:
- 6964396
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9310237--
- Journal Information:
- AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States), Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States) Vol. 77:9; ISSN 0149-1423; ISSN AABUD2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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AFRICA
ALPS
ASIA
CLASSIFICATION
COLOMBIA
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
EASTERN EUROPE
EUROPE
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
HIMALAYAS
HYDROCARBONS
LATIN AMERICA
MOUNTAINS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PALEOZOIC ERA
PRODUCTION
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
SIBERIA
SOUTH AMERICA
TECTONICS
TEXAS
USA
WESTERN EUROPE