Main ideas in the tectonic synthesis of the Balkans. II. The Balkan-Carpathian arc and the Kraištide structural zone

The tectonic link between the Balkanides and the South Carpathians is accomplished through an arc which follows the western margin of the Moesian plate. The arc consists of three partial arcs. They show different rock composition, structure and development. The central strip (Hemus-Danubian partial arc) is a chain of large autochthonous to paraautochthonous anticlines. It originated on the Thraco-Moesian suture – the boundary between the Thracian and Moesian lithospheric plates. Its development may be traced from the Vendian-Cambrian to the last folding during the lllyrian phase. The Severin partial arc is located between the suture and the Moesian plate. It developed from the Tithonian to the end of the Late Cretaceous. The Srednogorie-Getic partial arc was formed after the Austrian phase, behind the Hemus-Danube partial arc. It evolved as a consequence of recurrent rifting, very intensive during the Late Cretaceous, Paleogene and the Neogene. It is thrusted on the Hemus-Danube and Severin partial arcs.
   The Kraištide structural zone is independent from the Balkan-Carpathian arc. It is slightly arcuate. The zone originated along a directrice of 160-170° and only its northern and southern termination were rotated as a result of the wedging-in of the Moesian plate to the west. Thus, it may be understood as an open arc, unconformable and renegant with respect to the Balkan-Carpathian arc. Three longitudinal strips of different rock composition, structure and development are recognized in the Kraištide structural zone. The eastern strip (Trân-Kučai) is a chain of large autochthonous anticlines. The middle (Krepolin-Penkjovci) comprises mainly Lower Paleozoic rocks thrusted over the autochthonous unit. The inner (Morava) strip is made up of the Vendian-Cambrian Tribalian geocomplex, thrust to the east over the middle unit. The evolution of the Kraistides may be traced throughout the Phanerozoic . They are superimposed on the Thracian microcontinent.