Space and time distribution of Neogene-Quaternary volcanism in the Carpatho-Pannonian Region

Abstract

Much geochronological (K-Ar, F. T.), biostratigraphical and paleomagetic data has been accumululated during the last decade enabling us for the first time to obtain a reasonably complete picture of the space and time distribution of the Neogene-Quaternary volcanics in the Carpathian-Pannonian region (CPR). Neogene volcanic activity started with high-volume acid calc-alkaline explosive eruptions. The oldest K-Ar ages (20 Ma) for these rocks are found partly m the Pannonian Basin and partly in the West Carpathians. During the Middle Miocene to Quaternary (17-0.2 Ma) calc-alkaline mainly intermediate stratovolcamc complexes were formed first in the West Carpath1ans and later in the East Carpathians. Within the alkaline (shoshonitic, alkali-basaltic, K-trachytic and ultrapotassjc) volcanism, two age groups can be distinguished: an older group (17-7 Ma) and a younger one (6-0.5 Ma). Sporadic Quaternary volcanic activity is confined to the West Carpattans, East Carpathians, Persani Mts. and Apuseni Mts. A very complex picture of events is presented by the radiometnc data and only in some restricted areas can progressive migrat1on of the activity during the course of the Neogene-Quaternary be recognized