Problematic Aspects of the Formation of the Ukrainian Segment of the Carpathians

Abstract

In the paper a model of the formation of the folded-covering-block structure of the Carpathians at a time interval that envelops Late-Hercynian and Alpine events is substantiated. Moreover, this concerns the Outer Carpathians, but the whole Carpathians arch was characterized without going into details, a critical estimate is expressed for application of such terms as terrains, accretion prism, suture, subduction and Transcarpathian fault. It is shown that formation of the Carpathians occurred through several stages under the influence of different-directed, manly horizontal, movements, as a result of which was destruction of early formed Hercynian continental crust, laying of geosynclinals troughs, formation and further transformation of the basement of the Flysch Carpathians, its collision with Eurasian continental edge, underling of the latter under flysh complex. After completion of these processes mainly vertical movements took place that lineally formed the structure of the Carpathians as folded-covering-block one. As a result of the last event (Pliocene-Pleistocene), a differential development of intensive fracturing occurred with the influx of hydrocarbons and filling traps formed up.