Fault kinematics and palaeostress analysis in the Butkov quarry (Manín Unit, Western Carpathians)

The paper presents interpretation of the brittle tectonic structures measured in the Butkov quarry of the Manín Unit, which is located in the western part of the Pieniny Klippen Belt. Detailed and systematic fi eld structural research of meso-scale brittle deformational structures revealed the record of its tectonic evolution during the Senonian – Pliocene times. The study area experienced polystage ductile-brittle and brittle tectonic evolution that occurred in six deformation stages differing in reconstructed palaeostress fields and structural regimes. The first three meso-scale brittle structures were formed under the transpressional tectonic regime during the Palaeogene – Early Miocene. Generally, the maximum stress axis σ1 rotated clockwise from W–E to N–S direction. Thereafter, transtensional tectonic regime is characterized by the NNE–SSW to ENE–WSW oriented compression between the Middle and Late Miocene. Extensional tectonic regime influenced structural evolution of the area in the Pliocene. Gradual reorientation of the stress field resulted in development of variable, often reactivated fault structures.