About 1600 joint fractures were measured in tillites of the Upper Hecla Hoek Formation on the southern shore of Bellsund. Measurements were collected in 12 areas between the Renardbreen and Tjörndalen. Ray diagrams and contour diagrams of joint fractures, and contour diagrams of joint fractures after rotation to pre-folding position were made for each area. The preliminary analysis of diagrams indicates 2 conjugated joint sets: ca. 60°—120° and 0°—30°. This joint system is probably older than folding and was originated under ENE—WSW to NE—SW stress.

In the region of the Caucasus considered herein two large structural complexes have been identified: an autochthone, including the Gagra-Java zone (GJZ) of the Greater Caucasus fold-and-thrust belt, the Kura foreland basin (KFB), and an allochthone consisting of the Utsera-Pavleuri, Alisisgori-Chinchvelta, Sadzeguri- Shakhvetila, Zhinvali-Pkhoveli nappes and Ksani-Arkala parautochthone. The nappes are established on the basis of paleogeographic reconstructions, structural data, as well as drilling and geophysical data. The leading mechanism for the nappe formation is the advancement to the north and the underthrusting of the autochthone under the Greater Caucasus (A-type subduction). The nappes were formed mainly in the Late Alpine time (Late Eocene–Early Pliocene) and include only the sedimentary cover of the Earth’s crust (thin-skinned nappes). However the basal detachment (décollement) of the nappes, according to seismic data, penetrates deeply and cuts the pre-Jurassic crystalline basement, and even the entire Earth’s crust representing thick-skinned deformation. The total horizontal displacement of the flysch nappes of the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus in their eastern (Kakhetian) part is 90–100 km. While, considering the folding of the entire Greater Caucasus, the total transverse shortening of the Earth‘s crust within its limits is equal to 190–200 km.

The Lidfjellet thrust is the most prominent tectonic structure in the Lidfjellet-Řyrlandsodden fold zone, which stretches NNW-SSE along the western coast of Sřrkapp Land in Spitsbergen. This paper provides a reinterpretation of the Lidfjellet structure, with particular reference to lithostratigraphy of the autochthonous and overthrust sequences involved, and to the position of the thrust surface. Geological and palynologicalal data indicate that the sequence attributed previously to the Lower Cretaceous Helvetiafjellet Formation of the autochthonous cover represents in fact the Carboniferous (Viséan) Sergeijevfjellet Formation forming the lower part of the overthrust unit. The youngest deposits involved in tectonic structures of the Lidfjellet-Řyrlandsodden fold zone are of Upper Jurassic age.

Palaeomagnetic investigation of the Upper Carboniferous clastic Hyrnefjellet Formation from opposite limbs of the Hyrnefjellet Anticline in southern Spitsbergen (Svalbard Archipelago) uncovered two components of NRM. Direction C1 (D = 224.6°; I = –27.9°; κ = 22.40; α95% = 5.6°) is of prefolding origin and most probably of near-primary origin. High Tb spectra above 575°C indicate hematite as the carrier of C1. Acquisition of the C1 component may be related to an early diagenetic crystallization of hematite, not excluding a detrital origin of the NRM. A paleopole calculated for the C1 component (F = 23.3°N; L= 147.7°E) falls into the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous sector of APWP for Baltica. This result suggests that Svalbard remained in the present day orientation with respect to Baltica since the Carboniferous time. A second component with intermediate unblocking temperatures, determined in the Hyrnefjellet Formation deposits, is labelled C2. Its mean orientation for in situ position is D = 11.2°; I = 69.2° (κ = 44.05; α95% = 6.3°), thus being similar to Late Mesozoic directions for Baltica. After 100% tectonic correction for tilting of anticline limbs and axis, the C2 component orientation is D = 265.7°; I = 59.7°, thus being distant from any directions for Baltica. Detailed analysis suggest that the C2 component is most probably of synfolding origin, and it was formed during the Tertiary Alpine Tectonic Event.

The distribution of lignite deposits in Poland turns out to be closely related to tectonic boundaries and the occurrence of salt deposits. What mechanism underlies the connection between these elements?

This paper is a continuation of the previous one (Widera, 2024. Acta Geologica Polonica, 74 (1), e2). A new, alternative interpretation of the tectonic development of two lignite-rich deposits in the Lubstów and Kleszczów grabens in central Poland is presented. The maximum thickness of lignite mined from both deposits is >86 and >250 m, respectively. These grabens were selected for detailed tectonic analysis because syn-depositional or post-depositional tectonic uplift is undeniably evident. The current study focuses on the distinction between tectonic subsidence/uplift and autocompactional subsidence, and on the timing of their occurrence. Such a research approach allows for the presentation of new conceptual models of Cenozoic tectonic evolution during the formation of the third, very thick, Ścinawa lignite seam (ŚLS-3) and the second Lusatian lignite seam (LLS-2). As a result, it is shown here that the magnitude of both the downward and upward tectonic movements are significantly smaller than previously thought. This new interpretation is also confirmed by the low rank of lignite coalification and the net calorific value of the ŚLS-3 and LLS-2.

Marine mudstone of Coniacian age (c. 89.51–86.49 Ma) was deposited on a storm-dominated ramp spanning the foredeep of the Cretaceous Western Canada Foreland Basin. Marine flooding surfaces define 18 allomembers that thin over 300 km, from c. 140 m in the proximal foredeep to c. 20 m close to the forebulge crest. The broadly conformable succession of allomembers is partitioned into five ‘tectono-stratigraphic units’ by low-angle unconformities that bevel off c. 10 to 20 m of strata over ‘arches’ that have a length scale of c. 50–100 km and are bounded by relatively linear zones of flexure. Depositional history involved two alternate modes: ‘Background’ deposition of subtly-tapered allomembers took place on a planar sea floor, subject to regional flexural subsidence, with sea-level modulated by Milankovitch-scale (c. 125 kyr) eustatic cycles. ‘Flexural’ events deformed the strata into troughs and arches across narrow zones of flexure. Arch crests were bevelled off, probably by submarine wave erosion. Eroded sediment did not accumulate in troughs but was advected beyond the study area by storm-driven processes. Cycles of deposition, warping and erosion were repeated five times on an average timescale of 600 kyr. Arches and troughs do not coincide with Precambrian basement structures, and their origin remains enigmatic. Changes in in-plane stress may have effected the localized vertical motion.

This paper presents the results of seismostratigraphic interpretation of the Upper Cretaceous sedimentary succession preserved within two synclines flanking the Szamotuły diapir in northwestern Poland. This succession is characterized by a complex Santonian–Campanian internal geometry characteristic of contourites – that is, deposits formed by contour (bottom) currents. The aim of the present paper is to document these contourites using 2D seismic reflection profiles calibrated by the Obrzycko 1 well. The contourite drifts in the immediate vicinity of the Szamotuły structure exhibit elongated mounded shapes, with adjacent concave moats. At greater distances from the diapir, gradual aggradational patterns are observed. The formation of these Santonian– Campanian contourites was associated with growth of the Szamotuły diapir during regional compression and Polish Basin inversion. These contour currents and associated contourites formed an integral part of a regional axial depositional system developed within the flanks of the Mid-Polish Anticlinorium. Furthermore, this paper discusses the potential role of contourites as palaeomorphological indicators of palaeoslopes in varied geodynamics settings, such as inverting sedimentary basins, as opposed to the passive margins upon which they have been most commonly documented.

Geological investigations of the 3rd Polish Geodynamic Expedition to West Antarctica, 1987—1988, covered the following topics: sedimentological and mesostructural studies of the Trinity Peninsula Group (?Carboniferous — Triassic) at Hope Bay, Cape Legoupil and Andvord Bay, Antarctic Peninsula, and at South Bay. Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands); late Mesozoic plant-bearing terrestrial sediments at Hope Bay; Antarctic Peninsula Volcanic Group, Andean-type plutons and systems of acidic and basic dykes (Upper Cretaceous and ?Tertiary) at Trinity Peninsula and around Gerlache Strait (Arctowski Peninsula, Anvers and Brabant islands); basalts and hyaloclastites within Tertiary glacigenic successions of King George Island; volcanic succession of the Deception Island caldera.

Geological investigations of the 4th Polish Geodynamic Expedition to West Antarctica, summer 1990/91, covered the following topics: volcanological studies and mapping at Deception Island; stratigraphic, palaeonotological and sedimentological studies, and mapping of Tertiary glacial and glacio-marine strata on King George Island; sedimentological and mesostructural studies, and mapping at Hurd Peninsula, Livingston Island; and palaeontological sampling of Jurassic (Mount Flora Formation) and Trinity Peninsula Group deposits at Hope Bay, Trinity Peninsula.

The occurrence of faults in coal seams has an impact on the possibility of methane hazard. There are several methods for identifying tectonic faults, but they cannot be applied directly to solve dynamic hazard problems in coal mine. Thus, searching for appropriate methods, that can detect faults in regional and local scales is needed. In order to meet this need, the paper proposes a new measurement method of estimating changes to the coal structure, based on profilometry measurements (roughness analysis) and application of madogram functions. Based on examining coal samples from near fault zones it was shown that the proposed approach allows us to detect changes of the coal surface that appear as the distance to a tectonic fault gets shorter. The proposed method, due to its simplicity and speed of measurement, implies a potential for practical application in the process of detecting local tectonic dislocations in coal mines.

Many geological problems have not been convincingly explained so far and are debatable, for instance the origin and changes of the Neogene depositional environments in central Poland. Therefore, these changes have been reconstructed in terms of global to local tectonic and climatic fluctuations. The examined Neogene deposits are divided into a sub-lignite unit (Koźmin Formation), a lignite-bearing unit (Grey Clays Member), and a supra-lignite unit (Wielkopolska Member). The two lithostratigraphic members constitute the Poznań Formation. The results of facies analysis show that the Koźmin Formation was deposited by relatively high-gradient and well-drained braided rivers. Most likely, they encompassed widespread alluvial plains. In the case of the Grey Clays Member, the type of river in close proximity to which the mid-Miocene low-lying mires existed and then were transformed into the first Mid-Miocene Lignite Seam (MPLS-1), has not been resolved. The obtained results confirm the formation of the Wielkopolska Member by low-gradient, but mostly well-drained anastomosing or anastomosing-to-meandering rivers. The depositional evolution of the examined successions depended on tectonic and climatic changes that may be closely related to the mid-Miocene great tectonic remodelling of the Alpine-Carpathian orogen. This resulted in palaeogeographic changes in its foreland in the form of limiting the flow of wet air and water masses from the south and vertical tectonic movements.

Understanding the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of grabens rich in lignite is important in the context of the accumulation of ~40–650 m of peat, as well as the exploitation of later formed lignite seams with a thickness of ~20–250 m. Six such areas were selected for a detailed palaeotectonic analysis: the Gostyń, Szamotuły, Legnica, Zittau, Lubstów, and Kleszczów grabens. During the analysis, borehole data were used, taking into account the compaction of peat at the transition to lignite, in order to reconstruct the magnitude of the total subsidence. This made it possible to distinguish between regional (covering areas also outside the grabens) and local (occurring only in the grabens) tectonic movements, and among the latter, tectonic and compactional subsidence. The hypothetical palaeosurface of the mires was reconstructed based on the lignite decompaction. As a result, it was possible to determine whether the examined peat/lignite seams underwent post-depositional uplift and/or subsidence. Between one (Gostyń Graben) and four (Zittau Basin and Kleszczów Graben) stages of tectonic subsidence were distinguished in the studied lignite-bearing areas. In the case of the Zittau Basin, as well as the Lubstów and Kleszczów grabens, post-depositional stages of tectonic uplift were also indicated. Like the boundaries of lithostratigraphic units, the successive stages of the Cenozoic tectonic development of the examined grabens are diachronic.

Celem badań było dokładniejsze rozpoznanie budowy geologicznej struktury Choszczna pod kątem potencjalnego składowania CO2. W artykule przedstawiono interpretację materiałów sejsmicznych dla jednego wybranego profilu sejsmicznego przetworzonego do postaci sekcji współczynników odbicia, charakteryzujących się zwiększoną rozdzielczością zapisu w stosunku do obrazu falowego. Szczególną uwagę zwrócono na kompleksy geologiczne związane ze skałami zbiornikowymi jury, w których w antyklinalnej strukturze występują poziomy zbiornikowe do składowania dwutlenku węgla. Przeprowadzona korelacja wydzielonych warstw odzwierciedla budowę litologiczno-strukturalną ośrodka skalnego. Pozwala na określenie miąższości wyznaczonych serii oraz zmian w ich obrębie oraz zezwala powiązać poszczególne warstwy z wydzieleniami litologicznymi na podstawie danych geologicznych. Rozpoznanie dotyczy całego kompleksu cechsztyńsko-mezozoicznego struktury Choszczna ze szczególnym zwróceniem uwagi na serie, w których występują potencjalne poziomy zbiornikowe do składowania CO2. Wykonana interpretacja istotnie wzbogaciła zakres informacji przedstawianych w standardowych dokumentacjach sejsmicznych. Oceniając przydatność wyznaczonych poziomów zbiornikowych do składowania CO2 należy zwrócić uwagę na zaburzenia tektoniczne występujące w obrębie formacji komorowskiej, szczególnie w szczytowej części struktury Choszczna. Warstwa piaskowca trzcinowego pod tym względem jest bardziej ciągła. W świetle uzyskanych wyników wydaje się celowe szersze zastosowanie, także dla innych struktur, procesu przetwarzania materiałów sejsmicznych w postać efektywnych współczynników odbicia z zadaniem rozpoznania budowy geologicznej.

Modern space measurement techniques like SLR, DORIS, VLBI and GNSS are used to study the tectonic plates. The determination of plate motion parameters (Φ, Λ, ω) from various geodetic measurements is outlined. This paper is the third part of our studies on estimating geodetic and geodynamic parameters; it regards an accuracy analysis of the determined Φ, Λ, ω parameters which describe motions of the tectonic plates using Very Long Base Interferometry (VLBI) technique. Prior to this, SLR and DORIS space measurement techniques were examined by authors. The study is based on the velocities of station positions, as included in a realization of the International Terrestrial Reference System– ITRF2008 forVLBI technique, published by the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS). This model is made subject to an analysis in association with the APKIM2005 model. Six big plates, namely: Eurasian (EUAS), African (AFR), Australian (AUS), North American (NOAM), Pacific (PACF) and Antarctic (ANTC) were analysed. The results obtained in this analysis were compared with our previous estimations based on DORIS and SLR techniques and estimated according to the APKIM2005 model. Generally, all our three solutions based on SLR, DORIS and VLBI measurement techniques were found to be consistent.

The paleo-tectonic stress fieldwas hereby inverted by using the stereographic projection method through field and underground observations of conjugate shear joints. On the basis of analyzing and studying the characteristics of gas occurrence in mining areas, the control effect of paleo-tectonic stress field on gas occurrence was discussed from three aspects of gas generation, preservation environment and gas migration. The results show that: (1) During the Indosinian and early-middle Yanshan period, the coal seam was buried deep, and the temperature and pressure conditions were suitable for massive gas generation, especially during the Indosinian period featuring massive gas generation and weak gas migration; (2) During the late Yanshan period, the metamorphic evolution rate of coal seams accelerated, secondary hydrocarbon generation occurred in the coal seams, and a large amount of gas was generated. Meanwhile, the gas migration was enhanced. The gas generation amount was much larger than the emission amount, therefore, making it still a period of massive gas generation in general; (3) During the Himalayan period, the coal measure stratum was in the uplift stage, and a large number of geological structures were developed in the stratum. The tectonic stress field in this period caused the escape of massive coal seam gas. Multi-stage tectonic stress field acted on coal measures strata in turn, resulting in gas generation in coal seam and gas migration at the same time. Besides, gas occurrence is the superposition effect of gas generation, preservation conditions, and gas migration in coal seam.

Neotectonic structures of the Upper Silesia that originated during the last 5 Ma (Pliocene and Quaternary) overlap Miocene grabens and horsts of the Carpathian Foredeep. They had been reactivated in Pliocene as an effect of the young Alpine uplift of the Carpathian Foredeep. It is postulated that ice-sheet derived compaction of a thick Miocene deposits was the most significant agent of the development of neotectonic depressions. Glacioisostasy of mobile bedrock structures was presumably also an important component of vertical movements. The amplitude of neotectonic movements is estimated to 40-100 m, basing on DEM map analysis, analysis of sub-Quaternary structural maps, and the Pleistocene cover thickness. The present-day tectonic phenomena are generated by mining-induced seismicity. These are connected with stress relaxation in the deep bedrock thrust zones of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin.

The area of NW Wedel Jarlsberg Land south of Bellsund (Spitsbergen), between Dunderbukta in the west and the Berzeliustinden mountain group in the east, consists of five fault-bounded blocks: (1) the Renardbreen Block (Middle–Late Proterozoic basement rocks), (2) the Chamberlindalen Block (Late Proterozoic basement rocks), (3) the Martinfjella Block (Late Proterozoic through Early Ordovician basement rocks), (4) the Berzeliustinden Block (Late Proterozoic and Early Ordovician basement rocks covered by Late Palaeozoic–Tertiary platform deposits), (5) the Reinodden Block (Late Palaeozoic and Mesozoic rocks). The paper presents an outline of lithostratigraphy (Middle/Upper Proterozoic–Lower Ordovician: Hecla Hoek Succession) and architecture of the Caledonian basement in which several thrust-sheets and thrust-folds have been recognized. It also discusses some aspects of Tertiary overthrusting, faulting and rotation with affected the basement rocks and remodelled its Caledonian architecture.

The lithospheric transect South Shetland Islands (SSI) — Antarctic Peninsula (AP) includes: the Shetland Trench (subductional) and the adjacent portion of the SE Pacific oceanic crust; the South Shetland Microplate (younger magmatic arc superimposed on continental crust); the Bransfield Rift and Platform (younger back-arc basin); the Trinity Horst (older magmatic arc superimposed on continental crust); the Gustav Rift (Late Cenozoic) and James Ross Platform (older back-arc basin). Deep seismic sounding allowed to trace the Moho discontinuity at about 30 km under South Shetlands and at 38—42 km in the northern part of Antarctic Peninsula (Trinity Horst), under typical continental crust. Modified crust was recognized under Bransfield Strait. Geological interpretation based on deep seismic refraction and multichannel reflection soundings, and surface geological data, is presented.

The Szamotuły Graben covers the southernmost part of the Permo-Mesozoic Poznań–Szamotuły Fault Zone. Along this regional discontinuity there are several salt structures, including the Szamotuły diapir, over which an extensional graben formed in the Paleogene and Neogene. The graben is located north of Poznań in central- western Poland, and is NW–SE-trending, ~20 km long, 3–5.5 km wide, and up to 160 m deep. It is filled with Lower Oligocene and Neogene sediments, including relatively thick lignite seams. Data from boreholes allow the assignment of the graben-fill sediments to appropriate lithostratigraphic units. Furthermore, analysis of changes in the thickness of these units provides evidence for periods of accelerated graben subsidence or uplift relative to its flanks. As a result, two distinct stages of tectonic subsidence and one inversion in the Paleogene–Neogene evolution of the Szamotuły Graben have been distinguished. Thus, relatively significant subsidence occurred in the Early Oligocene and the middle Early–earliest Mid-Miocene, while slight inversion took place in the middle part of the Mid-Miocene.

This article discusses the impacts of overprinting of tectonic and plutonic events on the mineralization of the Duna Pb-Ba ore deposit, according to geologic settings and fluid inclusion studies. The Duna carbonate-hosted deposit contains a significant amount of Ag (18.9–264.3 ppm ), Cu (77–41600 ppm), Sb (32.7–11000 ppm), Sr (63.5– 15100 ppm), and Fluid inclusions with 7.34–23.65 wt.% NaCl equivalent. The homogenization temperature of about 110–285°C, as well as the paragenesis of the minerals shows a difference compared with other Pb-Zn deposits such as the Irish-type and MVT. The ore mineralization in the Duna mine occurred as stratabound, open space-filling, and along the brecciated fault zones. The concordant (stratabound) type of mineralization, with salinity and homogenization temperature of 18.54 to 23.65 wt.% NaCl equivalent, and 113°C to 165°C respectively, is usually typical of MVT-ore deposits, which in this area evolved during the Early Cimmerian orogeny and was later interrupted by mineralization along younger brecciated fault zones with salinity and homogenization temperature of 7.34 to 23.65 wt.% NaCl equivalent, and 113°C to 285°C respectively. This discordant mineralization, which occurred along the faults, formed by the end of the Late Cretaceous and during the Cenozoic as a result of the intrusion of a plutonic mass, and is comparable to the Irish-type ore deposits.