Cretaceous granites-possible source of the Carpathian gravity low
Abstract
The Carpathian gravity minimum is one of the most discussed geophysical problems in the area of the Western Carpathians. The source of this regional anomaly has been debated since the 1980s. The ideas of individual authors were based on the powerful sedimentary layers in the bedrock of the flysch and Central Western Carpathians or on the effect of the source at the level of the Moho discontinuity. In 1980, the first interpretation appeared, when the authors connected the source with the presence of granitoid masses. In the course of time, individual unrealistic ideas about the influence of molassoid sediments or deep structures were gradually excluded. Recent work based on the reinterpretation of seismic and magnetotelluric data (MT) confirmed the existence of an environment that can be explained by the presence of granites based on the absence of significant reflexes and the presence of high-resistance horizons in the Low Tatras area. In this paper, compared to other similar works, a model is presented that assumes the presence of Cretaceous granitoid complexes. It is based on a comparison with a similar gravity effect manifested in the Rochovce area. Cretaceous granites drilled here proved the presence of such complexes in the subsoil in the Tatric and Veporic units. From paleographic studies, it is possible to find a connection with similar bodies of Cretaceous granites (banatites) located in the range from the Apusena Mountains to the South Carpathians.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Geological Formations and Processes Exploration
Geophysical and Geoelectrical Methods
Geological and Geophysical Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Results in Engineering
- Volume
- 29
- Pages
- 109244–109244
- Publication date
- 26 January 2026
- Language
- EN