3.1. Within the Orogen: the Alps/Carpathians–Pannonian Basin System

The Alps/Carpathians–Pannonian Basin System offers the opportunity to analyze and quantify intraplate tectonics and slab mechanics that operate in the aftermath of continental collision on an orogen that is presently characterized by significant neotectonic activity (e.g. Cloetingh et al., 2004). These processes control the 4D evolution of topography, erosion, mass transfer and sediment accumulation (e.g. Cloetingh et al., 2003a). Of particular importance is the development and validation of a new generation of models for ongoing orogenic activity, as well as the analysis and modelling of neotectonic controls on topography development and landscape forming processes. Dedicated research efforts involve the interpretation of already available data, deployment of analytical facilities, and process-oriented 3D modelling. Results obtained so far demonstrate the importance of recent crustal deformation (Fig. 28), and particularly of the dramatic differential vertical movements that occurred during the last several million years and that are still ongoing. An important research aspect addresses the mechanics of coupling between crustal shortening and foreland basin development along the Alpine-Carpathian arc and back-arc deformation in the Pannonian Basin (e.g. Horváth and Cloetingh, 1996; Cloetingh et al., 2006a). Moreover, research will focus on the interplay between lithosphere dynamics, active tectonics and the evolution of topography and drainage patterns. Geoprediction in the Alpine/Carpathian – Pannonian Basin System requires a multidisciplinary effort and, therefore, the interaction and collaboration of researchers covering a broad field of expertise. A major challenge to TOPO-EUROPE is to establish reliable links between lithosphere dynamics, neotectonics, topography development, and climatically controlled surface processes through quantitative modelling of an array of datasets, covering different scales and aspects of these phenomena. As the TOPO-EUROPE network focuses on Solid-Earth processes and their interaction, it will take an integrated multi-scale approach, both in time and space, to questions inherent to the Alpine/Carpathian-Pannonian Basin natural laboratory. Research activities will aim at understanding the coupling between endogenic processes that operate at a 3D lithospheric scale and exogenic processes that are active at or near the Earth’s surface.

Specific goals for this natural laboratory will be the reconstruction and modelling of neotectonic and landscape forming processes. The mechanics of coupling between back-arc deformation in the Pannonian Basin, continental collision and foreland basin evolution along the Alpine-Carpathian arc will be investigated. Analysis of the interplay between active tectonics, mantle dynamics, topography evolution, drainage pattern development and natural hazards is of key importance in this natural laboratory. European researchers are in a competitive position in this domain, owing to the recent acquisition of a number of deep seismic profiles (e.g. TRANSALP, NFP-20, CELEBRATION, DACIA-PLAN, Vrancea 1999-2001) covering various sectors of the entire system.