Paleostress reconstruction of faults recorded in the Niedźwiedzia Cave (Sudetes): insights into Alpine intraplate tectonic of NE Bohemian Massif

Abstract Brittle structures identified within the largest karstic cave of Sudetes (the Niedźwiedzia Cave) were studied to reconstruct paleostress driving post-Variscan tectonic activity in NE Bohemian Massif. Individual fault population datasets, including local strike and dip planes, striations, Riedel shear, enabled us discuss orientation principal stresses tensor. The (meso) fault-slip data analysis performed both with Dihedra an inverse method revealed two possible main opposing compressional regimes: (1) NE–SW compression formation strike-slip (transpressional) faults (2) WNW–ESE horizontal related fault-block tectonics. (older) NE-SW was most probably associated Late Cretaceous–Paleogene pan-regional basin inversion throughout Central Europe, as a reaction ongoing African-Iberian-European convergence. Second active Middle Miocene, at latest, might represent Neogene–Quaternary regime Exposed plane surfaces dissolution-collapse marble system provided insights into Meso-Cenozoic history Earth’s uppermost crust also important guiding controlling origin Cave evolution subsequent conduits during Cenozoic.