Sedimentary aspects of the onset of Middle Triassic continental rifting in the western end of Neotethys; inferences from the Silica and Torna Nappes, NE Hungary: a review

Abstract The initiation of continental rifting from the latest Early Triassic was reconstructed by correlation sedimentary formations deposited in western end Neotethys (in Dinaric–Alpine oceanic branch). shallow-marine and basinal strata Silica Nappes Bódvarákó Series Torna Nappe (located southern part Inner Western Carpathians) were studied compared to successions described Alps, Carpathians Dinarides. depositional zonation, developed on shelf during Late Permian‒Early transgression, dissected rearranged Triassic. facies pattern differential evolution domains suggest that accelerated subsidence began Triassic, connected onset rifting. Three stages are time-frame. (1) Dark grey carbonates, very poor fossils, restricted hypersaline intraplatform basins many domains. In external domains, gaps terrestrial deposits typical (formations Southern External Dinarides Serbian–Macedonian Massif). From this latter segment formed a threshold water circulation basins. (2) Shallowing-up carbonate mark next stage implies period tectonic quiescence late Anisian Middle Anisian. A peculiar change biota occurring previously coeval deep-marine settings. biotic is revealed observations dark which overlain rich fossils for normal-marine water. environmental changes indicate opening passage allowed well-oxygenated normal-salinity marine towards areas. geodynamic setting switching spreading sector branch (Hellenides Albanides), triggered gateway between future margins, i.e., Dinaridic domain (Adria) Massif (Eurasia). (3) Following event northern shelf, additional opened Pelsonian.