Advances in Geochronology, Geochemistry, and Petrology: Implications for the Geodynamics of the Balkan Peninsula in the Framework of the Alpine-Himalayan Orogenic System

Dear Colleagues,

The Balkan Peninsula represents a complex Alpine orogenic edifice—a small part of the Alpine–Himalayan fold and thrust belt. This edifice consists of three major belts: Dinarides–Albanides–Hellenides at the south and southwest, the median belt of the Serbo-Macedonian and Rhodope massifs, and the northern retro-belt of the Srednogorie and Balkanides. Amphibolite–facies metamorphic complexes are known to exist in three belts but are dominant in the median belt. The southern belt contains the Pelagonian Massif, whereas the central Sredna-gora, Sakar, and Strandzha massifs are situated in the Srednogorie (northern belt).

The polymetamorphic evolution of high-grade cores of the Alpine orogen during the Hercynian and Alpine times has been long suggested, but important new data have been gathered over the last 25 years due to the elaboration of U-Pb and Sm-Nd geochronology methods. Hence, the present Special Issue seeks to present new evidence in geochemistry and isotopic geochronology and its impact on the development of petrology, geotectonics, and geodynamics in SE Europe and the adjacent regions. Special attention will be given to problems of zircon and monazite mineralogy and their origin and evolution; zircons in the mantle reservoir and in meta mafic rocks; zircon dating of metamorphic events and their duration; geochemical signatures of different geodynamic environments; relations of metamorphism, anatexis, and granite magmatism with tectonics and geodynamics; and isotopic dating of exhumation events.

Prof. Dr. Ivan Zagorchev
Guest Editor

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• advances in geochronology zircon and monazite techniques
• zircon and monazite chemistry and mineralogy in metamorphic and igneous petrogenesis
• detrital geochronology, provenance analysis, and plate paleogeography
• isotopic geochronology and mantle–crust paleo geodynamics
• time and duration of metamorphic and igneous events

1. Title: Cambrian-Cretaceous Geodynamic Situation of the Balkan Peninsula (Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia)

Authors: Albrecht Von Quadt, Irena Peytcheva, Stoyan Sarov and Daniela Gallhofer

Abstract: The Alpine–Himalayan collision zone involves a number of crustal fragments that originated in the Neoproterozoic to Cambrian Avalonian–Cadomian belt of northern Gondwana. We present a new set of U/Pb zircon data that contributes to the Cambrian – Variscan – Jurassic – Cretaceous magmatic evolution of parts of the Balkan Peninsula. This U/Pb data will be extended by available new Hf isotopic data. The picture of the Cambrian–Cretaceous geodynamic evolution will be complemented by existing U/Pb zircon data of magmatic and detrital origin.

2. Title: The Rhodope Massif in the Framework of the Early Mesozoic Orogenies in the Balkan Peninsula

Authors: Ivan Zagorchev, Constantin Balica, Platon Tchoumatchenco, Evgeniya Kozhoukharova, Ioan Coriolan Balintoni, Gavril Săbău, Elena Negulescu

Abstract: The Rhodope Massif is a complex tectonic edifice that underwent a polyphase Phanerozoic tectonometamorphic evolution. Cadomian (c. 700 – 500 Ma) mafic relicts (amphibolites, metagabbros and eclogites) have been reported amidst biotite granite-gneisses. U-Pb zircon isotopic dates obtained up to now cluster around three major groups of Phanerozoic events: Hercynian (310-290 Ma), Jurassic (160-150 Ma), and Paleogene (55-30 Ma). Here we concentrate on the early Mesozoic evolution and structure of the Balkan orogenic chains and the place of the Rhodopes in their architecture. Jurassic zircon ages are prevalent in banded biotite gneisses and leucogranite-gneisses (Bachkovo Formation) in the North-Rhodope anticline, and leucogneisses and amphibolites of the Bachkovo and Lukovitsa Formation in SW Rhodopes. Jurassic metamorphic events in the Rhodope Massif recorded at 160 – 150 Ma BP are coeval with down warping and subsidence to the North, and the formation of the Nish-Troyan flysch trough in Kimmeridgian (locally since the late Callovian) to Early Berriasian times. They are coeval also with the finalization of NE-directed Vardar subduction beneath the massif, the evolution of the Circum-Rhodope belt, and new thrusting and formation of sedimentary and tectonic mélanges. All these events point to important changes in the Cimmerian geodynamics of the Balkan segment of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic belt.