The late-and post-Variscan tectonic evolution of the Western Border fault zone of the Bohemian massif (WBZ)

Abstract

 Paleostress analysis and evaluation of the stratigraphic unconformities reveal an extremely polyphase development of one of the most prominent fault zones of Central Europe, usually known as the Franconian Line (FL). Because the FL is just one fault zone, although it is the most important fault zone within a complex fault system, a more appropriate term is used herein: Western Border fault zone of the Bohemian massif (WBZ). The reconstruction of the paleostress history was carried out by analysing sequences of individual strain increments that belong to the same stratigraphic “units” (e.g., late-Variscan granites, Tertiary basalts). A succession of at least 15 paleostress directions and tectonic regimes have been determined since late-Variscan time.