SS1 Genesis and emplacement of ophiolites in SE Europe: New insights.

Conveners: Volker Hoeck (AT), Alastair Robertson (GB), Koller Friedrich (AT).

Description:

The scientific understanding of both ophiolites and oceanic crust has advanced

remarkably in the last decades from both land-based and oceanic studies (e.g. via

IODP). Studies in different parts of the world show that ophiolites may record a range

of former oceanic settings, comparable with the known variety of modern oceanic

settings (e.g. SW Pacific region). Ophiolites can contribute to our knowledge of the

architecture and the processes of formation of the oceanic lithosphere (e.g. through

ophiolite-oceanic crust analogies). Both ophiolites and oceanic crust also have

economic potential. Ophiolites of different ages are widespread in the southeastern

part of Europe. Their age, modes formation and palinspastic reconstruction are still

under debate.

The aim of this session, therefore, is to discuss: (i) recent scientific advances in

ophiolite studies, and (ii) the significance of ophiolites in the tectonic evolution of SE

Europe. Presentations that focus on ophiolite tectonostratigraphy,

geochemistry/petrology, metamorphism, geochronology, tectonic setting,

emplacement and tectonic setting are particularly welcome. We expect a number of

highly experienced geoscientists from CBGA-countries as well as elsewhere to join

us for the discussion of these topics.

Areas of interest:

Ophiolites, Petrology, Tectonics

SPECIAL SESSIONS

SS2 Geosciences and Cultural heritage.

Conveners: Corina Ionescu (RO), Ryszard Kryza (PL).

Description:

The session will focus on the application of various geosciences (mineralogy,

petrography, geology) as well as chemistry and physics to the cultural heritage

study. This includes archaeological ceramics, glass, gemstones, lithic tools and other

artefacts, as well as historical buildings and monuments, and ancient settlements.

The session will offer a good opportunity to bring together geologists and

mineralogists, archaeologists, chemists and physicists to present the newest results,

problems and solutions for a wide range of archaeometric topics.

Areas of interest:

Archaeometry, Geoarchaeology

SS3 Progress in lithostratigraphy and cross-border correlation of the

lithostratigraphic units of the CBGA.

Conveners: Csaszar Geza (HU), Wagreich Michael (AT).

Description:

Modern and concise lithostratigraphy forms the base for geology, especially

geological mapping and correlations. We propose a session on progresses made in

lithostratigraphy, especially of Mesozoic and Cenozoic units, within the CBGA

region, both in the frame of lithostratigraphic definitions of individual rock units and in

the installation and application of lithostratigraphic codes and data bases. A special

focus will be on cross-border correlation of lithostratigraphic units, a topic dealt by a

CBGA working group on Mesozoic units. We are expecting contributions dealing with

lithostratigraphic definitions of existing and new units and cross-border correlation of

successions promoting the selection of a common name for the entire extension of

the relevant formation. Furthermore, palaeogeographic and geodynamic

interpretations based on lithostratigraphic correlations are highly welcome.

In addition to the major subjects above we offer you a chance to discuss the

principles of lithostratigraphy of the non-layered (magmatic and metamorphic)

formation as well.

Areas of interest:

Stratigraphy

SS4 Active tectonics in the Carpathian-Balkan broader area: advances and

applications.

Conveners: Alexandros Chatzipetros (GR), Akın Kürçer (TR).

Description:

The broader area of SE Europe is one of the most tectonically active areas in the world due to its complex geotectonic setting. Many strong earthquakes have affected large cities in the area during the past decades, causing fatalities and significant damage to buildings and infrastructures. It is therefore of great importance to further understand the active fault dynamics of the area, as well as their genetic and evolutionary correlation to the large post-Alpine structures of the region. The purpose of this Special Session is to attract presentations on active tectonics

and neotectonics in the broader Carpathian-Balkan region. Research presentations

on active faulting, paleoseismology, archeoseismology, impact of faulting on

geomorphology, surface effects of earthquakes (e.g. ruptures, liquefaction, rockfalls),

geophysical surveys (e.g. GPS studies related to faulting, seismic prospecting of

fault zones) etc. are welcome in this session. Moreover, this session welcomes

presentations on applications of active fault studies in civil protection, hazard

mitigation, engineering, etc.

Areas of interest:

Active tectonics

SS5 Formation and modification of the oceanic and continental mantle

lithosphere.

Conveners: Hilary Downes (GB), Theo Ntaflos (AT).

Description:

The nature of the lithospheric mantle is largely constrained from the petrological and

geochemical studies of mantle-derived xenoliths brought to the Earth’s surface in

basaltic eruptions. Studies of orogenic and ophiolitic peridotite massifs additionally

provide field relationships and insights into mantle processes. Within the Carpathian-

Balkan region, relics of formation of the lithospheric mantle can be seen in the

residual peridotites found in ultramafic massifs, whereas xenoliths often reveal

significant modification to this depleted mantle reservoir by percolation and infiltration

of mantle-derived melts and fluids. We encourage submission of contributions

focusing on 1) mineralogical, petrological and geochemical compositions of xenoliths

and ultramafic massifs; 2) in-situ trace element analyses of rock-forming minerals; 3)

evidence for metasomatic agents causing elemental fractionation in the mantle; 4)

reactions between melt/fluids and rock-forming minerals during metasomatism or

refertilisation.

Areas of interest:

Ophiolites, Petrology, Geochemistry

SS6 The Dinarides-Hellenides transition and the role of the Skutari-Pec line.

Conveners: Schmid Stefan (CH), Kujtim Onuzi (AL), Bardhyl Muceku (AL)

Description:

While the Dinarides and Hellenides exhibit many common features there are significant changes in the structure of the orogen that take place rather abruptly across the Skutari-Pec line. As known since a long time the Skutari Pec line (1) separates the WNW-ESE striking Dinarides from the NNW-SSE-striking Albanides-Hellenides, and (2) represents the locus along which the High-Karst and East-Bosnia Durmitor massifs of the Albanian Alps are laterally replaced by the Mirdita ophiolite massif, located much further and in an external position of the orogen when compared to the ophiolitic unit of the Dinarides. On the other hand there is no consensus and considerable lack of data when come to elucidate the age of this transverse structure. Some authors postulate this fault zone to be inherited from a transform fault of Mesozoic time while others prefer a Neogene age. The kinematics appear to be those of a dextrally transtensive fault active in Miocene times, while the dramatic changes the structure of the orogen demand a pre-Miocene precursor of the Skutari-Pec line. The proposed Special Session attempts to launch a novel and multidisciplinary approach for solving this longstanding problem by focusing on this first order geodynamic feature from, for example, tectonic, geophysical, petrological and stratigraphical point of views. Only the interdisciplinary approach that synthesizes all available data will be able to shed more light on one of the most important unsolved problems in the Carpatho-Balkan area. Hence, this Special Session encourages contributions from a wide spectrum of disciplines focusing on the solution of one an the same geodynamical feature.

Areas of interest:

Tectonics

SS7 Thermochronometry and tectonic evolution of the Carpathian-Balkan

region.

Conveners: Massimiliano Zattin (IT), Rafał Szaniawski (PL), Mazzoli Stefano (IT)

Description:

The Cenozoic evolution of the Carpathian and Dinaric orogens is characterized by

the interplay of different geodynamic processes including SW- to W-dipping

subduction, slab retreat, and back-arc extension. The response of the mountain

chains at shallow crustal levels was therefore marked by different episodes of

thrusting and extension that gave rise to the construction and following partial

disruption of the orogenic wedge. Rocks were then exhumed to the surface by

erosion or tectonic processes according to the prevailing tectonic regime. Hence,

modes and timing of cooling of rocks are important parameters to unravel the

geodynamic evolution of the orogens.

Low-temperature thermochronology is a well established tool for understanding the

temperature history of a rock from upper crust to surface. Using different methods

(40Ar/39Ar, fission-track and U-Th/He analysis) and combining them with information

derived from structural and stratigraphic investigations, it is possible to elucidate the

spatial and temporal distribution of deformation in both collisional and extensional

settings and to give precious constraints to the geomorphic evolution of a chain. In

this session, we strongly encourage submissions from all fields of thermochronology

research related to the Carpathians, Dinarides and Pannonian regions. In particular,

we welcome multidisciplinary contributions that integrate field-based studies, low-

temperature thermochronology, geochemistry, numerical geodynamic modeling as

well as innovative approaches.

Areas of interest:

Tectonics

SS8 Granitic rocks of the Carpathians-Balkan area: indicators of crustal

evolution.

Conveners: Milan Kohut (SK), Pavel Uher (SK)

Description:

Granitic rocks as the evolved felsic igneous rocks represent a determining factor for

identification of type of crust and/or orogeny. They form an important constituent in

the entire Carpathians-Balkan realm, reflecting crust evolution from the Cambrian to

the Miocene.

Contributions dealing with all aspects of granite study (e.g. field study, geochemistry,

mineralogy, petrology, tectonics, dating etc.) are welcome.

Areas of interest:

Petrology

SS9 Large-scale tectonic controls on fertility of magmatic suites for ore

genesis in the Carpathian-Balkan region during Jurassic-Cretaceous-

Cenozoic time

Conveners: von Quadt Albrecht (CH), Moritz Robert (CH), Marton Istvan (RS)

Description:

The formation of ore deposits is an integral part of the geodynamic, tectonic,

magmatic and sedimentary evolution of any orogenic belt. The Carpathian‐Balkan

region contains a large number and high diversity of ore deposits, formed in different

geological settings and at different times during the evolution of this region. Special

attention will be paid to integrated geochronological, tectonic, petrological and

geochemical studies. This region is also the focus of important mineral exploration

programs and on‐going mining activities.

Our aim is to include ore deposit studies at all scales, ranging from local ore deposit

and ore prospect investigations up to the regional scale, integrating ore deposit

interpretation and the geodynamic evolution. Examples include the conditions

required to generate the optimal conditions for the formation of Cu‐ and Au‐rich

magmas in volcanic arcs, the U‐, W‐ or Au‐rich S‐type granites in collisional zones,

the fertile pollymetallic magmas in postcollisional regimes or the origins of the

magma parental to the deposit types found in basic‐ultrabasic complexes.

New exploration results from industry will also be welcome as well as contributions

based on field observations, tectonic, petrological, mineralogical and isotope‐

geochemical studies research.

Areas of interest:

Geochronology, Mineral exploration, Ore deposits, Tectonics, Geochemistry.

SS10 Pre-Alpine events preserved in Eastern and Central Europe

Conveners: Plissart Gaëlle (FR), Ioan Balintoni (RO)

Description:

There are more and more evidences that, although the Eastern Europe and

correlatives (Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Turkey, Albania, Greece, Ukraine, etc.)

have been in some places severely affected by the Alpine orogeny, numerous

Cadomian and Variscan structural and lithological markers have been nevertheless

preserved in these regions. This session aims to bring together scientists from

different disciplines and countries working on the Pre-Alpine bedrock of the Eastern

Europe as well as the Central Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Austria,

etc.), in order to build an accurate model of the Pre-Alpine evolution of this area.

Studies involving magmatic and metamorphic petrology, structural geology,

geochronology, geochemistry, sedimentology, paleontology, paleomagnetism and

geodynamics are all well welcomed. The session is expected to bring together the

highest interdisciplinary geological advances in this area and to substantially

enhance the current geo-database. A special issue of top publications can be

planned if a sufficient number of high quality researches are reached.

Areas of interest:

Geochronology, Sedimentology, Ophiolites, Stratigraphy, Structural geology,

Palaeontology, Petrology, Tectonics, Geochemistry.

SS11 Evolutionary trends of the Neogene biota from Central and Eastern

Paratethys continental environments

Conveners: Codrea Vlad A. (RO), Prieto JérômeIoan (DE), Venczel Márton (RO)

Description:

The Neogene continental biota from the Central and Eastern Paratethys realm is a

challenging topic due to the specific peculiar geo - and bio-events occurred in this

area in Miocene and Pliocene, as successive climatic and paleogeographic changes.

They are recorded in the continental sequences that can be followed in sedimentary

basins like Vienna, Pannonian (and related Neogene gulf basins), Transylvanian,

Dacian, etc. The continental deposits exposed in these basins offer a rich record of

the evolution of flora and fauna. The changing environments, events like migrations

of continental faunal taxa, are bringing new light on the Neogene evolution happened

in this area, based on sedimentological, stratigraphic, paleoclimatic and

paleontological studies. Such data would be of interest for the scientific community,

for a large part of geologists and paleontologists.

Areas of interest:

Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Paleoclimatology, Paleontology.

SS12 From magma genesis to volcanic edifice growth and destruction: the Carpathian-Balkan and adjacent regions as a natural laboratory to contribute to the source to volcano model.

Conveners: Zoltan Pecskay (HU), Karoly Nemeth (NZ)

Description:

Volcanism in a global scene is considered to be as a complex geological process involving magma genesis, transportation, temporal stoppage of magma, eruption, accumulation and remobilization of pyroclasts and coherent lava in a great variety of time and space scales. Currently volcanism is increasingly considered to be viewed through a so called source-to-surface model that incorporates all the above mentioned processes to be able to unlock the formation of volcanic edifices through studies of preserved volcanic rocks of any type, from coherent magmatic to various volcaniclastic successions. A complex and holistic view of volcanism has recently lead to some main advances in our understanding of the time-scale as well as the physical processes stand behind the formation of a volcanic rock. Analyzing these information from stratigraphy and spatial order allow us to reconstruct the evolution of a volcanic edifice regardless of its size and length of formation. The Carpathian-Balkan and adjacent regions can be considered as a true “playground” of various volcanism that can provide a geographycally compact region to study nearly every possible volcanic processes, volcano types, chemical and tectonic settings. This wealth of diversity of volcanism in this region is the key to see some new development on understanding volcanism and compare it with other recent and active regions elsewhere on Earth. In addition, the older ages, and sometimes the anthropogenic influences on some volcanic regions provide excellent outcrops to the deeper level of volcanoes from their crater, conduit or even magma chamber zones that are ready to be studied and compared with current models derived from active volcanoes. In this session we wish to call contributions primarily derived or based on analogies from the Carpathian-Balkan and adjacent regions which utilize the diverse nature of volcanism this region can provide to study. The contributions expected to be submitted in this session should demonstrate the complex approach to understand volcanism from volcanic petrology, geochemistry, modern age dating techniques, modeling and descriptive works on coherent and pyroclastic successions, and volcanic facies analysis including landscape evolution and erosion models. Results from combined research efforts to correlate data derived from geochronological techniques such as K/Ar, Ar/Ar, surface exposure age etc. with various paleomagnetic studies with an aim to establish volcanic stratigraphy are expected to be submitted to this session. Studies that utilize specific geological settings where volcanism took place (e.g. subaqueous versus subaerial volcanism in ancient settings) to refine our understanding of a complex geological and geoenvironmental evolution of a region in comparison with modern analogies are particularly welcomed.

Areas of interest:

Geochronology, Remote sensing, Natural hazards, Sedimentology, Geotopes,

Stratigraphy, Petrology, Physical geography, Volcanology, Geochemistry.

SS13 Geoheritage and Geotourism

Conveners: Afat Serjani (AL), Adil Neziraj (AL)

Description:

Several meetings are organised by the European Geopark Net. Gelogical Heritage

conservation in correlation with cultural heritage in all countries is going to be an

important factor for the tourist industry and the sustainable development of national

economy. This session will be focused on the geoheritage welth of Albania and its

impact on the country tourism. At the end of 1997, a “Union of Albanian Geologists

for the Geological Science Heritage” (ProGEO Albania) was founded. In 1998, the

Geological Survey of Albania undertook the first official project on geological heritage

conservation, which was finalised in 1999 with the publication of the first inventory of

the geological sites of Albania and with the production of the Map of Geological

Sites of Albania (2010). According to the classification of geosites (Wimbledon et al.,

1998) the following geosites are distinguished in Albania: Stratigraphical sites, Ore-

body deposit, Tectonic-Structural sites, Geomorphological features and landscapes,

Palaeobiological sites, etc. This session can be accompanied by a nice excursion to

the most aesthetic geological sites and geoparks of Albania.

Areas of interest:

Geotopes

SS14 Palaeogeographic and palaeotectonic reconstructions of Tethys in the Balkan region

Conveners: Alastair Robertson (GB), Dimitrios Papanikolaou (GR), William Cavazza (IT), Nikolay Bonev (BG).

Description:

Palaeogeographic and palaeotectonic reconstructions continue to advance based on

the acquisition of new data and regional-to-global comparisons. For example,

Pangea-A versus Pangea-B reconstructions of Gondawna are being debated with

significant implications for Tethys. Rifts of Red Sea type and versus backarc type

need to be differentiated.The nature of the Tethyan continental margins, whether

passive or active at different times, is being considered. The role of continental

fragments and their motion (rift, drift, accretion) are additional key issues.

Accretionary complexes (e.g. some melanges) and ophiolites provide important

information on the nature and origin of lost oceans. The timing and direction of

subduction, arc development and collision are also critical, as is post-collisional

displacement (e.g. suspect terranes).

For this session we invite contributions drawn from all the fields of the geosciences

and all time periods that relate to palaeogeographic and palaeotectonic

reconstructions of Tethys in the Balkan (and wider) region. We especially welcome

contributions that improve the dating of key events and processes (e.g.

geochronology). In many cases it may be useful to consider alternative scenarios

that could be consistent with available evidence. Contributions can be on all scales

from relatively local, to regional, to global. Effort will be made time to allow time for

discussion. Poster contributions will be very welcome as well as oral ones.

Areas of interest:

Active tectonics, Geochronology, Remote sensing, Sedimentology, Neotectonics,

Seismology, Ophiolites, Stratigraphy, Structural geology, Palaeontology, Petrology,

Tectonics, Volcanology, Geochemistry.

SS15 Ophiolites, Podiform Chromitites and Ultrahigh Pressure Minerals

Conveners: Paul T ROBINSON (CN), Jingsui YANG (CN), Ibrahim Milushi (AL).

Description:

This session is designed to investigate the origin and evolution of ophiolites and their

podiform chromitites, particularly in light of the presence of ultrahigh pressure

mineral and highly reduced minerals in these bodies. Because Tethyan ophiolites

and chromitites are widespread in the Balkan region, this session should be of

interest to a wide range of geoscientist. Depending on the number and character of

the papers presented at this session, it may be possible to publish a Special Issue

dealing with this topic.

Areas of interest:

Ophiolites, Ore deposits.

SS16 3D Geological Modeling

Conveners: Resmi Kamberaj (AU),

Description:

3D geological modeling is becoming a requisite on the everyday exploration and

mining industry. Using and relying on this has been proven to be a big advantage on

effective geological works.

There are two way of modeling the geological aspects: one traditional (explicit) and

latest and more advanced, state of art, the implicit method. Latest method is based

on RBF / FastRBF and has much more advantages and benefits than traditional

method (explicit).

A geological model can be created using only a basic set of parameters or as

complex as possible taking in consideration lithology, faults, assay results, core

recovery or any other parameter / attribute available which has a given / known

position is space .

Once the model has been created, you can add more detail or parameters can be

grouped as per geological point of view. The only parameter that cannot be changed

once the model has been created is the base lithology, and other original authentic

parameters.

Method of implicit modeling gives more time geologist to interpret than wasting time

generating the models as is done by explicit method, it is updated dynamically as

new data are added on the data base. It is suitable for non uniform distribution of

primary data and model can be build direct from data base. Building a geological

model is an approach of successive refinement made up of defining the model

boundary and internal structure.

Areas of interest:

Mineral exploration, Applied geophysics, Geology and education, Sedimentology,

Geosciences and environment, Geothermal energy, Ophiolites, Ore deposits,

Stratigraphy, Hydrogeology, Energy resources, Structural geology, Tectonics,

Volcanology, Physics of the Earth’s interior, Quaternary geology, Geoarchaeology,

Informatics and geosciences.

SS17 Gems

Conveners: Stefanos Karampelas (CH), Corina Ionescu (RO).

Description:

In Carpathian, Balkan and surrounding regions several gems occurred; opals,

emeralds, garnets, ambers and amethysts are solely some example. Moreover,

several objects adorned with (or even made of) gems are often found in these areas

during archaeological excavations. This special session is an opportunity to bring

together researchers from these regions as well as from other and may give a start

to collaborations between them. Contributions on geology of gem deposits,

geochemistry of gems of the Carpathian, Balkan and other European regions,

nondestructive methods used to characterize gems on archeological objects, gems‘

treatments and detection are welcome.

Areas of interest:

SS18 Karst systems in Carpathian – Balkan Region: Structure, dynamics of evolution and hydrogeological significance.

Conveners Stefan Shanov (BG), Romeo Eftimi (AL).

Description:

The principal aim of the session is to gather the researchers on the field of

Karstology from the countries of the Carpathian-Balkan Region, including the classic

karst of the Dinarides. The accumulated experience on geology, tectonics and

morphology of the karst systems has led to new understandings of the complex rock-

water relationships in the specific geologically and tectonically predestinated

conditions. It becomes clear that only the multidisciplinary approach can reveal or at

least can give approximated, but suitable for practical needs, information concerning

the hydrogeological conditions of the karst areas. This is the only correct way for

solving purely practical problems of the protection of the karst waters from

contamination, of the exact definition of the known or potential sources of

contamination, for optimizing of the water supply to the local agglomerations. The

conservative underground media of the caves keeps valuable information about the

geodynamical processes from the past geological times. New advanced techniques

have been developed and successfully applied from a number of researchers for

better understanding and describing the evolution of the karst systems in the light of

the paleoenvironment. Taking into account the existence of multiple unsolved and

challenging problems that have to be discussed and that could be milestones for

promotion of international projects we would like to joint the knowledge of all

researchers from the Carpathians, the Balkans and other Europeans countries, from

all fields of the geosciences related to the study of the structure, evolution and

hydrogeology of the karst systems to take part in the Special Session dedicated to all

aspects of the karst phenomena in Carpathian – Balkan Region.

Areas of interest:

Geosciences and environment, Neotectonics, Quaternary geology, Speleology,

Structural geology, Hydrogeology, Tectonics.

SS19 The Dinaride-Albanide-Hellenide ophiolites: a powerful multidisciplinary subject matter for interpreting the geodynamic history in the Balkans and surrounding areas

Conveners: Emilio Saccani (IT), Marco Chiari (IT), Mensi Prela (AL), Luca Pandolfi

(IT)

Description:

Ophiolites are relics of oceanic lithosphere that commonly mark suture zones

between continental terranes. They may form in a wide variety of plate tectonic

settings including oceanic spreading ridges, both oceanic and ensialic back arc

basins, intra-oceanic arc systems and cordilleran-type arcs, as well as hotspots.

They are important markers of convergent margin processes and preserve the

records of tectonic and magmatic events from rift-drift through subduction, accretion

and collision stages of continental margin evolution. The origin and tectonic evolution

of ophiolites provide then important constraints on the evolution of orogenic belts.

The complex Mesozoic geologic history of the Dinaride-Albanide-Hellenide region

and surrounding areas is largely dominated the evolution of the Tethys Ocean that

was characterized by oceanic opening and following convergent margin processes,

which resulted in an extraordinarily well-exposed ophiolitic suture belt.

Understanding ophiolites in this region, where tectono-stratigraphic terranes of

different origin are now juxtaposed, is therefore particularly important for

reconstructing the geodynamic evolution in this area. However, a satisfactory

understanding of the geodynamic significance of ophiolites can preferentially be

achieved using multidisciplinary approach including: geochemistry and petrology of

mantle and igneous rocks, radiolarian biostratigraphy, tectonics, stratigraphy,

radiometric dating, etc. The main purpose of this special session is therefore to

promote an interdisciplinary approach to the investigation of the Dinaride-Albanide-

Hellenide ophiolites and favour the full integration of a large number of different

studies in order to provide solid constraints for the geodynamic evolution of this area.

Areas of interest:

Ophiolites.

SS20 Stones and construction materials: urban use and deterioration

Conveners: Ákos Török (HU), Magdalini Theodoridou (CY), Richard Přikryl (CZ)

Description:

Stones and other natural materials are widely used in urban environment as

construction materials. In these days the access to urban material resources are

limited due to environmental regulations. The session focuses on the available past

resources and the new possibilities of material use. Different use of stone

(ornamental, dimension, aggregate) and other natural construction materials such as

brick, binders, adobe and industrialized materials such as concrete in urban

environment will be also considered. Characterization, in situ and laboratory testing

of these materials will form a part of the session with an emphasis on the re-use and

recycling. The longevity of materials and their deterioration in urban environment are

also covered. The session is focused on any geological aspect of present use and

historical application of these materials. The impact of the scientific knowledge that

will be discussed is expected to be of high importance for a more sustainable

development in urban construction.

Areas of interest:

Applied mineralogy, Archaeometry, Engineering geology, Sustainable development,

Petrology, Urban geology, Mineralogy, Other.

SS21 Mountain building and earthquake geology

Conveners: Spyros Pavlides (GR), Vladimir Trifonov (RU).

Description:

The session devotes the problems of the Cenozoic mountain building and geological

aspects of origin and manifestation of strong earthquakes in the Carpathian-Balkan

and adjacent regions of the Alpine-Himalayan Belt.

The following subjects are planned to be discussed:

1. Evolution of mountain building during the last 30 Ma.

2. Geodynamic aspects of mountain building.

3. Geology of strong earthquakes and their topographic effect.

4. Spatial and temporal regularities of strong seismicity.

5. Mountain building and seismicity.

This session is important and useful both for solution of fundamental problems of

recent geodynamics and assessment of seismic and other geological hazards.

Areas of interest:

Neotectonics and Seismotectonics.

SS22 Cenozoic magmatism in the Carpathian-Balkan and surrounding areas: complex mantle-crust dynamics processes.

Conveners: Vladica Cvetković (RS) and Ioan Seghedi (RU).

Description:

The Carpathian-Balkan area is well-known as the emplacement site of various types

of magmas during Late Alpine – Quaternary times that sometimes erupted to build

various volcanic forms. However, a robust and widely accepted model explaining the

connection between magmatic and geodynamic processes is still missing. We also

recognize that in spite of the fact that many generations of scientists have studied

this region and added a great value to this topic, a comprehensive and

interdisciplinary knowledge is yet to be acquired. The existing information about the

Carpathian-Balkan magmatism and geodynamics is mostly fragmented and in

numerous cases not detailed enough.

Present day research involving modern techniques and approaches, has potential to

thoroughly push forward the current understanding of the relationship between

mantle-crustal dynamics and magmatic processes in this region.

This session welcomes studies that investigate this disputed issue and focus on the

following:

(1) unraveling the nature of the mantle and crustal source regions of all magmatic

rocks through geochemical, petrological, geophysical and modeling techniques;

(2) revealing the processes and timescale over which magma evolves (e.g.

differentiation, mixing and assimilation), along with their role in the formation of ore

deposits, by using petrological and mineralogical data;

(3) explaining the link between magma evolution and large-scale tectonic events

such as subduction, lithosphere extension, slab delamination or tearing, etc; this is

essential in understanding and appropriately explaining the geodynamic models.

We hope that our session will bring scientists from different generations and fields of

expertise together, in order to help answering the key questions on the generation

and evolution of magmas in the Carpathian-Balkan area and improving the current

state of knowledge.

SS23 Role of climate and anthropogenic activitity in the sediments and organic environment of lakes in the Ballkan region

Conveners: Rexhep Koçi (AL), Elsa Gliozzi (IT), Ilaria Mazini (IT)

Description:

Lakes have a significant extension in the Balkan Carpathian region. A great number

of them have a tectonic origin, which has contributed to the accumulation of a

significant amount of sediments below the water table. They also represent complex

ecosystems and hydrogeological systems.

Two of the biggest lakes of the Balkans, the Shkodra and Ohrid lakes, are located at

the boundary between Albania and other nations (Montenegro and Macedonia

respectively). During the last decade, many studies have been developed in these

areas focusing on geological, palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimate issues. The

recent recoveries of continuous sediment records from those lakes represent a

unique opportunity to give an insight into the geological and environmental history of

the northern mediterranean region. Moreover, such sedimentary archives provide

precious information to detect seismic events and anthropogenic impact during the

late Holocene. In fact, the Balkan region has been affected by strong seismic events

and great floods, in particular in the Shkodra region the most significant ones

occurred on 1963, 1974, 1984, 2009-2013. Palaeoenvironmental studies represent

then an added value for their potential to identify old catastrophic events and to

understand and define their recurrence period.

This special session is open anyone who can bring, as poster or oral presentation,

his/her own results in relation to interdisciplinary palaeolimnological studies related

to the Balkan area. In particular, palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental

reconstruction, together with assessments of event deposits (floods, earthquakes)

during the Quaternary are welcome. Moreover, studies about the anthropogenic

impact and hydrogeological, hydrological issues will be considered.

The aim of the proposed session is to provide an update about the actual situation in

Balkan Carpathian region in order to raise the awareness among local authorities

and national and international experts, increasing their collaboration and defining the

priorities for the near future of these areas.

Areas of interest: Palaeoclimatology, Palaeontology.

SS24 Natural Hazard and Risk Assessment

Conveners: Basile Christaras (Gr), Perparim Hoxha (Al), Ylber Muceku (Al)

Description:

Natural hazards such as volcanoes eruptions, mass movement’s, earthquakes,

floods, subsidence and erosion are currently among the most serious concerns for

society. A lot of people have dead and injured, cities and villages are destroyed and

big economies are damaged every year from these phenomena. In general, the

natural hazards are difficult or impossible to be predicted and prevented. Therefore,

it is necessary to understand the reasons why they occur, to know the places where

they potentially may occur, in order to better assess the risk from their occurrences,

and finally to determine the measures for reducing the damages they cause.

Contributions focused on the above phenomena, from the area of the CBGA and

elsewhere, are welcome.

Areas of interest: Engineering geology, Hydrogeology, Seismic, Hydrology,

Geoenvironment, Hydrometeorology, Geoinformatics, Volcanology,

SS25 Signal processing and pattern recognition in geosciences: theory and practice.

Conveners: GACI Said (DZ), Younan Nicolas (US)

Description:

The aim of this special session deals with digital signal processing and applications

in the context of geosciences, including theory and practice in the different fields of

earth sciences. This session covers, but not limited to, the following topics:

linear/nonlinear time-series analysis, statistical methods, fractal analysis, neural

algorithms, etc. Scientists are encouraged to submit their researches related to the

application of these techniques in the different areas of geosciences: geophysics

(seismic, gravity/magnetic, electromagnetism/magnetotelluric, etc.), geology,

hydrogeology, geodesy, etc.

Areas of interest: Applied geophysics, Applied mineralogy, Climatology,

Engineering geology, Geosciences and environment, Informatics and geosciences,

Natural hazards, Oil and gas exploration, Ore deposits, Palaeontology, Physical

geography, Physics of the Earth’s interior, Remote sensing, Seismology, Structural

geology, Volcanology, Hydrogeology