Low-resistivity element ill the Carpathians

Abstract

An enigmatic geological element, characterized by its very low electric resistivity, occurs along the arc of the Carpathians at depth of ca. 20 km, from the area Vienna to the area of the Marmarosh Mts. Among the various hypotheses regarding the nature of this body, the most probable is that of the presence of highly mineralized, hot waters saturating porous and fractured marine sediments of the flysch substratum. The sediments probably overlied an oceanic-type crust, that was later almost completely subducted at its contact with crusts of continental type. As a result of this process, the sediments saturated with solutions became drawn to depth. and their rapid covering by overthrusted Carpathian deposits prevented later squeezing of the water during compaction. The low-resistivity element is shown in relation to the results of geomagnetic and magnetotelluric soundings and of a gravimetric survey. The alignement of the anomalous body follows approximately the Pieniny Klippen Belt, and a genetical link between the two is likely.