Serbian Tertiary basanites: origin and geodynamic importance

The project is directed to unravel the Early Tertiary mantle and crust dynamics of Serbian part of the Alpine- Dinaride-Carpathian-Balkan orogen system by the study of East Serbian Paleocene/Eocene Mafic Alkaline Rocks (ESPEMAR). Similar alkaline rocks are widespread in Europe but they rarely occur in orogenic settings. For elucidating the ESPEMAR petrogenesis novel petrological methodologies and geochemical tools, which include trace element and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope analyses and Ar-Ar age determinations, will be applied. All the analyses are to be carried out in referred Austrian laboratories. In terms of geochemical data partial melting processes and source signatures, modification of magma at high/low pressures and its emplacement will be interpreted. That will ensure a better insight into the Early Tertiary evolution of the upper mantle underneath Balkan Peninsula. The evidence of the ESPEMAR origin will be integrated with the information about mantle and crust characteristics, tectonic style and heat-flow regime. Such an approach will establish a link between the the Late Cretaceous and Tertiary geodynamics in the Balkans with special emphasis on the transition between convergence-collision and post- collision-extensional tectonics. The project outcomes will shed more light on the problems of small-scale convecting instabilities in the mantle, and will essentially contribute to the persisting debate about the nature and origin of the European plume. Therefore, this research is exceeding the regional significance and the expected results will surely capture the interest of a broad scientific community. The project is oriented to establish a new Austrian-Serbian scientific cooperation by combining a high-tech standard and large experience of Austrian scientists with an increasing research potential shown by Serbian geologists. That fully meets the current aims of the Austrian science to coordinate the research in south-east Europe. That, in turn, provides the earth science in Serbia with a competitive and strategic benefit and will produce a long-term positive impact on science in this country.