Forward Model of the Eocene-Miocene Orogenic Evolution of Polish and Slovak Outer Carpathians

The Polish and Slovak Outer Carpathians are the Eocene-Miocene accretionary wedge resting upon flexed margin of the European Plate. Forward modeling has shown that the its kinematics was controlled not only by frontal accretion on new thrust sheets but also by thickening of its internal parts driven by out-of-sequence thrusting. Growth and arrival of the accretionary wedge to its present position resulted from at least 495 km of orogenic convergence. Rates of convergence were evolving from 10.5 mm/y between 35.2 and 25.0 Ma to 24.2 mm/y from 25.0 Ma onwards. This acceleration may be attributed to the onset of roll-back of the lower plate.