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The paper presents the stratigraphy of Paleogene strata fromthe central part of carbonate Dinarides. The carbonate and the clasticrock units were stu died. Their contact with underlying Senonian limes toneis marked by unconformity as a result of Laramian tectonic phase.The unconformity is denoted by the abundance of bauxite deposits.The abundance of calcareous nanoplancton species as well asben tic foraminifera points at the sedimentation of Paleogene strataduring the Eocene period. The succession of sediments with easilyrecognizeable transgressive, inundation and regres sive features hasbeen established.Lithostratigraphical characteristics enabled the distinguishing oflarger lithofacies groups. The simultaneousness of carbonate rockswith lower part of clastic succession as well as the transitionallitho·facies have been approved. The simultaneous overburden of bauxitedeposits regardless of its lithology (carbonate of clastic) speaks infavour of the unite bauxitebearing phase.

The Vinodol valley is analysed as an example of one of the unitedzones of shallow continental subduction. The structural analysistogether with the interpretation of structural dynamics of the centralpart of the valley is performed in that sense. The structural model thataccompanies the subduction process is constructed. These structuresare found to be largely dependent on the subduction plane geometry.

The basic geological features of the helicoidal fault systems of the Vinodol area are outlined. Its genesis is explained by a model proposing collisional stress implied on previollsly formed en echelon folds. The importance of the fault system for structural and palaeogeographic reconstruction as well as its impact on hydrogeology are discussed. The model could be applied to the External Dinarides or to other similar systems.

Two successive stages of tectonism have been responsible for the formation of structures in the coastal part of the External Dinarides. As a result, Dinaride- and Hvar-striking structures formed, showing NW-SE and E-W strike orientation, respectively. Besides the great diversity in the geological and geophysical characteristics and intensive disruption, the coastal area represents a cohesive geotectonic unit, showing a uniform geodynamic evolution that is here confirmed by laboratory modelling.

The extensively distributed bioclastic sedimentary bodies in the Podvrsko-Snjegavic Area, Mt. Psunj (Pozega Subdepression, Eastern Croatia) are mostly composed of fragments of bryozoans, echinoids, lamellibranchs and corallinaceans. Apart from this, a relatively compositionally uniform, but granulometrically variable bioclastic detritus occurs, which also contains a smaller proportion (5-30%) of siliciclastic grains of medium to coarse sand, as well as sporadic pebbles up to 60 mm in diameter. These sediments are characterised by remarkably large-scale cross-bedding with erosional surfaces clearly delimiting the sets. They are interpreted as shallow-marine shoreface subaqueous dunes, sand bars and barriers formed on the nearshore - mainly shoreface area during the Late Badenian in a high-energy depositional cycle with strong synsedimentary tectonics. With regard to the petroleum-geological reservoir characteristics, the described Middle Miocene cross-bedded biocalcarenites are compared with numerous large oil and gas pools globally, and in other localities in Croatia on the margins of inselberg massifs between the Drava and Sava rivers and south of the Sava river.

Investigation results of morphological and geological potential bauxite deposit indicators in the Mesihovina-Rakitno bauxitebearing sedimentary basin in Western Herzegovina are presented. Region with carbonate and clastic hangingwalls as well as those without overlying sediments have been studied. It was established that the expression and number of the indicators depend size as well as on character and thickness of hangingwall sediments. The morphological indicators are expressed as a particular relief forms situated right above the deposits or nearby and are a consequence of geological relations and exodynamic processes. Ihe numerous geological indicators resulted from complex geological events. The most important are: preore structural relations, the formation of paleorelief, peculiar way of hangingwall rocks sedimentation, lithification processes and the formation of the recent structural pattern. It has been observed that particular indicators should be recognized within a relatively thick succession of the overlying sediments which is of the great importance in the exploration of bauxite deposits.

The exploration of bauxite deposits in the region of the carbonaceous Dinarides has been performed by using different geological and geophysical methods. Deposits laying shallower or deeper below the roof sediments have so far most often been discovered by expensive drilling methods in a corresponding grid. Complex geological explorations have led to a series of valuable data thus enabling the application of other much more economical methods as well. In the region of the bauxite sedimentary basin Mesihovina-Rakitno, western Herzegovina, at the site of Studena vrila - after extensive geological explorations - a conclusion was drawn that the shallow seismic reflection geophysical method as well might be successfully applied in locating new bauxite deposits. In the paper, the geological framework of the bauxite deposits occurrences, stipulating the selection of this methode, will be presented. Measurements were performed on a known deposit (L-84, Povaljenica), completely defined by exploration drilling. The obtained results justify the selection of the shallow seismic reflection method as one of the methods for exploring bauxite deposits beneath the roof beds.