A comparison of Cenozoic Neo-Alpine tectonic evolution of the Western Carpathian and Himalayan orogenic belts (Slovakia -- Nepal).

The Western Carpathians and Himalayas belong to the same global Alpidic orogenic system, which is the result of Euroasian plate collision with the continental fragments of Gondwana after closing of the Tethys ocean. Having the field experiences from both distant mountain ranges of the same orogenic system and applying the principles of comparative tectonics, they were evaluated and compared in the paper. Generaly, they have the same collisional structural-tectonic style, but there are as well many peculiarities and differences resulting from the specific conditions of collision in the Western Carpathian and Himalayan areas. The Western Carpathians structure is a result of gradual alternation of Variscan (Hercynian; Paleozoic), Paleo-Alpine (Mesozoic) and Neo-Alpine (Cenozoic) convergent and divergent plate tectonic processes, while the Himalayas represents purely Neo-Alpine Cenozoic structure evolved during the continual long lasting and rapid plate convergence. Despite the geosutures from the earlier orogenic evolutions are known in the parallel north-located zone, too. As the most important factors, influencing character of collision, seems to be the geometry of converging plate margins and the rate of the ocean floor spreading/subduction, driving the orogenesis. Paper gives a brief overview of tectonic architecture and evolution of both mountain ranges and compares their common features and contrasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]