The relation of metallogeny to geodynamic processes - the natural prerequisite for the origin of mineral deposits of public importance (MDoPI): The case study in the Western Carpathians, Slovakia

The review, based on binomial division of the Western Carpathians into Inner (Internal) and Outer (External) ones, provides a chronological description of Paleozoic and Cenozoic multiple riftogenesis, subduction/ collision and post-collision evolution with their metallogenetic consequences, in earlier classifications designated as Paleo-, Meso- and Neo-Variscan/Hercynian, as well as Paleo-, Meso- and Neo-Alpine phases. The introductory remarks form the base on which new tectonometamorphic and metallogenetic re-interpretations are grounded. In the geological setting of the Inner Western Carpathians, the Cretaceous Paleo-Alpine crustal tectonic units (Tatric, Veporic, Gemeric and Zemplinic units) are the most conspicuous, the first three being covered by superficial nappes (Fatric, Hronic, Meliatic, Turnaic and Silicic units). Earlier, Variscan (Hercynian) basement units encompass the Paleozoic and older crystalline basement and its Paleozoic and Mesozoic cover. The remnants of the Cenozoic Meso-Alpine units crop out only at the boundary of the Outer and Inner Western Carpathians and are influenced by dominating Cenozoic-Quaternary Neo-Alpine overprint. Four principal metallogenetic periods in the Western Carpathians are defined in the paper. A principal role in geodynamic processes as well as metallogeny of the Western Carpathians is attributed to linear source of convection heat of equatorial direction (mantle plume; hot line s.l.) acting under this orogenic belt from the Early Paleozoic until Cenozoic. During this extended period, the linear heat source has caused a multiple divergence within the Pangea (Gondwana/Laurasia) and its metallogenetic consequences - stratabound and magmatogenic mineralization during the divergent origin of elongated basins, as well as metamorphic/magmatogenic mineralization after their convergent closure by the lithospheric plates/microplates collision. The first metallogenetic period is related to Early Paleozoic pre- and riftogeneous phases (Cambrian to Ordovician, and/or Devonian to Early Carboniferous), the second Late Paleozoic one is a consequence of Permian overheating during the Variscan post-collisional evolution, including regional extension, magmatic and metallogenetic processes, the third one is a product of Late Cretaceous overheating due to the Paleo-Alpine post-collisional phase, and the fourth one - the Neo-Alpine metallogenetic phase is a consequence of Miocene overheating and the magmatic/ volcanic processes related with the heat from the asthenosphere upwelling. The review encompasses also a brief summary of produced mineralization types. (authors)