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The lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary and mid‐lithospheric discontinuities are primary attributes of the upper mantle. The Pannonian region is an extensional sedimentary basin enclosed by collisional orogens. Here, we estimate the negative phase depth of S‐to‐P receiver functions to image the lithospheric thickness and other discontinuities with high resolution, based on the recent dense seismological broadband networks. The lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary is relatively shallow (<90 km) in the Pannonian Basin system, and deeper (∼90–140 km) in the surrounding orogens, where average surface heat flow values are higher (120 mW/m 2 ) and lower (50–70 mW/m 2 ), respectively. The 1D and 2D common conversion point migration with 3D velocity model provide comparable but different resolution images beneath the wider region of the Pannonian Basin. We obtained deeper values in the Western (∼120 km) and Southern‐Carpathians orogens (∼135 km). Furthermore, we provide new information on the lithospheric thickness and its seismic properties in the eastern part of the study region (e.g., Apuseni Mountains (∼95 km), Eastern‐Carpathians (∼120 km), Moesian Platform (∼90 km) and Transylvanian Basin (∼85 km). The shallower negative phase depth can be interpreted as the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary beneath the Pannonian Basin system in agreement with its high heat flow values. In contrast, the deeper negative phase depth estimates in the colder surroundings can be interpreted as intra‐ or mid‐lithospheric discontinuities, when compared with local seismic tomography models. In this region, the correlation with heat flow implies that the observed negative phase depth is of thermo‐chemical or rheological nature. We conducted a detailed analysis of seismic waves beneath the Eastern Alps, Carpathians, Dinarides, and the Pannonian Basin to understand the structure of the Earth’s deep interior and outermost tectonic shell, that is, its lithosphere in these regions. The most recent geophysical data available for this region are more than 20 years old. The thickness of the lithosphere in this area was not well known, and there were many open questions that were connected to its thermal properties and dynamic evolution. To address this, we collected data from permanent and temporary seismic stations in the study area between January 2002 and February 2022. This extensive data set, comprising 389 broadband seismological stations, allowed us to provide new information on the lithospheric structure and the geological evolution of this region. Detailed S‐to‐P receiver function analysis in the circum‐Pannonian region with unprecedented station density 1D and 2D migration of the S‐to‐P receiver function based on first negative phase Geological interpretation and comparison of the lithospheric discontinuities with migrated cross‐sections and maps

The Danube / Kisalföld Basin is the north-western sub-basin of the Pannonian Basin System. The lithostratigraphic subdivision of the several-km-thick Upper Miocene to Pliocene sedimentary succession related to Lake Pannon has been developed independently in Slovakia and Hungary. A study of the sedimentary formations across the entire basin led us to claim that these formations are identical or similar between the two basin parts to such an extent that their correlation is indeed a matter of nomenclature only. Nemčiňany corresponds to the Kálla Formation, representing locally derived coarse clastics along the basin margins (11- 9.5 Ma). The deep lacustrine sediments are collectively designated the Ivanka Formation in Slovakia, while in Hungary they are subdivided into Szák (fine-grained transgressive deposits above basement highs, 10.5 - 8.9 Ma), Endrőd (deep lacustrine marls, 11.6 -10 Ma), Szolnok (turbidites, 10.5 - 9.2 Ma) and Algyő Formations (fine-grained slope deposits, 10 - 9 Ma). The Beladice Formation represents shallow lacustrine deltaic deposits, fully corresponding to Újfalu (10.5 - 8.7 Ma). The overlying fluvial deposits are the Volkovce and Zagyva Formations (10 - 6 Ma). The synoptic description and characterization of these sediments offer a basin-wide insight into the development of the basin during the Late Miocene. The turbidite systems, the slope, the overlying deltaic and fluvial systems are all genetically related and are coeval at any time slice after the regression of Lake Pannon initiated about 10 Ma ago. All these formations get younger towards the S, SE as the progradation of the shelf-slope went on. The basin got filled up to lake level by 8.7 Ma, since then fluvial deposition dominated.

Central Europe is an area of high diversity for the Talpidae (Eulipotyphla, Mammalia) during the Late Miocene. The assemblages from Slovakia (Borský Svätý Jur, Krásno, Pezinok, Šalgovce, Studienka, Triblavina) are no exception with their abundant material representing eleven species. The uropsiline Desmanella is represented by D. rietscheli and D. dubia. Desmanini fossils are attributed to Archaeodesmana vinea, Archaeodesmana dissona new species, Gerhardstorchia biradicata, and Gerhardstorchia sp. The scalopines Proscapanus minor and P. austriacus are well recorded in the Vallesian localities and support the emergence of P. austriacus before the MN9/10 transition. Talpini and Urotrichini are especially rare and only represented by Talpa cf. T. minuta and Urotrichini gen. sp. indet. Finally, we identified the youngest occurrence of Desmanodon in Europe, D. cf. D. fluegeli, at the MN9 locality of Borský Svätý Jur. The high diversity in the Late Miocene Central European is partly explained by the co-occurrence of the competing Scalopini and Talpini during the Vallesian, indicating high resource environments. The decline of these tribes, followed by the success of the desmans during the Turolian, appears as a consequence of regional environmental changes. UUID: http://zoobank.org/a3eb532b-c341-489a-b0ff-ecf3f9466a76

On 28 December 2020, seismic activity in the wider Petrinja area strongly intensified after a period of relative seismological quiescence that had lasted more than 100 years (since the well-known M5.8 Kupa Valley earthquake of 1909, which is known based on the discovery of the Mohorovičić discontinuity). The day after the M5 foreshock, a destructive M6.2 mainshock occurred. Outcomes of preliminary seismological, geological and SAR image analyses indicate that the foreshocks, mainshock and aftershocks were generated due to the (re)activation of a complex fault system—the intersection of longitudinal NW–SE right-lateral and transverse NE–SW left-lateral faults along the transitional contact zone of the Dinarides and the Pannonian Basin. According to a survey of damage to buildings, approximately 15% of buildings were very heavily damaged or collapsed. Buildings of special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance mostly collapsed or became unserviceable. A preliminary analysis of the earthquake ground motion showed that in the epicentral area, the estimated peak ground acceleration PGA values for the bedrock ranged from 0.29 to 0.44 g. In the close Petrinja epicentral area that is characterized by the superficial deposits, significant ground failures were reported within local site effects. Based on that finding and building damage, we assume that the resulting peak ground acceleration (PGAsite) values were likely between 0.4 and 0.6 g depending on the local site characteristics and the distance from the epicentre.

The Sava Zone of the northern Dinarides is part of the Cenozoic Adria‐Europe plate boundary. Here Late Cretaceous subduction of remnants of Meliata‐Vardar oceanic lithosphere led to the formation of a suture, across which upper plate European‐derived units of Tisza‐Dacia were juxtaposed with Adria‐derived units of the Dinarides. Late Cretaceous siliciclastic sediments, deposited on the Adriatic plate, were incorporated into an accretionary wedge that evolved during the initial stages of continent‐continent collision. Structurally deeper parts of the exposed accretionary wedge underwent amphibolite‐grade metamorphism. Grt‐Pl‐Ms‐Bt thermobarometry and multiphase equilibria indicate temperatures between 550°C and 630°C and pressures between 5 and 7 kbar for this event. Peak metamorphic conditions were reached at around 65 Ma. Relatively slow cooling from peak metamorphic conditions throughout most of the Paleogene was possibly induced by hanging wall erosion in conjunction with southwest directed propagation of thrusting in the Dinarides. Accelerated cooling took place in Miocene times, when the Sava Zone underwent substantial extension that led to the exhumation of the metamorphosed units along a low‐angle detachment. Footwall exhumation started under greenschist facies conditions and was associated with top‐to‐the‐north tectonic transport, indicating exhumation from below European plate units. Extension postdates the emplacement of a 27 Ma old granitoid that underwent solid‐state deformation under greenschist facies conditions. The 40Ar/39Ar sericite and zircon and apatite fission track ages from the footwall allow bracketing this extensional unroofing between 25 and 14 Ma. This extension is hence linked to Miocene rift‐related subsidence in the Pannonian basin, which represents a back‐arc basin formed due to subduction rollback in the Carpathians.

The Neogene evolution of the Pannonian extensional back-arc basin was associated with the development of transform faults. These faults significantly modified the sedimentary and structural evolution of the basin. The key developmental factors were related to pull forces and to the tilting of the subducted slab. The transitions from upper crustal contraction of upper crustal extension affected the depositional space, which had opened subparallel NW–SE normal faults along the southern contact with the Carpathian collision zone. The entire transition process was controlled by the closing of the rear part of the accretionary space, which changed the dip of the subducted slab. Basin subsidence, which occurred from west to east via N–S steps, generated a system of subparallel-oriented faults, which were connected by relay ramps. The relay ramps had four developmental phases: (a) initial crustal bending, (b) intact ramp formation with structural integrity disturbance, (c) breaching with crustal breakage, and (d) final fault growth. The genesis of the relay ramps of the Eastern Slovak Basin was closely linked to the initial strike-slip movements. The strike-slip movements caused a counterclockwise rotation of the northern edge of the Alpine–Carpathian–Pannonian block. This rotation was later compensated by the tectonic subsidence of the basin, primarily during the Middle Miocene.

We present a new digital Moho depth map of the Carpathian-Pannonian region. The map was produced by compiling Moho discontinuity depth data, which were obtained by interpretation of seismic measurements taking into account the results of 2-D and 3-D integrated geophysical modelling. The resultant map is characterized by significant Moho-depth variations. The trends and features of the Moho in this region were correlated with tectonic units.

The Pannonian Basin in southeastern Europe is heavily used for rain-fed agriculture. The region experienced several droughts in the last years, causing major yield losses. Ongoing climate change, characterised by increasing temperatures and potential evapotranspiration, and by changes in precipitation distribution will likely increase the frequency and intensity of drought episodes in the future. Hence, ongoing monitoring of droughts and estimation of their impact on agriculture is necessary to adapt agricultural practices to changing weather and climate extremes. Several regional initiatives, projects and online tools have been established to facilitate drought monitoring and management in the Pannonian Basin. However, reliable systems to forecast potential drought impacts on plant productivity and agricultural yields at monthly to seasonal scales are only in their infancy, as plant response to climatic extremes is still poorly understood. With the increasing availability of high-resolution and long-term Earth Observation (EO) data and recent progress in machine learning and artificial intelligence, further improvements in drought monitoring and impact prediction capacities are expected. Here we review the current state of drought monitoring in the Pannonian Basin, identify EO-based variables to potentially improve regional drought impact monitoring and outline future perspectives for seasonal forecasts of drought impacts on agriculture.

A silicic ignimbrite flare-up episode occurred in the Pannonian Basin during the Miocene, coeval with the syn-extensional period in the region. It produced important correlation horizons in the regional stratigraphy; however, they lacked precise and accurate geochronology. Here, we used U–Pb (LA-ICP-MS and ID-TIMS) and (U–Th)/He dating of zircons to determine the eruption ages of the youngest stage of this volcanic activity and constrain the longevity of the magma storage in crustal reservoirs. Reliability of the U–Pb data is supported by (U–Th)/He zircon dating and magnetostratigraphic constraints. We distinguish four eruptive phases from 15.9 ± 0.3 to 14.1 ± 0.3 Ma, each of which possibly includes multiple eruptive events. Among these, at least two large volume eruptions (>10 km 3 ) occurred at 14.8 ± 0.3 Ma (Demjén ignimbrite) and 14.1 ± 0.3 Ma (Harsány ignimbrite). The in situ U–Pb zircon dating shows wide age ranges (up to 700 kyr) in most of the crystal-poor pyroclastic units, containing few to no xenocrysts, which implies efficient recycling of antecrysts. We propose that long-lived silicic magma reservoirs, mostly kept as high-crystallinity mushes, have existed in the Pannonian Basin during the 16–14 Ma period. Small but significant differences in zircon, bulk rock and glass shard composition among units suggest the presence of spatially separated reservoirs, sometimes existing contemporaneously. Our results also better constrain the time frame of the main tectonic events that occurred in the Northern Pannonian Basin: We refined the upper temporal boundary (15 Ma) of the youngest counterclockwise block rotation and the beginning of a new deformation phase, which structurally characterized the onset of the youngest volcanic and sedimentary phase.

The growing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources has prompted the investigation of numerous renewable and ecologically friendly options. Among these, geothermal energy is particularly noteworthy because of its widespread availability, compact size, and consistent, weather-independent power production. A geothermal play fairway analysis (GPFA) model was created for the study area, which is located in Békés county, southeastern Hungary. The GPFA model approach in the current study is the first model developed in Hungary to achieve three main goals. firstly, to quantitatively assess the geothermal potential, secondly, to identify the most favorable areas for geothermal exploration and development, and thirdly, to evaluate the corresponding risk levels in the study area. The study focuses on identifying and assessing three main risk components associated with exploitable geothermal systems in the study area. The risk parameters consist of the heat source, reservoir fracture permeability, and seal. Advanced 3D seismic interpretation, geographic information system (GIS), and 3DHIP (heat in place) calculator techniques are used to evaluate subsurface structural and thermal models. Two phases of seismic interpretation are used; conventional interpretation phase focused on conventional seismic data interpretation and advanced attribute generation phase where various seismic attribute cube volumes are generated. Common Risk Segment Maps (CRS) for each risk parameter are created by combining data from all the elements contributing to that risk using GIS toolbox. The resulted CRS maps of the study area three risk parameters are summed to produce a Composite Common Risk Segment Map (CCRS) map. Based on the constructed CCRS map and the developed GPFA model, the study area holds valuable untapped geothermal potential, poses varying risk levels associated with geothermal exploration and development. The amount of risk resulting from the three risk components is not equal, and the reservoir fracture permeability is the main risk factor. The GPFA model is successfully narrowed down an expansive exploration area of around 350 km 2 to just 4 highly promising targets with high geothermal favorability and low risk as future drilling targets. The constructed 3D thermal capacity model indicates that the average heat content in the study area is estimated to be 65,450 Petajoules per square kilometer (PJ/km 2 ), with a recoverable heat energy of 6090 megawatt thermal per square kilometer (MWth/km 2 ). The recoverable heat for the four selected targets is estimated under different production scenarios: a 30-year plan, a 20-year plan, and a 10-year plan and it ranges from 7.5 to 32 MWth/km 2 , 11 to 48 MWth/km2, 22.2 to 96.8 MWth/km 2 respectively. The findings of this study have made important contributions to the field of geothermal exploration approaches and offer valuable insights for making well-informed decisions about sustainable energy development in the study area.