and Technology, Hungary
RO2 - Mesozoic ophiolites and granitoids in the Apuseni Mts.
Leaders: Corina Ionescu (Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, corina.ionescu@ubbcluj.ro), Volker Hoeck (University of Salzburg & Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca)
Practical information:
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| Hunyadi Castle, Hunedoara (RO) |
Scientific focus (keywords): igneous petrology; Mesozoic age; ophiolite; Island Arc Volcanics; granite; banatite; granodiorite; brucite deposits; speleology (cave visit); ancient monuments; medieval monuments
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The field trip will focus on two topics: (1) the Mid-Jurassic ophiolites and associated Late-Jurassic Island Arc Volcanics in the Southern Apuseni Mts., and (2) the Late Cretaceous-Early Palaeogene granodiorites in the Northern Apuseni Mts. The ophiolites are considered as the north-easternmost continuation of the Eastern Vardar Zone. Gabbros from Ciungani-Căzăneşti, sheeted dykes from Juliţa, pillow lavas excellently displayed in the Zam Quarry, and the sequence of lava flows in Petriş are the highlights of the ophiolite topic. Mid-Jurassic granitic to dioritic intrusions will be seen in the Săvârşin-Cerbia area. The IAVs cover a wide compositional range, from basalts to rhyolites, and will be visited in the Buru-Turda area. The Late Cretaceous-Early Palaeogene granodiorites ("banatites") from the Pietroasa and Vlădeasa quarries contain numerous xenoliths. Large brucite deposits are developed around the granodioritic intrusion from Budureasa. The Urşilor Cave (Bears' Cave), formed in Mesozoic limestones, displays spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Several cultural sites e.g. the Hunyadi (Corvin) Castle (15th c.) at Hunedoara, the Densus church (13th c.) and Sarmizegetusa (2nd-3rd c), the Roman capital of Dacia, will be visited as well. |
| Ophiolites in Zam Quarry: pillow lavas (RO) |
Daily programme:
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Day 1 (28 Aug): Budapest - Oradea - Beiuş - Pietroasa quarry: Late Cretaceous-Early Paleogene granodiorites (banatites) with various xenoliths - Chişcău: visit of Urşilor (Bears') Cave - Beiuş: accommodation (360 km) Day 2 (29 Aug): Beiuş - Budureasa: Late Cretaceous granodiorites (banatites), Mg-Ca skarns and brucite deposits (waste dumps) - Vaţa - Ponor Valley at Căzăneşti: Jurassic gabbro-dyke section - Căzăneşti: outcrop of Jurassic massive lava flows and pillow lavas (ophiolite sequence) - Brad: Gold Museum - Deva: accommodation (200 km) Day 3 (30 Aug): Deva - Juliţa quarries: sheeted dyke complex of Middle Jurassic ophiolites - Petriş Quarry: lava flows, pillow lavas and columnar jointed lavas (Island Arc Volcanic sequence) - Cerbia: Jurassic gabbros and granodiorites - Zam quarry: large pillow lavas and feeding dykes of Late Jurassic IAV sequence - Deva: accommodation (210 km) Day 4 (31 Aug): Deva - Hunedoara: Hunyadi (Corvin) Castle (15th c.) - Densuş: St Nicholas' Church (13th c.) - Sarmizegetusa (2nd - 3rd c.): ruins of the Roman capital of Dacia - Poiana Aiudului: Jurassic basalts with dykes (Island Arc Volcanics) - Buru: Jurassic Island Arc Volcanics Cluj-Napoca: accommodation (290 km) Day 5 (1 Sep): Cluj-Napoca: Museum of Mineralogy (Babeş-Bolyai University), with over 20,000 samples; native gold, meteorite and gemstone collections - Vlădeasa Mts., Valea Lungii/Valea Drăganului banatites: granodiorite with xenoliths of magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary origin - Budapest (430 km) |
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| Metamorphic xenoliths in the Vladeasa granodiorites (RO) |
Map of the field trip with the key locations (or download Kml file for Google Earth):
View RO2: Mesozoic ophiolites and granitoids in the Apuseni Mts..kml in a larger map and get directions for the last field trip day.