Recognition of geological structures at Starunia palaeontological site and vicinity (Carpathian region, Ukraine) based on gravity surveys

Abstract

In the early 20th century, relics of Pleistocene mammals were found near the village of Starunia. Gravity surveys performed in the place of the discovery revealed a low-density bed in the Miocene Vorotyshcha salt-bearing beds. The lowered density resulted from high halite content and probably an increased number of ozokerite veins. The localization of zoological relics can be attributed to the existence of this bed. Surface gravity surveys enabled scientists to determine its course and horizontal range. Gravity surveys also confirmed the existence of the Rinne fault. In the western part of the study area gravity modelling showed an interface between Miocene Vorotyshcha salt-bearing beds and Sloboda Conglomerates, differing in average bulk density. Geologic data indicate that this interface may have the form of an overthust rather than of a fault.