Rhodope Geodynamic Hazards,
Late Alpine tectonics and Neotectonics

International Conference - May 2001

Photogallery Palaeogene
and Neogene geology

* Quarry at Nova Lovcha   In the quarry at Nova Lovcha Village, the Paril Formation (pre-Priabonian Palaeogene) consists of coarse chaotic marble breccia cross-cut by neptunian dykes and interbedded with calcarenite and quartz sandstone. 
* Road to the Paril Village  Marble breccia, calcarenite and quartz sandstone of the Paril Formation. Marble fragments from different marble varieties and varying degree of roundness are included in a sandy calcareous matrix. Interbeds of calcarenites and quartz sandstones, locally rich in coalefied organic matter. 
* Bridge Tsingov most near Dobrinishte  Red conglomerates of the Priabonian Gradinishka Formation cover with clear angular unconformity the eroded surface of the pre-Priabonian Dobrinishka Formation (yellowish sandstone, fine conglomerate and shale with abundant coalefied plant debris).
Panorama of parts of Vlahina Mountain   Souhostrel Formation (pre-Priabonian? Palaeogene) covers with basal conglomerate the pre-Mesozoic basement (foreground). The magnificent cliffs (red conglomerate) "Komatinitsa" (Priabonian Komatinitsa Formation) in the middle of the panorama; Rila Mountain in the background.
The cliffs "Komatinitsa"   Detail (Komatinitsa Formation).
* Locality "Krusta" towards Rila Monastery  Padala Formation (breccia and breccia-conglomerate with interbeds of sandstone with coalefied plant debris and coal lenses) in the Padala graben (along the asphalt road to Rila Monastery). For more details see the webpage PADALA GRABEN AND THE DJERMAN DETACHMENT HOAX.
* Marble breccia in the Sandanski graben   Ilindentsi Member (base of Pontian Stage) of the Kalimantsi Formation (Pontian - Romanian) is built up of coarse 50 m thick marble breccia. The fragments came from the destruction of the planation surface (traces now at 2000 m altitude) built over Precambrian marbles in the nearby Pirin horst.
* Melnik  Museum town (the smallest in Bulgaria - about 300 inhabitants) preserved within the beautiful scenery of the eroded conglomerate and sandstone of the Kalimantsi Formation. Formerly seat of a local feudal lord and of a Bishopric. Up to 10000 inhabitants at the beginning of 20th Century. Beautiful houses, tasteful red wine.

 * Localities included in the field trip marked with asterisk


© Geological Institute of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Author: Ivan Zagorchev
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