The Neogene evolution and hydrocarbon potential of the Pannonian Basin in Croatia

Sedimentary basin fill of the Central Paratethys in Croatia consists of var iable deposits. The oldest are the Egerian and Eggenburgian paralic and mar ine sediments that were determined only in the western marginal part of the studied area. The Neogene sedimentary sequence in major subsidences - the Sava and Drava Basins starts with Ottnangian-Karpatian transitional deposit s that are covered by Badenian marine and Pannonian-Pontian brackish to fre shwater formations. Pliocene and Quaternary terrestrial deposits col;er maj or parts of the former depositional basins. Three stages of structural development of the SW Pannonian Basin are differ entiated: initial structural changes between Oligocene and Early Miocene. m ain extensional processes that prevailed in Early and Middle Miocene and tr anspression during Pliocene and Quaternary. The newly formed structures are essential for hydrocarbon accumulation. The main source rocks are Lower to Middle Miocene marly limestones and limy marls. Hydrocarbon accumulations are found in the uplifted and fractured p arts of the Neogene basement and in the Lower to Middle Miocene coarse-grai ned clastics. but the most important reservoir rocks are the Upper Miocene sandstones, (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.