Abstract
<jats:p>Purpose. The aim of this study is to determine the conditions of formation and subsequent reactivation of fault dislocations within the eastern part of the Solotvyno depression based on a comprehensive analysis of structural-geological observations and tectonophysical reconstruction of paleostress fields. Methods. The research is based on traditional structural-geological field methods applied to rock outcrops, combined with specialized tectonophysical approaches, including structural-paragenetic and kinematic methods. Statistical and graphical processing of field data, identification of brittle deformation systems, and reconstruction of paleostress fields were carried out using specialized software packages such as Fabric 8, Win-Tensor, and Stereo32. Results. Several major systems of fault structures with northwestern, submeridional, and northeastern orientations have been identified within the eastern part of the Solotvyno depression. The analysis shows that their formation occurred under at least three distinct deformation regimes: an early extensional (normal faulting) stage, followed by a transtensional (normal-slip with strike-slip component) stage, and a later strike-slip stage. The initial development of fault dislocations is associated with the extensional evolution of the Neogene Transcarpathian basin. Their subsequent reactivation took place under strike-slip and locally transpressional stress conditions, significantly influenced by salt tectonics and the presence of plastic evaporite masses. Scientific novelty. It has been substantiated that the fault dislocations of the eastern Solotvyno depression are characterized by a polyphase development and were formed during several stages of tectonic evolution rather than a single deformation event. The youngest strike-slip deformations are shown to have reactivated earlier normal and oblique-slip faults, indicating structural inheritance and repeated tectonic reworking of the region. Practical significance. The obtained results can be applied for predicting zones of increased tectonic fracturing and permeability, as well as for assessing geohazards related to mining, engineering, and geological processes within the Solotvyno depression. The findings are particularly important for evaluating the stability of rock masses and forecasting the development of hazardous geological phenomena in areas affected by salt tectonics.</jats:p>