Conflicting tectonic interpretations of the central External Dinarides

The tectonic structure and orogenic evolution of the central part of the External (Outer) Dinarides in Croatia (northern Dalmatia, Velebit, and Lika) has been interpreted in different, sometimes conflicting ways. One of the recent models interprets the External Dinarides as a fold and thrust belt, characterized by the early orogenic thin-skinned contractional phase, followed by thick-skinned exhumation and related gravitational collapse of the thin-skinned cover. Another recent model offers the same tectonic style in the first phase of the orogenesis, followed by formation of a triangle zone and low angle north directed passive roof backthrusts in the intermediate phase, and final uplift because of antiformal south directed duplex stacking and multiple thrusting in the former tectonic basement. However, despite up-to-date geological cross section analysis, the later model seems to lack field data supporting it. This paper will discuss the need for such a complex and completely new regional tectonic interpretation that requires more thorough checking of existing observations previously published in numerous local studies and maps, and meticulous redebating of earlier interpretations before they are replaced. Moreover, it is concluded that the former model, reinterpreted here, combining the early-orogenic thin-skinned and late-orogenic crustal thick-skinned tectonics, seems to fit better both the seismological fault mechanism solutions and updated geological maps of the area.