Sedimentary basins host, among others, most of our energy and fresh-water resources: they can be regarded as large geo-reactors in which many physical and chemical processes interact. Their complexity can only be well understood in well-organized interdisciplinary co-operations. This book documents how researchers from different geo-scientific disciplines have jointly analysed the structural, thermal, and sedimentary evolution as well as fluid dynamics of a complex sedimentary basin system which has experienced a variety of activation and reactivation impulses as well as intense salt tectonics. In this book we have summarized our geological, geophysical and geochemical understanding of some of the most important processes affecting sedimentary basins in general and our view on the evolution of one of the largest, best explored and most complex continental sedimentary basins on Earth: The Central European Basin System.

together with contributions by invited geoscientists The Central Andes, whose orogenic activity is so impressively documented by recent volcanism and and counterparts from other countries, during a workshop held in Berlin, 23-25 May 1990. A great earthquakes, have always attracted the attention of geoscientists. This interest became even more accen number of the papers presented at this workshop are tuated since, a quarter of a century ago, Plate included in this volume. While most of the chapters Tectonics became the basis for the New Global refer regionally to the segment of the southern Andes Tectonics concept, in which this huge mountain range mentioned above, others treat general aspects or deal was the most spectacular example of an active conti with Andean regions farther south, thus showing not only that the structures of this mountain range can be nental margin. Thus, in addition to the continuing research work by South American and foreign geo followed to more distant parts but also that there are scientists dedicated mostly to regional and economic significant structural variations along strike. problems, a great number of special research pro Like other books which originate from workshops grammes were initiated aiming at a better understand and are comprised of contributions from many ing of the processes acting at a convergent plate authors, also this one cannot give a complete and margin. well-balanced view of the scientific subject dealt In 1982, the earth science institutes of the Freie with, in this case the southern Central Andes.

Based on the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Improvement of Joint Interpretation of Geophysical and Geological Data with Particular Reference to the Lithosphere Structure and Evolution of the Adriatic Microplate and Adjacent Regions, Gradisca d'Isonzo, Italy, Oct. 1-9, 1987 and Feb. 22-23, 1988