FIELD TRIPS

Staff Members:

Istvan Marton (Stockwork Geoconsulting, Romania & Dundee Precious Metals, Bulgaria)

Kalin Kouzmanov (University of Geneva, Switzerland);

Mladen Zdravkovic (Dundee Precious Metals Avala, Serbia & University of Belgrade, Serbia);

Nutu Groza (Fodina Target, Romania & DPM Metals, Serbia)

Tentative itinerary:

Day 1: Polymetallic skarn deposits of Apuseni Mountains, Romania (travel: Cluj-Băișoara-Băiţa Bihor-Deva).

Day 2: Skarn and porphyry Cu-Au-polymetallic deposits of Western Banat, Romania (travel: Deva – Ocna de Fier – Moldova Nouă – Iron Gates).

Day 3: World class porphyry and epithermal Cu-Au deposits of Timok East, Serbia (travel: Iron Gates – Majdanpek – Bor).

Day 4: Newly discovered Cu and Au-rich alkaline porphyry and skarn deposits of Timok West, Serbia (travel: Bor – Čoka Rakita – Dumitru Potok – Bigar – Bor).

The Apuseni–Banat–Timok–Srednogorie (ABTS) belt is Europe’s most extensive belt of calc-alkaline to alkaline magmatism and Cu–Au–polymetallic mineralization. It was generated during the subduction of the Neotethys Ocean beneath the European continental margin during the Late Cretaceous phase of the Alpine–Himalayan orogeny.

This field trip will provide an overview of the Late Cretaceous porphyry, epithermal, and skarn Cu-Au deposits. The excursion will focus to three segments along the ABTS belt, each having significant metal endowment with past and present productions, including the Apuseni Mts and Banat regions in Romania and the emerging Timok ore district in Eastern Serbia. The trip will include site visits to the major active mine sites, and an overview of significant advanced exploration projects, together with an overview of the current understanding of the geological and geodynamic evolution of the and the conditions that led to the formation of Cu-Au province. We will also review stratigraphic constrains, alteration vectors, specific petrological and geochemical features, and the challenges these present to exploration in this Late Cretaceous mineral province.

Visits to active exploration and mining projects is planned. Major sites of interest that we plan to visit and/or review drill core from include: Băiţa Bihor polymetallic skarn deposit (Apuseni Mts, Romania), Moldova Nouă porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposit (Banat, Romania), Majdanpek porphyry Cu-Au deposit and epithermal Au-Cu deposit Čukaru Peki (Timok East, Serbia), and Čoka Rakita and Dumitru Potok Au-Cu-Ag skarn deposits and Frasin porphyry Au-Cu prospect (Timok West, Serbia).

The field trip will be organized with the logistic support of exploration and mining companies active in the belt, by providing access to their production sites and exploration areas and introduction to the geology of the latter.

Travel and safety notes: This field trip will be held in Romania and Serbia. Participants must be eligible to enter both countries. It is recommended to bring and wear standard field equipment, including field boots (at some core shacks steel toe boots will be provided), safety glass/googles and safety helmets.

Timing: Post-conference 4 days (September 12-15, 2026). Starts in Cluj, Romania; ends in Bor, Serbia.  The organizers will assist participants to reach flight or train departures from Belgrade (Serbia), Cluj (Romania) or Timisoara (Romania) airports on September 16th, 2026.

Minimum number of participants: 10; maximum: 20+guides.

Price: ~450-500 € (travel costs – bus rental, accommodation BB, lunch pack, dinners)

Contacts: Istvan Marton (Istvan.Marton@stockwork.ro, Istvan.Marton@dpmmetals.com), Nutu Groza (nutu.groza@dpmmetals.com), Mladen Zdravkovic (Mladen.Zdravkovic@dpmmetals.com), Kalin Kouzmanov (kalin.kouzmanov@unige.ch).

Staff Members:

Raluca Bindiu-Haitonic (Department of Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University)

Szabolcs-Attila Kövecsi (Department of Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University)

Lóránd Silye (Department of Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University)

Timing and duration

Post-conference; 2 days; starts and ends on both days in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

This two-day geological field excursion traverses a diverse array of sedimentary formations across the Transylvanian Basin, western Romania, offering a rich glimpse into the region’s stratigraphy, paleoenvironments, and paleontological record from the Eocene to the Upper Miocene. Day 1 begins in Corușu, showcasing the mollusks-rich Eggenburgian Coruș Formation, followed by Priabonian continental strata at the world famous Rădaia section (Valea Nadășului Formation) the type locality of Prohyracodon orientale Koch, and shallow marine at Viștea (Viștea Limestone). The journey continues through Leghia’s complex Lutetian-Priabonian stratigraphic record (Jebucu, Căpușu and Mortănușa formations), then we will visit an impressive Bartonian nummulitic accumulation in Călata (Căpușu Formation). At the end of the day we will examine the building stones used in medieval and early modern times in Cluj, the Cluj Limestone, in Izvoru Crișului, and end our journey at the Eocene-Oligocene Transition in Baciu (Brebi Formation). On Day 2, the focus shifts to the Miocene sedimentary record and the Miocene evolution of the Paratethys starting with the Badenian formations in Turda historical salt mine (Ocna Dejului Formation) and Lopadea Veche (Gârbova de Sus Formation), then progressing through fossil rich Pannonian sequences in Gârbova de Jos (Lopadea Formation) and Mihalț (Gușterița Formation). The trip concludes in Berghind, where Sarmatian sediments of the Dobârca Formation provide insights into the complexity of the Sarmatian sedimentary record. This itinerary highlights the diversity of the fossil record, the stratigraphic complexity and paleogeographic transitions of the Transylvanian Basin.

Tentative itinerary:

Day 1: Corușu (Eggenburgian; Coruș Formation), Rădaia (Priabonian; Valea Nadășului Formation), Viștea (Viștea Limestone), Leghia (Lutetian-Priabonian; Jebucu, Căpușu and Mortănușa formations), Călata (Bartonian; nummulites accumulation, Căpușu Formation), Izvoru Crișului (Priabonian; Cluj Limestone), Baciu (Eocene/Oligocene boundary; Brebi Formation)

Day 2: Turda (Badenian; Ocna Dejului Formation), Lopadea Veche (Badenian, Gârbova de Sus Formation), Gârbova de Jos (Pannonian; Lopadea Formation), Mihalț (Pannonian; Gușterița Formation), Berghind (Sarmatian; Dobârca Formation)

Number of participants (min/max):

Minimum number: 10; maximum: 18.

Price:

200 € (travel costs, entrance fee to Turda salt mine, lunch pack, and dinner on the last day)

Contacts: Lóránd Silye (lorand.silye@ubbcluj.ro)

Staff Members:

Marinel Kovacs (Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, North University Centre of Baia Mare)

Alexandru Szakács (Institute of Geodynamics, Romanian Academy, Bucharest)

Ioan Denut (Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, North University Centre of Baia Mare; “Victor Gorduza” County Museum of Mineralogy, Baia Mare)

Timing and duration

Pre-conference, 3 days

The field trip is focused on the long-lasting (15.4-7.0 Ma) and complex Miocene volcanism and associated hydrothermal activity in the Oaș-Gutâi Mountains (East Carpathians). During the three-day field trip, volcanic formations of felsic (pyroclastic flows/ignimbrites) and intermediate (predominantly andesitic) composition will be visited. The selected stops include some of the most interesting volcanic structures (composite volcanoes, domes and dome-coulées), subvolcanic/intrusive bodies (sills and dykes), and volcanic rocks of different composition (rhyolites, dacites, basaltic andesites and andesites, and olivine-bearing basalts).

Important hydrothermal/metallogenic activity is associated to the intermediate volcanism. More than 20 gold-silver and polymetallic epithermal ore deposits occur in the well-known Baia Mare metallogenic district. Some of the stops include outcrops with typical hydrothermal alterations and the upper part of the Baia Sprie ore deposit (Mine Hill quarry).

The field trip offers the possibility to visit the amazing Mineralogical Museum in Baia Mare, unique in Europe by its impressive mineral collections originating merely from the Baia Mare mine district (including the ten minerals world-first discovered in the area).

Tentative itinerary:

Day 1. Baia Mare -Turț-Orașu Nou-Ilba-Baia Mare. Dome-building volcanism in the Oaș Mts.

Stops 1 and 2 – Panoramic view on the dome structures from the south-western part of the Oaș Mts.; Stop 3 – Turț quarry (small-sized dacite dome); Stops 4 and 5 – Orașu Nou quarries (perlites and bentonites of the Orașu Nou rhyolite dome) ; Stop 6 – the Ilba „Stone Rosette” (basaltic andesites); Stop 7 – Rhyolitic pyroclastic flow deposits of the felsic volcanism. 

Day 2. Baia Mare-Cavnic-Șurdești-Baia Sprie-Baia Mare. Volcanism and metalogeny in the south-eastern part of Gutâi Mts.

Stop 1 and 2 – Cavnic epithermal ore deposit (hydrothermal alterations and Varvara vein gallery waste dump); Stop 3 – Cavnic quarry (basaltic andesite sill); Stop 4 – Falcon Stones (volcaniclastic deposits of the Mogoșa composite volcano); Stop 5 – Red Stone cliff (dacite hyaloclastites and reworked volcaniclastic deposits); Stop 6 – Șurdești UNESCO Heritage wooden church; Stop 7 – Baia Sprie epithermal ore deposit (Mine Hill open pit) .

Day 3. Baia Mare-Baia Sprie-Serpentinele Gutinului-Baia Mare. Volcanism and Mineralogy. Stop 1 – Gutâi Pass (Serpentinele Gutinului volcaniclastic complex); Stop 2 – Laleua Albă magmatic complex (composite dyke); Stop 3 – Firiza basalts (youngest volcanic event in the Oaș-Gutâi area); Stop 4 – Limpedea Pillars (vertical columnar-jointed andesites); Stop 5 – Mineralogical Museum in Baia Mare.

 Departure to Cluj-Napoca.

Number of participants (min/max):

15/25

Price:

300-350 € (to be decided later), includes: 1) Transport from Cluj-Napoca to Baia Mare in 5 September afternoon and from Baia Mare to Cluj-Napoca in 8 September afternoon; 2) Accommodation in Baia Mare city, 3 stars hotel (3 nights, 5, 6, 7 September) with breakfast; 3) Dinner: 5, 6, 7 September (Restaurants); 4) Lunch: lunch pack 6, 7, 8 September; 5) Field trip guide.

Contacts:

Marinel Kovacs (marinelkovacs@yahoo.com)

Ioan Denut (ioandenut@yahoo.com)

Staff Members:

George Pleș

Hans-Jürgen Gawlick

Ioan I. Bucur

Viktor Karadi

Timing and duration

Pre; duration 5 days

The field trip provides a unique opportunity to observe two major mountain-building processes that shaped the Apuseni Mountains, part of the Tisza Megaunit: (A) the Middle–Late Jurassic orogeny, and (B) the ‘Mid-Cretaceous’ orogeny. During the Triassic, sedimentation transitioned from a continental graben to a passive continental margin setting. Following the drowning of the Steinalm shallow-water carbonate ramp in the Middle Anisian, a period of deep-water deposition resulted. This was followed by the development of a complex platform–basin system in the Middle to Early Late Triassic, marked by the development of the Wetterstein and Dachstein carbonate platforms. During the Jurassic, following the demise of the Dachstein Carbonate Platform, deposition was characterized by condensed deep-water sedimentary rocks. In the Middle Jurassic, deposition changed, and generated deep-water, trench-like foreland basins. These basins were filled with redeposited material derived from the Middle Triassic to Middle Jurassic distal passive margin of the Neo-Tethys Ocean related to ophiolite obduction. This orogen was sealed after a period of continental weathering with formation of bauxites and Lower Cretaceous orbitolinid-bearing shallow-water carbonates. In the “Mid-Cretaceous” the area was affected a mountain building process, and exotic Triassic open-marine nappes emplaced, sealed by the Upper Cretaceous rudist limestones (“Gosau transgression”). This history is well preserved in the area of the Bihor Unit and the complex Codru Nappe System.

Field-trip program

Day 1 (Sept. 4, on the way to Beiuș)

– First, the Werfen to Anisian evolution (Bihor Unit) on the road to Beius;

– Later, the transition of the Gutenstein to the 1^st cycle of the Wetterstein carbonate platform evolution near Șuncuiuș locality (Bihor Unit);

– Upper-Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous of Albioara Gorges (Bihor Unit)

Day 2 (Sept. 5)

– The Late Triassic passive margin evolution in Tărcaița, Colești, and Câmp areas (Codru Nappe System).

Day 3 (Sept. 6)

– The Dachstein carbonate platform evolution and drowning; emplacement of carbonate blocks (Vașcău-Colești areas – Codru Nappe System).

Day 4 (Sept. 7)

– The Middle-Upper Triassic deposits of the Roșia Group in Sohodol village area;

– the Wetterstein carbonate blocks (Strâmtura Limestone) and Hallstatt blocks;

– the Lower Cretaceous carbonates with orbitolinids of the Vălani Nappe, near Sohodol village (Codru Nappe system);

– the Upper Cretaceous Gosau-type deposits with rudists.

Day 5 (Sept. 8, on the way back to Cluj-Napoca)

– The Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous platform carbonates of the Bihor Unit;

– First stop at the Dobresti Quarry with (i) Lower Cretaceous (Lower Aptian) bioclastic carbonates, and (ii) the regional unconformity between Lower and Upper Aptian;

– Next, the Upper Aptian and Lower Albian deposits of the Vârciorog formation, the final sedimentary sequence of the Bihor Unit;

– Lastly, the Cornet locality to examine the uppermost Jurassic-lowermost Cretaceous carbonates and bauxites.

– Return to Cluj (late afternoon).

Number of participants (min/max):

15/30

Price:

500 € in double room, 650 € in single room (limited number available)

~100 €/person/day in double room→ Total: ~500 €

Services: field trip guidebook, lunch packs, transportation, accommodation with breakfast and dinner.

Contacts:

George Pleș (george.ples@ubbcluj.ro)

Staff Members:

Sasaran Emanoil

Balica Constantin

Volker Schuller

Timing and duration

Post-conference; 3 days

The fieldtrip intend to explore the Alpine architecture of the Transylvanides tectonic unit, which built up most of the Southern Apuseni Mountains, through 13 key stops, during three days field trip.

The Alpine architecture of the Apuseni Mountains is defined by two major tectonic groups: the Apusenides (Inner Dacides), which form the northern part of the Apuseni Mts., and the Transylvanides, which form most of the southern part of the Apuseni Mts. Each of these tectonic domains is subdivided into several other tectonic units. The Apusenides in north are grouped into two nappe systems thrusted over the Bihor Unit during the Turonian.

The Transylvanides is a generic name for a group of several tectonic units emplaced during the Mid Cretaceous (”Austrian” tectogenesis), and Late Cretaceous – Early Paleogene (”Laramian” tectogenesis). The Transylvanides units (the ‘Transylvanian suture’), stack over the Apusenides, and consist of marine sediments and ophiolite fragments, remnants of the so called ‘Transylvanian Ocean’.

The Transylvanides consist of obducted ophiolite complexes ranging from Middle Triassic to Late Jurassic and associated sedimentary sequences. The Cenomanian sedimentary deposits, which unconformably cover these ophiolite complexes, are deformed during the main tectonic deformation event, during the Aptian. The Transylvanides units crop out in the Southern Apuseni Mountains and in the Eastern Carpathians (i.e. the Perşani, Olt, and Hăghimaş nappes, and sedimentary klippes in the Rarău Massif).

The sedimentary deposits provide useful information on the topography and morphology of the Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous sedimentary basins and allow for the identification of the local (sedimentary production and supply) and global (eustatic and tectonic) control factors. The magmatic („ophiolite”) and metamorphic formations represent the “inherited” substrate that was covered by sedimentary rocks, with no incorporated information on the bathymetry and morphology of the basins. The study of the magmatic and metamorphic rocks also allowed for the identification of the source areas. The sediments evidence the deep and shallow areas of the Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous basins. These well-developed deposits are mainly carbonate rocks. Starting with the Upper Albian – Cenomanian, the carbonate sedimentation changed its character to siliciclastic, representing the post-tectonic cover.

During the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, favorable conditions for the accumulation of carbonate rocks existed in the Tethyan area. Parts of extended carbonate platforms that formed during this period crop out within Apuseni Mountains. Furthermore, smaller isolated carbonate platforms also developed on local tectonic highs in a vast sedimentary basin. These are well exposed in the Trascău Mountains area and were interpreted by previous authors to belong to a uniform larger platform, which was tectonically subdivided into several nappes.

Field-trip program

Day 1 (Sept. 12) Departure from Cluj-Napoca

Stop 1 – The Mureș Valley Ophiolites, with the upper part of the ophiolite succession (pillow lavas);

Stop 2 – Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous limestone from Cheile Râmeți (Râmeți Gorges) area;

Stop 3 – Pleașa Râmeților Olistolith (Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous limestone);

Stop 4 – Siliciclastic deposits from the Râmeți Formation; the post-“Austric” sedimentary cover (Upper Cenomanian – Santonian).

Day 2 (Sept. 13)

Stop 5 – Olistoliths from Poiana Aiudului area (Early Cretaceous), consisting of a large allochthonous block of limestone derived from the Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous carbonate platform of the Trascău massif, being incorporated within the Upper Cretaceous flysch deposits. The original carbonate platform that delivered the huge calcareous blocks embedded in Upper Cretaceous flysch is preserved today in the Bedeleu Unit;

Stop 6 –  Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous limestone from the Cheile Aiudului (Aiudului Gorges) and Rimetea Crest;

Stop 7 – Buru locality, where outcrops the tectonic contact between the Baia de Arieș Nappes (metamorphic rocks) and the Izvoarele (deep marine Cretaceous deposits).

Day 3 (Sept. 14)

Stop 8 – At the exit of Cheile Borzesti, a cross-section through the magmatic succession (lava flows and volcanic agglomerates) belonging to the island arc on which the Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous carbonate rocks developed;

Stop 9 – Cheile Turzii (Turzii Gorges). Overview of the Transylvanides and sedimentary fill of the Transylvanian Basin.

Stop 10 – At the entrance to the Turzii Gorges. Stratigraphic sequence of the upper part of the island arc (pyroclastics, rhyolite, and keratophyre flows);

Stop 11 – Late Oxfordian–Early Kimmeridgian sequential boundary (black pebble level);

Stop 12 – Late Tithonian–Berriasian boundary (level with Seliporella neocomiensis);

Stop 13 – The Lower Cretaceous deep marine deposits from Petreștii de Jos village.

Return to Cluj-Napoca

Number of participants (min/max):

12/18

Price:

aprox. 450-500 Euro

Contacts:

Emanoil Săsăran (emanoil.sasaran@ubbcluj.ro)

Constantin Balica (constantin.balica@ubbcluj.ro)

Staff Members:

Alexandra Tămaș

Dan Mircea Tămaș

Alexandru Lăpădat

Csaba Krezsek

Timing and duration

Pre-conference; 4 days

Explore World-Class Analogue Outcrops in Romania’s Prolific Oil Region!

The Eastern Carpathian Bend Zone (ECBZ) of Romania is a key location in the Carpathian fold and thrust belt, renowned for being one of the most prolific onshore hydrocarbon area in Romania and one of the oldest oil and gas producing regions in the world. With fields producing since the mid-19th century, the area offers a unique opportunity to directly observe the complex geological elements in the field.

This region is an exceptional outdoor laboratory for understanding subsurface challenges, offering analogue exposures of reservoir, source, seal, and trap elements that are rarely visible elsewhere.

For geologists working in clastic systems globally, the ECBZ provides a critical surface analogue to validate seismic interpretations, understand complex reservoir geometries, and better manage exploration and production risks associated with structurally complex systems.

Field-trip program

Day 1 (Sept. 5): Travel to Berca

Option 1: Departure from Cluj-Napoca by coach (included in the field trip cost)

Departure time: 08:00 am

Crossing the Carpathians, we will make a quick stop at Siriu Dam to discuss the regional structure of the thick- and thin-skinned Carpathians Fold and Thrust Belt.

Arrive at Berca at c. 17:00

Option 2: Train from Bucharest to Berca (c. 3 hours – train tickets not included in the field trip cost)

Aim to arrive at Berca at c. 17:00

Ice breaker and dinner at c. 19:00

Day 2 (Sept. 6): Berca – Sibiciu de Sus – Colți – Berca (08:00 – 17:00)

Reservoir and Source Rock exposures and structures in the sub-salt stratigraphic units

You’ll examine the Oligocene and Lower Miocene deep-water siliciclastic rocks, specifically the upper and lower Kliwa sandstones, which are among the best hydrocarbon reservoirs in the ECBZ.  In addition, these deep-marine sedimentary rocks are locally modified by fluidization, remobilization, and sand intrusions. Hence, these quartz-rich sandstones and their interbedded shales provide unparalleled insights into reservoir heterogeneity and connectivity.

The succession also hosts the Menilitic shales and Dysodiles (organic-rich shales), which are regarded as the most important hydrocarbon source rocks in the Carpathians.

Trap and Structural Mechanisms

The area is structurally complex, primarily due to the presence of multiple detachment levels, leading to the formation of highly deformed hydrocarbon traps. In the outcrops, you can examine the structural style from sub-regional to ‘reservoir-scale’ structural heterogeneity.

Day 3 (Sept. 7): Berca – Slănicul de Buzău – Mânzălești Salt Outcrop – Eternal Flames – Mud Volcanoes – Berca (08:00 – 17:00)

Reservoirs and Seals in the supra-salt stratigraphic units

The route follows the structural framework of the Foredeep from Quaternary deposits downward into Miocene successions, continuing into the Subcarpathian nappe system. Along this transect, progressively older stratigraphic units are exposed, allowing observation of the transition from mildly deformed Quaternary to Miocene strata within the Foredeep, and further into the Miocene sedimentary sequences of the Subcarpathian Unit, which are involved in nappe tectonics. These exposed units form hydrocarbon reservoir-seal packages in the subsurface in different locations in the ECBZ, including in the Berca area.

Salt as a Key Element in Petroleum Systems

Salt is among the most critical lithologies in global petroleum systems. Although evaporites represent less than 2% of the world’s sedimentary rocks, they seal a remarkable number of giant hydrocarbon accumulations, including 14 of the 25 largest oil fields and 9 of the 25 largest gas fields worldwide (Warren 2017). In the Carpathians, the Lower Miocene salt also represents the most efficient top seal, while also playing a key role as a décollement level during nappe emplacement.

Mânzălești diapir, which occupies a key structural position at the boundary between the Tarcău and Subcarpathian nappe, is a striking example of this process. It represents the surface expression of a salt body that not only influenced structural evolution but also provided long-term sealing capacity within the petroleum system. Mânzălești diapir measures approximately 2.7 by 1.3 kilometers at the surface and extends downwards to about 3.5 kilometers in depth. Hence, represents the largest rock salt exposure in Europe.

Field Evidence of Seal Failure: The “Eternal Flames” near Mânzălești (optional stop – if time/weather)

Further west from the Mânzălești diapir, analogue reservoir rocks (lower Kliwa) stratigraphically situated beneath the Lower Miocene evaporites are locally exposed at the surface. At these sites, natural gas escapes continuously through fractures, igniting spontaneously or being lit by locals, creating the so-called eternal flames.

These burning seeps provide a striking field example of a missing or breached seal. In this area, the original evaporitic top seal has completely eroded, allowing gas to migrate from the underlying reservoirs to the surface. These locations vividly illustrate the dual role of evaporites in petroleum systems: when preserved, they form exceptionally tight seals capable of trapping hydrocarbons for millions of years; when removed or faulted, they permit the rapid escape of gas and fluids, leading to surface seeps and loss of accumulations.

Berca Mud Volcanoes

Mud volcanoes commonly occur in regions rich in oil and gas deposits and are often considered indicators of hydrocarbon presence.  However, mud volcanism represents a significant geological hazard, posing risks to infrastructure and natural ecosystems, and can lead to serious socioeconomic and environmental impacts.

The Berca Mud Volcanoes located in the ECBZ are one of the largest mud volcano sites in Romania. They formed by the escape of gas and fluids from deep, overpressure hydrocarbon-bearing layers. Methane-rich emissions drive mud and water to the surface, creating small cones and flow structures that resemble volcanic activity.

This site provides insight into active subsurface petroleum systems and fluid overpressure, while also illustrating the hazards of surface and subsurface instability associated with overpressured zones.

Day 4 (Sept. 8): Berca – Cluj-Napoca

Departure from Berca – 08:00 am

Lunch stop in Viscri

Arrive in Cluj-Napoca c. 19:00

Number of participants (min/max):

10/20

Price:

600 euros

Contacts:

Alexandra Tămaș (alexandra.tamas1@ubbcluj.ro)

Dan Mircea Tămaș (danmircea.tamas@ubbcluj.ro)

Staff Members:

Dan Mircea Tămaș

Alexandra Tămaș

Timing and duration

One day, during the conference

This field trip provides a unique opportunity to explore the Turda salt mine (~30km from Cluj-Napoca), one of the most significant salt structures in Romania’s Transylvanian Basin, offering direct access to observe the internal complexity and deformation of these massive salt bodies. The Salt Tectonics conference session, as well as the field trip, align with the growing relevance of salt tectonics research, particularly its implications for energy transition industries.

Short Introduction to the Turda Salt Mine Field Trip

The field trip focuses on the Turda salt mine, located in the Western Diapir Alignment of the Transylvanian Basin. This basin represents a crucial location for understanding salt deformation, as it enables comprehensive multiscale observations, including data from the surface, subsurface mining, and seismic surveys. Salt exploitation in the region has a long history, with systematic underground mining dating back to the 17th century.

Understanding the internal deformation complexities and impurity distributions within salt structures is essential for placing, designing, constructing, and safely operating storage caverns. The Transylvanian Basin salt bodies exhibit a broad spectrum of intra-salt heterogeneities, categorized as depositional and non-depositional.

Most Important Features to See in the Turda Salt Mine

The Turda salt mine offers direct observation of internal complexities (heterogeneities) that are crucial to evaluating the suitability of such salt bodies for energy storage applications.

Depositional heterogeneities relate to the compositional layering that developed during the formation of the evaporite sequence, primarily consisting of halite, along with minor components like gypsum/anhydrite and various sediments. Some of the features that we will discuss in relation to depositional heterogeneities are: Steeply Dipping Layering,Composition and Color, Impure Layers vs. Folding, Salt Stalactites, etc.

Non-depositional heterogeneities are caused by post-depositional physical alterations that occur during salt flow and diapir evolution, such as deformation features. Some of the features that we will discuss in relation to non-depositional heterogeneities are: Intense Deformation and Shear, Boudinage, Recrystallization, etc.

Number of participants (min/max):

10/30

Price:

45 euro

Contacts:

Alexandra Tamas (alexandra.tamas1@ubbcluj.ro)

Dan Mircea Tamas (danmircea.tamas@ubbcluj.ro)

Staff Members:

Boglarka-Mercedesz Kis (boglarka.kis@ubbcluj.ro)

Andreea-Rebeka Zsigmond (andrea.zsigmond@kv.sapientia.ro)

Timing and duration

Post-conference; 3 days

This three-day excursion aims to explore the remarkable relationship between geology, geochemistry, and spa culture in the Eastern Carpathians, focusing on areas characterized by active natural CO₂ emissions and mineral water springs. Participants will gain insights into the geological and geochemical processes that control the formation and composition of CO₂-rich mineral waters, as well as their historical and contemporary use in local spa traditions.

Tentative itinerary:

Day 1: Cluj-Napoca-Borsec-Miecurea Ciuc

Departure from Cluj-Napoca to Borsec. At Borsec, participants will study travertine deposition and former travertine mining areas, as well as visit CO₂-emitting mineral water springs, followed by an introduction to modern spa facilities at Fontana Borsec spa.

Lunch at Borsec. Departure to Miercurea Ciuc-accomodation.

Day 2: Miercurea Ciuc-Băile Tușnad-Băile Balvanyos-St. Ana crater lake-Miercurea Ciuc

The second day focuses on Băile Tușnad, Băile Balvanyos and the surroundings of Ciomadul volcano and Sf.Ana crater lake. The itinerary includes field observations at the Turia Stinky Cave, Apor Springs and Csiszár Baths, where CO₂ degassing can be directly observed. Visits to Lake St. Ana and Mohos Peat Bog sites will provide further context for the coexistence of geological activity and recreational use.

Packed lunch and dinner at Miercurea Ciuc. Accomodation: Miercurea Ciuc

Day 3: Miercurea Ciuc-Tușnad-Odorheiu Secuiesc-Cluj-Napoca

The final day includes a technical visit to the Perla and Tușnad mineral water bottling plant, offering a perspective on the industrial and economic importance of mineral waters in the region. The last stop includes the visit of Mineral Water museum at Odorheiu Secuiesc.

Packed lunch.

Closing dinner at Băile Homorod mineral water resort.

Number of participants (min/max): min 10-max 15

Price: 250-300 euro (includes travel to all sites from Cluj-Napoca to Eastern Carpathians sites (cca.700 km round trip), 2 nights’ accommodation, all meals and spa entry)

Contacts: Boglárka-Mercedesz Kis (boglarka.kis@ubbcluj.ro)

Staff Members:

Nicolae Har

Timing:

Post-conference; 3 days

The Late Cretaceous and Neogene magmatic activity is well developed within the Apuseni Mountains. The Late Cretaceous magmatism is located north of the ophiolite unit (Mureş zone or Transylvanides) of the South Apuseni Mountains and resulted from the subduction of oceanic slab from the Transylvanian Tethys (western basin). It consists of volcanic products, i.e., lava flows and pyroclastics (Vlădeasa, Meseş – Valea Chioarului), as well as small sub-volcanic bodies (Vlădeasa, Gilău, Bihor), of rhyolitic, andesitic, and dacitic compositions, and the last magmatites are represented by intrusive bodies, i.e., granodiorite, granite, and quartz diorites (Budureasa, Pietroasa, Băişoara etc.) and their porphyritic varieties.

The Neogene-Quaternary volcanism occurs in the southern part of the Apuseni Mountains, with an age ranging from 14.7 to 7.4 Ma and a final pulse at 1.6 Ma (Roșu et al., 2004). It spread in five zones: (i) Mureş Valley/Deva, (ii) Zărand Basin, (iii) Brad – Săcărâmb, (iv) Zlatna – Sănija, and (v) Roşia Monană – Bucium – Baia de Arieş areas. The volcanic products consist of calc-alkaline rhyolites and rhyodacites (Early Badenian), calc-alkaline andesites (biotite quartz andesite, amphibole and pyroxene quartz andesite, pyroxene quartz andesite, biotite andesite, biotite and amphibole andesite, amphibole andesite, and pyroxene andesite), calc-alkaline basalt (Detunata), and shoshonitic andesite (Uroi Hill – Mureş Valley).

Field-trip program

Day 1 (Sept. 12)

The main objectives will be the Late Cretaceous magmatic intrusions and their thermal and metasomatic metamorphism from Valea Săcelului- Băişoara (Cluj County); a Late Cretaceous diorite dyke hosted by crystalline dolomites and its related metasomatic metamorphism halo at Surduc (Cluj County); Jurassic ophiolites (pillow lavas) at Buru (Cluj County); and Late Cretaceous dacite with xenoliths hosting hercynite hornfels at Jidovina (Ocoliş, Alba County).

Day 2 (Sept. 13)

This day is focused on the Neogene volcanism from Roșia Poieni (andesites) and associated porphyry copper deposit (open pit tour; Alba County); the Neogene dacite from Roşia Montană and related Au-Ag epithermal deposit, with the visit of the Cetate open pit and the undergound Mining Museum (Roman adits); and the Neogene olivine basalt bodies with quartz xenocrysts from Detunata.

Day 3 (Sept. 14)

The last day is focused on the Late Cretaceous granodiorite intrusion hosting brucite mineralization at Budereasa and Pietroasa; Late Cretaceous Poieni Dacite (quarry visit), which belong to the Northern Vlădeasa Mountains volcano-plutonic complex, and represent the locus typicus of “dacite” petroptype); and concludes at Hent dacite quarry.

Number of participants (min/max):

10/17

Price: 350 euro

Contact:Nicolae Har: nicolae.har@ubbcluj.ro

Staff Members:

Emilia Mosony, Ferenc Forray, Gabriel Bindea, H.G. Kräutner, Crina Miclăuș (Iași/Romania), Carmen Chira, Carlo Aroldi (Cluj-Napoca/Romania)

Duration: 2 days (1 night accommodation), pre-conference (Sept. 7-8, 2026)

Day 1 (Sept. 7). Cluj Napoca –Reghin (104km) -Toplita- Ditrau (Jolotca Valley) – Gheorgheni (106km) (accomodation)

The field trip begins in Cluj-Napoca and follows the national road to Reghin and then to Deda. The road passes through Miocene deposits with salt levels of the Transylvanian basin. From Deda to Toplita, the road crosscuts the East Carpathian Neogene magmatic arc zone, composed mainly of andesitic pyroclastics (Rusca Tihu formation) and andesitic or basalt-andesitic dykes of the Calimani caldera volcanic structure. Around Toplita, the road enters the Median Dacides Unit (known also as Crystalline Mesosoic Zone). The Median Dacides are formed of Alpine Bucovinian and Subbucovinian nappes, and include Rebra and Negrisoara terrane (notably the Pietrosu Bistritei metadacitic porphyroid, a valuable lithological marker for correlating Buconinian and Subbucovinian units), Tulghes terrane (quartz-feldspar orthoschists, metabasites locally hosting metamorphosed Cu-Fe-S ores and Mn ores, and sericite-chlorite schists ± pseudomorphoses of rutile after brookite). These rock sequences were intruded by Triassic-Early Cretaceous Ditrau Alcaline Massive (DAM), with contact thermal and metasomatic (alkali feldspars) aureoles containing biotitic hornfels ± andalusite, cordierite, corundum and few lamprophyre dykes. The various facies of the DAM are well exposed along the Jolotca Valley and its tributaries and include hornblendites, red syenite, nepheline-syenite with aegirine and secondary foids such as sodalite and cancrinite, as well as granites and monzonites. Complex relationships between these rock types can be observed. The valley’s alluvial deposits contain placer-type ores (e.g. monazite). Accommodation will be in the town of Gheorgheni, an important touristic, historical, ethnographic center of Harghita county.

Day 2 (Sept. 8). Gheorgheni – Lacul Rosu (Red Lake) – Bicaz Gorges – Piatra Neamt (83 km) – Cluj Napoca (290km). The road from Gheorgheni to Piatra Neamt passes through Subbucovinian and Bucovinian tectonic units of Median Dacides, composed of metamorphic sequences of the Tulghes and Rebra terranes and a Mesozoic sedimentary cover (Triassic-Jurassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous), which are thrusted by the East Transylvanian obduction nappes (e.g., Hăşmaş nappe), and continues eastward through the Outer Dacides and Moldavian nappes.

Around the Lacul Roșu (Red Lake), the largest and longest-lived natural dam lake in Romania, there are numerous outcrops exposing the sedimentary covers of the Bucovinian Nappe (Campilian–Anisian dolomites, Liassic Hierlatz limestones, Dogger limestones, Callovian–Oxfordian radiolarites, Barremian–Albian wildflysch), and the Hășmaș Nappe (Kimmeridgian Ammonitico Rosso -type limestones, Tithonian Štramberk-type limestones, Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous limestones). Downstream the Lacul Roșu, occur the Bicaz Gorges. Lacu Rosu was formed due to a landslide several decades ago, when a forested slope collapsed and blocked the river, creating a natural dam. Finally, the road crosses the External Dacides units.

Over their 8-km length, the Bicaz Gorges are incised into Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous limestones of the Hășmaș Nappe for the first 4 km, and for the remaining 4 km downstream into the Bârnadu Conglomerates (Upper Cretaceous post-tectonic deposits, unconformably overlying both the Bucovinian and Hășmaș nappes).

At the exit of the Bicaz Gorges, the field-trip route passes through a Sub-Bucovinian rabotage outlier at Gura Dămucului, displaced in front of the Bucovinian Nappe, which exposes a relatively thin sequence of Middle Triassic to Lower Cretaceous deposits.

Continuing toward Piatra Neamț, the route cuts the entire Flysch Zone, composed of a series of thin-skinned nappes subdivided into two structural sub-zones. The internal sub-zone comprises Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous deep-marine deposits overlying an oceanic crust (Outer Dacides Unit), whereas the external sub-zone includes Lower Cretaceous–Lower Miocene marine deposits that were deposited on continental crust in a passive-margin setting (Moldavian Nappes).

After traversing the Flysch Zone, the field excursion concludes, and participants will return to Cluj-Napoca. 

Estimated price: 300 €

Includes:Field trip guidebook, lunch packages, transportation, accommodation with breakfast and dinner.

Accommodation for 1 night: Hotels or pensions in Gheorgheni town (Mures County) (200- 350RON/pers/night = around 40-60€).

Participants: minimum 20, maximum 40

Contact:

Staff Members:

Emilia Mosony, Ferenc Forray, Carmen Chira, Carlo Aroldi (Cluj-Napoca/Romania), Crina Miclăuș and Andrei Smeu (Iasi/Romania), Gabriel Bindea (I.G.R. Bucharest), H.G. Kräutner (Germany)

Duration:

2 days (1 night accommodation), post conference (September 12-13, 2026)

Day 1 (Sept. 12). Cluj-Napoca – Salva and along the Sălăuţa Valley (150km) – Săcel (via Şieu) – Strâmtura (30km) – Bârsana (9km) – Botiza (28km) (total 217 km)

From Cluj-Napoca to Salva (Năsăud), then upstream along the SălăuțaValley through Dealul Ștefaniței to Săcel, the road crosscuts the Transylvanian Basin formed by Miocene clastic deposits with interstratified Dej volcanic rhyolite tuffs of Dej Formation, the Badenian Ocna Dej salt lens, and the Paleogene flysch deposits of the Borsa formation. In the Sacel area, a major W-E oriented fault zone, known as the Bogdan Vodă – Dragoş Vodă Fault system, marks a tectonic contact between the Transylvanian Basin (Dacia microplate) and the Pienide unit of Alpine Tethyan origin (deep water-oceanic flysch sediments formed by intercalations of fine-grained mica-rich sandstones and grey mudstones). This sequence has been thrusted over the ALCAPA continental plate during the Miocene tectonic phase of lateral extrusion along the Bogdan Vodă- Dragoş Vodă Fault System. Near the Strâmtura village and the Barsana Monastery area, there are several outcrops belonging to the External Pienidian successions. In particular, behind the Bârsana Monastery parking area is visible a large outcrop of deformed (folded and faulted) Eocene-Oligocene flysch of the External Pienides, represented by turbidite deposits (Strâmtura Sandstone) topped in angular disconformity by Burdigalian zeolite tuffs.

Accommodation in Botiza, a traditional ethnographic village in the Maramures region.

Day 2 (sept. 13). Botiza – Viseu de Sus – Vaser Valley – Borsa Touristic Complex (62km) – Cluj-Napoca (xxx km).

The focus is the northern boundary area of Rodna Horstalong the Dragos Voda Fault. From Botiza, the route follows the Iza Valley eastward, through the Bogdan Voda watershed (between Iza and Viseu Valley, a panoramic viewpoint over Maramures), into Viseul de Sus. Here, the Viseu Valley (a 30+ km tributary of Vaser Valley) cuts through Bucovinian, Subbucovinian and Infrabucovinian Alpine (Austrian) tectonic units of the Median Dacides, exhibiting complex structures such as tectonic half-windows or scalings, overlain by Paleogene post-tectonic sedimentary cover. The route continues east to the northern Rodna horst border, where Lattorfian-Rupelian and later Lutetian-Priabonian sandstones are in tectonic contact with the crystalline schists of the Rodna Mountains, due to movement along the Bogdan Vodă- Dragoş Vodă fault system. The Rodna horst is an Eocene uplifted structure within the Median Dacides, which rose up along two major faults, i.e., the Somesul Mare fault in the south, and Dragos Voda fault in north. This region reveals the deepest Alpine tectonic units of the Median Dacides, precisely Subbucovinian, Infrabucovinian, and (in Eastern Rodna Mts.) Bucovinian unit. Each Alpine unit contains Pre-Alpine (mainly Variscan – Ordovician metamorphism) metamorphic rocks and Variscan tectonic units, including Bretila (Rarau) terrane (of medium grade) and Paleozoic (Ordovician- Silurian, low-grade metamorphism) sequences, consisting of metabasites, quartites and marble lenses. These are sheared together, forming Variscan tectonic units in the Infrabucovinian domain, such as from base to top, Rebra terrane (Rodna nappe), Negrisoara terrane (Pietrosu Bistritei nappe), Tulghes terrane (Putna nappe), Bretila- Rarau terrane (Rarau nappe). These are structured as intracutaneous nappes (sensu Sandulescu, 1984) and true Variscan nappes (e.g. Rarau nappe thrust over the Putna nappe,). At Borsa Touristic Complex, the group will take the chairlift to Stiol Peak, followed by an 800m hike to the 150m high Horse Waterfall, formed in mylonitic dolomitic schists of Repedea Paleozoic sequence. The chairlift route crosses the Bogdan Voda fault, entering the Infrabucovinian units of Rodna horst (Variscan Stiol nappe), with dynamically retromorphosed Bretila terrane rocks such as mylonitic schists, sericitic-chloritic schists with chloritoid, and mylonitic Paleozoic schists such as greenschists ± stilpnomelane (Paleozoic Cimpoiasa group with Negoiescu metabasite formation), mylonitic graphitic quartzite schists ±chloritoid and greyish dolomitic mylonite schists, possibly of Repedea Group type. These mylonite sequences are km thick, exhibiting a penetrative NV-SE oriented extensional crenulation lineation and mylonitic foliation. There are no sharp boundaries between retromorphosed Bretila rocks and mylonitic Paleozoic sequences. The Alpine metamorphic event in greenschist facies is indicated by phengite, chloritoid, chlorite, and stilpnomelane. After visiting the waterfall, the group returns by chairlift to Borsa Complex. The field trip ends here, and the participants will return to Cluj-Napoca.

Estimated price: 300 €

Includes: Field trip guidebook, lunch packages, transportation, accommodation with breakfast and dinner (first day).

Accommodation 1 night: Pensiunea Casa Ancuta, Botiza village (Maramures County) (around 200RON/pers/night = around 40€).

Participants: minimum 20, maximum 40

Contact: