Recent geodynamic and geomorphological analyses of the Diendorf–Čebín Tectonic Zone, Czech Republic

• Various neotectonic movements within reactivated Paleozoic zone were characterized.
• Geophysical, geomorphological and geodetic corresponding features are identified.
• Movement attributes based on geomorphological indicators are highlighted.
• Two diverse tectonic systems are located, major one of dominant transcurrent nature.
• GPS measurements monitored significant dynamics of large regional crustal blocks.

The Diendorf–Čebín Tectonic Zone (DCTZ) located within the south-eastern margin of the Bohemian Massif is a complex Paleozoic structure reactivated during several phases of unequal thrusting of the Alpine–Carpathian orogenic blocks over the European Platform in the Neogene and Quaternary periods. Recent movement tendencies in its area have been studied through analyses of and correlations between regional geophysical fields, geomorphological phenomena and geodetic monitoring processed on the current geological background.The gravity and magnetic information complemented by data from deep seismic sections along with current GPS velocities documented a dominant transcurrent character of this zone with well-developed extensive upward branching negative flower-structure. The geomorphological data, including information on topolineament framework, fluvial system, distribution of flat surfaces and topographic depressions, pattern of repeated similar landforms, and other related landscape features, identified in addition to the major topographically prominent Diendorf–Čebín NE–SW to NNE–SSW striking lineament an occurrence of complex system consisting of numerous presumably active transversal morphotectonic zones trending NW–SE to WNW–ESE. A concordance was revealed between distribution and properties of gravity and magnetic anomalies and location of several morphotectonic zones. The geodetic data indicated a significant departure of “Brunnovistulian terrain” from the Moldanubian domain towards E and particularly the Western Carpathian Flysch Belt from the entire Bohemian Massif towards NE at the regional scale of the Morava network. At local scale, considerable vertical activity, confirmed by leveling measurement, and minor present-day strike-slip movements of dominant dextral component were detected along a trace of the DCTZ.