ABSTRACT
The Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) corresponds to the apical domain of the Variscan accretion wedge (foreland coal-bearing molasse), which is now a part of the epi-Variscan basement, representing northwestern foreland of Alpine orogeny belt (Fig. 1). The Variscan fold and thrust structures of the Moravosilesian zone, striking NNE-SSW with generally eastward vergency and principally corresponds to W-E oriented compression. A very significant role, from the point of view of Variscan tectonics, is played by the Brunovistulian foreland (Precambrian terrane consolidated in the time of Cadomian orogeny). Diagram of Variscan stress-strain model is presented on Figure 2.
