scholarly journals Fossil oceanic core complexes in the Alps. New field, geochemical and isotopic constraints from the Tethyan Aiguilles Rouges Ophiolite (Val d’Hérens, Western Alps, Switzerland)

2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry Decrausaz ◽  
Othmar Müntener ◽  
Paola Manzotti ◽  
Romain Lafay ◽  
Carl Spandler
Keyword(s):  
Sedimentary Cover ◽  
Oceanic Lithosphere ◽  
Western Alps ◽  
Continental Margins ◽  
Remarkable Feature ◽  
Isotopic Signatures ◽  
Basement Rocks ◽  
The Alps ◽  
Slow Spreading

AbstractExhumation of basement rocks on the seafloor is a worldwide feature along passive continental margins and (ultra-) slow-spreading environments, documented by dredging, drilling or direct observations by diving expeditions. Complementary observations from exhumed ophiolites in the Alps allow for a better understanding of the underlying processes. The Aiguilles Rouges ophiolitic units (Val d’Hérens, Switzerland) are composed of kilometre-scale remnants of laterally segmented oceanic lithosphere only weakly affected by Alpine metamorphism (greenschist facies, Raman thermometry on graphite: 370–380 °C) and deformation. Geometries and basement-cover sequences comparable to the ones recognized in actual (ultra-) slow-spreading environments were observed, involving exhumed serpentinized and carbonatized peridotites, gabbros, pillow basalts and tectono-sedimentary cover rocks. One remarkable feature is the presence of a kilometric gabbroic complex displaying preserved magmatic minerals, textures and crosscutting relationships between the host gabbro and intruding diabase, hornblende-bearing dikelets or plagiogranite. The bulk major and trace element chemistry of mafic rocks is typical of N-MORB magmatism (CeN/YbN: 0.42–1.15). This is supported by in-situ isotopic signatures of magmatic zircons (εHf =  + 13 ± 0.6) and apatites (εNd =  + 8.5 ± 0.8), determined for gabbros and plagiogranites. In-situ U–Pb dating was performed on zircons by laser ablation-ICP-MS, providing ages of 154.9 ± 2.6 Ma and 155.5 ± 2.8 Ma, which are among the youngest for oceanic gabbros in the Alps. Our study suggests that the former Aiguilles Rouges domain was characterized by tectonism and magmatism resembling present-day (ultra-) slow-spreading seafloor. It also suggests that the Tethyan lithosphere is laterally segmented, with punctuated magmatism such as the Aiguilles Rouges gabbros and carbonated ultramafic seafloor covered by basalts and Jurassic tectono-sedimentary deposits.

scholarly journals Did Adria rotate relative to Africa?

Solid Earth ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 611-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. J. van Hinsbergen ◽  
M. Mensink ◽  
C. G. Langereis ◽  
M. Maffione ◽  
L. Spalluto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Motion ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Oceanic Lithosphere ◽  
Western Alps ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
African Plate ◽  
Continental Block ◽  
The Alps ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract. The first and foremost boundary condition for kinematic reconstructions of the Mediterranean region is the relative motion between Africa and Eurasia, constrained through reconstructions of the Atlantic Ocean. The Adria continental block is in a downgoing plate position relative to the strongly curved central Mediterranean subduction-related orogens, and forms the foreland of the Apennines, Alps, Dinarides, and Albanides–Hellenides. It is connected to the African plate through the Ionian Basin, likely with Lower Mesozoic oceanic lithosphere. If the relative motion of Adria versus Africa is known, its position relative to Eurasia can be constrained through a plate circuit, thus allowing robust boundary conditions for the reconstruction of the complex kinematic history of the Mediterranean region. Based on kinematic reconstructions for the Neogene motion of Adria versus Africa, as interpreted from the Alps and from Ionian Basin and its surrounding areas, it has been suggested that Adria underwent counterclockwise (ccw) vertical axis rotations ranging from ~ 0 to 20°. Here, we provide six new paleomagnetic poles from Adria, derived from the Lower Cretaceous to Upper Miocene carbonatic units of the Apulian peninsula (southern Italy). These, in combination with published poles from the Po Plain (Italy), the Istrian peninsula (Croatia), and the Gargano promontory (Italy), document a post-Eocene 9.8 ± 9.5° counterclockwise vertical axis rotation of Adria. Our results do not show evidence of significant Africa–Adria rotation between the Early Cretaceous and Eocene. Models based on reconstructions of the Alps, invoking 17° ccw rotation, and based on the Ionian Basin, invoking 2° ccw rotation, are both permitted within the documented rotation range, yet are mutually exclusive. This apparent enigma could possibly be solved only if one or more of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) Neogene shortening in the western Alps has been significantly underestimated (by as much as 150 km); (ii) Neogene extension in the Ionian Basin has been significantly underestimated (by as much as 420 km); and/or (iii) a major sinistral strike-slip zone has decoupled northern and southern Adria in Neogene time. Here we present five alternative reconstructions of Adria at 20 Ma, highlighting the kinematic uncertainties, and satisfying the inferred rotation pattern from this study and/or from previously proposed kinematic reconstructions.

scholarly journals Kinematic Boundary Conditions Favouring Subduction Initiation at Passive Margins Over Subduction at Mid-oceanic Ridges

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Auzemery ◽  
E. Willingshofer ◽  
P. Yamato ◽  
T. Duretz ◽  
F. Beekman
Keyword(s):  
Convergence Rate ◽  
Oceanic Lithosphere ◽  
Passive Margin ◽  
Continental Margins ◽  
Subduction Initiation ◽  
Passive Margins ◽  
Geodynamic Processes ◽  
The Alps ◽  
The Relationship

We perform numerical modelling to simulate the shortening of an oceanic basin and the adjacent continental margins in order to discuss the relationship between compressional stresses acting on the lithosphere and the time dependent strength of the mid-oceanic ridges within the frame of subduction initiation. We focus on the role of stress regulating mechanisms by testing the stress–strain-rate response to convergence rate, and the thermo-tectonic age of oceanic and continental lithospheres. We find that, upon compression, subduction initiation at passive margin is favoured for thermally thin (Palaeozoic or younger) continental lithospheres (<160 km) over cratons (>180 km), and for oceanic basins younger than 60 Myr (after rifting). The results also highlight the importance of convergence rate that controls stress distribution and magnitudes in the oceanic lithosphere. Slow convergence (<0.9 cm/yr) favours strengthening of the ridge and build-up of stress at the ocean-continent transition allowing for subduction initiation at passive margins over subduction at mid-oceanic ridges. The results allow for identifying geodynamic processes that fit conditions for subduction nucleation at passive margins, which is relevant for the unique case of the Alps. We speculate that the slow Africa–Europe convergence between 130 and 85 Ma contributes to the strengthening of the mid-oceanic ridge, leading to subduction initiation at passive margin 60–70 Myr after rifting and passive margin formation.

The Heterogeneous Tethyan Oceanic Lithosphere of the Alpine Ophiolites

Elements ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabetta Rampone ◽  
Alessio Sanfilippo
Keyword(s):  
Oceanic Lithosphere ◽  
Passive Margin ◽  
Crustal Material ◽  
Crustal Accretion ◽  
Mantle Dynamics ◽  
Western Tethys ◽  
Mantle Peridotites ◽  
Slow Spreading ◽  
Tethys Ocean ◽  
Basaltic Crust

The Alpine–Apennine ophiolites are lithospheric remnants of the Jurassic Alpine Tethys Ocean. They predominantly consist of exhumed mantle peridotites with lesser gabbroic and basaltic crust and are locally associated with continental crustal material, indicating formation in an environment transitional from an ultra-slow-spreading seafloor to a hyperextended passive margin. These ophiolites represent a unique window into mantle dynamics and crustal accretion in an ultra-slow-spreading extensional environment. Old, pre-Alpine, lithosphere is locally preserved within the mantle sequences: these have been largely modified by reaction with migrating asthenospheric melts. These reactions were active in both the mantle and the crust and have played a key role in creating the heterogeneous oceanic lithosphere in this branch of the Mesozoic Western Tethys.

Synconvergent and coherent (ultra)high-pressure crustal rock exhumation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo G. Candioti ◽  
Joshua D. Vaughan-Hammon ◽  
Thibault Duretz ◽  
Stefan M. Schmalholz
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Models ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Western Alps ◽  
Ultrahigh Pressure ◽  
Plate Motion ◽  
Crustal Rock ◽  
Plate Boundaries ◽  
Crustal Rocks ◽  
Natural Data ◽  
The Alps

<p>Ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) continental crustal rocks were first discovered in the Western Alps in 1984 and have since then been observed at many convergent plate boundaries worldwide. Unveiling the processes leading to the formation and exhumation of (U)HP metamorphic crustal rocks is key to understand the geodynamic evolution of orogens such as the Alps.</p><p> </p><p>Previous numerical studies investigating (U)HP rock exhumation in the Alps predicted deep (>80 km) subduction of crustal rocks and rapid buoyancy-driven exhumation of mainly incoherent (U)HP units, involving significant tectonic mixing forming so-called mélanges. Furthermore, these predictions often rely on excessive erosion or periods of divergent plate motion as important exhumation mechanism. Inconsistent with field observations and natural data, application of these models to the Western Alps was recently criticised.</p><p> </p><p>Here, we present models with continuous plate convergence, which exhibit local tectonic-driven upper plate extension enabling compressive- and buoyancy-driven exhumation of coherent (U)HP units along the subduction interface, involving feasible erosion.</p><p> </p><p>The two-dimensional petrological-thermo-mechanical numerical models presented here predict both subduction initiation and serpentinite channel formation without any a priori prescription of these two features. The (U)HP units are exhumed coherently, without significant internal deformation. Modelled pressure and temperature trajectories and exhumation velocities of selected crustal units agree with estimates for the Western Alps. The presented models support previous hypotheses of synconvergent exhumation, but do not rely on excessive erosion or divergent plate motion. Thus, our predictions provide new insights into processes leading to the exhumation of coherent (U)HP crustal units consistent with observations and natural data from the Western Alps.</p>

Geodynamics of the France Southeast Basin

2010 ◽  
Vol 181 (6) ◽  
pp. 477-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier Le Pichon ◽  
Claude Rangin ◽  
Youri Hamon ◽  
Nicolas Loget ◽  
Jin Ying Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Activity ◽  
Sedimentary Cover ◽  
Central Basin ◽  
The South ◽  
Western Basin ◽  
Active Deformation ◽  
The North ◽  
The Alps ◽  
Sediment Cover ◽  
Surrounding Areas

AbstractWe investigate the geodynamics of the Southeast Basin with the help of maps of the basement and of major sedimentary horizons based on available seismic reflection profiles and drill holes. We also present a study of the seismicity along the Middle Durance fault. The present seismic activity of the SE Basin cannot be attributed to the Africa/Eurasia shortening since spatial geodesy demonstrates that there is no significant motion of Corsica-Sardinia with respect to Eurasia and since gravitational collapse of the Alps has characterized the last few millions years. Our study demonstrates that the basement of this 140 by 200 km Triassic basin has been essentially undeformed since its formation, most probably because of the hardening of the cooling lithosphere after its 50% thinning during the Triassic distension. The regional geodynamics are thus dominated by the interaction of this rigid unit with the surrounding zones of active deformation. The 12 km thick Mesozoic sediment cover includes at its base an up to 4 km thick mostly evaporitic Triassic layer that is hot and consequently highly fluid. The sedimentary cover is thus decoupled from the basement. As a result, the sedimentary cover does not have enough strength to produce reliefs exceeding about 500 to 750 m. That the deformation and seismicity affecting the basin are the results of cover tectonics is confirmed by the fact that seismic activity in the basin only affects the sedimentary cover. Based on our mapping of the structure of the basin, we propose a simple mechanism accounting for the Neogene deformation of the sedimentary cover. The formation of the higher Alps has first resulted to the north in the shortening of the Diois-Baronnies sedimentary cover that elevated the top of Jurassic horizons by about 4 km with respect to surrounding areas to the south and west. There was thus passage from a brittle-ductile basement decollement within the higher Alps to an evaporitic decollement within the Diois-Baronnies. This shortening and consequent elevation finally induced the southward motion of the basin cover south of the Lure mountain during and after the Middle Miocene. This southward motion was absorbed by the formation of the Luberon and Trévaresse mountains to the south. To the east of the Durance fault, there is no large sediment cover. The seismicity there, is related to the absorption of the Alps collapse within the basement itself. To the west of the Salon-Cavaillon fault, on the other hand, gravity induces a NNE motion of the sedimentary cover with extension to the south and shortening to the north near Mont Ventoux. When considering the seismicity of this area, it is thus important to distinguish between the western Basin panel, west of the Salon-Cavaillon fault affected by very slow NNE gliding of the sedimentary cover, with extension to the south and shortening to the north; the central Basin panel west of the Durance fault with S gliding of the sedimentary cover and increasing shortening to the south; and finally the basement panel east of the Durance fault with intrabasement absorption of the Alps collapse through strike-slip and thrust faults.

Structure de la region d'Ijibiten (feuille El Gleitat, E d'Akjoujt, Mauritanie occidentale)

1969 ◽  
Vol S7-XI (2) ◽  
pp. 222-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Paul Lecorche
Keyword(s):  
Sedimentary Cover ◽  
Precambrian Basement ◽  
Basement Rocks

Abstract Folds, overthrusts, four units, Precambrian basement rocks, sedimentary cover of Paleozoic age, Reg unit overthrust, and the epimetamorphic formations

Revised stratigraphy of the Mesozoic rocks of southern Cyprus

1980 ◽  
Vol 117 (6) ◽  
pp. 547-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Swarbrick ◽  
A. H. F. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Oceanic Crust ◽  
Continental Margin ◽  
Late Cretaceous ◽  
Sedimentary Cover ◽  
Igneous Rocks ◽  
Late Triassic ◽  
Metamorphic Rocks ◽  
Southern Cyprus

SummaryRecent resurgence of interest in the Mesozoic rocks of SW and southern Cyprus necessitates redefinition of the Mesozoic sedimentary and igneous rocks in line with modern stratigraphical convention. Two fundamentally different rocks associations are present, the Troodos Complex, not redefined, a portion of late Cretaceous oceanic crust, and the Mamonia Complex, the tectonically dismembered remnants of a Mesozoic continental margin. Based on earlier work, the Mamonia Complex is divided into two groups, each subdivided into a number of subsidiary formations and members. The Ayios Photios Group is wholly sedimentary, and records the evolution of a late Triassic to Cretaceous inactive continental margin. The Dhiarizos Group represents Triassic alkalic volcanism and sedimentation adjacent to a continental margin. Several other formations not included in the two groups comprise sedimentary mélange and metamorphic rocks. The Troodos Complex possesses an in situ late Cretaceous sedimentary cover which includes two formations of ferromanganiferous pelagic sediments, radiolarites and volcaniclastic sandstones. The overlying Cainozoic calcareous units are not redefined here.

scholarly journals <sup>10</sup>Be depth profiles in glacial sediments on the Swiss Plateau: deposition age, denudation and (pseudo-) inheritance

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenz Wüthrich ◽  
Claudio Brändli ◽  
Régis Braucher ◽  
Heinz Veit ◽  
Negar Haghipour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Decay ◽  
Glacial Sediments ◽  
Depth Profiles ◽  
Denudation Rates ◽  
Last Glaciation ◽  
The Alps ◽  
Swiss Plateau ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Cosmogenic 10Be

Abstract. During the Pleistocene, glaciers advanced repeatedly from the Alps onto the Swiss Plateau. Numeric age control for the last glaciation is good and thus the area is well suited to test a method which has so far not been applied to till in Switzerland. In this study, we apply in situ produced cosmogenic 10Be depth profile dating to several till deposits. Three sites lie inside the assumed Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) extent of the Rhône and Aare glaciers (Bern, Deisswil, Steinhof) and two lie outside (Niederbuchsiten, St. Urban). All sites are strongly affected by denudation, and all sites have reached steady state, i.e., the 10Be production is in equilibrium with radioactive decay and denudational losses. Deposition ages can therefore not be well constrained. Assuming constant denudation rates of 5 cm kyr−1, total denudation on the order of 100 cm for sites within the extent of the LGM and up to tens of meters for older moraines are calculated. Denudation events, for example related to periglacial conditions during the LGM, mitigate the need to invoke such massive denudation and could help to explain high 10Be concentrations at great depths, which we here dub pseudo-inheritance. This term should be used to distinguish conceptionally from true inheritance, i.e., high concentrations derived from the catchment.

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