scholarly journals Late Miocene thrusting in the North Alpine foreland: Driven by a deep-seated process and shaped by the local mechanical stratigraphy

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Mock ◽  
Christoph von Hagke ◽  
Fritz Schlunegger ◽  
István Dunkl ◽  
Marco Herwegh
Keyword(s):  
Late Miocene ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Foreland Basin ◽  
Crustal Thickening ◽  
Tectonic Activity ◽  
European Alps ◽  
Strain Partitioning ◽  
Central Alps ◽  
The North ◽  
Alpine Foreland

Abstract. Besides classical emplacement and accretion related nappe tectonics, the Oligocene to middle Miocene post-collisional evolution of the central European Alps was also characterized by pronounced vertically directed tectonics. These are expressed by backthrusting along the Insubric Line and the subsequent uplift of the External Crystalline Massifs (ECMs). During late Miocene times, the Central Alps experienced lateral growth when deformation propagated into the external parts of both the pro- and retro-side of the orogen. For the North Alpine foreland, pro-wedge propagation of deformation has been kinematically and spatially linked to the uplift and exhumation of the ECMs. In this paper, we investigate the young exhumation history of the North Alpine foreland. Based on low-temperature apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He thermochronometry, we constrain thrusting in the Subalpine Molasse between 12 Ma and 5 Ma, thus occurring coeval to the main deformation phase in the adjacent Jura fold-and-thrust belt (FTB) and late stage exhumation of the ECMs. However, this pattern of tectonic activity is not restricted to areas which are bordered by the ECMs, but is consistent along the entire front of the Central Alps, regardless of its hinterland architecture. The local-scale pattern of strain partitioning and style of deformation is governed by lateral variations in the sedimentary foreland basin architecture. We suggest that the large-scale constant tectonic signal is the response to a shift in tectonic forces caused by a deep-seated geodynamic process. This resulted in a change from dominantly vertical to orogen-scale horizontal tectonics and an associated orogen-perpendicular growth of crustal thickening. We constrain the onset of this major tectonic change to ca. 15 Ma in the Southern Alps and ca. 12 Ma in the North Alpine foreland, where it results in (re-)activation of thrusts in the Subalpine Molasse and folding in the Jura FTB.

scholarly journals Large-wavelength late Miocene thrusting in the North Alpine foreland: Implications for late orogenic processes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Mock ◽  
Christoph von Hagke ◽  
Fritz Schlunegger ◽  
István Dunkl ◽  
Marco Herwegh
Keyword(s):  
Late Miocene ◽  
Foreland Basin ◽  
Crustal Thickening ◽  
Tectonic Activity ◽  
Local Geometry ◽  
European Alps ◽  
The North ◽  
Nappe Tectonics ◽  
Alpine Foreland ◽  
Large Wavelength

Abstract. Additional to classical nappe tectonics, the Oligocene to mid-Miocene post-collisional evolution of the Central European Alps was characterized by vertically directed tectonics, with backthrusting along the Insubric Line and the subsequent uplift of the External Crystalline Massifs (ECMs). Thereafter, the orogen experienced axis-perpendicular growth when deformation propagated into its external parts. For the North Alpine foreland between Lake Geneva and Lake Constance, in the past, this has been kinematically and spatially linked to the uplift and exhumation of the ECMs. Based on apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He thermochronometry, we constrain thrusting in the Subalpine Molasse between 12–4 Ma, thus occurring coeval to main deformation in the Jura fold-and-thrust belt (FTB) and late stage exhumation of the ECMs. However, this pattern of tectonic activity is not restricted to areas which are bordered by ECMs, but is consistent along the northern front of the Alps between Geneva and Salzburg. Therefore, late Miocene foreland deformation is not necessarily a consequence of uplift and exhumation of the ECMs. While the local geometry of the Subalpine Molasse results from lateral variations of the mechanical stratigraphy of the foreland basin sediments, we suggest that the large-wavelength tectonic signal is the response to a shift in tectonic forces possibly caused by deep-seated geodynamic processes. This resulted in a change from dominantly vertical to horizontal tectonics and orogen-perpendicular growth of crustal thickening. We constrain the onset of this major tectonic change to ca. 12 Ma in the North Alpine foreland, resulting in thrusting and folding in the Subalpine Molasse west of Salzburg and in the Jura FTB until at least 4 Ma.

scholarly journals Miocene high elevation in the Central Alps

Solid Earth ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 2615-2631
Author(s):  
Emilija Krsnik ◽  
Katharina Methner ◽  
Marion Campani ◽  
Svetlana Botsyun ◽  
Sebastian G. Mutz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Foreland Basin ◽  
European Alps ◽  
Molasse Basin ◽  
Central Alps ◽  
Pedogenic Carbonate ◽  
Northern Alpine Foreland ◽  
History Of ◽  
Alpine Foreland ◽  
Alpine Foreland Basin

Abstract. Reconstructing Oligocene–Miocene paleoelevation contributes to our understanding of the evolutionary history of the European Alps and sheds light on geodynamic and Earth surface processes involved in the development of Alpine topography. Despite being one of the most intensively explored mountain ranges worldwide, constraints on the elevation history of the European Alps remain scarce. Here we present stable and clumped isotope measurements to provide a new paleoelevation estimate for the mid-Miocene (∼14.5 Ma) European Central Alps. We apply stable isotope δ–δ paleoaltimetry to near-sea-level pedogenic carbonate oxygen isotope (δ18O) records from the Northern Alpine Foreland Basin (Swiss Molasse Basin) and high-Alpine phyllosilicate hydrogen isotope (δD) records from the Simplon Fault Zone (Swiss Alps). We further explore Miocene paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental conditions in the Swiss Molasse Basin through carbonate stable (δ18O, δ13C) and clumped (Δ47) isotope data from three foreland basin sections in different alluvial megafan settings (proximal, mid-fan, and distal). Combined pedogenic carbonate δ18O values and Δ47 temperatures (30±5 ∘C) yield a near-sea-level precipitation δ18Ow value of -5.8±1.2 ‰ and, in conjunction with the high-Alpine phyllosilicate δD value of -14.6±0.3 ‰, suggest that the region surrounding the Simplon Fault Zone attained surface elevations of >4000 m no later than the mid-Miocene. Our near-sea-level δ18Ow estimate is supported by paleoclimate (iGCM ECHAM5-wiso) modeled δ18O values, which vary between −4.2 ‰ and −7.6 ‰ for the Northern Alpine Foreland Basin.

scholarly journals Miocene high elevation and high relief in the Central Alps

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilija Krsnik ◽  
Katharina Methner ◽  
Marion Campani ◽  
Svetlana Botsyun ◽  
Sebastian G. Mutz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Foreland Basin ◽  
European Alps ◽  
Molasse Basin ◽  
Central Alps ◽  
Pedogenic Carbonate ◽  
Northern Alpine Foreland ◽  
History Of ◽  
Alpine Foreland ◽  
Alpine Foreland Basin

Abstract. Reconstructing Oligocene-Miocene paleoelevation contributes to our understanding of the evolutionary history of the European Alps and sheds light on geodynamic and Earth’s surface processes involved in the development of Alpine topography. Despite being one of the most intensively explored mountain ranges worldwide, constraints on the elevation history of the European Alps, however, remain scarce. Here we present stable and clumped isotope geochemistry measurements to provide a new paleoelevation estimate for the mid-Miocene (~14.5 Ma) European Central Alps. We apply stable isotope δ-δ paleoaltimetry on near sea level pedogenic carbonate oxygen isotope (δ18O) records from the Northern Alpine Foreland Basin (Swiss Molasse Basin) and high-Alpine phyllosilicate hydrogen isotope (δD) records from the Simplon Fault Zone (Swiss Alps). We further explore Miocene paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental conditions in the Swiss Molasse Basin through carbonate stable (δ18O, δ13C) and clumped (Δ47) isotope data from three foreland basin sections in different alluvial megafan settings (proximal, mid-fan, and distal). Combined pedogenic carbonate δ18O values and Δ47 temperatures (30 ± 5 °C) yield a near sea level precipitation δ18Ow value of −5.8 ± 0.2 ‰ and in conjunction with the high-Alpine phyllosilicate δD record suggest that the region surrounding the SFZ attained surface elevations of > 4000 m no later than the mid-Miocene. Our near sea level δ18Ow estimate is supported by paleoclimate (iGCM Echam5-wiso) modeled δ18O values, which vary between −4.2 and −7.6 ‰ for the Northern Alpine Foreland Basin.

scholarly journals Miocene basement exhumation in the Central Alps recorded by detrital garnet geochemistry in foreland basin deposits

Solid Earth ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1581-1595
Author(s):  
Laura Stutenbecker ◽  
Peter M. E. Tollan ◽  
Andrea Madella ◽  
Pierre Lanari
Keyword(s):  
Foreland Basin ◽  
Alluvial Fan ◽  
Sediment Supply ◽  
European Alps ◽  
Central Alps ◽  
Drainage Networks ◽  
Northern Alpine Foreland ◽  
Relief Distribution ◽  
Alpine Foreland ◽  
Alpine Foreland Basin

Abstract. The Neogene evolution of the European Alps was characterized by the exhumation of crystalline basement, the so-called external crystalline massifs. Their exhumation presumably controlled the evolution of relief, distribution of drainage networks, and generation of sediment in the Central Alps. However, due to the absence of suitable proxies, the timing of their surficial exposure and thus the initiation of sediment supply from these areas are poorly constrained. The northern Alpine foreland basin preserves the Oligocene to Miocene sedimentary record of tectonic and climatic adjustments in the hinterland. This contribution analyses the provenance of 25 to 14 Myr old alluvial fan deposits by means of detrital garnet chemistry. Unusually grossular- and spessartine-rich garnet is found (1) to be a unique proxy for identifying detritus from the external crystalline massifs and (2) to occur abundantly in ca. 14 Myr old deposits of the foreland basin. In contrast to previous assumptions, we therefore propose that the external massifs were already exposed to the surface ca. 14 Myr ago.

scholarly journals Long-wavelength late-Miocene thrusting in the north Alpine foreland: implications for late orogenic processes

Solid Earth ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1823-1847
Author(s):  
Samuel Mock ◽  
Christoph von Hagke ◽  
Fritz Schlunegger ◽  
István Dunkl ◽  
Marco Herwegh
Keyword(s):  
Late Miocene ◽  
Late Stage ◽  
Thrust Belt ◽  
Central Alps ◽  
Slab Geometry ◽  
Long Wavelength ◽  
The North ◽  
Fold And Thrust Belt ◽  
Alpine Foreland ◽  
Main Deformation

Abstract. In this paper, we present new exhumation ages for the imbricated proximal molasse, i.e. Subalpine Molasse, of the northern Central Alps. Based on apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He thermochronometry, we constrain thrust-driven exhumation in the Subalpine Molasse between 12 and 4 Ma. This occurs synchronously to the main deformation in the adjacent Jura fold-and-thrust belt farther north and to the late stage of thrust-related exhumation of the basement massifs (i.e. external crystalline massifs) in the hinterland. Our results agree with other findings along the north Alpine foreland. While site-specific variations in the mechanical stratigraphy of the molasse deposits influence the pattern of thrusting at the local scale, we observe that late-Miocene thrusting is a long-wavelength feature occurring along the north Alpine foreland roughly between Lake Geneva and Salzburg. The extent of this thrusting signal as well as the timing suggests that late-Miocene thrusting in the north Alpine foreland coincides with the geometries and dynamics of the attached Central Alpine slab at depth. Interestingly, this implies that the slab geometry at depth does not coincide with the boundary between the Eastern and Central Alps as observed in the surface geology. Using this observation, we propose that thrusting in the Subalpine Molasse and consequently also the late stage of thrust-related exhumation of the external crystalline massifs, as well as the main deformation in the Jura fold-and-thrust belt are at least partly linked to changes in slab dynamics.

scholarly journals Reappearance of Galerix (Erinaceomorpha, Mammalia) at the Middle to Late Miocene transition in South Germany: biostratigraphic and palaeoecologic implications

2011 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jérôme Prieto ◽  
Lars W. van den Hoek Ostende ◽  
Madelaine Böhme ◽  
M. Braze
Keyword(s):  
Late Miocene ◽  
Foreland Basin ◽  
Lower Vertebrate ◽  
Climatic Fluctuations ◽  
European Origin ◽  
The North ◽  
North Alpine Foreland Basin ◽  
Alpine Foreland ◽  
Alpine Foreland Basin ◽  
Event Based

The presence of Galerix molars in the South German fossil locality Hammerschmiede 3 is interpreted as evidence for a reimmigration of West European origin into the North Alpine Foreland Basin at the transition of the Middle to Late Miocene. The brief re-appearence of Galerix in southern Germany can be used as a biostratigraphic marker that allows promising correlations between local biostratigraphic subdivisions from Spain and Germany, suggesting that, contrary to previous thought, the Hammerschmiede locality may antedate the hipparionine horses’ appearance event. Based on the supposed climatic adaptation of galericine taxa and lower vertebrate record, it is hypothesized that short term climatic fluctuations occurred in South Germany around the time of the first appearance of the hipparionine horses in Europe.

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