Differences between Southalpine and Austroalpine quartzphyllite complexes Eastern Alps: results from zircon chemical compositions and Pb/Pb dating

We applied the zircon evaporation method and zircon typological and compositional studies to detrital-zircon populations of quartzphyllite complexes of the Eastern Alps, including the Southalpine (Vetriolo and Recoaro) and the Austroalpine (Goldeck, Gailtal, and Thurntaler) complexes. Combined zircon morphology and geochemical and geochronological analyses (single-zircon evaporation technique) provided significant constraints for the age of the studied protoliths. The morphological study points out that zircons from Austroalpine and Southalpine quartzphyllites show substantial differences in terms of shape, colour, size, type of inclusions, cracks, and turbidity. Electron microprobe analyses (Si, Zr, Hf, P: HREE) indicate homogeneous compositions, suggesting common source areas characterized by granitoid rocks, whereas typology indicates the existence of two distinct groups. Zircon ages from the quartzphyllites are rather different, those from Austroalpine samples being younger than Southalpine ones. Pb–Pb zircon ages define two principal evolutionary sequences. The Austroalpine complexes are characterized by an older evolution typical of subduction-related magmatism. This started by 598 Ma N-MORB-type, mainly involving depleted mantle sources, and finished with 379–341 Ma acid suites typical of a crustal source. Southalpine complexes zircon ages show an evolution characterized by tholeiitic and 473 Ma alkaline within-plate basalt-type suites in both pre- and post-Early Ordovician units. It involved intraplate mantle metasomatism and an enrichment trend along multicomponent sources. These magmatic evolution lines can be related to a plate-tectonic scenario that involved terrane accretion in a progressively mature Neoproterozoic to Ordovician active margin and a subsequent Palaeo-Tethys passive margin along the north Gondwanan periphery.     

Prograde–retrograde P–T–t–deformation path of Austroalpine micaschists during Variscan continental collision (Eastern Alps)

A complete prograde P–T path, defined by 10 calculated P–T fields in succession, is recognized from metapelites by using geothermobarometry on garnet-bearing assemblages with microstructural control. Overstacking of several tectonic units during an early Variscan continental collision explains the complex prograde P–T history. Isostatic uplift and deformation controlled the retrograde P–T path. Deformation with changing character acted continuously during all stages of the evolution of the Austroalpine basement complex. After the intrusion of Caledonian granitoids, metapelites and magmatic rocks suffered a shearing deformation D₁–D₂, which produced sheath folds as well as the main foliation S₂. Spessartine-rich first-generation garnets, situated in microlithons enclosed by S₂, record the onset of shearing under increasing high-pressure–low-temperature conditions (7 kbar/380°C). Geothermobarometry on second-generation garnets which have been rotated during growth indicates isothermal decompression from 9 kbar to 5 kbar/500°C and subsequent recompression/heating during continuing shearing. This is explained by overthrusting of a tectonic unit (unit 2) from NE to SW upon the micaschist unit (unit 1), followed by isostatic uplift and further overstocking of a third unit (unit 3). The resulting P_max of 12 kbar at 650°C and further increasing temperatures up to 680°C accompanied by decompression have been calculated using a third generation of garnets. These high-pressure–high-temperature conditions may explain the occurrence of eclogitic metabasites in adjacent regions. Staurolite and kyanite first appeared under decreasing pressures at the last stage of prograde P–T evolution. Shortening deformation D₃ and simultaneous growth of typical amphibolite facies minerals (staurolite 2, kyanite 2, sillimanite, andalusite) occurred during the retrograde path. A final step of Variscan evolution was marked by an oppositely directed shearing D₄ (at T > 300°C and P > 3 kbar), possibly indicating backthrusting or extension. Apart from acid intrusions, no signs of a previous Caledonian thermotectonic history were found in the area to the south of the Defereggen–Antholz–Vals Line.     

Concepts of the evolution of the Austroalpine basement complex (Eastern Alps) during the Caledonian-Variscan cycle

The Austroalpine basement complex has a complicated pre-Alpidic history which begins with the Caledonian era. In the late Precambrian (?) and early Paleozoic a magmatic-sedimentary rock sequence is formed presumably in an island-arc or active continental margin environment. Subduction with eclogite formation is followed by collision, high-grade metamorphism and anatexis in the Ordovician. This Caledonian basement is preserved in parts of the Austroalpine crystalline mass. The post-Caledonian deposits are mainly shelf type sediments with intercalated volcanics, although there is evidence for an oceanic basin to the south. The Variscan facies zones are arranged in SW-NE direction, oblique to the Alpidic trend. In a first stage of Variscan orogeny in the Carboniferous, south(east)-vergent decollement nappes, syntectonic flysch deposits, and granitoids are formed along with regional metamorphism. This is followed by a second stage in the Permian with north(west)-vergent thrusting, renewed granite formation, and metamorphism. The Variscan nappe pile is today exposed in a deeper level in the west or northwest than in the east or southeast.     

Eoalpine tectonics of the Eastern Alps: implications from the evolution of monometamorphic Austroalpine units (Schneeberg and Radenthein Complex)

Monometamorphic metasediments of Paleozoic or Mesozoic age constituting Schneeberg and Radenthein Complex experienced coherent deformation and metamorphism during Late Cretaceous times. Both complexes are part of the Eoalpine high-pressure wedge that formed an intracontinental suture and occur between the polymetamorphosed Ötztal–Bundschuh nappe system on top and the Texel–Millstatt Complex below. During Eoalpine orogeny Schneeberg and Radenthein Complexes were south-dipping and they experienced a common tectonometamorphic history from ca. 115 Ma onwards until unroofing of the Tauern Window in Miocene times. This evolution is subdivided into four distinct tectonometamorphic phases. Deformation stage D1 is characterized by WNW-directed shearing at high temperature conditions (550–600°C) and related to the initial exhumation of the high-pressure wedge. D2 and D3 are largely coaxial and evolved during high- to medium-temperature conditions (ca. 450 to ≥550°C). These stages are related to advanced exhumation and associated with large-scale folding of the high-pressure wedge including the Ötztal-Bundschuh nappe system above and the Texel–Millstatt Complex below. For the area west of the Tauern Window, F2/F3 fold interference results in the formation of large-scale sheath-folds in the frontal part of the nappe stack (formerly called “Schlingentektonik” by previous authors). Earlier thrusts were reactivated during Late Cretaceous normal faulting at the base of the Ötztal–Bundschuh nappe system and its cover. Deformation stage D4 is of Oligo-Miocene age and accounted for tilting of individual basement blocks along large-scale strike-slip shear zones. This tilting phase resulted from indentation of the Southern Alps accompanied by the formation of the Tauern Window.     

Records of Crustal Metasomatism in the Garnet Peridotites of the Ulten Zone (Upper Austroalpine, Eastern Alps)

Peridotites in the Ulten Zone (Upper Austroalpine, Eastern Alps),occur as small bodies within lower-crustal rocks (gneisses andmigmatites) subducted at eclogite-facies conditions during theVariscan orogeny. They record a complex metamorphic and deformationevolution as indicated by the transition from coarse-grainedspinel-bearing peridotites to fine-grained garnet + amphibole-bearingperidotites, and are interpreted as portions of mantle wedgethat were incorporated in a downgoing slab of cold continentalcrust. The transition from spinel- to garnet-bearing assemblagewas accompanied by significant input of metasomatic agents,as shown by the crystallization of abundant amphibole. Herewe present trace-element mineral chemistry data for selectedUlten peridotites, with the aim of unravelling the nature ofthe metasomatic processes. Amphiboles display significant lightrare earth element (LREE) enrichment [Ce_N/Yb_N = 3·90–11·50;LREE up to (20–50) x C1], high Sr (150–250 ppm),K (1910–7280 ppm) and Ba (280–800 ppm) contents,and low concentrations of high field strength elements (HFSE)(Zr = 14–25 ppm, Y = 6·7–16 ppm, Ti = 1150–2500ppm, Nb = 2–7 ppm). On the basis of (1) the evidence formodal orthopyroxene decrease as a result of the garnet-formingreaction rather than abundant orthopyroxene crystallization,(2) the high modal amounts of amphibole (up to 23%) in the mostmetasomatized peridotites and (3) the strong large ion lithophileelement (LILE)/HFSE fractionation in amphiboles, we infer thatthe metasomatic agent was an H₂O–CO₂ fluid with a lowCO₂/H₂O ratio. Petrological investigations and geochronologicaldata indicate that the host metapelites experienced in situpartial melting and migmatization concomitantly with the garnet+ amphibole-facies recrystallization in the enclosed peridotites.We infer that the metasomatizing hydrous fluids could representthe residual fluids left after the crystallization of leucosomes,starting from water-undersaturated melts produced during migmatizationof the host gneisses. KEY WORDS: garnet peridotite; crustal metasomatism; amphibole; hydrous fluids     

Neoproterozoic to Early-Palaeozoic magmatic evolution in the Gondwana-derived Austroalpine basement to the south of the Tauern Window (Eastern Alps)

In the Austroalpine Basement to the south of the Tauern Window, distinct suites of metabasites occur with orthogneisses in pre-Early-Ordovician units. Tholeiitic and alkaline within-plate basalt-type metabasites are associated with acid meta-porphyroids in the post-Early-Ordovician Thurntaler Phyllite Group. According to their correlated trace element abundances, metabasite zircons crystallized with their host rocks. Protolith Pb–Pb zircon ages, whole-rock Ta/Yb–Th/Yb and oxygen, Sr, Nd isotope data define two principal evolution lines. An older evolution at elevated Th/Yb typical of subduction-related magmatism, started by 590-Ma N-MORB-type and 550–530 Ma volcanic arc basalt type basic suites, which mainly involved depleted mantle sources. It finished with mainly crustal-source 470–450-Ma acid magmatites. An other evolution line by tholeiitic and 430-Ma alkaline within-plate basalt-type suites in both pre- and post-Early-Ordovician units is characterized by an intraplate mantle metasomatism and enrichment trend along multicomponent sources. These magmatic evolution lines can be related to a plate tectonic scenario that involved terranes in a progressively mature Neoproterozoic to Ordovician active margin, and a subsequent Palaeo-Tethys passive margin along the north Gondwanan periphery.     

Kinematics and geochronology of Early Cretaceous thrusting in the northwestern paleozoic of Graz (Eastern Alps)

Abstract

The multiply deformed Upper Austro-Alpine nappe pile of the Graz area is built up of low-grade metamorphosed Paleozoic rocks which are discordantly overlain by sediments of Santonian (Late Cretaceous) age (“Gosau” formation). Slices of Permo-Mesozoic rocks are absent. Analyses of structures, microfabrics, strain and shear directions were used to decipher the kinematic history; geochronological investigations to date the age of thrusting. K/Ar and Rb/Sr ages of synkinematically grown mica suggest an eo-Alpine (Early Cretaceous) age for the major deformation D1. D1 is characterized by non-coaxial rock flow which caused SW- to W directed nappe imbrication. Incremental strain measurements indicate the progressive superposition of D2 over Dl. In the higher nappe (Rannach Nappe) nappe imbrication continued during D2 changing the direction of nappe transport from SW to NW. Enhanced flattening strain in the deeper nappe (Schöckel Nappe) led to recumbent folds in all scales during D2. This study emphasized two interpretations : (1) The Alpine deformation in the Upper Austro-Alpine nappe pile of the Paleozoic of Graz started in the Earliest Cretaceous (about 125 Ma.). (2) The emplacement of nappes followed a curved translation path in the studied area.     

Geochemistry and metamorphic evolution of the Pohorje Mountain eclogites from the easternmost Austroalpine basement of the Eastern Alps (Northern Slovenia)

Kyanite-rich and quartz-rich eclogites occur as lenses within amphibolite-facies quartzo-feldspathic gneisses in the Pohorje Mountains, Northern Slovenia, that form the easternmost Austroalpine basement. Major and trace elements indicate that the kyanite-rich eclogites were derived from plagioclase-rich gabbroic cumulates, whereas the quartz-rich eclogites represent more fractionated basaltic compositions. Both varieties are characterized by a LREE-depleted N-MORB type REE signature. Geothermobarometry and P-T pseudosections indicate that eclogites equilibrated at 1.8-2.5 GPa and 630-700 °C, consistently with the lack of coesite and with equilibration conditions of the chemically similar eclogites from the adjacent basement units at Koralpe and Saualpe type localities. Decompression reaction textures include (i) clinopyroxene-plagioclase intergrowths after omphacite, (ii) replacement of kyanite by corundum-plagioclase-spinel±sapphirine symplectites, (iii) breakdown of phengite to biotite-plagioclase sapphirine symplectites. The results of this study indicate that Koralpe, Saualpe and Pohorje high-pressure rocks represent former MORB-type oceanic crust that was subducted in the course of the late Cretaceous (approximately 100 Ma ago) collision between the European and the Apulian plates.     

Zoned (Cretaceous and Cenozoic) garnet and the timing of high grade metamorphism, Southern Alps, New Zealand

New (garnet Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf) and existing (Rb–Sr, ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar, U–Pb and Sm–Nd) ages and data on deformational fabrics and mineral compositions show for the first time that the garnet growth and ductile deformation in the Alpine Schist belt and Southern Alps orogen, New Zealand are diachronous and partly Cenozoic in age. The dominant metamorphic isograds in the Alpine Schist formed during crustal thickening at a previously unsuspected time, at c. 86 Ma, immediately prior to the opening of the Tasman Sea at c. 84–82 Ma. Obvious changes in the textures and compositional zoning patterns of garnet are not always reliable indicators of polymetamorphism, and fabric elements can be highly diachronous. A detailed timing history for the growth of a single garnet is recorded by a Sm–Nd garnet–whole rock age of 97.8 ± 8.1 Ma for the inmost garnet core (zone 1), Lu–Hf ages of 86.2 ± 0.2 Ma and 86.3 ± 0.2 Ma for overgrowth zones 2 and 3, a step‐leach Sm–Nd age of 12 ± 37 Ma for zone 4, and growth of the garnet rim (zone 5) over the Alpine Fault mylonite foliation during the modern phase of oblique collision that began at c. 5–6 Ma. Plate convergence along the New Zealand portion of the Gondwana margin continued after c. 105 Ma, almost certainly culminating in the oblique collision of a large oceanic plateau (Hikurangi Plateau). The metamorphism of the Alpine Schist at c. 86 Ma is evidence of that hit. The mid‐ to late‐Cretaceous extension that is widespread elsewhere in the New Zealand region is attributed to upper plate extension and slab roll‐back. The effects of the collision with the Hikurangi Plateau may have contributed to the changing plate motions in the region leading up to the opening of the Tasman Sea at c. 82 Ma.     

Ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism and exhumation of garnet peridotite in Pohorje, Eastern Alps

New evidence for ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphism (UHPM) in the Eastern Alps is reported from garnet‐bearing ultramafic rocks from the Pohorje Mountains in Slovenia. The garnet peridotites are closely associated with UHP kyanite eclogites. These rocks belong to the Lower Central Austroalpine basement unit of the Eastern Alps, exposed in the proximity of the Periadriatic fault. Ultramafic rocks have experienced a complex metamorphic history. On the basis of petrochemical data, garnet peridotites could have been derived from depleted mantle rocks that were subsequently metasomatized by melts and/or fluids either in the plagioclase‐peridotite or the spinel‐peridotite field. At least four stages of recrystallization have been identified in the garnet peridotites based on an analysis of reaction textures and mineral compositions. Stage I was most probably a spinel peridotite stage, as inferred from the presence of chromian spinel and aluminous pyroxenes. Stage II is a UHPM stage defined by the assemblage garnet + olivine + low‐Al orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + Cr‐spinel. Garnet formed as exsolutions from clinopyroxene, coronas around Cr‐spinel, and porphyroblasts. Stage III is a decompression stage, manifested by the formation of kelyphitic rims of high‐Al orthopyroxene, aluminous spinel, diopside and pargasitic hornblende replacing garnet. Stage IV is represented by the formation of tremolitic amphibole, chlorite, serpentine and talc. Geothermobarometric calculations using (i) garnet‐olivine and garnet‐orthopyroxene Fe‐Mg exchange thermometers and (ii) the Al‐in‐orthopyroxene barometer indicate that the peak of metamorphism (stage II) occurred at conditions of around 900 °C and 4 GPa. These results suggest that garnet peridotites in the Pohorje Mountains experienced UHPM during the Cretaceous orogeny. We propose that UHPM resulted from deep subduction of continental crust, which incorporated mantle peridotites from the upper plate, in an intracontinental subduction zone. Sinking of the overlying mantle and lower crustal wedge into the asthenosphere (slab extraction) caused the main stage of unroofing of the UHP rocks during the Upper Cretaceous. Final exhumation was achieved by Miocene extensional core complex formation.     

Permian high-temperature metamorphism in the Western Alps (NW Italy)

International Journal of Earth Sciences - During the late Palaeozoic, lithospheric thinning in part of the Alpine realm caused high-temperature low-to-medium pressure metamorphism and partial...     

Alpine structures and metamorphism at the Pillonet Klippe — a remnant of the Austroalpine nappe system in the Italian Western Alps

A detailed petrofabric analysis leads to the following consequences at the Pillonet Klippe, a remnant of the Austroalpine Dent Blanche — Sesia Lanzo nappe system in the Western Alps. Two nappe forming events have to be distinguished: the first one marks the beginning, the second one the end of alpine tectonometamorphic evolution. While the first event is correlated to the early-alpine high-pressure low-temperature subduction zone metamorphism, the second event has no counterpart within the alpine metamorphic history. Post-Lepontine cold thrusts act at c. 250 °C cutting through early-alpine nappe boundaries and pile up a new sequence of nappes with different internal lithologies, structures and relics of late- and early-alpine metamorphism.Early-alpine deformation caused the penetrative first cleavage s₁ and stretching lineation str₁ and, subsequent two acts of folding D₂ and D₃ with axes parallel stretching. Nappe formation during this deformation started cold in a high crustal level and propagated into higher temperatures passing a boundary from clastic to plastic deformation. At the turning point of subduction c. 450 °C were reached, accompanied by static annealing. Until then glaucophane was stable.Late-alpine deformation caused different structures within different units of the latter klippe. They range from spectacular km-size 4th folds with NE-vergency in basement rocks to small 5th folds with NW-vergency in Mesozoic cover rocks. 5th folds postdate a static episode of Lepontine metamorphism with growth of albite porphyroblasts.Temperature had dropped markedly to less than 300 °C, when D₆ thrust faults emerged cutting the klippen units out of their source regions. Thrust nappes develop giving rise to nappe movements over several km in the high structural level of Austroalpine nappes. Thus all fabrics — except D₆ — are transported and are cut by these late and cold thrusts.

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Zusammenfassung Die Pillonet-Klippe ist ein Überrest des Austroalpinen Dent Blanche — Sesia Lanzo Dekkensystems in den italienischen W-Alpen. Detaillierte gefügekundliche Untersuchungen haben dort zu folgenden Ergebnissen geführt:Man muß zwei deckenbildende Deformationsakte unterscheiden. Der erste steht am Anfang, der zweite am Ende der alpinen Deformations-Metamorphose-Geschichte. Decken bilden sich zum ersten Mal bei eoalpiner Subduktion unter Hochdruck-Niedrigtemperatur-Metamorphose. Ein zweites Mal nach Lepontiner Metamorphose, wenn kalte Thrusts bei ca. 250 °C den eoalpinen Deckenbau zerschneiden und zu neuen Decken mit unterschiedlichen Gesteinsbeständen, Strukturen und Relikten der früh- und spät-alpinen Metamorphosen stapeln. Zwischen diesen Deformationsakten läßt sich an der Pillonet-Klippe folgende Gefügeentwicklung beobachten:Während eoalpiner Deformation wird allen Gesteinen eine durchdringende erste alpine Schieferung s₁ und Streckungsfaser str₁ überprägt. Danach folgen zwei Akte der Faltung um Achsen parallel der Streckungsfaser: D₂ und D₃. Die Bildung von Decken während D₁ beginnt kalt und klastisch in einem hohen Krustenstockwerk. Noch während D₁ werden die Gesteine zunehmend geheizt und gelangen in Bereiche plastischer Deformation. Im Wendepunkt der Subduktion sind ca. 450 °C erreicht und eine statische Metamorphose schließt die eoalpine Geschichte ab. Glaukophan ist bis in die statische Temperung stabil.Während spätalpiner Deformation lassen sich in verschiedenen Einheiten der späteren Pillonet-Klippe unterschiedliche Gefügeentwicklungen beobachten. Die Variation reicht von km-großen, NE-vergenten 4. Falten in Altkristallin-Gesteinen bis zu m-großen, NWvergenten 5. Falten in der mesozoischen Bedeckung. Ein Akt statischer Lepontin-Metamorphose mit Albit-Blastese fällt zwischen D₄ und D₅.Nach deutlichem Temperaturabfall bis unter 300 °C werden die Klippen-Einheiten aus ihren Herkunftsgebieten gestanzt und gehen als Decken auf die Reise über mehrere km. Sie benutzen mylonitisierende Thrusts, entsprechend dem hohen Austroalpinen Stockwerk. Damit sind — bis auf die D₆-Deckenbahnen — alle Gefüge der Pillonet-Klippe nicht dort erworben, sondern transportierte Gefüge, die von den späten, kalten Deckenbahnen geschnitten werden.

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Résumé L'Ecaille du Pillonet est une résidu du système de nappes austro-alpines de la Dent blanche-Sesia Lanzo dans les Alpes occidentales italiennes. Des études structurales détaillées ont conduit aux résultats suivants:On doit distinguer dans la formation des nappes deux actes de déformation, le premier au commencement, le second à la fin de l'histoire de la déformation et du métamorphisme alpins. Des nappes se forment pour la première fois au cours de la subduction éoalpine dans des conditions de métamorphisme de haute pression-basse température; une deuxième fois après le métamorphisme lépontien, lorsque des charriages froids, à quelque 250 °C recoupent l'édifice de nappes éoalpines et échafaudent de nouvelles nappes avec des lithologies et structures différentes et des restes du métamorphisme alpin ancien et récent. Entre ces deux actes de la déformation, se sont développées les structures suivantes dans l'Ecaille du Pillonet;Pendant la déformation éoalpine, toutes les roches ont été marquées par une première schistosité pénétrative alpine s₁ et une linéation str₁. Viennent ensuite deux actes de plissement, D₂ et D₃ avec axes parallèles à la linéation. La formation des nappes pendant la déformation D₁ commence dans des conditions froides et clastiques dans un étage crustal superficiel. Encore au cours de D₁ les roches s'échauffant peu à peu et pénètrent dans le domaine de la déformation plastique. Au moment de la subduction, la température de 450 °C est atteinte et un métamorphisme statique cloture l'histoire éoalpine. Le glaucophane reste stable jusqu'alors.Pendant la dernière déformation, différent développements texturaux peuvent être observés dans chacune des entités de la future Ecaille du Pillonet. Ils varient depuis des plis de type 4, de dimension kilométrique, déversés vers le NE dans le cristallin ancien, jusqu'à des plis de type 5, de dimension métrique, déversés vers le NW dans le revêtement mésozoïque. Un métamorphisme lépontin statique avec blastèse albitique survient entre D₄ et D₅.Après une chute notable de la température jusque en dessous de 300 °C, les entités de l'Ecaillé se sont détachées de leur lieu d'origine et ont migré comme nappes sur plusieurs km. à la faveur de charriages mylonitisants correspondant au niveau austroalpin élevé. De sorte que toutes les textures, sauf celles qui sont liées au charriage D₆, n'ont pas été acquises sur place, mais ont été transportées à froid par le dernier charriage.

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. : . , . . , ( 250 °) . : S₁ str₁. D₂ D₃. D₁ , . 450 ° . . . 4- 5- . D₄ D₅. 300 ° . , . . . , D₆, , .

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List of symbols D₁-D₃ 1st to 3rd deformational act of early alpine age - D₄-D₅ 4th and 5th deformational act of late alpine age - D₆ post-Lepontine deformation - s₁ str₁ First cleavage and first stretching lineation of early alpine age - s_2-3 B_2-3 Cleavage planes and axes of 2nd–3rd early alpine folds - s_4-5, B_4-5 Cleavage planes and axes of 4th–5th late alpine folds - s₆, L₆ Thrust planes and lineations of post-Lepontine nappes - km, m, cm, mm kilometre, metre, centimetre, millimetre     

Timing of metamorphism in the Tauern Window, Eastern Alps: Rb-Sr ages and fabric formation

The Peripheral Schieferhülle of the Tauern Window of the Eastern Alps represents post-Hercynian Penninic cover sequences and preserves a record of metamorphism in the Alpine orogeny, without the inherited remnants of Hercynian events that are retained in basement rocks. The temperature-time-deformation history of rocks at the lower levels of these cover sequences have been investigated by geochronological and petrographic study of units whose P-T evolution and structural setting are already well understood. The Eclogite Zone of the central Tauern formed from protoliths with Penninic cover affinities, and suffered early Alpine eclogite facies metamorphism before tectonic interposition between basement and cover. It then shared a common metamorphic history with these units, experiencing blueschist facies and subsequent greenschist facies conditions in the Alpine orogeny. The greenschist facies phase, associated with penetrative deformation in the cover and the influx of aqueous fluids, reset Sr isotopes in metasediments throughout the eclogite zone and cover schists, recording deformation and peak metamorphism at 28-30 Ma. The Peripheral Schieferhülle of the south-east Tauern Window yields Rb-Sr white mica ages which can be tied to the structural evolution of the metamorphic pile. Early prograde fabrics pre-date 31 Ma, and were reworked by the formation of the large north-east vergent Sonnblick fold structure at 28 Ma. Peak metamorphism post-dated this deformation, but by contrast to the equivalent levels in the central Tauern, peak metamorphic conditions did not lead to widespread homogenization of the Sr isotopes. Localized deformation continued into the cooling path until at least 23 Ma, partially or wholly resetting Sr white mica ages in some samples. These isotopic ages may be integrated with structural data in regional tectonic models, and may constrain changes in the style of crustal deformation and plate interaction. However, such interpretations must accommodate the demonstrable variation in thermal histories over small distances.     

Alluvial fans of the Eastern Italian Alps: morphometry and depositional processes

Abstract

Alluvial fans are abundant in many valleys of the Alps, consisting of important sites for human settlements. Relationships between alluvial fan morphometry and drainage basin characteristics have been investigated in six valleys of the Eastern Italian Alps, displaying different geological and morphological conditions. Both debris flow fans and fluvial fans are present in the studied region, the latest occurring only in quite large basins. Expansion of alluvial fans is greatly determined by the topographic characteristics of receiving valleys. Fan gradient is mainly affected by basin ruggedness conditioning depositional processes, by debris size, and, in some cases, by post-depositional reworking of fan surfaces.     

Evolution of quartz microstructures and textures during polyphase deformation within the Tauern Window (Eastern Alps)

The interior of the Tauern Window exposes underplated Penninic continental lithosphere and the overlying obducted Penninic oceanic crust within a large antiformal dome in the internal zone of the Eastern Alps. These units have been affected by a polyphase deformation history. Generally, three deformation events are distinguished. D₁ is related to underplating of, and top-to-the-N nappe stacking within, the Penninic continental units of the Tauern Window. Deformation stage D₂ is interpreted to reflect the subsequent continent collision between the Penninic continental units and the European foreland, D₃ is related to the formation of the dome structure within the Tauern Window. During thickening of continental lithosphere and nappe stacking (D₁), and subsequent intracontinental shortening (D₂), these tectonic units have been ductilely deformed close to a plane strain geometry. Conditions for the plastic deformation of the main rock-forming mineral phases (quartz, feldspar, dolomite, calcite) have prevailed during all three phases of crustal deformation. Generally, two types of quartz microstructures that are related to D₁ are distinguished within the Tauern Window: (a) Equilibrated and annealed fabrics without crystallographic preferred orientations (CPO) have only been observed in the central part of the southeastern Tauern Window, corresponding with amphibolite-grade metamorphic conditions. (b) In the northeastern and central part of the Tauern Window microstructures are characterized by quartz grains that show equilibrated shape fabrics, but well preserved CPO with type-I cross girdle distributions, indicating a deformation geometry close to plane strain. During D₂, two types of quartz microstructures are distinguished, too: (a) Quartz grains that show equilibrated shape fabrics, but well-preserved CPO. The c-axes distributions generally are characterized by type-I cross girdles, locally by type-II cross girdles, and in places, oblique single girdle distributions. (b) A second type of quartz microstructure is characterized by highly elongated grains and fabrics typical for dislocation creep and grain-boundary migration, and strong CPO. This type is restricted to the southern sections of the western and eastern Tauern Window. The c-axis distributions show type-I cross girdles in the western part of the Tauern Window and single girdles in the southeastern part. In the western part of the Tauern Window, a continuous transition from type (b) microstructures in the south to type (a) microstructures in the north is documented. The microstructural evolution also documents that the dome formation in the southeastern and western Tauern Window has already started during D₂ and has continued subsequent to the equilibration during amphibolite to greenschist facies metamorphism. D₃ is restricted to distinct zones of localized deformation. D₃-related quartz fabrics are characterized by the formation of ribbon grains; the c-axes show small-circle distributions around the Z-axis of the finite-strain ellipsoid. During exhumation and doming (D₃), deformation occurred under continuously decreasing temperatures.     

Rift-related inheritance in orogens: a case study from the Austroalpine nappes in Central Alps (SE-Switzerland and N-Italy)

The Austroalpine nappe systems in SE-Switzerland and N-Italy preserve remnants of the Adriatic rifted margin. Based on new maps and cross-sections, we suggest that the complex structure of the Campo, Grosina/Languard, and Bernina nappes is inherited largely from Jurassic rifting. We propose a classification of the Austroalpine domain into Upper, Middle and Lower Austroalpine nappes that is new because it is based primarily on the rift-related Jurassic structure and paleogeography of these nappes. Based on the Alpine structures and pre-Alpine, rift-related geometry of the Lower (Bernina) and Middle (Campo, Grosina/Languard) Austroalpine nappes, we restore these nappes to their original positions along the former margin, as a means of understanding the formation and emplacement of the nappes during initial reactivation of the Alpine Tethyan margin. The Campo and Grosina/Languard nappes can be interpreted as remnants of a former necking zone that comprised pre-rift upper and middle crust. These nappes were juxtaposed with the Mesozoic cover of the Bernina nappe during Jurassic rifting. We find evidence for low-angle detachment faults and extensional allochthons in the Bernina nappe similar to those previously described in the Err nappe and explain their role during subsequent reactivation. Our observations reveal a strong control of rift-related structures during the subsequent Alpine reactivation on all scales of the former distal margin. Two zones of intense deformation, referred to as the Albula-Zebru and Lunghin-Mortirolo movement zones, have been reactivated during Alpine deformation and cannot be described as simple monophase faults or shear zones. We propose a tectonic model for the Austroalpine nappe systems that link inherited, rift-related structures with present-day Alpine structures. In conclusion, we believe that apart from the direct regional implications, the results of this paper are of general interest in understanding the control of rift structures during reactivation of distal-rifted margins.     

Tracing the high pressure stage in the polymetamorphic Texel Complex (Austroalpine basement unit, Eastern Alps): P–T–t–d constraints

Summary Integration of new mineral chemical, geochronological and structural data from the Texel Complex yielded information on (re)crystallization and deformation processes in metapelites, eclogites and tonalitic orthogneisses during eclogite facies metamorphism. Maximum P–T conditions reached 1.2 to 1.4 GPa and 540–620 °C in the Upper Cretaceous. In tonalitic orthogneisses and metapelites, substantial garnet growth took place prior to eclogite facies metamorphism and Sm–Nd data indicate the presence of pre-Cretaceous mineral relics. In contrast, complex garnet-growth and -resorption processes are inferred for eclogites, which produced characteristic atoll microstructures and occurred close to the pressure peak of a single, coherent high pressure event. Garnet Sm–Nd data indicate eclogite facies crystallization at 85 ± 5 Ma. While eclogites retained information on the maximum burial stage, matrix phases in metapelites and orthogneisses were intensely recrystallized during the amphibolite facies metamorphic decompression. All the meso- and macro-scale deformation structures formed during the high pressure event and subsequent exhumation. The major mylonitic foliation is represented by the high pressure phases but was refolded during amphibolite facies exhumation. A biotite-whole-rock Rb–Sr age of 70–80 Ma indicates that cooling below about 300 °C occurred in the Upper Cretaceous. Supplementary material to this paper is available in electronic form at Appendix available as electronic supplementary material     

Stratigraphy and sedimentation rates of Upper Cretaceous deep-water systems of the Rhenodanubian Group (Eastern Alps, Germany)

In the Bavarian Alps (Germany), west of the Isar River, the abyssal deposits of the Lower Barremian to Upper Campanian Rhenodanubian Group consist of siliciclastic and calcareous turbidites alternating with hemipelagic non-calcareous mudstones. The up to 1500-m-thick succession, deposited in the Penninic Basin to the south of the European Plate, is characterized by a low mean sedimentation rate (c. 25 mm kyr⁻¹) over 60 million years. Palaeocurrents and turbidite facies distribution patterns suggest that sedimentation occurred on a weakly inclined abyssal plain. The highest sedimentation rates (up to 240 mm kyr⁻¹) were associated with the calcareous mud turbidites of the newly defined Röthenbach Subgroup, which includes the Piesenkopf, Kalkgraben and Hällritz formations (Middle Coniacian to Middle Campanian). These calcareous turbidites prograded from the west, and interfinger towards the east with red hemipelagic claystone. A high sea level presumably favoured pelagic carbonate production and accumulation on the shelves and on internal platforms in the western part of the basin, whereas siliciclastic shelves with steep slope angles have bordered the eastern part of the basin, where a dearth of turbidite sedimentation and increased Cretaceous oceanic red beds deposition occurred. In contrast to the eustatically-induced Middle Coniacian to Lower Campanian Cretaceous oceanic red beds (calcareous nannoplankton zones CC14 to CC18), red hemipelagites of Early Cenomanian age (upper part of calcareous nannoplankton zone CC9) and early Late Campanian age (upper part of zone CC21 and zone CC22) are interpreted as the result of regional tectonic activity.