Opening and Post-Rift Evolution of Alpine Tethys Passive Margins: Insights from 1D Numerical Modeling of the Jurassic Mikulov Formation in the Vienna Basin Region, Austria

Abstract

This study employed 1D numerical pseudo models to examine the Upper Jurassic carbonate succession, focusing on the Mikulov Formation in the Vienna Basin region. It addresses the protracted and complex history of the Jurassic source rock play, revealing a transition from rapid syn-rift (>200 m/Ma) to slower post-rift sedimentation/subsidence of the overlying layers during extensional deformation (up to 120 m/Ma with a thickness of 1300 m). This provides valuable insights into the rift-to-drift stage of the central Alpine Tethys margin. The Mikulov marls exhibit characteristics of a post-rift passive margin with slow sedimentation rates. However, a crustal stretching analysis using syn-rift heat flow sensitivity suggested that thermal extension of the basement alone cannot fully explain the mid-Jurassic syn-rift stage in this segment of the Alpine Tethys. The sensitivity analysis showed that the mid-late Jurassic differential syn-rift sequences were exposed to slightly cooler temperatures than the crustal stretching model predicted. Heat flow values below 120 mW/m2 aligned with measurements from deeply settled Mesozoic successions, suggesting cold but short gravity-driven subsidence. This may account for the relatively low thermal maturation of the primary source rock interval identified by the time-chart analysis, despite the complex tectonic history and considerable sedimentary burial. The post-Mesozoic changes in the compaction trend are possibly linked to the compressional thrusting of the Alpine foreland and postdating listric faulting across the Vienna Basin.