P - T - t history of the Lower Austroalpine Nappe Complex in the "Tarntaler Berge" NW of the Tauern Window: implications for the geotectonic evolution of the central Eastern Alps

Abstract

New petrologic and 40Ar/39Ar geochronologic data constrain conditions of Alpine metamorphism along the northwestern border of the Tauern Window. The P-T estimations based on phengite barometry were determined for samples from units of the Lower Austroalpine nappe complex exposed above the Southpenninic interior of the Tauern Window, and from upper parts of the Southpenninic “Bundner Schiefer” sequence. Results suggest that both Mesozoic metasedimentary nappe units (Reckner and Hippold Nappes) and an ophiolitic nappe (Reckner Complex) of the Lower Austroalpine nappe complex have been metamorphosed at pressures between 8 and 10.5 kbar and temperatures around 350 °C. The structurally highest Lower Austroalpine unit (Quartzphyllite Nappe) was not affected by high-pressure metamorphism and records maximum P-T conditions of approximately 4 kbar and 400 °C. Highest parts of the structurally underlying Southpenninic Bundner Schiefer sequence were metamorphosed at intermediate pressures (6–7 kbar). Temperatures increased in all structural units during decompression. Whole-rock 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages of silicic phyllites and cherts with abundant high-Si phengites record ages around 50 Ma in the Reckner Nappe, and 44–37 Ma in the Hippold Nappe and Southpenninic Bundner Schiefer sequence. These ages are interpreted to date closely the high-pressure metamorphism.