Hohe Tauern Research Articles

Artenbestand und Struktur der Ciliatenzཀྵnose in alpinen Kleingewässern (Hohe Tauern, Österreich))

The species richness and the structure of the ciliate community was studied in 77 stagnant and running small water bodies of the Austrian Alps (“Hohe Tauern”). The usually ephemeral pools were characterized by special and metabolic criteria. They are located 1150–2600 m above sea-level, on an average of 2070 m. 194 species were determined, their distribution and feeding habits are described. Some 34 % of them are new to science. At a rough estimation some 300 species occur frequently in the investigated area. Species and individual richness and group dominance are similar to that of natural small water bodies in other districts of the world. Kinetofragminophora are dominant, succeeded by Polyhymenophora, Oligohymenophora or Peritricha. With regard to feeding habits bacteria consumers and omnivorous species are dominant. The species-individual-relation and the genus-species-relation obeys the rules known from metazoan communities. The following species whose presence and co-ordination is comparatively high characterize the moderately and heavy eutrophic pools of the “Hohe Tauern”: Oxytricha fallax, Cyrtolophosis mucicola, Pseudochilodonopsis algivora, Dileptus anser, Urotricha agilis, Vorticella infusionum, Kreyella minuta , and Paruroleptus caudatus . Species, characterized by special morphological features are largely absent in the ephemeral pools of the “Hohe Tauern”. It is concluded, that the “principle of species and individual numbers” (1. and 2. basic principle for biocoenotics) is valid for the alpine ciliate community too, and that the ephemeral pools of the “Hohe Tauern” are not an extreme environment for ciliates. Es wurde der Artenbestand und die Struktur der Ciliatenzönose in 77 stagnierenden und fließenden Kleingewässern der Österreichischen Zentralalpen (Hohe Tauern) untersucht. Die meist ephemeren, stagnierenden Kleingewässer wurden nach besonderen Kennzeichen und dem Stoffhaushalt klassifiziert. Sie liegen in einer Meereshöhe von 1150 – 1600 m, im Durchschnitt bei 2070 m. Es wurden 194 Species determiniert, deren Verbreitung und Ernährungsweise angegeben wird. Rund 34 % der Arten waren bisher nicht bekannt. Der häufige Artenbestand des Untersuchungsgebietes wird auf etwa 300 Species geschätzt. Die Arten- und Individuendichte sowie die Gruppendominanz ist gut vergleichbar mit jener in anderen natürlichen Gewässern der Erde. Es überwiegen die Kinetofragminophora, gefolgt von den Polyhymenophora und Oligohymenophora oder Peritricha. Hinsichtlich der Ernährungsweise dominieren bakteriovore und omnivore Arten. Die Arten-Individuen-Relation und die Gattungen-Arten-Relation folgt den von Metazoenzönosen bekannten Regeln. Die folgenden Arten, deren Präsenz und Koordination vergleichsweise hock ist, kennzeichnen die mäßig und stark eutrophen Tümpel in den Hohen Tauern: Oxytricha fallax, Cyrtolophosis mucicola, Pseudochilodonopsis algivora, Dileptus anser, Urotricha agilis, Vorticella infusionum, Kreyella minuta und Paruroleptus caudatus . Morphologisch gekennzeichnete Charakterarten treten in den ephemeren Kleingewässern der Hohen Tauern nur sehr selten auf. Aus den Untersuchungen wird gefolgert, daß das „Prinzip der Arten- und Individuenzahlen“ (1. und 2. biozönotisches Grundprinzip) auch für die Ciliatenzönose des alpinen Lebensraumes gilt und die ephemeren Tümpel der Hohen Tauern kein extremer Lebensraum für die Ciliaten sind.

Mineralstoffverhältnisse in einem Krummseggenrasen (Caricetum curvulae) im Glocknergebiet

As part of the Austrian MaB-Project „Hohe Tauern‟ the most important species of a Caricetum curvulae at 2,300 m. S.L. were investigated concerning their mineral composition. The mineral content was analysed at various times during the year. The average nitrogen content of the investigated phanerogams ranges between 1. 7 and 2 %. As compared with spring and autumn values with 1.1 g.m. −2 , the nitrogen supply of the biomass increases to 2.3 g.m. −2 during the vegetation period. The average phosphor content lies between 0.21 and 0.24 %. Its supply douples also during the year (from 0.15 g.m. −2 to 0.28 g.m. −2 ). The average potassium content reaches values of 1.25 to 1.6 %. The maximal supply amounts 2 g.m. −2 , about three times as high as in spring and autumn. In the mean the calcium content is 0.35 to 1 %. Maximal values are reached late in the vegetation period (August); its supply amounts maximally 1 g.m. −2 . The magnesium content of the dicotyledonous species is twice as high as that of the monocotyledons (0.4 % as compared with 0.2 %). The maximal Mg-supply is two and a half times larger than in spring and autumn (0.13 g.m. −2 ). The average sodium content lies at 0.02 %. With 0.16 % the silicium content is twice as high in Carex curvula All. than in Primula minima (L.) (0.31 %). The highest mineral concentration generally was found in Avenula versicolor (V ill .) L ainz the lowest one always in Carex curvula . The here determined mineral contents and supplies were compared with those gained from other plant communities.

Deformed pillow lavas from the Central Hohe Tauern, Austria, and their bearing on the origin of epidote-banded greenstones

Deformed pillow structures are described in greenstones from the Tauern Window, Austria, confirming the presence of submarine basalts within this part of the Pennine Zone. The pillows have been subjected to a large constrictional strain, so that their shapes are still easily recognisable in sections perpendicular to the stretching direction. The pillow rims are highly enriched in epidote, whereas the cores are of more typical spilitic composition. The nature of the alteration is unlike that described from pillow basalts altered on the sea floor, and is therefore assigned to alteration during regional metamorphism. Recalculation of the analyses of rim and core suggests that additional calcium in the rim was derived by spilitisation of the core rather than by massive calcium metasomatism from outside. Intense flattening of the differentiated pillows, as is usual over most of the area studied, produced an epidote-banded greenstone in which recognisable pillow structures are largely absent.

On the distribution of the electrical conductivity below the Eastern Alps

Along a profile Chiemsee—Hohe Tauern/Zillertaler Alpen-Drautal magnetotelluric measurements have been made at 65 sites and geomagnetic depth sounding has been made at 21 sites. From these registrations the distribution of the electrical conductivity at greater depths can be deduced by determining the distribution of the induced electric currents. We were mainly interested in the transition zone molasse basin/Calcareous Alps and in the conductivity distribution below the Hohe Tauern and the Zillertaler Alpen. The different rock units of the Calcareous Alps have on the average a low electrical conductivity. They are underlain by well conducting sediments (probably molasse) until 10 km south of the morphological border of the Alps. The well conducting sediments below the Calcareous Alps are rather thick. We assume a thickness of 3–4 km. The sediments decrease at the assumed southern border of the molasse basin within a short distance. The distribution of the electrical conductivity below the central eastern Alps has been investigated, to find perhaps an indication for an increased temperature in this area. A clear increase of the conductivity and as a consequence also of the temperature could not be found below the central eastern Alps. A small increase of the electrical conductivity, however, could be found in some areas as for example below the Hohe Tauern and below the upper valleys of the rivers Drau and Rienz. As the number of stations was too small in this area, no detailed information can be given about the extension and the depth range of these local conductivity anomalies.

Coexisting phengite, paragonite and margarite in metasediments of the mittlere Hohe Tauern, Austria

The assemblages phengite-paragonite, phengite-margarite and phengite-paragonitemargarite are very common in metasediments of a N-S profile in the middle sector of the Hohe Tauern. The Si4+-content of phengite shows no regular change with increasing temperature from north to south along the profile. The variations in the d002 basal spacings of phengite coexisting with paragonite are not only dependent on the Na+ content of phengite but also on the Mg2++Fe2+ content of the micas. Neither the sodium content in phengite nor the potassium content in paragonite shows any dependence on temperature. Chemical analyses of coexisting phengite, paragonite and margarite give the extent of the three-phase-region which is characterized by a small amount of margarite in paragonite (4 Mol%), by a large quantity of Na+ in margarite (28 Mol% paragonite), and limited miscibility between phengite and paragonite.

Metamorphic plagioclase crystallization and zones of equal anorthite content in epidote-bearing, amphibole-free rocks of the western Tauernfenster, eastern Alps

The plagioclase in the Penninic, epidote-bearing and amphibole-free gneisses, mica schists and phyllites of the western Hohe Tauern (Austria/Italy) was generated by Alpine crystallization. Reverse zoning in these plagioclase formed during the ‘Tauern Crystallization’ indicate that they were probably produced by a two-stage process of regional metamorphism. Statistical analysis of the regional distribution of plagioclase An-content shows that the highest values are located in the Zillerthal Alps in the central Tauernfenster, whereas An values decrease towards the periphery of the Tauernfenster. Three areas of differing plagioclase composition have been delineated by the regional analysis. In the central region maximum An-contents range from 20 to 29%; in the intermediate region they vary from 14 to 19%; and in marginal areas they do not exceed 6%. In general these three zones are concordant to the major tectonic structures.

Coexisting zoisite and clinozoisite in biotite schists from the Hohe Tauern, Austria

Coexisting zoisite and clinozoisite assemblages in biotite schists from the western Hohe Tauern, Austria, have been investigated with the electron microprobe, polarization optics, and X-ray diffractometer. Zoisite and clinozoisite show slight compositional zoning, ranging from the core to the rim from about 1.8 to 1.0 wt. % Fe in zoisite, and 4.0 to 3.0 wt. % Fe in clinozoisite. The results suggest a gap of composition between coexisting zoisite and clinozoisite under greenschist-amphibolite transition facies conditions. The optical orientation and 2V of zoisite vary considerably within single grains. Lamellar structures have been detected which may be produced by unmixing of zoisite. The Fe-poor lamellae have 2V z=20–50°, a dispersion r>v, and relatively low refringence, the Fe-rich lamellae have 2V z =90–100°, r≪v, and higher refringence. The optic axial planes of both lamellae systems deviate from the (100) cleavage by up to 15°, and suggest a deviation from orthorombic symmetry. The lattice constants of coexisting zoisite and clinozoisite are given.

Sauerstoff-Isotopenuntersuchungen an Mineralen eines metamorphen Profils der Hohen Tauern, �sterreich

Oxygen isotope analyses on minerals of a metamorphic profile from Hohe Tauern, Austria indicate that the oxygen isotopes of the coexisting minerals quartz, garnet, and biotite have been reequilibrated during alpidic metamorphism. The K/Ar-ages of these biotites are in the range of 20–30 my. Metamorphic temperatures can be calculated from the quartz-biotite and quartz-garnet isotopic fractionations. The metamorphic temperature in the northern part of the region under investigation is 440° C and increases in direction to Tauernhauptkamm to about 600° C. Indicated by petrographic investigations, two samples from this area show no remarkable metamorphic influence. K/Ar-determinations on hornblendes and biotites yielded variscan ages.

Petrological investigation of metamorphic rocks of the Western part of the Hohe Tauern (Austria)

In einem metamorphen Gebiet (westliche Hohe Tauern, Osterreich), das P-T-Bedingungen von der niedrigen Grunschieferfazies bis zur Amphibolitfazies zeigt, wird die aufsteigende Metamorphose in ehemals pelitischen, mergeligen sowie in basaltischen und ultramafitischen Gesteinen beschrieben.

Ice Margins of the 19th and 20th Centuries in the Venedigergruppe, Hohe Tauern, Austria

Ice Margins of the 19th and 20th Centuries in the Venedigergruppe, Hohe Tauern, Austria

Experimental studies on the formation of inclusions in plagioclases from metatonalites, Hohe Tauern, Austria (lower temperature stability limit of the paragenesis anorthite plus potash feldspar)

New experimental data are presented at stability conditions of paragenesis in the system K2O-CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O. These results are used to estimate the pressure temperature conditions under which minute inclusions, mostly consisting of zoisite/clinozoisite and muscovite, have crystallized in calcic plagioclases from metatonalites and metadiorites (Hohe Tauern, Austria). In the pressure region 1.5–8 kb the following reactions were observed: zoisite+muscovite+quartz=anorthite+potash feldspar+water (1) grossularite+muscovite+quartz=anorthite+potash feldspar+water (2) zoisite+quartz=anorthite+grossularite+water (3) natural plagioclase with its inclusions (zoisite/clinozoisite and muscovite) (4) =more basic plagioclase without inclusions.

Ice Margins of the 19th and 20th Centuries in the Venedigergruppe, Hohe Tauern, Austria

Ice Margins of the 19th and 20th Centuries in the Venedigergruppe, Hohe Tauern, Austria

Granate mit Zusammensetzungen zwischen Almandin und Grossular aus den westlichen Hohen Tauern, �sterreich

Garnets in epidote-bearing gneisses and mica schists from the western Hohe Tauern, Austria, have been analyzed by optical, x-ray powder diffraction, wet chemical and electron microprobe methods. The garnets frequently show zonal structure and their core compositions are in the range 45–52% grossular, 31–44% almandine, 3–13% spessartine, 0–7% andradite and 0–2% pyrop. The refractive indices n=1.780–1.786 and the lattice parameter a=11.68–11.73 A likewise are intermediate between almandine and grossular. It is suggested that there is complete solid solution between almandine and grossular, at least under the conditions of greenschist to low-temperature amphibolite facies of regional metamorphism of the Tauern area.

Studies on vertical total-beta-activity profiles of fission products in the accumulation area of the Stubacher Sonnblickkees (Hohe Tauern, Salzburg, Austria)

In the years of 1965 and 1966 continuous vertical sets of samples were bored from pits comprising the uppermost perannual snowcover in the accumulation area of the Stubacher Sonnblickkees (Hohe Tauern, Salzburg, Austria). The total-beta-activity of the samples was measured in order to study the changes of the vertical distribution of fission products by summerly melting processes. An enrichment of fission products was found in the layer under the late, summer horizon. However, the weak activity of the layer underneath accumulated during the winter period is hardly influenced by meltwater percolation from the superimposed layer with high activity.

New synthetic aspects of the tectonics of the eastern section of the Austrian central Alps

New field experience enables us to compare the very different kinds of Alpidic structural features in the crystalline masses east of the Hohe Tauern. A group of gneisses with Alpidic 2 metamorphosis is tobe distinguished from the old crystallines because of its close genetic relations to the gneisses of the Hohe Tauern. According to the gliding tectonics of the crystallines, some new ideas are presented about the position of the central Alpine Mesozoic rocks relative to the Penninic facies and to the East Alpine crystallines. The nappe-theoretical concept of the eastern central Alps is critically elucidated and a new conception is presented for discussion. The influence of pre-Alpidic basement structures in northeastern and northwestern direction on the heterogeneous Alpidic development is shown in the area under consideration.

Orthit in den Gesteinen der Sonnblickgruppe (Hohe Tauern)

Some types of Allanite (Orthite) are here described. They are found as assessory minerals in the rocks of the Hohe Tauern (penninic zone of the Eastern Alps) and in the hercynian foreland (Bohemian Massif). We distinguish Allanite I, II and III. The Allanite I (Hohe Tauern) is not isotropisized, but currently idiomorphic, with a xenomorphic rim of Clinozoisite. Where Allanite I is bordering Quartz or Potassium feldspar there is generally no rim of Clinozoisite. In the tectonites one observes granulated Allanite I and transformation of Allanite I to finegranied aggregates of Clinozoisite. Allanite II (Hohe Tauern) is found in intensely radioactive rocks. It is currently isotropisized, xenomorphic and surrounded by xenomorphic rims of Pistacite. Allanite III (Bohemian Massif) may be the oldest one and it is mostly isotropisized. The problems of the genesis and the age of crystallisation of Allanite during the history of our polymetamorphic rocks are shortly touched.

�ber die Zusammensetzung, Entstehung und gesteins-systematische Stellung tonalitisch-granitischer Gesteine

Igneous rocks of the periadriatic intrusives as well as of the Eastern Alps (Hohe Tauern) ranging from tonalites to granites can be combined genetically to form one province. They are characterized with regard to their bulk chemistry and petrofabrics. Petrographic results so far available about their origin are compared with recent experimental experiences concerning anatexis. There are strong analogies between these two ways of approach. The corroded basic cores of characteristically zoned plagioclases are partly interpreted as anatectic relics, their zoned outer shells of intermediate An content as products of magmatic crystallization. In contrast to Johannsen's nomenclature the term tonalite is proposed to denote an independend rock family intermediate between granodiorite, granogabbro, and quartz gabbro.

Leitende Strukturen am Nordostrand der Hohen Tauern

Leitende Strukturen am Nordostrand der Hohen Tauern

On thermal springs a contribution to the knowledge of their nature

Temperature and discharge of fourteen thermal spring at Badgastein (Hohe Tauern, Austrian Alps) were observed throughout a year.Daily observations were made at four springs. With these an obviously rapid increase in temperature of 1 Cdeg occurred from May 11 to May, 12 1931. Generally, short variations are exceedingly small. Six other springs, observed once a week, showed an increase in temperature of an equal amount. Synchronism of the increase among all the ten springs could be made plausible. The dropping back of temperature on May 23 occurred unequivocally simultaneously with all the ten springs.

Austria: Her Raw Materials and Industrial Potentialities

in the center of Europe, it is surrounded by seven countries and is on the crossroad between the North (Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland) and the South (Italy and Yugoslavia), the East and the West. Austria's total boundary is 1600 miles; its total length is 360 miles and its width, 183 miles. The Alps cut across Austria from Switzerland to the Hungarian plains in an east-west direction, thus giving the country a complex topographic pattern which reflects upon distribution of its economic resources, land-use, and distribution of its population. The country is very rugged, as evidenced in the large local relief varying from approximately 11,000 feet to 1500 feet. Three-fourths of Austria's surface may be classified as mountainous, while only 5 per cent could be termed true plain. Because of rugged relief, nearly 11 per cent of the total area is unproductive, the barren portion amounting to 25 per cent in the Hohe Tauern and to 34 per cent in the Central Austrian Alps. Almost 41 per cent of the productive area of Austria is cultivated as