Molasse Basin Research Articles

Structure of the lithosphere beneath the Eastern Alps (southern sector of the TRANSALP transect)

The interpretation of the seismic Vibroseis and explosive TRANSALP profiles has examined the upper crustal structures according to the near-surface geological evidences and reconstructions which were extrapolated to depth. Only the southern sector of the TRANSALP transect has been discussed in details, but its relationship with the whole explored chain has been considered as well. The seismic images indicate that pre-collision and deep collision structures of the Alps are not easily recognizable. Conversely, good records of the Neo-Alpine to present architecture were provided by the seismic sections. Two general interpretation models (“Crocodile” and “Extrusion”) have been sketched by the TRANSALP Working Group [2002]. Both illustrate the continental collision producing strong mechanical interaction of the facing European and African margins, as documented by giant lithosphere wedging processes. Arguments consistent with the “Extrusion” model and with the indentation of Adriatic (Southalpine) lithosphere underneath the Tauern Window (TW) are: – According to the previous DSS reconstructions, the Bouguer anomalies and the Receiver Functions seismological data, the European Moho descends regularly attaining a zone south of the Periadriatic Lineament (PL). The Moho boundary and its geometry appear to be rather convincing from images of the seismic profile; – the Tauern Window intense uplift and exhumation is coherent with the strong compression regime, which acted at depth, thus originating the upward and lateral displacement of the mobile and ductile Penninic masses according to the “Extrusion” model; – the indentation of the Penninic mobile masses within the colder and more rigid Adriatic crust cannot be easily sustained. Wedging of the Adriatic stiffened lower crust, under high stresses and into the weaker Penninic domain, can be a more suitable hypothesis. Furthermore, the intrusion of the European Penninic crustal wedge underneath the Dolomites upper crust is not supported by any significant uplifting of the Dolomites. The total average uplift of the Dolomites during the Neogene appears to be 6−7 times smaller than that recognized in the TW. Markedly the northward dip of the PL, reaching a depth of approximately 20 km, is proposed in our interpretation; – finally, the Adriatic upper crustal evolution points to the late post-collision change in the tectonic grow-up of the Eastern Alps orogenic chain. The tectonic accretion of the northern frontal zone of the Eastern and Central Alps was interrupted from the Late Miocene (Serravallian–Tortonian) onward, as documented by the Molasse basin evolution. On the contrary, the structural nucleation along the S-vergent tectonic belt of the eastern Southern Alps ( Montello–Friuli thrust belt) severely continued during the Messinian and the Plio–Pleistocene. This structural evolution can be considered to be consistent with the deep under-thrusting and wedge indentation of the Adriatic lithosphere underneath the southern side of the Eastern Alps thrust-and-fold belt. Similarly, the significance of the magmatic activity for the construction of the Southern Alps crust and for its mechanical and geological differentiation, which qualified the evolution of the thrust-and-fold belt, is highlighted, starting with the Permian–Triassic magmatism and progressing with the Paleogene occurrences along the Periadriatic Lineament and in the Venetian Magmatic Province (Lessini–Euganei Hills).

Chemistry, small-scale inhomogeneity, and formation of moldavites as condensates from sands vaporized by the Ries impact

The formation of the Ries impact and the moldavites have identical radiogenic ages of 14.3 Ma. According to this conformity in age moldavites are generally regarded as products of the Ries impact. This paper, which is divided into two sections, deals with two aspects of the moldavite-forming process: the formation of moldavite bodies by accretion of small precursors, and the physical and chemical conditions under which these primary units originated from sands which covered the Ries impact site. First, the chemical inhomogeneity of moldavite glasses is investigated in sections of 11 moldavites, using back scattered electron (BSE) images and electron microprobe analyses on 0.4–2.7 mm long traverses. Schlieren and lechatelierite particles are interpreted as relics of small, chemically different precursors, which accumulated to larger moldavite bodies at temperatures too low to be efficient for mixing. The patterns of schlieren and lechatelierite inclusions represent two successive rheological regimes: Small agglomerating primary melt units were extended into thin lamellae and threads under conditions of laminar flow. As evidenced by folded textures, these fluidal arrays were later plastically deformed under conditions of compressional stress. To elucidate the production of the primary melt units by the Ries impact, in the second section the geologic situation of the Ries area is considered with regard to possible source materials. The site of the Ries impact, situated at the northern border of the pre-Alpine Molasse basin, was covered at the time of the impact by fluviatile sediments of the lower sequence of the Obere Süßwasser-Molasse (OSM) Formation of Middle Miocene age, consisting of sands, marly sands and clays. Chemical analyses for major and trace elements of 38 moldavites from Bohemia and Moravia, and of 28 samples of the OSM Formation, collected from outcrops and drill holes, immediately south of the Ries crater and south of the Danube, show chemical conformity of moldavites and sand samples with regard to the major parameters SiO 2,Al 2O 3+ FeO, and MgO + CaO, indicating that these sands were the essential source material of moldavites. But, differences in contents of individual major and trace elements between moldavites and sands show that the formation of moldavites from sands involved a specific chemical differentiation which can not be explained by selective vaporization or melting, nor by selective condensation from melt or vapeur. Because large ions were enriched and small ones depleted in moldavites, the ionic radius has controlled the distribution of elements between sands and moldavites. We assume that moldavites originated from a plasma that the impact produced at its encounter with the surficial sand formation at the impact site, and that the primary units formed as early condensates in which large ions were preferentially trapped.

The birth of the Paratethys during the Early Oligocene: From Tethys to an ancient Black Sea analogue?

Deeper water black shales, overlain by coccolith-bearing marlstones representing the incipient Paratethys (example: Early Oligocene; Austrian Molasse Basin), have sedimentary characteristics similar to those of the Holocene Black Sea since 7500 years bp. Framboid pyrite size, biomarker and C–N-isotope data additionally indicate that isolation of the Paratethys resulted in Black Sea-type characteristics during nannoplankton zone NP 23. In contrast to the estuarine circulation across the Bosphorus since 7500 years bp, marine conditions prevailed in the incipient Paratethys during NP 21/22. Nitrogen was fixed and low organic carbon accumulation rates prevailed. In both settings a vertical density water-column stratification was accompanied by photic zone anoxia, and by anaerobic methane oxidation in the Paratethys. In the Paratethys increased run off, starting in NP 22, led to estuarine circulation during NP 23. During this period cyclic blooms of calcareous nannoplankton resulted in high calcite accumulation rates which diluted the coeval clay sedimentation. Similar sedimentary features in the Black Sea and the Paratethys during the earliest Oligocene are result from opposite paleoceanographic developments, both leading to estuarine circulation patterns. In the Black Sea, permanent photic zone anoxic conditions were established 7500 years bp in response to the first invasion of saline Mediterranean waters into the former freshwater lake. In contrast, brackish surface water in the Paratethys resulted from nutrient-rich freshwater diluting the marine water body.

Oligo-Miocene extension in the Lycian orogen: evidence from the Lycian molasse basin, SW Turkey

The Lycian molasse basin of SW Turkey is a NE-SW-oriented basin that developed on an imbricated basement, comprising the allochthonous Mesozoic rocks of the Lycian nappes and Palaeocene-Eocene supra-allochthonous sediments. The imbricated basement has resulted from a complex history related to the emplacement of different tectonic units from Late Cretaceous to Late Eocene. Following imbrication, extensional collapse of the Lycian orogen resulted in extensive emergent areas, some of which coincide with present-day mountains. These were surrounded by interconnected depressions, namely, the Kale-Tavas, Çardak-Dazkırı and Denizli subbasins. The Lycian molasse sequence contains a relatively complete record of the tectonic history of the Lycian orogenic collapse from which it was derived. The sequence is characterised by interdependence between tectonism and sedimentation, the latter of which includes fining-and coarsening-upward sedimentary cycles with syn-depositional intrabasinal unconformities. The Denizli subbasin consists of thick, coarse-grained wedges of alluvial fans and fine-grained fan-delta deposits formed in a shallowmarine environment. Some areas of the fan deltas were colonised by corals, red algae and foraminifera, forming patch reefs. The first phase of extensional collapse in the region is marked by the Lycian orogenic collapse, which may have been initiated by the beginning of the Oligocene (Rupelian), following the main Menderes metamorphism. Starting in the latest Early Miocene or in the Middle Miocene, the area of the molasse basin was subject to deformation with the Lycian nappes, and to erosion as well. At that time, the Lycian nappes, with some ophiolitic assemblages, were thrust over the molasse deposits and thus, NE-SW-trending folds were formed. The molasse deposits and thrust-related deformational structures were then unconformably covered by Upper Miocene continental deposits which belong to the neotectonic period of SW Turkey. The second phase of extensional collapse is marked by granitic intrusions and the formation of Miocene detachment-related extensional basins. This phase may have been related to the exhumation of the gneissic core of the Menderes Massif, from which fragments were derived and incorporated into the upper parts of the Denizli subbasin during the Aquitanian.

Isotopic composition (O, C, Sr, and Nd) and trace element ratios (Sr / Ca, Mg / Ca) of Miocene marine and brackish ostracods from North Alpine Foreland deposits (Germany and Austria) as indicators for palaeoclimate

The Molasse basin, constituting the western part of the Paratethys, formed as a consequence of the Alpine orogeny during the Tertiary. To address the influence of the Alpine upliftment and associated geographic changes on the regional climate, the faunal assemblages and geochemistry of Miocene marine and brackish ostracods of the Molasse sediments were investigated. Eighteen sites from the Bavarian Molasse to the Vienna basin were studied, ranging in age from the Eggenburgian to the Pannonian (20 to 8.5 Ma). A total of 176 species of 71 genera were found, with the highest species diversity observed for Loxoconcha (12), Aurila (11), Cyprideis (9), and Cytheridea (7). On the basis of the different genera, the bathymetry of sedimentation can be characterized as infra- to circalittoral. From the Eggenburgian to the Early Sarmatian (20 to 13 Ma) open marine conditions are indicated by the faunal assemblages. For the Late Sarmatian and Pannonian (12 to 8.5 Ma), the occurrence of Cyprideis spp. and candonid species indicate brackish conditions. Chemical and isotopic analyses concentrated on valves of Cytheridea spp. and Cyprideis spp., but valves from other ostracod species were also analyzed to evaluate the effects of the environment of formation and vital effects. For the period from 20 to 13 Ma, the Sr isotope ratios ( 87Sr / 86Sr between 0.70850 and 0.70883) and δ 18O values (range from 28.3‰ to 32.8‰; VSMOW) are compatible with open marine conditions. Nd isotope ratios for this period are quite different for different localities (between 0.51216–0.51225), indicating localized control on seawater 143Nd / 144Nd ratios. Mean δ 13C values for this period range from − 5.2‰ to + 1.4‰ (VPDB), Sr / Ca ratios from 0.0039 to 0.0067, and Mg / Ca ratios from 0.0083 to 0.0287. For the period from 12 to 8.5 Ma the variations in 87Sr / 86Sr (0.70872–0.70883), δ 18O (24.1‰ to 30.2 ‰) and δ 13C values (− 7.8‰ to − 2.6‰), as well as Sr / Ca (0.0021 to 0.0059), and Mg / Ca (0.0116 to 0.0284) all increase. For this period the Nd isotope compositions are quite homogeneous (0.51218–0.51220), indicating a similar source lithological control on hydrochemistry which may allow the Sr / Ca and Mg / Ca ratios to be interpreted in terms of changes in water temperature and mineralogy of the precipitating phases. Geochemical changes for this period are compatible with alternating influences of seawater and brackish conditions as well as changes resulting from evaporation. For all periods δ 18O and δ 13C values as well as Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca of different species from the same samples generally have similar trends with small offsets. By comparison to records of climatic change from the global oceans, the δ 18O values for marine fossils of the Molasse between 20 and 13 Ma are interpreted to reflect global changes in climate. This is also true for the increasingly brackish conditions up to 11 Ma, where combined geochemical records are still compatible with the global changes in temperatures. However, increasing complexity of the brackish system makes detailed comparisons with global changes difficult, particularly after 9.5 Ma (Late Pannonian stages D/E).

Recycling and chemical weathering in tectonically controlled Mesozoic–Cenozoic basins of New Zealand

AbstractSedimentation in molasse basins is controlled by tectonics, however, recycling and chemical weathering play a critical role in the compositional evolution of a sedimentary succession. The Cretaceous to Pliocene molasse deposits of Central Otago, New Zealand are excellent examples of tectonically related deposits that were governed by the effects of chemical weathering and recycling. Preserved in fault‐controlled basins floored by flysch deposits of the Otago Schist, the clastic successions contain ubiquitous unconformities and lithofacies consistent with alluvial, fluvial and lacustrine depositional settings. Textural analysis of Central Otago sandstones establishes a general quartz enrichment and increased mixing of angular and well‐rounded quartz varieties up‐section, consistent with a history of sediment recycling. Rare earth element (REE) patterns, which reflect upper crustal compositions, are similar for the flysch‐type Otago Schist (Permian–Early Cretaceous), a palaeo‐weathering profile, and the overlying molasse deposits. The development of quartz arenites is also consistent with high degrees of chemical weathering, and erosion of the schist basement, which contains numerous quartz veins. Although recycling has occurred, SiO2 and TiO2 do not consistently show a negative correlation over time. This reflects erosion of previously deposited quartz‐rich sediment and the Otago weathering profile, which produced an inverse stratigraphy. CIA values range from 52 for lithic‐rich, coarse‐grained sandstones and polymictic conglomerate matrices, to 93 for coarse‐grained to pebble‐rich quartz arenites. Individual samples were split into finer‐ and coarser‐grained pairs (<2·5φ and 2·5 to −1φ) and were analysed separately. The results show that finer‐grained samples contain higher REE abundances and less SiO2, but the coarser‐grained Miocene–Pliocene samples have higher CIA values than their finer‐grained counterparts. These coarse‐grained deposits are quartz‐rich and plot erratically on tectonic discrimination diagrams, implying that using SiO2‐poor samples is more reliable for geochemical analysis. Overall, the petrographic and geochemical results indicate that the main factors controlling the composition of the Central Otago molasse deposits were source composition, chemical weathering and recycling. Studies of this nature can be conducted in Archaean tectonically controlled molasse basins that are affected by similar allocyclic factors.

A fourth St. Gallen Formation cycle (?) in the Karpatian Upper Marine Molasse of central Switzerland

The Mauensee section in the Molasse Basin (North Alpine Foreland Basin) of central Switzerland represents one of the best continuously exposed outcrops of the St. Gallen Formation of the Upper Marine Molasse. A similarly well-exposed section is at Schmiedrued, situated about 15 km to the north. Biostratigraphic analysis of mammal and fish faunas shows that both sections are of Early Karpatian age. Palaeoecological analysis of the biota indicates an oligohaline intercalation within the marine part of the sections. This is additionally confirmed by the oxygen isotopic compositions of fish otoliths from the Mauensee section. The overlying marine sequence may represent a fourth cycle in the St. Gallen Formation that might perhaps indicate a Karpatian transgression from the Mediterranean Sea, which has not previously been recognized. Biostratigraphic comparison shows that the sedimentation of the Upper Freshwater Molasse began at the base of the Karpatian in southwest Germany and eastern Switzerland, and in the Middle Karpatian in central Switzerland. The presence of a Karpatian marine sedimentation area in central Switzerland may explain that the terrestrial sedimentation of the Upper Freshwater Molasse began at such different times.

Eocene-Pliocene time scale and stratigraphy of the Upper Rhine Graben (URG) and the Swiss Molasse Basin (SMB)

We present a general stratigraphic synthesis for the Upper Rhine Graben (URG) and the Swiss Molasse Basin (SMB) from Eocene to Pliocene times. The stratigraphic data were compiled both from literature and from research carried out by the authors during the past 6 years ; an index of the stratigraphically most important localitites is provided. We distinguish 14 geographical areas from the Helvetic domain in the South to the Hanau Basin in the North. For each geographical area, we give a synthesis of the biostratigraphy, lithofacies, and chronostratigraphic ranges. The relationships between this stratigraphic record and the global sea-level changes are generally disturbed by the geodynamic (e.g., subsidence) evolution of the basins. However, global sea-level changes probably affected the dynamic of transgression–regression in the URG (e.g., Middle Pechelbronn Beds and Serie Grise corresponding with sea-level rise between Ru1/Ru2 and Ru2/Ru3 sequences, respectively) as well as in the Molasse basin (regression of the UMM corresponding with the sea-level drop at the Ch1 sequence). The URGENT-project (Upper Rhine Graben evolution and neotectonics) provided an unique opportunity to carry out and present this synthesis. Discussions with scientists addressing sedimentology, tectonics, geophysics and geochemistry permitted the comparison of the sedimentary history and stratigraphy of the basin with processes controlling its geodynamic evolution. Data presented here back up the palaeogeographic reconstructions presented in a companion paper by the same authors (see Berger et al. in Int J Earth Sci 2005).

Paleogeography of the Upper Rhine Graben (URG) and the Swiss Molasse Basin (SMB) from Eocene to Pliocene

Twenty paleogeographic maps are presented for Middle Eocene (Lutetian) to Late Pliocene times according to the stratigraphical data given in the companion paper by Berger et al. this volume. Following a first lacustrine-continental sedimentation during the Middle Eocene, two and locally three Rupelian transgressive events were identified with the first corresponding with the Early Rupelian Middle Pechelbronn beds and the second and third with the Late Rupelian ≪ Serie Grise ≫ (Fischschiefer and equivalents). During the Early Rupelian (Middle Pechelbronn beds), a connection between North Sea and URG is clearly demonstrated, but a general connection between North Sea, URG and Paratethys, via the Alpine sea, is proposed, but not proved, during the late Rupelian. Whereas in the southern URG, a major hiatus spans Early Aquitanian to Pliocene times, Early and Middle Miocene marine, brackish and freshwater facies occur in the northern URG and in the Molasse Basin (OMM, OSM); however, no marine connections between these basins could be demonstrated during this time. After the deposition of the molasse series, a very complex drainage pattern developed during the Late Miocene and Pliocene, with a clear connection to the Bresse Graben during the Piacenzian (Sundgau gravels). During the Late Miocene, Pliocene and Quaternary sedimentation persisted in the northern URG with hardly any interruptions. The present drainage pattern of the Rhine river (from Alpine area to the lower Rhine Embayment) was not established before the Early Pleistocene.

Palynology and age of the Early Oligocene units in Çardak–Tokça Basin, Southwest Anatolia: Paleoecological implications

In this study, the lignite bearing sediments of Çardak–Tokça basin exposed in southwest Anatolia, were palynologically examined. A well preserved and diverse palynomorph assemblage indicating an Early Oligocene age was recovered from the Hayrettin and Tokça formations. The palynomorph assemblage is dominated by Pinus, Sparganiaceae, Juglandaceae and diverse tricolpate and tricolporate pollen. In addition a few species of marine dinoflagellate cysts were encountered as well. The Early Oligocene age is based primarily on the presence of stratigraphic markers such as: Boehlensipollis hohli, Slowakipollis hippophaëoides, Aglaoreidia cyclops, Dicolpopollis kockeli, Compositoipollenites rhizophorus ssp. burghasungensis, Mediocolpopollis compactus ssp. ellenhausensis, Pentapollenites pentangulus, Subtriporopollenites simplex and Intratriporopollenites instructus. Palynological data indicate a humid subtropical climatic conditions during the deposition of the Çardak–Tokça sediments. Ecological analysis of the palynomorph assemblage identifies several paleo-associations of montana, lowland and slope, swamp and water-edge and freshwater aquatic elements. In this study, Çardak–Tokça, Çankırı–Çorum, Thrace and southwest Anatolian molasse basins (Kale–Tavas and Denizli) were correlated in accordance with their palynostratigraphic content and the results show that the deposition took place during the Early Oligocene in the Çardak–Tokça basin. This basin is older than Thrace basin and southwest Anatolian molasse basins (Kale–Tavas and Denizli molasse) which were deposited during the Late Oligocene–Early Miocene.

The lower marine to lower freshwater Molasse transition in the northern Alpine foreland basin (Oligocene; central Switzerland?south Germany): age and geodynamic implications

The Wilhelmine Alpe section near Immenstadt (Allgau, south Germany), which represents one of the best continuously exposed outcrops within the northern Alpine foreland basin, has been analyzed for magnetostratigraphic and palynostratigraphic signals. The section comprises the marine-to-terrestrial transition from Lower Marine (UMM) to Lower Freshwater Molasse (USM) sediments. Based on the correlation of the local magnetic pattern with the geomagnetic polarity timescale (GPTS) and palynostratigraphic data, an age of about 31 Ma is suggested for the UMM–USM transition in the Wilhelmine Alpe section. A comparison with coeval magnetostratigraphic sections from central and eastern Switzerland indicates that the regression of the UMM sea along the southern margin of the Molasse basin occurred strongly heterochronously between 31.5 and 30 Ma. The heterochroneity is attributed to the deposition of fan-delta and alluvial fan sediments which document that the overall marine conditions during the UMM were accompanied by strong clastic input derived from the rising Alps. This clastic contribution had a much stronger influence on the depositional pattern than previously thought.

Biota, palaeoenvironments and biostratigraphy of continental Oligocene deposits of the South German Molasse Basin (Penzberg Syncline)

Six charophyte, 13 mollusc, four ostracod and nine fish otolith taxa are taxonomically described, and one fruit, one seed and two foraminiferal taxa are briefly noted from the Lower Cyrena Beds and the Lower Coloured Molasse of the Sindelsdorf section near Penzberg (approximately 50 km south of Munich). Our palaeoecological and lithological data from the Lower Cyrena Beds suggest a delta plain with lagoons, estuaries, slowly flowing rivers, lakes and swamps. Faunal and floral elements of the Lower Coloured Molasse indicate lacustrine environments. The gastropod Tympanotonos and the tropical to subtropical fish fauna (Eleotridae, Ambassidae and Cyprinodontidae) suggest a warm, at least subtropical climate. Furthermore, Tympanotonos suggests comparisons with Recent molluscan faunas of the mangrove swamps of the West African coast, and thus hints at mangrove vegetation bordering the coasts of the Upper Bavarian Molasse Sea. A biostratigraphical classification for the Oligocene Molasse deposits of the Penzberg Syncline is established for the first time based on otoliths and charophytes. The Lower Cyrena Beds are attributed to the newly defined otolith zone OT‐O1/2 and probably correspond to the oldest part of the Chara microcera Zone. The lowermost part of the Lower Coloured Molasse can be correlated both with otolith zone OT‐O2 and the Chara microcera Zone. The Sindelsdorf section lies within the Rupelian–Chattian transition zone and thus the chronostratigraphic age is approximately 29–28 Ma.

Mesozoic sedimentary basin development and tectonic implication, northern Yangtze Block, eastern China: record of continent–continent collision

A Mesozoic foreland-basin complex formed along the northern Yangtze plate during subduction of this plate under the Qinling–Dabieshan orogenic belt along the Mianlue suture. As the Yangtze plate moved northwestwards and was obliquely subducted under the Qinling–Dabieshan (Middle–Late Triassic), a flysch foredeep developed in the Diebu–Songpan in the western part of the northern Yangtze plate. During the Late Triassic, a nonmarine molasse basin first formed in the eastern part of the northern Yangtze plate in response to initial collision there. This molasse clastic wedge prograded over the former marine basin and was accompanied by a change from high-sinuosity river systems flowing into basinal lakes, to higher gradient braidplains. Complete oceanic closure along the Mianlue suture during the Middle Jurassic produced a more extensive east–west molasse basin with rivers, deltas and lakes. During Late Jurassic through Early Cretaceous, the depocenter of the nonmarine molasse basin migrated continually from east to west because of intracontinental deformation associated with clockwise rotation of the Yangtze plate relative to the North China plate. In this time interval, the basin was again dominated by fluvial and lake-delta deposition and rivers continued to disperse sediments southwards into the basin.

Geometry and kinematics of the Boulonnais fold-andthrust belt (N France): implications for the dynamics of the Northern Variscan thrust front

Recent structural data obtained within the Boulonnais thrust belt along the Northern Variscan thrust front provide a new insight into the deformation history of the Variscan belt. The zone under study recorded the latest increments of inversion of the Rheno-hercynian basin in Late Westphalian—Early Stephanian times (ca 305 Ma). Thrusting within the southern margin of the “Old Red Sandstones Continent” propagated primarily in sequence up to the Brabant massif which acts as a significant buttress. This buttress effect, which we suggest to be due to the southward activation of deep-seated inherited Caledonian thrusts, resulted in the out-of-sequence dislocation of the thrust front. The associated localized thrust stack induced a sharp flexure of the underthrust block moulding the border of the molassic coal-bearing foreland basin. During this process, strain markers at the thrust front document an evolution of thrusting from a dominantly NNE to NE direction whereas more internal parts of the belt undergo dextral transcurrent deformations (e.g. the Bray fault zone). Such a partition of the deformation argues for a general transpressional setting of the SE England-Boulonnais orogenic belt acting as a relay zone between more frontal parts of the Variscan orogen (Ardenno-Rhenish and SW England segments). This mechanism highlights the segmented nature of the Variscan thrust front and points out the importance of the Devonian basin pre-structuration in the present-day arcuate shape of the Variscan belt. Late Variscan reactivation of the thrust network occured within a transtensional setting associated to a dominant NNW-SSE directed extension. This event induced the formation of local intramontane basins and contributed to the thinning and thermal restoration of the thickened external Variscan crust in Upper Stephanian—Middle Permian times.

Mesozoic evolution of the Tisza Mega-unit

The south-eastern part of the basement of the Pannonian Basin is made up of Variscan crystalline complexes and early Mesozoic formations showing striking affinity with the corresponding formations in the southern margin of the European Plate. This large composite structural unit, which is actually an exotic terrane of European Plate origin, has been named the Tisza Mega-unit. Based upon relevant data of the pre-Tertiary basement of southern Hungary the reconstruction of the position of the Tisza Terrane in the early Alpine evolutionary stages, the process of its separation and break-off from the European Plate, and results of its Eo-Alpine deformations are summarised in the present paper. In the Variscan and early Alpine evolutionary stages the area of the later Tisza Mega-unit was located at the margin of the European Plate. During Variscan orogeny terrane accretion led to intensive deformation and metamorphism in this belt. This was followed by transpressional tectonics and the development of molasse basins in the late and post-Variscan stages, and passive margin evolution after the Neotethys opening in the Middle Triassic. The separation of the Tisza Mega-unit began with incipient continental rifting along the axis of the later Ligurian–Penninic–Vahic oceanic branch in the Late Triassic. The end of terrigenous material deposition in the most external zones, and a coeval change in fossil assemblage, point to the separation of the Tisza Block from the European Plate in the Early Bathonian. Significant rotation of the Tisza Mega-unit and coeval paroxysm of alkaline rift-type basalt volcanism took place in the Early Cretaceous. In the mid-Cretaceous, due to the northward motion of the Adria Block and the related closure of the westernmost Neotethys basin, the extensional regime changed to a compressional one, leading to onset of the nappe stacking and low-grade regional metamorphism within the Tisza microplate. In the foreland of the nappe systems flexural basins came into existence that are characterised by flysch-type sedimentation. In the Early Tertiary the north-eastward motion of the Alcapa and Tisza + Dacia Blocks led to the formation of the present-day heterogeneous basement of the Pannonian Basin.

Map view retrodeformation of an arcuate fold‐and‐thrust belt: The Jura case

The mechanism of arcuate mountain range formation is a matter of debate. Here we perform a map view restoration of a detailed three‐dimensional model of the Jura arc, a typical arcuate mountain range in the foothills of the Swiss and French Alps. This retrodeformation is performed using the UNFOLD surface‐balanced program, based on a “block mosaic” method. It results in a displacement field divergent toward the deformation front. This displacement field suggests counterclockwise rigid rotations in the horizontal plane up to 30° in the southern Internal Jura and a corresponding vertical axis rotation or shear strain of the Savoie molasse basin hinterlandward. We also predict a 10° clockwise, vertical axis rotation of the molasse basin in Switzerland. All these rotations agree with those documented by paleomagnetic data. The former are taken to result from a substantial decrease in shortening at the southern Jura end, while the divergence of displacements is interpreted to result from variations in the detachment level distribution.

Evidence for the multiphase nature of the India-Asia collision from the Yarlung Tsangpo suture zone, Tibet

Abstract Recent investigations in southern Tibet enable the testing and refinement of existing models for India-Asia collision. Presently available data indicate that marine deposition continued in the southern central portion of Tibet until at least the end of the Eocene. Sub-duction-related magmatism continued until the Mid-Oligocene, after which rapid uplift of the plateau was initiated. Mass-wasting of sediments into molasse basins did not commence until the latest Oligocene. The implications are that existing models, based on less-precise age constraints, invoking India-Asia collision at 55 Ma, are either flawed, or collision began at a different time. Recent work has produced sufficient data to allow the recognition of two different collisional events along the suture between India and Asia. Features related to each event require separate interpretation, and no collisional continuum should be assumed. In southern Tibet, a collision between the northern margin of India and a southfacing intra-oceanic island arc occurred at around 55 Ma, whereas continent-continent collision between India and Asia did not occur until at least 20 million years later.

Integrated stratigraphy of the Sarmatian (Upper Middle Miocene) in the western Central Paratethys

The Vienna Basin and the Styrian Basin have been cornerstones for the definition and description of the Central Euro-pean Sarmatian Stage. New inter-and intrabasin correlations of well-logs and surface outcrops reveal a rather uniform development of depositional systems in all considered basins, which excludes local autocyclic processes as the sole trigger. The lithostratigraphy of these basins is critically summarized and the Wolfsthal Member is introduced as a new lithostratigraphic unit. The more than 1000-m-thick Sarmatian basin-fill is recorded in geophysical logs by a characteristic succession of serrated funnel-to bell-shaped curves separated by shale-line intervals. The correlative floodings are well preserved in marginal settings and accessible in surface outcrops. Slight falls of the relative sea-level are also reflected in the littoral zone by erosive surfaces, caliche formation and progradation of fluvial facies. The stratigraphic position and duration of the Sarmatian suggests a relation to the 3 rd order cycle TB. 2.6. Internally, two 4 th order cycles are depicted. An exact correlation with Mediterranean standard stages and the "Haq-cycles" is difficult due to the endemic marine fauna that flourished in the nearly land-locked Paratethys Sea during the Sarmatian. This obstacle may be overcome by a first cautious calibration of the sedimentary sequence with astronomical target curves. Hence, the 400-Ka eccentricity component might have triggered the 4 th order cycles, with the maximum flooding surfaces coinciding with the maxima of that band. An overall trend from a pelitic-siliciclastic Lower Sarmatian 4th order cycle towards an oolitic Upper Sarmatian 4 th order cycle could be forced by the inflection of the 2.35-Ma component. The tentative calibration requires a new positioning of the Badenian/Sarmatian boundary close to 12.7 Ma, which would fit excellently to the glacio-eustatic isotope event MSI-3. The coincidence of the final retreat of the sea from the Molasse Basin with a major phase of progradation of alluvial fans into the Styrian and the Vienna Basins suggests a pulse of uplift in the eastern Alpine region at 12.1-12.3 Ma.

Timing of Upper Carboniferous-Permian horst-basin formation and magmatism in the NW Thuringian Forest, central Germany: a review

Abstract During Late Carboniferous-Early Permian times dextral transtensional movements along the NW-trending Franconian Fault System and parallel faults caused complex block faulting in the Thuringian Forest region, Germany, accompanied by intense magmatism. This is well constrained by geochronological data ( 207 Pb/ 206 Pb single zircon, SHRIMP, 40 Ar/ 39 Ar mica, zircon fission-track ages), field relations, and the sedimentary record from the Ruhla Crystalline Complex (RCC) and surroundings. The combined dataset indicates that the Ruhla Crystalline Complex was faulted into three nearly N-S-trending segments, which underwent different exhumation histories during Late Carboniferous-Permian times. The central segment of the RCC was exhumed by several kilometres as a horst block, while the eastern and western segments subsided simultaneously, forming the basement to the Oberhof and Eisenach molasse basins, respectively. Late Carboniferous-Permian uplift of the central segment is constrained by 40 Ar/ 39 Ar cooling ages of 311 ± 3 (muscovite) and 294–288 ± 3 Ma (biotite), a weighted zircon fission-track age of 272 ± 7 Ma and overlying Zechstein sediments. In contrast, the eastern segment shows much older 40 Ar/ 39 Albiotite cooling ages between 336 ± 4 and 323 ± 3 Ma, was exposed at c. 300 Ma, and subsequently covered by molasse sediments and volcanic rocks between 300 and c. 275 Ma. A similar Late Carboniferous evolution is inferred for the western segment, as it is also overlain by Lower Permian volcanic rocks and has a 297 ± 29 Ma single zircon fission-track age. Simultaneous horst and basin formation is additionally constrained by granite pebbles in conglomerates of the Oberhof and Eisenach basins. These pebbles can partly be derived from granites in the central segment of the RCC. Age data and the orientation of granitoid bodies and dykes in the Ruhla Crystalline Complex and its surroundings provide evidence for the opening of NE-trending structures between 300 and 294 Ma, and formation or reactivation of W- to NW-trending structures between 290 and 275 Ma. Magmatic activity in the Thuringian Forest region may have been caused by widespread mantle upwelling in central Europe during the Late Carboniferous-Early Permian.

Puycelci, nouveau site à vertébrés de la série molassique d’Aquitaine. Densité et continuité biochronologique dans la zone Quercy et bassins périphériques au Paléogène

After the previous lacking evidence allowed the interpretation of a non-deposition episod, the newly recorded mammal fauna from Puycelci (Tarn, SW France, close South to the Quercy paleokarstic area) now shows the MP 26 standard level (Late Oligocene, Early Chattian) being represented within the Eastern Aquitaine molassic basin filling. According to the evolutionary stage of known mammal lineages, the most significant Puycelci fossils are the Issiodoromys pauffiensis rodent and the Metriotherium cf. sarelense nov. sp. (described in this paper) artiodactyl ungulate. This new dating exemplifies the improvement of the mammalian biochronologic record as regards both the Quercy paleokarst and the surrounding lacustrine Tertiary basins W, S, and S-E to the Quercy, as well as, directly E and N-E, the smaller tectonic Tertiary basins within the crystalline Massif Central basement. The updated record shows the strong extension in time of the paleokarstic data, down to the Middle and Early Eocene, and up to the Early Miocene. Regarding the classically reported Late Eocene to Late Oligocene span, as well in the paleokarst and the peripheral basins, the available biochronological data now attains a valuable density level, the variation of which is significant. On one side there are periods (Late Eocene, Early Oligocene, Early Late Oligocene) with high biochronologic density, allowing improved time resolution using evolutionary stages within mammalian lineages (e.g. numerical ages). Such periods corresponds to almost continuous sedimentary processes, with only possible short breaks. On the other side, there are periods with unreported data, shared in the paleokarst and peripheral basins (Late Oligocene as best example). Such periods may well correspond to some non-deposition episods as once alleged by geologists. Then the surrounding biochronologic data would bear constraining value regarding these episods.