The new tectonic map of the Alps is based on the combination of purely structural data with criteria regarding paleogeographical affiliation and/or tectono-metamorphic evolution. The orogenic evolution of the Alps is discussed using a combination of maps and paleogeographical reconstructions. It is proposed that the Alps are the product of two orogenies, a Cretaceous followed by a Tertiary one. While the former is related to the closure of an embayment of the Meliata ocean into Apulia, the latter is due to the closure of the Alpine Tethys between Apulia and Europe. The along-strike changes in the overall architecture, as for example revealed by geophysical-geological transects, are by far more substantial than hitherto believed. It appears that the Alps are still far from being over-investigated, as is demonstrated by many surprising recent findings based on field geology, laboratory results and geophysical methods of deep sounding.

/pdf/tectonic-map-and-overall-architecture-of-the-alpine-orogen-23efh3jp0j.pdf

Tectonic map and overall architecture of the Alpine orogen

/pdf/reconciling-plate-tectonic-reconstructions-of-alpine-tethys-1do3i5vm2t.pdf

Reconciling plate-tectonic reconstructions of Alpine Tethys with the geological–geophysical record of spreading and subduction in the Alps

Construction of a crustal balanced cross-section across the Pyrenean chain shows a minimum shortening of 147 km, 112 km of which are related to stacking of basement thrust sheets in the southern Pyrenees. Metamorphic conditions of the basement rocks, as well as thrust geometry, indicate the maximum depth for the detachment level to be at 15 km. In the restored cross-section, the upper crust is 110 km longer than the lower layered crust. The lower crust was subducted together with the lithospheric mantle into the asthenospheric mantle and has not been imaged by geophysical data probably because an increase of density through eclogitic meta-morphism. The upper crust constitutes an orogenic lid mainly deformed by thrust structures. The balanced cross-section has been constrained by the ECORS deep reflection seismic profile as well as detailed surface data and available commercial seismic and oil well data. The restored cross-section provides a better picture of the middle Cretaceous combined strike-slip and extensional fault system as well as of the Hercynian crust. Hercynian geological features have been used as an additional tool for the restoration of the basement thrust sheets.

Evolution of a continental collision belt: ECORS-Pyrenees crustal balanced cross-section

[1] High-pressure metamorphic rocks provide evidence that in subduction zones material can return from depths of more than 100 km to the surface. The pressure-temperature paths recorded by these rocks are variable, mostly revealing cooling during decompression, while the time constraints are generally narrow and indicate that the exhumation rates can be on the order of plate velocities. As such, subduction cannot be considered as a single pass process; instead, return flow of a considerable portion of crustal and upper mantle material must be accounted for. Our numerical simulations provide insight into the self-organizing large-scale flow patterns and temperature field of subduction zones, primarily controlled by rheology, phase transformations, fluid budget, and heat transfer, which are all interrelated. They show the development of a subduction channel with forced return flow of low-viscosity material and progressive widening by hydration of the mantle wedge. The large-scale structures and the array of pressure-temperature paths obtained by these simulations favorably compare to the record of natural rocks and the structure of high-pressure metamorphic areas.

https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1029/2002TC001406

Exhumation of high-pressure metamorphic rocks in a subduction channel: A numerical simulation

A complete Alpine cross section integrates numerous seismic reflection and refraction profiles, across and along strike, with published and new field data. The deepest parts of the profile are constrained by geophysical data only, while structural features at intermediate levels are largely depicted according to the results of three-dimensional models making use of seismic and field geological data. The geometry of the highest structural levels is constrained by classical along-strike projections of field data parallel to the pronounced easterly axial dip of all tectonic units. Because the transect is placed close to the western erosional margin of the Austroalpine nappes of the Eastern Alps, it contains all the major tectonic units of the Alps. A model for the tectonic evolution along the transect is proposed in the form of scaled and area-balanced profile sketches. Shortening within the Austroalpine nappes is testimony of a separate Cretaceous-age orogenic event. West directed thrusting in these units is related to westward propagation of a thrust wedge resulting from continental collision along the Meliata-Hallstatt Ocean further to the east. Considerable amounts of oceanic and continental crustal material were subducted during Tertiary orogeny, which involved some 500 km of N-S convergence between Europe and Apulia. Consequently, only a very small percentage of this crustal material is preserved within the nappes depicted in the transect. Postcollisional shortening is characterized by the simultaneous activity of gently dipping north directed detachments and steeply inclined south directed detachments, both detachments nucleating at the interface between lower and upper crust. Large scale wedging of the Adriatic (or Apulian) lower crust into a gap opening between the subduced European lower crust and the pile of thin upper crustal flakes (Alpine nappes) indicates a relatively strong lower crust and detachment between upper and lower crust.

/pdf/geophysical-geological-transect-and-tectonic-evolution-of-46ydfb6bel.pdf

Geophysical‐geological transect and tectonic evolution of the Swiss‐Italian Alps

Tectonic erosion at the Adria margin and accretionary processes for the Cretaceous orogeny of the Alps

Tectonic erosion at the Adria Margin and accrertionary processes for the Cretaceous orogeny of the Alps

Metamorphic Structure of the Alps.

Early Neogene deformation beneath the Po plain : constraints on the post-collisional Alpine evolution

Premiers résultats de la traversée des Alpes Occidentales par sismique réflexion verticale (programme ECORS-CROP)

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