CENOZOIC TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF THE EASTERN ALPS – A RECONSTRUCTION BASED ON 40AR/39AR WHITE MICA, ZIRCON AND APATITE FISSION TRACK, AND APATITE (U/Th)-He THERMOCHRONOLOGY

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Published: Jan 1, 2010
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/bgsg.11182
Keywords:
thermochronology Eastern Alps Penninic Austroalpine Tauern Window Koralm faulting
W. Kurz
University of Graz, Institute of Earth Sciences
A. Wölfler
University of Graz, Institute of Earth Sciences
R. Handler
Institut für Geologie und Paläontologie, Universität Salzburg
Abstract
The Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Eastern Alps is defined by nappe assembly within the Penninic and Subpenninic units and their subsequent exhumation. The units above, however, are affected by extension and related faulting. By applying distinct thermochronological methods with closure temperatures ranging from ~450° to ~40°C we reveal the thermochronological evolution of the eastern part of the Eastern Alps. 40Ar/39Ar dating on white mica, zircon and apatite fission track, and apatite U/Th-He thermochronology were carried out within distinct tectonic units (Penninic vs. Austroalpine) and on host rocks and fault- related rocks (cataclasites and fault gouges) along major fault zones. We use particularly the ability of fission tracks to record the thermal history as a measure of heat transfer in fault zones, causing measurable changes of fission track ages and track lengths. Additionally, these studies will provide a general cooling and exhumation history of fault zones and adjacentcrustal blocks.
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  • General and Structural Geology
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