Eizenhöfer, P. R. , Glotzbach, C., Büttner, L., Kley, J. and Ehlers, T. A. (2021) Turning the orogenic switch: Slab‐reversal in the Eastern Alps recorded by low‐temperature thermochronology. Geophysical Research Letters, 48(6), (doi: 10.1029/2020GL092121)
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Abstract
Many convergent orogens, such as the eastern European Alps, display an asymmetric doubly vergent wedge geometry. In doubly vergent orogens, deepest exhumation occurs above the retro-wedge. Deep-seismic interpretations depict the European plate dipping beneath the Adriatic, suggesting the pro-wedge location on the north side of the orogen. Our new thermochronometer data across the Eastern Alps confirm distinct shifts in the locus of exhumation associated with orogen-scale structural reorganizations. Most importantly, we find a general Mid-Miocene shift in exhumation (in the Tauern Window and the Southern Alps) and focus of modern seismicity across the Southern Alps. Taken together, these observations suggest a subduction polarity reversal at least since the Mid-Miocene such that the present-day pro-wedge is located on the south side of the Alps. We propose a transient tectonic state of a slow-and-ongoing slab reversal coeval with motion along the Tauern Ramp, consistent with a present-day northward migration of drainage divides.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Additional Information: | e2020GL092121. |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Eizenhoefer, Dr Paul |
Authors: | Eizenhöfer, P. R., Glotzbach, C., Büttner, L., Kley, J., and Ehlers, T. A. |
College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences |
Journal Name: | Geophysical Research Letters |
Publisher: | Wiley |
ISSN: | 0094-8276 |
ISSN (Online): | 1944-8007 |
Published Online: | 16 February 2021 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2021. The Authors |
First Published: | First published in Geophysical Research Letters 48(6):e2020GL092121. |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons license |
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