Turning the orogenic switch: Slab‐reversal in the Eastern Alps recorded by low‐temperature thermochronology

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)

[img] Text
289360.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial.

2MB

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
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

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record