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First deep seismic reflection images of the Eastern Alps reveal giant crustal wedges and transcrustal ramps
Author(s) -
Gebrande Helmut,
Lüschen Ewald,
Bopp Michael,
Bleibinhaus Florian,
Lammerer Bernd,
Oncken Onno,
Stiller Manfred,
Kummerow Jörn,
Kind Rainer,
Millahn Karl,
Grassl Herfried,
Neubauer Franz,
Bertelli Luca,
Borrini Daniela,
Fantoni Roberto,
Pessina Camillo,
Sella Mattia,
Castellarin Alberto,
Nicolich Rinaldo,
Mazzotti Alfredo,
Bernabini Marcello
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2002gl014911
Subject(s) - geology , reflection (computer programming) , seismology , computer science , programming language
The Alps are considered as a classical example for an orogen created by continental plate collision. In this study we present new images obtained from deep seismic reflection profiling in the Eastern Alps between Munich and Venice which give rise to examine and revise existing concepts. The seismic sections exhibit a prominent bi‐verging reflection pattern at crustal scale. A major ramp‐like structure, outcropping at the Inn‐Valley fault, can be traced southward over 80 km into the mountain root where relics of the subducted Penninic ocean are expected. New models of the evolution of the Eastern Alps show an upper/lower crustal decoupling along transcrustal thrust faults with opposite thrust directions of both the European and the Adriatic‐African continents.