Anatomy and kinematic evolution of an ancient passive margin involved into an orogenic wedge (Western Southern Alps, Varese area, Italy and Switzerland)

Abstract We make use of own geological mapping, interpretations seismic reflection profiles and deep geophysical data to build a lithospheric-scale cross-section across the European Western Southern Alps (Varese area) model progressive restoration from end Mesozoic rifting present-day. Early phases Alpine orogeny were characterized by Europe-directed thrusting, whereas post-Oligocene shortening led basement-involving crustal accretion accompanied backfolding, consistent with kinematics adjoining Ivrea Zone. Wedging was favored significant component reactivation inherited Adriatic rifted margin. Our results also suggest that, during collisional post-collisional tectonics, lithosphere dynamics drove diachronically onset tectonic (i.e., wedging slab retreat), east west, Alps.