Reconstruction of cyclic Mesozoic–Cenozoic stress development in SE Germany using fault-slip and stylolite inversion

Abstract The Franconian Platform of SE Germany and the underlying Permian Triassic rocks that developed from latest to time were affected by multiple compressional extensional events created a complex fracture, fault stylolite network. We reconstructed spatio-temporal variations post-Triassic palaeostress fields in strata using fault-slip tectonic inversion. Our highly resolved stress inversion enables us demonstrate cyclic evolution regime normal faulting thrusting, strike-slip back faulting. Five main correlating with two cycles are determined for Late Jurassic Cenozoic time. first cycle consists of: (SF1) an initially NE–SW-directed horizontal extension during Early Cretaceous time; (SF2) NNE–SSW-directed compression early set stylolites prior development reverse thrust faults; (SF3) strike-slip-dominated setting (N)NE–(S)SW representing relaxation. second comprises (SF4) NW–SE-directed Oligocene–Miocene (SF5) WNW–ESE NW–SE Alpine shortening, creating youngest stylolites. In addition, we consider transitional stages between thrusting as snapshot process intraplate tectonics.