Reuniting the Ötztal Nappe: the tectonic evolution of the Schneeberg Complex

Abstract The Ötztal Nappe in the Eastern Alps is a thrust sheet of Variscan metamorphic basement rocks and their Mesozoic sediment cover. It has been argued that main part its southeastern part, Texel Complex, belong to two different Austroalpine nappe systems are separated by major tectonic contact. Different locations have proposed for this boundary. We use microprobe mapping garnet structural field geology test hypothesis such separation. Pre-Mesozoic area include several lithotectonic units: Complex s.str., Laas Schneeberg Frame Zone. With exception which contains only single-phased (Eoalpine, i.e. Late Cretaceous) garnet, all these units two-phased with cores Eoalpine rims. represents Paleozoic sediments low-grade (sub-garnet-grade) metamorphism was over other cover (Brenner Mesozoic) during an early stage orogeny, before peak growth. Folding later modified setting so Thrust locally inverted came lie under s.str. hypothesized Ötztal/Texel boundaries earlier authors either cut across undisturbed lithological layering or unsupported any evidence. Our results support existence one coherent Nappe, including showing southeastward increase resulted from subduction.