Rift-related paleogeography of the European margin in the Eastern Alps (Central Tauern Window)

Abstract Continent-derived tectonic units in the Tauern Window of Alps exhibit stratigraphic and structural traces extension continental margins eventually leading to opening Alpine Tethys. In this study, we reassess lithostratigraphic data from central part reconstruct post-Variscan evolution area, particularly rift-related geometry European margin. The lithostratigraphy nappes reflects systematic variations structure lowest (Venediger nappe system, Eclogite Zone Trögereck Nappe) are characterized by a thick succession arkose-rich Bündnerschiefer-type sediments probably Early Cretaceous age that interpret as syn-rift sequence which stratigraphically overlies thinned basement thin pre-rift sediments. contrast, highest unit derived Europe (Rote Wand preserves sedimentary overlying basement, well syn- post-rift turbiditic probable age. These observations point towards highly segmented rifted We propose involved formation an outer margin high, partly preserved Rote Nappe, was separated main rift basin strongly-thinned crust. along-strike discontinuity Nappe is proposed reflect lateral variation thickness high resulted margin-parallel segmentation crust during oblique rifting antecedent