Slab Load Controls Beneath the Alps on the Source-to-Sink Sedimentary Pathways in the Molasse Basin

The stratigraphic development of foreland basins has mainly been related to surface loading in the adjacent orogens, whereas control slab loads on these received much less attention. This also case for interpreting relationships between Oligocene Micoene evolution European Alps and North Alpine basin or Molasse basin. In this trough, periods rapid subsidence have generally considered as a response growth topography, thus construction larger loads. However, such views conflict with observations where partly decoupled from history addition, alone are not capable explaining contrasts particularly its central eastern portions. Here, we present an alternative view We focus time interval c. 30 15 Ma relate basin-scale trough subduction processes, beneath Alps. At Ma, western portions experienced change deep marine underfilled (Flysch stage) overfilled terrestrial conditions (Molasse stage). During time, however, Flysch-type environment prevailed part was final sedimentary sink sediment routed along topographic axis western/central trough. interpret underfill overfill oceanic lithosphere slab-breakoff Central Western is resulted topography Alps, increase erosion augmentation supply basin, observed overfill. until 20 rates were higher than parts. that high occurred Eastern subducted remained attached plate downwarped East. Accordingly, parts, flux most likely reflect delamination contrast, part, possibly subdued low maintenance records situation still plate. changed at when chronicled (underfilled) shallow then (overfilled conditions). same decreased, deformation front came halt increased routing east-directed dispersal prior west-oriented transport thereafter opposite direction. changes occurrence breakoff which rebound plate, portion Beneath continental thereby resulting continued downwarping together East explains inversion drainage propose presumably important drivers scale.