Turning the Orogenic Switch: Slab‐Reversal in the Eastern Alps Recorded by Low‐Temperature Thermochronology

Abstract

Seismic tomography results from the eastern European Alps have led to the hypothesis that a change in subduction polarity also occurred there (

Quantifying Tectonic and Glacial Controls on Topography in the Patagonian Andes (46.5°S) From Integrated Thermochronometry and Thermo‐Kinematic Modeling

“…Previous thermo‐kinematic modeling studies in fold‐and‐thrust belts elsewhere (e.g., Lock & Willett, 2008; McQuarrie et al., 2019; McQuarrie & Ehlers, 2017) showed that exhumation associated with rock motion along mid‐crustal ramps produces a characteristic U‐shaped pattern of predicted thermochronological ages. Such thermochronometric age patterns have been observed in numerous fold‐and‐thrust belts around the world (e.g., Alps, Eizenhöfer et al., 2021; Hindukush, Kufner et al., 2016; Southern Alps, New Zealand, Batt et al., 2000), including the Southern Patagonian Andes (Fosdick et al., 2013).…”

New constraints on the exhumation history of the western Tauern Window (European Alps) from thermochronology, thermokinematic modeling, and topographic analysis

“…1), recent geophysical data suggest that the subducted European slab is detached from the orogenic crust and dips steeply to the NNE (Handy et al 2021;Paffrath et al 2021). A recent switch in subduction polarity with a northward subduction of the Adriatic plate may have occurred here in the Miocene (Kästle et al 2020;Eizenhöfer et al 2021).…”

Plate corner subduction and rapid localized exhumation: Insights from3Dcoupled geodynamic and geomorphological modelling

“…Large thrust fault systems dipping in opposite (pro‐ and retro‐)directions (e.g., Contact Fault and Border Ranges Fault in the Yakutat collision zone of southeast Alaska; Arkle et al, 2013) are characteristic features of many continental orogens described as “doubly vergent” (Argand, 1916; Eizenhöfer et al, 2021; Willett et al, 1993). Our results show that a higher viscosity of the interface layer (i.e., a stronger mechanical connection between the subducting and overriding plate) favours deformation accommodation along trench‐parallel lithospheric‐scale shear bands and, therefore, reduces the influence of the curved geometry of the subducting plate (i.e., the central indenter bulge) on the overall rock uplift patterns.…”

“…Large thrust fault systems dipping in opposite (pro-and retro-)directions (e.g., Contact Fault and Border Ranges Fault in the Yakutat collision zone of southeast Alaska; Arkle et al, 2013) are characteristic features of many continental orogens described as "doubly vergent" (Argand, 1916;Eizenhöfer et al, 2021;Willett et al, 1993).…”