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This work summarizes the results of an interdisciplinary project where we aimed to explore the origin of overdeepenings through a combination of a gravimetry survey, drillings, and dating. To this end, we focused on the Bern area, Switzerland, situated on the northern margin of the European Alps. This area experienced multiple advances of piedmont glaciers during the Quaternary glaciations, resulting in the carving of the main overdeepening of the Aare River valley (referred to as the Aare main overdeepening). This bedrock depression is tens of kilometres long and up to several hundreds of metres to a few kilometres wide. We found that, in the Bern area, the Aare main overdeepening is made up of two > 200 m deep troughs that are separated by a ca. 5 km long and up to 150 m high transverse rocky ridge, interpreted as a riegel. The basins and the riegel are overlain by a > 200 m and a ca. 100 m thick succession of Quaternary sediments, respectively. The bedrock itself is made up of a Late Oligocene to Early Miocene suite of consolidated clastic deposits, which are part of the Molasse foreland basin. In contrast, the Quaternary suite comprises a Middle Pleistocene to Holocene succession of unconsolidated glacio-lacustrine gravel, sand, and mud. A synthesis of published gravimetry data revealed that the upstream stoss side of the bedrock riegel is ca. 50 % flatter than the downstream lee side. In addition, information from > 100 deep drillings reaching depths > 50 m suggests that the bedrock riegel is dissected by an anastomosing network of slot canyons. Apparently, the slot canyons established the hydrological connection between the upstream and downstream basins during their formation. Based on published modelling results, we interpret that the riegels and canyons were formed through incision of subglacial meltwater during a glacier's decay state, when large volumes of meltwater were released. It appears that such a situation has repeatedly occurred since the Middle Pleistocene Transition approximately 800 ka , when large and erosive piedmont glaciers several hundreds of metres thick began to advance far into the foreland. This resulted in the deep carving of the inner-Alpine valleys and additionally in the formation of overdeepenings, riegels, and slot canyons on the plateau situated on the northern margin of the Alps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molasses of foredeeps are important indicators of the newest orogenic uplifts, as well as the source of data on climate and landscape changes. One of the fullest sections of Neogene–Quaternary deposits is studied in valleys of the Belaya, Pshekha, and Psekups rivers at the junction of the Western and Northwestern Caucasus with the Eastern Kuban and Western Kuban foredeeps. The formation of the deposits corresponds to the main evolution stages of the Great Caucasus orogen, as well as the foredeeps. A summary of extensive published and original tectonostratigraphic materials has shown that the lowland and then hilly relief in an axial zone of Western Caucasus existed at least from the Middle Miocene. At the same time, the northern flank of the present-day orogen and the foredeeps were located at sea level and were repeatedly flooded by the seas up to the Kuyalnikian (Piacenzian–Gelasian) time, and the Western Kuban Foredeep was flooded even later. The main data on stratigraphy of the upper molasses and Pliocene–Quaternary tectonic movements of the region are based on facies analysis and bio- and magnetostratigraphic studies of the Upper Pliocene–Lower Pleistocene Belorechensk Formation. Its sedimentation started at the beginning of the Kuyalnikian as a result of an increase in the energy of mountain rivers due to the uplift of the riverheads. It is stated that the minimum average rate of uplift of the Western Caucasus in the basin of the Belaya River is 0.8 mm/year over last 4 mln years with acceleration up to 1.7 mm/year from the beginning of the Calabrian. The Belorechensk Formation includes three subformations, which successively become coarser clastic and correspond to the main stages of the accumulation of upper molasses in the Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene during the intensification of uplifts and landscape-climate changes of Western Caucasus and Ciscaucasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current crustal stress field is of key importance to understand geodynamic processes and to assess stability aspects during subsurface usage. To provide a 3-D continuous description of the stress state, linear elastic forward geomechanical-numerical models are used. These models solve the equilibrium of forces between gravitational volume forces and surfaces forces imposed mainly by plate tectonics. The latter are responsible for the horizontal stress anisotropy and impose the inverse problem to estimate horizontal displacement boundary conditions that provide a fit best to horizontal stress magnitude data within the model volume. However, horizontal stress magnitude data have high uncertainties and they are sparse, clustered and not necessarily representative for a larger rock volume. Even when Bayesian statistics are incorporated and additional stress information such as borehole failure observations or formation integrity test are used to further constrain the solution space, this approach may result in a low accuracy of the model results, that is the result is not correct. Here, we present an alternative approach that removes the dependence of the solution space based on stress magnitude data to avoid potential low accuracy. Initially, a solution space that contains all stress states that are physically reasonable is defined. Stress magnitude data and the additional stress information are then used in a Bayesian framework to evaluate which solutions are more likely than others. We first show and validate our approach with a generic truth model and then apply it to a case study of the Molasse foreland basin of the Alps in Southern Germany. The results show that the model's ability to predict a reliable stress state is increasing while the number of likely solutions may also increase, and that outlier of stress magnitude data can be identified. This alternative approach results in a substantial increase in computational speed as we perform most of the calculations analytically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of geothermal carbonate reservoirs is controlled by, for instance, depositional environment, lithology, diagenesis, karstification, fracture networks, and tectonic deformation. Carbonatic rock formations are thus often extremely heterogeneous, and reservoir parameters and their spatial distribution difficult to predict. Using a 3D seismic dataset combined with well data from Munich, Germany, we demonstrate how a comprehensive seismic attribute analysis can significantly improve the understanding of a complex carbonate reservoir. We deliver an improved reservoir model concept and identify possible exploitation targets within the Upper Jurassic carbonates. We use seismic attributes and different carbonate lithologies from well logs to identify parameter correlations. From this, we obtain a supervised neural-network-based 3D lithology model of the geothermal reservoir. Furthermore, we compare fracture orientations measured in seismic (ant-tracking analysis) and well scale (image log analysis) to address scalability. Our results show that, for example, acoustic impedance is suitable to identify reefs and karst-related dolines, and sweetness proves useful to analyse the internal reef architecture, whereas frequency- and phase-related attributes allow the detection of karst. In addition, reef edges, dolines, and fractures, associated with high permeabilities, are characterized by strong phase changes. Fractures are also identified using variance and ant tracking. Morphological characteristics, like dolines, are captured using the shape index. Regarding the diagenetic evolution of the reservoir and the corresponding lithology distribution, we show that the Upper Jurassic carbonate reservoir experienced a complex evolution, consisting of at least three dolomitization phases, two karstification phases, and a phase of tectonic deformation. We observe spatial trends in the degree of dolomitization and show that it is mainly facies-controlled and that karstification is facies- and fault-controlled. Karstification improves porosity and permeability, whereas dolomitization can either increase or decrease porosity. Therefore, reservoir zones should be exploited that experienced only weak diagenetic alteration, i.e. the dolomitic limestone in the upper part of the Upper Jurassic carbonates. Regarding the fracture scalability across seismic and well scales, we note that a general scalability is, due to a combination of methodological limitations and geological reasons, not possible. Nevertheless, both methods provide an improved understanding of the fracture system and possible fluid pathways. By integrating all the results, we are able to improve and adapt recent reservoir concepts, to outline the different phases of the reservoir's structural and diagenetic evolution, and to identify high-quality reservoir zones in the Munich area. These are located southeast at the Ottobrunn Fault and north of the Munich Fault close to the Nymphenburg Fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tramelan-2 borehole (Canton Bern, Switzerland) continuously cored a 275.60 m sequence of Palaeogene to Neogene sediments, providing a rare opportunity for sedimentological analysis of the Jura Molasse. Lithostratigraphy, sedimentary facies and heavy minerals allow correlation with the classical Swiss Molasse. Evidence for clastic input from Alpine and non-Alpine sources is consistent with deposition at the northern feather edge of the Molasse Basin. Grey sandstones at the base of the succession are tentatively interpreted as fluvial facies of the Lower Freshwater Molasse (USM). These are overlain by erosively-based conglomerates, interpreted as winnowed storm lags of locally-derived clasts and distantly-sourced Alpine material at the transgressive base of the Upper Marine Molasse (OMM). Above this, a range of plane-laminated and cross-bedded bioclastic sandstones are interpreted as the deposits of a meso- or macrotidal flat or estuarine complex. Facies evolution in the upper OMM records a series of stacked regressive cycles within an overall upward trend of reducing current energy, reflecting a transition from offshore to nearshore shallow marine environments. The unconformably overlying Upper Freshwater Molasse (OSM) passes upwards from micaceous siltstones and marls into a series of freshwater carbonates, dominated by lacustrine limestones which are arranged in repeated regressive cycles, each capped by organic-rich horizons. The middle part of the carbonate interval comprises palustrine limestones with pedogenetic fabrics recording periodic subaerial exposure. Stable isotope signatures from the palustrine facies reflect subaerial pedogenetic overprint, while the lacustrine carbonates record cyclical variations in δ13C which may reflect increases in organic material during progressive lake fill and/or an increased influence of aquifer waters during flooding events. The Jura Molasse onlapped a Mesozoic carbonate pediment hosting a regional karst system which remained active at least until the Burdigalian transgression on footwall highs bounding the Delémont Basin, and locally into the Langhian near Tramelan. This configuration controlled subsequent deposition of OSM carbonates which onlapped erosional and potentially early tectonic relief, and were deposited in groundwater-fed seasonal lacustrine/palustrine environments, where the karstic aquifer controls on seasonal hydrology appear to have been comparable to Caribbean freshwater carbonate wetland systems today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amer Belt, hosting eleven informal formations of the Amer supergroup, is proposed as type area for four regional Paleoproterozoic sequences (Ps1–Ps4) in central Rae Craton, western Churchill Province. The ca. 1.9–1.865 Ga Snowbird orogeny (DP1) affected only Ps1–Ps3, whereas the ca. 1.87–1.81 Ga Hudsonian orogeny (DP2) affected all four. Sequence Ps1 Ayagaq Lake formation (<2.3 Ga quartzite) initiates as schistose basal polymict orthoconglomerate unconformably overlying paleoweathered Neoarchean rocks. It transitions upward to lower Ps2 Resort Lake formation: gossanous, recessive, graphitic, pyritic-metalliferous phyllite (Re–Os age: 2126 ± 24 Ma). Ps2 conductors beneath the <1.74 Ga Thelon formation have been drilled for unconformity-related uranium. Gradationally overlying siliceous dolomitic marble (Aluminium River formation) completes Ps2. The gradationally overlying lower Ps3 is either foliated calcareous tholeiitic basalt (Five Mile Lake formation) or grey phyllite (Three Lakes formation). These lateral equivalents host strong linear aeromagnetic markers. The Oora Lake formation foliated feldspathic calcareous sandstone gradationally overlies only the Three Lakes formation and underlies the upper Ps3 Showing Lake formation (interbedded phyllite and foliated calcareous arkose) whose two arkose members host laterally continuous disseminated uraninite + magnetite forming linear aeromagnetic markers. Pristine sequence Ps4 molasse, deposited and weakly deformed during DP2, comprises four formations of rhythmically interbedded, deep maroon to pink and green, feldspathic-lithic arenite, conglomerate, and mudstone that unconformably overlie and include clasts of DP1-deformed Ps1–Ps3 + Neoarchean basement. Ps4 detrital zircon (3.05–1.90 Ga) suggests local + distal provenance from south Rae and Slave Cratons, and Taltson–Thelon magmatic zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of geothermal carbonate reservoirs is controlled by numerous factors and processes, such as the depositional environment, lithology, diagenesis, karstification, fracture networks, and tectonic deformation. Carbonatic rock formations are thus often extremely heterogeneous, and reservoir parameters and their spatial distribution are therefore difficult to predict. For the example of a 3D seismic dataset combined with well data from Munich, Germany, we demonstrate, how an advanced analysis can deliver an improved reservoir model concept and help to identify possible exploitation targets within the Upper Jurassic carbonates. To identify possible reservoir sections and to understand their above-mentioned controlling factors, we analyse different seismic single- and multi-attributes. Some of the seismic attributes, together with lithology logs from wells, are then used to identify parameter correlations between the seismic attributes and the different carbonate lithologies to obtain a supervised neural network based 3D lithology model of the geothermal reservoir. Furthermore, we compare the fracture orientations measured in seismic (ant-tracking analysis) and well scale (image log analysis), to address scalability. Our results show that, for example, acoustic impedance is well suited to identify reefs and karst-related dolines. Areas with strong karstification or fault- and fracture-related deformation, which are both associated with high permeabilities, are also indicated by e.g. strong frequency attenuation, variance anomalies, and/or morphological features like bowl-shaped structures derived from the shape index. Furthermore, by using sweetness we can reconstruct the reef development of two exemplary reefs, and regarding the lithology distribution, we show that the upper part of the reservoir is dominated by limestone and dolomitic limestone rather than dolomite. In addition, we observe spatial trends in the degree of dolomitization. With respect to the fracture orientations on seismic- and well scales, we point out that a general scalability is not possible due to a combination of methodological limitations and geological reasons. Nonetheless, we argue that the combination of both methods provides an improved overall impression of the fracture systems, and therefore possible fluid pathways. By taking all the results into account, we are able to improve and adapt recent reservoir concepts to outline the different phases of its structural and diagenetic evolution. Furthermore, our results help to identify high quality reservoir zones in the Munich area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple strategies have been used in anaerobic digestion of effluents aiming to enhance the efficiency of the methane (CH 4) recovery process, where co-digestion and the two-stage process emerge as prominent methods. In this context, this study aimed at evaluating the co-digestion of sugarcane vinasse and molasse in a two-stage process using anaerobic fluidized bed reactors (AFBR), verifying the effect of increasing the organic loading rate (OLR) (5–22.5 kg COD.m−3.d−1) and temperature in the second stage methanogenic reactor. Regarding the two-stage process, sugarcane vinasse and molasses fermentation demonstrated the maximum energy potential (E.P) of 57.08 kJ.d−1 (7.5 g COD.L−1). Regarding the methanogenic sequential reactors, organic matter removal reached high values (up to 84.5 % in a thermophilic sequential reactor (TSR); up to 84.5 % in a mesophilic sequential reactor (MSR)). The highest CH 4 yield (MY) of 306.77 ± 38.84 mL CH 4.g−1 COD rem was observed in MSR (9 kg COD.m−3.d−1). Meanwhile, the maximum value of MPR (3.8 ± 0.5 L CH 4.L−1.d−1) was observed in TSR (21 kg COD.m−3.d−1). Regarding the Archaea domain, a predominance of hydrogenotrophic microorganisms could be identified, in which the genera Methanobacterium and Methanothermobacter were the most abundant in MSR and TSR, respectively. This study demonstrates that anaerobic digestion of sugarcane vinasse and molasses enhances anaerobic treatment using two-stage AFBRs. It not only produces CH 4 but also generates hydrogen and high-value products through an acidogenic reactor. This research marks a significant advancement in managing sugarcane processing by-products, offering promising approaches to maximize biogas production and improve pollutant removal efficiency. [Display omitted] • Sugarcane vinasse and molasse co-digestion was evaluated in two-stage reactors. • Mesophilic process increased the energy potential by 21.62 % at < 15 g COD.L−1. • The highest methane (CH 4) yield was 306.8 mL CH 4.g−1COD in process at 30 °C. • Increasing substrate concentration decreased CH 4 yield by up to 112 %. • Methanobacterium and Methanothermobacter were the most abundant in co-digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bohemian Massif is the relic of a major Paleozoic mountain range that is known to have exhumed and its surface levelled in the Permian, but its Neogene landscape evolution is largely unconstrained. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills and extended planation surfaces above an elevation of about 500 m. However, at lower elevations deeply incised gorges confined by steep hillslopes are abundant and contrast impressively with the low relief landscapes above. Rivers with a bimodal morphology (i.e. steep at lower elevations and gentle at higher elevations) drain either to the north into the Vltava (Moldau) River or to the south into the Danube River. Hence, a continental drainage divide runs through the Bohemian Massif. Here, we quantify spatial characteristics of the Bohemian Massif landforms by computing landscape metrics like steepness index or geophysical relief derived from digital elevation models. From this we infer temporal change of the landscape in the past and predict them for the future evolution of the region. We show that the landscape is characterized by out-of-equilibrium river profiles with knickpoints abundantly at elevations between 450 m and 550 m separating steep channel segments at lower elevations from less steep channels at higher elevations. Hypsometric maxima at or close above knickpoint elevations, along with high and low values in geophysical relief as indicator for the degree of fluvial landscape dissection downstream and upstream of major knickpoints, support the idea of landscape bimodality. Furthermore, we find a distinct drainage divide asymmetry, which causes the reorganization of the drainage network of the region. Across-divide gradients in channel steepness predict the northward migration of the Danube-Vltava drainage divide including growth and shrinkage of tributary catchments, thus controlling changes in the Central European drainage pattern. All aspects suggest that the region experienced relief rejuvenation during the last few million years. We suggest that this relief rejuvenation is related to the inversion of the Molasse basin with a long wavelength rock uplift pattern and low uplift rates. Vertical motion of crustal blocks at discrete faults may locally affect the uplift pattern. However, the contrasting bedrock properties between the sedimentary cover (Molasse sediments) and the crystalline basement (Bohemian Massif) cause substantial differences in erosion rate and are thus the superior control on the topographic variations of the entire region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstructing the evolution of foreland basins that experienced late exhumation is challenging due to an incomplete sedimentary record. Thermochronometry has been applied successfully to reconstruct basin evolution, but the method is subject to uncertainties. For the Swiss Molasse Basin, a wide range of exhumation magnitude and timing has been proposed based on thermochronometry. We aim to reduce uncertainty by dating larger numbers of grains and samples, to obtain statistically more robust data. New apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He (AHe) data from a single borehole shows ages of 4 to 30 Ma in the upper 500 meters and ages of 3 to 80 Ma below 1300 meters. This is counterintuitive as a total reset is expected at depths exceeding approximately 600 m. To arrive at a single consistent thermal history including our and previously published data, we conduct thermal modeling with different software. In particular we test the influence of different provenance histories and distinguish between cooling associated with changes in heat flow vs changes in exhumation. We determine 1050 m +/- 100 m of exhumation, starting slowly at 13 Ma and accelerating at 9 Ma. Coinciding with exhumation, heat flow begins to rise sharply, causing heating until 5 Ma, despite ongoing exhumation. We show that this discrepancy between start of exhumation and start of cooling is the main reason for differing estimates for the burial and exhumation history of the basin. We suggest that the remaining misfit between modeled and measured Molasse AHe ages can be explained by post-Miocene hydrothermal flux in the Neogene sediment fill above a sealing layer, potentially the Middle Jurassic claystones or Triassic evaporites. In summary, we show that a single consistent model for basin exhumation relies on large sets of grains and samples, as well as inclusion of provenance ages in the models. With timing of the main exhumation phase constrained to start at 9 Ma, we can rule out a 5 Ma climatic event as exhumation driver. As the region is not affected by extensive faulting, deep seated processes related to mantle dynamics remain as exhumation driving process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire) is the world's largest research centre for high‐energy and particle physics. The research infrastructure contributed to the greatest successes in the field of experimental physics. A new, approximatively 91 km long subsurface infrastructure connected to the existing particle accelerator complex is being conceived in the frame of the Future Circular Collider. It would serve a global community of researchers with two subsequently operated particle colliders until the end of the 21st century. Even at an early stage of such a project, comprehensive investigations have to be carried out into the nature of the subsoil in order to find an optimal utilisation strategy for the excavated material in accordance with the national and international regulations in order to promote the recycling of excavated tunnel material in terms of resource conservation and the improvement of the sustainability of underground construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late brittle extension is a common feature in orogenic belts, and its role in mountain building processes is still the subject of debate. Its timing relationship with crustal thickening, the building of topography, basin infill, and rock exhumation are of key importance in determining whether it is a major factor in orogenic development or merely causes near-surface secondary effects. We examined this question in relation to the active arc-continent collision of Taiwan, studying its structural evolution by integrating new and critical geochronological results for tensile vein filling of hinterland metamorphic terrane with syn-collision deposition records. Acceleration of rock exhumation and molasse deposition was found to be coeval with the initiation of brittle tensile structures at ca. 1.6 Ma, which was long overdue as continental subduction started well before 6.5 Ma in central to northern Taiwan. The topographic mountain of Taiwan was thus constructed when the upper crust of the thickened orogenic prism turned extensional, as orographic elevation and relief are prerequisites for molasses production. Syn-collisional brittle extension is therefore proposed as a possible facilitator of both augmented extrusive exhumation and the formation of orography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Cretaceous orogeny followed by the Eocene collision of the Adriatic with the European plate dissected the Northern Calcareous Alps (NCA) by a number of well-studied strike-slip fault systems accommodating N-S shortening and E-W stretching. However, the post-Miocene fault activity is poorly constrained due to lack of Neogene faulted sediments, and glacial erosion of geomorphic indicators. Using the protected environment of caves, we fill the knowledge gap in the post-Miocene evolution of the NCA by paleostress analysis of 172 reactivated faults that offset passages in 28 caves near major faults. Constrained maximum age of caves, our results indicate that the NCA have been subjected to N to NE trending compression since Pliocene. Faulted speleothems dated with 230Th/U method, indicate that the recorded present-day stress state did not significantly change during the last 0.5 Ma. In contrast to the previously proposed post-Miocene N-S extension of NCA, but in agreement with what was observed in Vienna and Pannonian basins, we conclude that the eastward extrusion resulting from N-S convergence has continued despite a distinct slowdown of plate tectonic velocities in the late Miocene. The N-S extension affected only the Alpine front during Pliocene Molasse basin inversion, while at the scale of the Alpine orogen the NCA underwent successive N-S shortening and E-W stretching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most temperature predictions for deep geothermal applications rely on correcting bottom-hole temperatures (BHTs) to undisturbed or static formation temperatures (SFTs). The data used for BHT correction are usually of low quality due to a lack of information and poor documentation, and the uncertainty of the corrected SFT is therefore unknown. It is supposed that the error within the input data exceeds the error due to the uncertainty of the different correction schemes. To verify this, we combined a global sensitivity study with Sobol indices of six easy-to-use conventional correction schemes of the BHT data set of the Bavarian Molasse Basin with an uncertainty study and developed a workflow that aims at presenting a valid error range of the corrected SFTs depending on the quality of their input data. The results give an indication of which of the investigated correction methods should be used depending on the input data, as well as show that the unknown error in the input parameters exceeds the error of the individual BHT correction methods as such. The developed a priori uncertainty-based BHT correction helps to provide a real estimate of the subsurface temperatures needed for geothermal prospecting and probabilistic risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jiaojia giant gold deposit is the largest gold deposit in China, with a total gold reserve of approximately 1200 t. Until now, the knowledge of the exhumation history of post-mineralization period is limited, in particular for the low-temperature thermochronology studies of samples below −1000 m. In this work, we combined zircon fission-track (ZFT) and apatite fission-track (AFT) dating of samples between −1100 and −2000 m to determine the post-mineralization cooling and exhumation history of the Jiaojia giant gold deposit. The ZFT ages ranged from 144.2±6.3 to 124.4±5.5 Ma, representing the cooling period and the disturbance of ore-forming fluid. The AFT ages ranged from 28.1±2.6 to 16.2±1.0 Ma, recording the exhumation and cooling processes. With reference to previous low-temperature thermochronology studies in the Jiaojia goldfield, we estimated the exhumation rate and amount of the Jiaojia giant gold deposit and reconstructed its exhumation and preservation history. The exhumation history was divided into four stages, rapid exhumation (~120–95 Ma), relatively slow exhumation (~95–50 Ma), slow exhumation (~50–30 Ma) and relatively rapid exhumation (since 30 Ma). Each stage corresponds to geological events related to the basin-mountain coupling that have occurred since the Cretaceous in the Jiaodong area, namely, a strong tectonic extension and volcanic eruption in the Jiaolai Basin, subsidence of the Jiaolai Basin and Wangshi Group molasse sedimentary, tectonic quiescence, and the Linqu Group basalt eruption of the Jiaobei uplift. Our results show that the exhumation of the Jiaojia giant gold deposit is ~5.2±1.2 km and the orebody erosion degree is relatively low, indicating huge prospecting potential deep in the Jiaojia giant gold deposit. These findings have significance and practical value for deep prospecting in the Jiaodong area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe here the results of the characterization of subsurface structures in an area of the south-eastern edge of the Bohemian Massif, in Austria by high-resolution geophysical survey techniques and advanced analysis methods of potential fields. The employed methods included potential field multiscale techniques for source-edge location and characterization of sources at depth. Our results confirmed the presence of already known structures: the location of the Diendorf Fault and the Moldanubian Shearzone are clearly recognized in the data at the same location as on the geological maps, even where the Diendorf fault is covered with sediments of the Molasse Basin. In addition, we detected several geological contacts between different rock types in the Bohemian Massif west of the Diendorf Fault. From our results, we were also able to quickly identify and image, without a priori information, previously unknown structures, such as faults with-depth-to-the top of about 500 m and magmatic intrusions about 400 m deep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vernacular architecture in many regions in Eastern Austria was characterized by the use of unfired clay, at least until the 19th century, and in some areas until the 20th century. Farmhouses and associated farm buildings, such as storage buildings or press houses for the production of wine and cider, were erected using different earth construction techniques. The study area stretches from the Weinviertel, a region located in the province of Lower Austria in the north-east of Austria, to the Burgenland, a region located in the south-east of Austria, which belonged to Western Hungary until 1921. From a geological point of view, in the east of Austria—in the Vienna Basin and the Molasse Zone—huge areas of Tertiary clay are covered with loess deposits, which is the best-known basic material used in local earth-building traditions. A core question in the research on vernacular earthen heritage focuses on the impact of the geological conditions in Eastern Austria on the local earth-building techniques. The mineralogical composition of the different clays had an impact on the local building techniques. From a material-culture point of view, research on the relationship between the mineralogical properties of clay resources and local building techniques sheds light on the factors which influenced the evolution of certain vernacular building features. Tertiary clays and loess from the Pleistocene favoured the making of earth lumps, cob walls and adobe bricks over the whole Eastern Austrian region. Contrarily, regions in Burgenland with a high amount of gravel preferred, by tradition, to make walls by ramming. The clay mineral smectite acts as a binding agent in earth-building techniques over the whole investigated region—Weinviertel, Burgenland and Western Hungary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We drilled a 210 m-thick succession of Quaternary sediments and extended it 30 m upsection with information that we collected from an adjacent outcrop. In the 240 m-thick succession we identified 12 different lithofacies, grouped them into five facies assemblages, and distinguished two major sedimentary sequences. A sharp contact at 103 m depth cuts off cross-beds in sequence A and separates them from the overlying horizontal beds in sequence B. Although the lowermost facies assemblage of each sequence includes a till deposited during a period of ice cover, the two tills differ from each other. In particular, the till at the base of sequence A is dominated by large clasts derived from the underlying Molasse bedrock, whereas the till at the base of sequence B has no such Molasse components. Furthermore, the till in sequence A bears evidence of glaciotectonic deformation. Both tills are overlain by thick assemblages of subaqueous, most likely glaciolacustrine and lacustrine facies elements. The cross-bedded and steeply inclined sand, gravel, and diamictic beds of sequence A are interpreted as deposits of density currents in a subaqueous ice-contact fan system within a proglacial lake. In contrast, the lacustrine sediments in sequence B are considered to record a less energetic environment where the material was most likely deposited in a prodelta setting that gradually developed into a delta plain. Towards the top, sequence B evolves into a fluvial system recorded in sequence C, when large sediment fluxes of a possibly advancing glacier resulted in a widespread cover of the region by a thick gravel unit. Feldspar luminescence dating on two samples from a sand layer at the top of sequence B provided uncorrected ages of 250.3 ± 80.2 and 251.3 ± 59.8 ka. The combination of these ages with lithostratigraphic correlations of sedimentary sequences encountered in neighboring scientific drillings suggests that sequence B was deposited between Marine Isotope Stage 8 (MIS 8; 300–243 ka) and MIS 7 (243–191 ka). This depositional age marks the end of one stage of overdeepening–fill in the perialpine Aare Valley near Bern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geothermal energy applications are seen as one key element for a successful heat transition in Bavaria. But there are still some barriers for a further development. To minimize these barriers the joint research project Geothermal Alliance Bavaria (GAB) is established. One important issue to foster the implementations of geothermal projects is the assessment of geothermal load prediction in the South German Molasse Basin (SGMB). This includes, aside from a reservoir temperature prognosis, an accurate description of the hydraulic properties of the Upper Jurassic Malm reservoir. Hydraulic test analyses are conducted in the framework of the GAB to obtain specific information about the hydraulic productivity of the reservoir. Results from these analyses show a decrease of rock permeability in southern direction within the reservoir. Because the spatial distribution of hydraulic test data is limited, the porosity of the reservoir is assessed by borehole core tests and logs interpretation. A trend of matrix porosity decrease with depth is recognised and correlates with the hydraulic test results. Based on these findings and combined with further information the Upper Jurassic reservoir could be classified in separated zones of similar production rates, which can now be used for a thermal output prognosis for the Bavarian part of the SGMB. To spatially expand these prognoses more data must be investigated in the next research phase of the GAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on multi‐scale and multi‐disciplinary measured data, gathered at the Geretsried geothermal site, a 3D reservoir model of the deep and fracture‐controlled Upper Jurassic carbonates in the North Alpine Foreland Basin is generated in this work. An efficient methodology is developed to numerically simulate the coupled reservoir processes of fluid flow, heat transport and thermoporoelastic stresses resulting from possible geothermal doublet operating schemes with cold fluid injection and production profiles in an enhanced naturally fractured reservoir. A variety of numerical experiments is conducted to study the reactivation potential and dilation tendency of the fracture and fault system. Simulation results show the spatiotemporal evolution of the thermoporoelastic stresses and the zone affected after 50 years of geothermal doublet operation. From these simulations, the thermoelastic response of a geothermal doublet operating with 60 °C fluid injection temperature and 20 l/s flow rate translates into a maximum induced thermal stress of around 49.4 MPa near the injection well. In terms of a long‐term reservoir performance and fault and fracture reactivation potential, the findings reveal a negligible risk to a sustainable geothermal doublet operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly collected shark and ray tooth fossils from the marine sediments of the Upper Marine Molasse close to Allerding (4.8 km SE of Schärding, Austria) allow for a review of the hitherto known diversity comprising a taxonomic update and the documentation of additional taxa. Besides ten taxa already known from the area, the following taxa were collected for the first time from the site: Galeocerdo aduncus Agassiz, 1835, Rhizoprionodon sp., Hemipristis serra Agassiz, 1835, Apristurus sp., Pseudoapristurus nonstriatus Pollerspöck & Straube, 2017, Scyliorhinus sp., Keasius sp., Mitsukurina lineata (Probst, 1879), Odontaspis molassica Probst, 1879, Otodus (Megaselachus) chubutensis (Ameghino, 1901), Chlamydoselachus bracheri Pfeil, 1983, Hexanchidae indet., Paraheptranchias repens (Probst, 1879), Notorynchus primigenius (Agassiz, 1843), Deania sp., Isistius triangulus (Probst, 1879), Euprotomicrus sp., Etmopterus sp., Pristiophorus sp., Nanocetorhinus tuberculatus Underwood & Schlögl, 2013, Raja gen-tili Joleaud, 1912, Rajidae sp. indet., Rhinobatos sp., Aetobatus arcuatus (Agassiz, 1843), and Dasyatis rugosa (Probst, 1877). Fossil teeth of Euprotomicrus represent the first fossil evidence of this taxon ever. Our results indicate a typical Miocene coastal shallow and continental shelf associated diversity. In addition, we reviewed the palaeogeographic distribution ranges of the squaliform genera listed herein to test, if we can identify the origin of specific squaliform genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After more than a century of research, the chronology of the deformation of the external part of the western Alpine belt (France) is still controversial for the Miocene epoch. In particular, the poor dating of the foreland basin sedimentary succession hampers a comprehensive understanding of the deformation kinematics. Here we focus on the Miocene molasse deposits of the northern subalpine massifs, southern Jura, Royans, Bas-Dauphiné, Crest, and La Bresse sedimentary basins through a multidisciplinary approach to build a basin-wide tectono-stratigraphic framework. Based on sequence stratigraphy constrained by biostratigraphical, chemostratigraphical (Sr isotopes), and magnetostratigraphical data between the late Aquitanian (∼ 21 Ma) and the Tortonian (∼ 8.2 Ma), the Miocene molasse chronostratigraphy is revised with a precision of ∼ 0.5 Ma. The Miocene molasse sediments encompass four different paleogeographical domains: (i) the oriental domain outlined by depositional sequences S1a to S3 (∼ 21 to ∼ 15 Ma), (ii) the median domain characterized by sequences S2 to S5 (∼ 17.8 to ∼ 12 Ma), (iii) the occidental domain in which sequences S2a to S8 (∼ 17.8 to ∼ 8.2 Ma) were deposited, and (iv) the Bressan domain where sedimentation is restricted to sequences S6 to S8 (∼ 12 to ∼ 8.2 Ma). A structural and tectono-sedimentary study is conducted based on new field observations and the reappraisal of regional seismic profiles, thereby allowing the identification of five major faults zones (FZs). The oriental, median, and occidental paleogeographical domains are clearly separated by FZ1, FZ2, and FZ3, suggesting strong interactions between tectonics and sedimentation during the Miocene. The evolution in time and space of the paleogeographical domains within a well-constrained structural framework reveals syntectonic deposits and a westward migration of the depocenters, allowing for proposing the succession of three deformation phases at the western Alpine front. (i) The first is a compressive phase (P1) corresponding to thrusting above the Chartreuse oriental thrust (FZ1), which was likely initiated during the Oligocene and rooted east of Belledonne. This tectonic phase generated reliefs that limited the Miocene transgression to the east. (ii) The second is a ∼ WNW–ESE-directed compressive phase (P2) lasting between 18.05 ± 0.25 Ma and ∼ 12 Ma, with thrusts rooted in the Belledonne basal thrust. Thrusts were activated from east to west: the Salève (SAL) and Gros Foug (GF) thrusts and then successively FZ2, FZ3, FZ4, and FZ5. Along two WNW–ESE balanced cross sections the amount of horizontal shortening is of ∼ 6.3 to 6.7 km, corresponding to average shortening rates of ∼ 1.2 km Myr -1 and migration of the deformation toward the west at a rate of ∼ 2.9 km Myr -1. During ∼ 6 Myr, the Miocene Sea was forced to regress rapidly westwards in response to westward migration of the active thrusts and exhumation of piggyback basins atop the fault zones. Phase P2 thus deeply shaped the Miocene paleogeographical evolution of the area and appears as a prominent compressive phase at the scale of the western Alps from the Swiss molasse basin to the Rhodano–Provencal one. (iii) The third is a ∼ 300 m phase of uplift in the Bas-Dauphiné (P3) of probable Tortonian age (∼ 10 Ma), which would have induced southward sea retreat and been coeval with the folding of the Jura in the north and possibly with back-thrusting east of the Chartreuse massif. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following recent work on the Miocene terrestrial vertebrate fauna of Kutch, we focused on bulk wet screening for microfossils from beds exposed near Tapar (=Tappar) and Pasuda villages in central Kutch (Gujarat), western India. Processing >1500 kg of bulk samples, led to the recovery of diverse rodent remains (nine species, mostly sciurids, rhizomyids, cricetids, and murids) as well as a vespertillionid bat and a possible lorisid for the first time from the Miocene succession of Kutch. This complements the previously described large and megamammal fossils of rhinos, anthracotheres, proboscideans, and ruminants from the same sections. Isolated rodent teeth represent taxa of generally short time ranges and wide distribution that assume considerable biostratigraphic significance. The rodents are similar to contemporaneous species to the north in India and to the west in Pakistan, including the Potwar Plateau. Based on the rodent assemblage, early Late Miocene (>10 Ma) age is assigned to the Tapar and Pasuda localities. The Kutch sample provides a new reference point for detailed comparisons with the better studied Manchar and Siwalik faunas of South Asia but also with broadly contemporaneous faunas from the Murree, Dagshai/Kasauli, and Dharamsala beds of the Outer Himalaya, and the Kargil molasse of Ladakh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molasse deposits in the Indus Basin of India-Asia collision zone (Indus Suture Zone) of Ladakh, NW Himalaya, preserve a record of orogenic sedimentation associated with uplift and erosion of the southern margin of Asia in the course of ongoing India–Eurasia collision. Fossils from these continental deposits are scarce but hold important clues to the early history of India-Asia collision. Here we describe a small collection of dental remains of cyprinids, a family of freshwater fishes, from the Late Eocene Liyan Formation exposed in a high altitude (>5000 m) locality in the Indus Suture Zone of Eastern Ladakh. The find assumes significance since, unlike the Liyan Formation, most other molassic deposits of Ladakh rest unconformably over the Ladakh Batholith and are much younger (Late Oligocene/Early Miocene). The Liyan cyprinids, which represent the oldest record of Cyprinidae in India, suggest fluvial connections with contemporary Eocene ecosystems in Mainland Asia where this family originated in the middle Eocene or earlier. Dispersal of cyprinids from the Mainland Asia into the Indus Suture Zone of Ladakh took place from Tibet via alluvial drainage of the paleo-Indus river during floods or high runoff following the India-Asia collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hauterivian–Barremian series of the Jura Mountains were measured over more than 60 sections along a 200 km long transect between Aix-les-Bains (Savoie Department, France) and Bienne (Bern Canton, Switzerland), which prompted the need for a revision and improvement of the current lithostratigraphic scheme for this stratigraphic interval. A new formation, the Rocher des Hirondelles Formation, is proposed in replacement of the unsuitable Vallorbe Formation, while the Gorges de l'Orbe Formation is formally described. The Gorges de l'Orbe Formation, equivalent to the well-known "Urgonien jaune" facies, consists of two members, namely Montcherand Member and Bôle Member. The Rocher des Hirondelles Formation, equivalent to the "Urgonien blanc" facies, consists of three members, i.e. Fort de l'Écluse Member, Rivière Member and Vallorbe Member. The marly Rivière and Bôle members appear to present time-equivalent lithostratigraphic units, recording a major sedimentological event affecting contemporarily both formations. This study proposes a new sedimentary model opening a new point of view on the long-living controversies about the age of the Urgonian series from the Jura Mountains. The data point to strong diachronic ages of lithostratigraphic units with a late Hauterivian to early Barremian occurrence of the "Urgonian blanc" facies in the Meridional Jura area versus a latest Barremian age in the Central Jura area, reflecting a general progradation of the Urgonian shallow-water carbonate platform from the present-day Meridional Jura area toward external deeper-water shelf environments of the present-day Central Jura area and Molasse basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In East Greenland, sedimentation during the Middle Devonian‐earliest Carboniferous interval was characterized by the Old Red Sandstone Molasse Basin deposits. The continental succession recorded folding and intrabasinal unconformities associated with the activation of extensional detachments and core complex formation which post‐dated high‐P granulite facies metamorphism at c. 403 Ma. The extensional collapse responsible for the initiation of the Devonian basin and associated bimodal magmatism must be understood in the context of continued continental convergence during the Early Carboniferous, required by ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphism in North‐East Greenland at c. 355 Ma. Along a small nunatak within the Wordie Gletscher in Payer Land, NE Greenland (lat. 74°N), Precambrian gneisses recording Devonian granulite‐facies metamorphism are in tectonic contact with the molasse deposits along an ESE‐ward dipping thrust fault: the Scotstounhill Thrust. This paper will discuss the role of Devonian contractional structures and contemporaneous extensional faulting and present a new tectonic model that accounts for the exhumation of deep crustal rocks by these coupled mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taunsa uranium mineralisation is hosted by the upper Miocene–Pliocene Litra Formation, part of the molasse sediments (Siwalik Group) deposited in the Himalayan foreland basin of the eastern Sulaiman Range, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan. The Litra Formation is the only rock unit hosting economic-grade uranium occurrences in the stratigraphic record of Pakistan. Surface radioactivity is mainly associated with cemented layers of the host sandstone, known as hard-bands, whereas weakly cemented sandstone is non-radioactive. The outcropping sandstone is dominantly whitish grey owing to bleaching, which is probably related to hydrocarbon migration from the underlying marine black shales. The main sandstone-type uranium mineralisation is phreatic owing to its parallelism with the water-table, whereas the concordantly oriented tabular (roll-type) ore is subordinate. The host sandstone layers have high dips ranging from 70 to 85°E indicating a deformed geological setting that makes the Taunsa uranium ore unique. Uranium is trapped mostly by scant organic matter, probably related to hydrocarbons, and also by Fe–Ti-oxide phases, phyllosilicates (chlorite and biotite), graphitic schist and black shale clasts in the host sandstone. Uranium ore minerals are mainly coffinite, pitchblende and minor brannerite. Uranium in the ore phases is accompanied by the high contents of Ca, Fe, Ti, Si and Al. Radiometric disequilibrium in the phreatic ore is strongly positive, whereas that in the tabular (roll-front) is moderately positive, which in turn suggests the former is younger than the latter. The coexistence of the two ore-types, characterised by different intensities of radiometric disequilibrium within the same uranium deposit, suggests that the phreatic uranium ore has possibly resulted from remobilisation of the tectonically uplifted tabular (roll-type) ore and its reprecipitation at the horizontally oriented redox interface following the water-table in the host sandstone aquifers. The Taunsa uranium resource is dominantly phreatic that has resulted from oxidation and remobilisation of the earlier tabular (roll-type) mineralisation. The phreatic uranium mineralisation is very young, which is indicated by low radioactivity and high positive disequilibrium in comparison with that within the tabular (roll-type) ore. Uranium phases are mainly pitchblende, coffinite and brannerite, associated with organic matter of hydrocarbon origin, with phyllosilicates and Fe–Ti-oxide phases. Outcrop of the host sandstone in the Taunsa area is pervasively bleached and is marked by flat topography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we describe a new kitefin shark (Dalatiidae) genus and species Dracipinna bracheri gen. et sp. nov. based on upper Oligocene and lower Miocene tooth fossils. The teeth were excavated at three different sites which all lie in transgression phases. The fossil shark teeth are diverse and, depending on the excavation site, indicate pelagic to mesopelagic habitats. As these fossils were not found in older or younger sediments, we suggest a patchy distribution of the species. The fossils show several dental morphological characteristics of extant Dalatiidae. Phylogenetic analyses of combined morphological and DNA sequence-based data set suggest a weakly supported sister-group relationship of D. bracheri to extant Dalatiidae. Based on the dental morphological characters, we assign the dentition to a tearing type, which is rare among squaliform sharks and only known from a single extant species with a pelagic lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep geothermal energy has tremendous potential for decarbonizing the heating sector. However, one common obstacle can be the mismatch between geologically attractive regions in the countryside and urban areas with a high heat demand density, which are therefore attractive for district heating systems. In the last years, an increasing number of regions consider the transport of geothermal heat into urban clusters. One example of such a region is the South German Molasse Basin in Upper Bavaria. However, such heat transport pipelines come along with massive upfront investment costs due to the required large pipe diameter and insulation thickness. While the classic concept foresees the use of water as a heat carrier in such long-distance heat transportation pipelines, CO 2 can be an attractive alternative. This study investigates the thermo-economic performance of CO 2 as a heat transport carrier for a potential long-distance heat transmission pipeline with a length of 20 km, which could connect a planned geothermal project in the South of Munich with the existing district heating network of Munich. The results of the base case scenario demonstrate that for both heat carrier options water and CO 2 rather low LCOH for the transport of the heat can be achieved. • A Bavarian case study for long-distance heat transport has been analysed. • CO 2 and water-based systems LCOH are compared to identify the most attractive one. • The cost of the system appears to be dominated by the heat exchangers cost. • The LCOHs of the solutions are comparable but CO 2 -based system is more flexible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fold geometries and kinematics within foreland basins is a major issue for understanding the late evolution of thrust fronts. In the foreland of the southwestern Alps, the Vélodrome complex fold involves the whole Tertiary series which have recorded the evolution of the alpine front. From a geometrical and kinematic point of view, the Vélodrome is classically described as a recumbent Mio-Pliocene syncline with a strongly curved axis; interpreted either as a classic growth-fold, a post-deposit fold, or a result of coeval salt activity. The debate reveals a lack of consensus on the internal structure of the Vélodrome and the potential role of salt motion. By a detailed field analysis coupled with an implicit 3D geometrical modelling approach, we test the different hypotheses and provide a new 3D illustrated interpretation of the Vélodrome series. The Vélodrome consists in a complex non-cylindrical structure composed by several folds with different orientations together with inter- and intra-formations unconformities. Folding is partly syn -depositional and began earlier in the south, near Esclangon village, than in the north. In the north, deformation started with the marly and sandy molasse (m2, middle Burdigalian), attested by the transition from the conformable conglomeratic marine molasse (m1–2, Aquitanian and early Burdigalian) to the unconformable m2 to the Valensole formation. Deformation began earlier in the south, during the deposition of the m1–2, as shown by internal unconformities. We discuss the ingredients controlling the deformation in the Vélodrome, regional tectonics (mainly since middle Burdigalian) versus salt tectonics. This study further brings new constraints on the timing and pattern of deformation of the southwestern orogenic front of the Alps. It also highlights the power of the 3D geometrical modelling approach for testing different hypotheses and better understanding 3D complex structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Northern Alpine Foreland Basin (i.e., Molasse Basin) developed due to flexural subsidence from slab- and topographic loading during continental collision between the Adriatic and European plates. Previous studies highlight a diachronous transition from underfilled- to overfilled conditions in the Molasse Basin in response to orogen-parallel variations in flexural subsidence and sediment supply. In this contribution, we investigate the lithospheric- and crustal-scale orogenic process(es) that generated this diachronous transition. For this, we conducted a tectonostratigraphic analysis of the Molasse Basin. Firstly, we constructed a 3D geological model to derive the architecture of the European margin during the Eocene onset of flexure. Second, 2D/3D reflection seismic- and borehole data were used to characterise the spatiotemporal development of depositional environments and syn-flexural normal fault kinematics in the German Molasse. Our data show a stepwise rather than continuous eastward migration of the underfilled- to overfilled transition. Furthermore, syn-flexural fault kinematics document a Rupelian to early Burdigalian northward younging trend and higher cumulative Cenozoic offsets in the Eastern German Molasse (< 230 m) compared to the Western German Molasse (< 150 m). This implies a west-to-east increase in the curvature of bending of the European plate, induced by along-strike variations in the magnitude of applied loads and/or European lithospheric strength variations. These variations drove lateral variations in accommodation space and sediment supply. Subsequently, this led to the diachronous underfill-to-overfilled transition in the Molasse Basin. Taken together, we suggest that the diachronous transition was driven by spatiotemporal variations in the thickening of the orogenic wedge supported by slab detachment, promoted by subduction- and collision of the irregular European margin. • Cumulative offsets on Cenozoic normal faults in the German Molasse increase eastward. • Mesozoic European passive margin architecture controlled the late Eocene stage German Molasse Basin architecture. • Irregular passive margin architecture influenced the underfilled- to overfilled transitions in the Molasse Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molasse basin is one of the best-preserved pieces of evidence of the Alpine orogeny. Molasse and flysch sequences deposited during the convergence between the Adriatic and the European continents recorded various geological processes. However, detailed provenance analysis of the foreland basin in the Western Alps is still in need of precise data for molasse strata. This paper provides new detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology results from five sandstone samples to constrain the provenance of the Molasse Basin in the Western Alps. The main populations in zircon age spectra correspond to the four tectonothermal events defined in the Alpine domain: the late Neoproterozoic to early Cambrian magmatic event, the pre-Variscan rifting event, the Variscan orogeny, and the Permian extensional event, respectively. Two magmatic zircons (100 ± 2 Ma and 130 ± 5 Ma) and one metamorphic zircon grain (116 ± 3 Ma) yield Cretaceous age. The metamorphic one was probably originated in the Internal zone. A contribution of the Valaisan unit as part of the source terrane is possible to account for the Cretaceous magmatic zircons. Comparing our results with published detrital zircon age data using multidimensional scaling, we infer that the Austroalpine unit was an essential provenance of the Western Alps Molasse Basin during the late Oligocene and the middle Miocene. During the middle Miocene, the deposition of the Molasse Basin was strongly influenced by the exhumation of the External Massifs and the propagation of the subalpine fold-and-thrust belt. Meanwhile, the French Massif Central was also possible to provide a limited proportion of the material for the basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the sedimentary facies and depositional architectures of Gilbert-type and shoal-water delta deposits developed on opposed margins of the extensional fluvio-lacustrine Yalvaç Basin during the late Cenozoic. The roles of syndepositional tectonism, basin dynamics, and hinterland morphology on the development of different delta types are assessed. This asymmetric trough initially opened as an intramontane molasse basin to the southwest of the Sultandağları massif. Its northern and southern margins are bounded by normal faults, which controlled both tectono-sedimentary evolution of the basin and the surrounding palaeomorphology. The lacustrine deposits consist of thin-bedded limestones, marls, and medium to thick-bedded sandstones and conglomerates. The coarse-grained Gilbert-type delta, up to 150 m thick, was deposited just in the front of the steep northern basin margin. The clinoformal architecture of this delta comprises steeply inclined foreset beds, which are overlain by horizontal alluvial topset units and underlain by subhorizontal bottomset deposits. The Yarıkkaya normal fault controls the northern margin of the basin and plays an active role in both local uplift and subsidence, giving rise to new sediment sources and increasing the accommodation space. Abundant coarse-grained sediment supply into this relatively deep basin across the steep scarp of the Yarıkkaya Fault led to creation of a delta with Gilbert-type architecture. Contemporaneously, on the shallow southern margin of the Yalvaç Basin, several small shoal-water deltas up to 3.5 m thick, were deposited on a smooth basin floor. The gently mound-shaped depositional architecture of these shoal-water delta deposits comprise erosive-based mouth-bar and distributary channel deposits. These observations show that, in this case, the river deposited its bedload shortly after entering the basin, generating small shoal-water deltas that, through stacking over time and some lateral offset, built a shoal-water delta complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After more than a century of research, the chronology of the deformation of the external part of the Alpine belt is still controversial for the Miocene epoch. In particular, the poor dating of the foreland basin sedimentary succession hampers a comprehensive understanding of the kinematics of the deformation. Here we focus on the Miocene Molasse deposits of the northern subalpine massifs, southern Jura, Royans, Bas-Dauphiné, Crest and La Bresse sedimentary basins through a multidisciplinary approach to build a basin-wide tectono-stratigraphic framework. Based on sequence stratigraphy constrained by biostratigraphical, chemostratigraphical (Sr-isotopes) and magnetostratigraphical data between the late Acquitanian (~21 Ma) and the Tortonian (~8.2 Ma), the Miocene Molasse chronostratigraphy is revised with a precision of ~0.5 Ma. The Miocene Molasse sediments encompass four different palaeogeographical domains: (i) the oriental domain, outlined by depositional sequences S1a to S3 (~21 to ~15 Ma), (ii) the median domain characterized by sequences S2 to S5 (~17.8 to ~12 Ma), (iii) the occidental domain, in which sequences S2a to S8 (~17.8 to ~8.2 Ma) were deposited and, (iv) the Bressan domain, where sedimentation is restricted to sequences S6 to S8 (~12 to ~8.2 Ma). A structural and tectono-sedimentary study is conducted based on new field observations and the reappraisal of regional seismic profiles, thereby allowing the identification of five major faults zones (FZ). The oriental, median and occidental paleogeographical domains are clearly separated by FZ1, FZ2 and FZ3, suggesting strong interactions between tectonics and sedimentation during the Miocene. The evolution in time and space of the paleogeographical domains within a well-constrained structural framework reveals syntectonic deposits and a westward migration of the depocenters, and allows to establish the following chronology of thrust propagation at the western alpine front: (i) A compressive phase (P1) corresponding to thrusting above the Chartreuse Orientale Thrust (FZ1), which was likely initiated during the Oligocene. This tectonic phase generated reliefs that limited the Miocene transgression to the east; (ii) the ~W-WNW/E-ESE-directed compressive phase (P2) involving the Belledonne basal thrust, which activated the Salève thrust (SAL) fault and successively FZ2 to FZ5 from east to west. Phase P2 deeply shaped the Miocene palaeogeographical evolution and most probably corresponded to a prominent compressive phase at the scale of the Alps during the early to middle Miocene (between 18.05 +/- 0.25 Ma and ~12 Ma). In those ~6 Myr, the Miocene sea was forced to regress rapidly westwards in response to westward migration of the active thrusts and exhumation of piggy-back basins atop the fault zones; (iii) the last phase (P3) of Tortonian age (~10 Ma), which likely implied a significant uplift (350 m minimum) of the Bas-Dauphiné basin, whereas horizontal motions prevailed within the Jura Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every technology and anthropogenic activity affects the environment. This even applies to renewable, green energy forms, such as geothermal energy, which are often labelled as being climate neutral. Yet, a second glance reveals that this is not the case, as the construction, operation and decommissioning of geothermal power plants implies a consumption of materials and energy. Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) help to identify and quantify these impacts in order to ensure realistic comparability at different levels. Despite a growing number of surveys, however, either not all influencing parameters are explicitly considered, or the studies are only theoretical and based on generic data. Therefore, this study explores the binary plant of Kirchstockach located in Southern Germany in a comprehensive LCA. Corresponding scenarios identify leakages of used refrigerants and allocations of energy consumption during construction and operation as relevant impact factors. Results show that using refrigerants with low global warming potential ensures minimal effects even in case of larger losses. In addition, resource-saving drilling with electricity instead of diesel can effectively offset energy needs by later electricity production. In contrast, auxiliary energy usage from an electricity grid dominated by fossil sources has highly negative effects on the environmental performance. Image 1 • A comprehensive life-cycle assessment of a geothermal power plant is performed. • Scenario analysis of refrigerant leakage and auxiliary energy supply schemes. • Climate-friendly refrigerants offset negative effects in case of larger leakages. • Accounting for self-supply of auxiliary energy needs is a crucial factor. • Environmental impacts from hydrothermal plants are similar to enhanced systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sand diapir strongly resembles those of the "Chöpfi" and occurs within sands that show soft-sediment deformation. 1 Diapir-like sandstone pinnacles in Switzerland and Southern Germany. a The "Chöpfi" in ~ 15 million year-old Upper Freshwater Molasse sandstone near Winterthur, Switzerland. The Chöpfi pinnacles near Winterthur, Switzerland: long-distance effects of the Ries impact-earthquake?. [Extracted from the article]

Local algalaminites in the pre-Chuos Saturn Formation suggests deposition of parts of this unit in shallow water south of the northern boundary fault of the deep Nosib-age rift of the Northern Zone but mass-flow carbonate layers with stromatolitic reef debris and sandstone layers with transported oolites interbedded with the Chuos diamictites point to much deeper water during Chuos times. Mass flows and rhythmites in the Tsumeb Subgroup rocks on the Fransfontein Ridge are indicative of slope deposition that passed southwards into numerous mass flows and rhythmites of the coeval Karibib Formation in much deeper water of the deepening Northern Zone rift. Quartzites interbedded with the schists of the Kuiseb Formation west of Khorixas show evidence of small-scale regressions and transgressions. D1 was intense in the Kaoko Belt and folded the northern margin of the Damara Belt. Erosional debris was deposited in intramontane valleys along this margin as the molasse of the Mulden Group. Intense D2 deformation, however, folded the Swakop Group succession into a series of NE-SW to ENE-WSW folds which were then thrust up and over the northern boundary fault of the deep Nosib-age rift of the Northern Zone and onto the Mulden molasse as a series of thrusts successively overstepping each other from west to east to form the front of the Khorixas-Gaseneirob Thrust, the floor thrust of a duplex system of thrusts. Nappes of Swakop Group and deep-water Otavi Group rocks were thrust onto the Mulden phyllites. D2 produced the E-W foliation in the Mulden phyllites and caused north-verging folding and thrusting in the Otavi rocks of the Fransfontein Ridge. In the Kuiseb schists west of Khorixas, zones of intense beddingparallel D2 deformation and quartzite disruption suggest the presence of several thrusts within the schists. D2 stretching lineations point to a thrust transport direction between 320° and 360° (magnetic). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic studies of the Neoproterozoic and Upper Paleozoic sandstones of the Eastern Taimyr complement the available data on their genesis and confirm their molassic origin. The sandstones and mudstones of the Neoproterozoic Stanovaya and Posadochnaya formations formed mostly from the erosion products of the magmatic and metamorphic complexes with ages of ~970–800 Ma and from older siliciclastic rocks. The Upper Paleozoic sandstones of the Byrranga, Sokolinaya, and Turuza formations are characterized by a somewhat lower degree of maturity. Most of them formed from erosion products of magmatic and metamorphic complexes with ages of ~500 and ~300 Ma, although sediments sourced from an older provenance were also encountered. The ages of the youngest detrital zircon grains from the Upper Paleozoic sandstones are close to the depositional ages in some cases and differ by more than 100 m.y. in other cases. This suggests that one should be cautious about using the maximum depositional ages for establishing the tectonic setting of sedimentary basin formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eocene to Miocene sedimentary strata of the Northern Alpine Molasse Basin in Switzerland are well studied, yet they lack robust geochronologic and geochemical analysis of detrital zircon for provenance tracing purposes. Here, we present detrital zircon U–Pb ages coupled with rare-earth and trace element geochemistry to provide insights into the sedimentary provenance and to elucidate the tectonic activity of the central Alpine Orogen from the late Eocene to mid Miocene. Between 35 and 22.5 ± 1 Ma, the detrital zircon U–Pb age signatures are dominated by age groups of 300–370, 380–490, and 500–710 Ma, with minor Proterozoic age contributions. In contrast, from 21 Ma to ∼ 13.5 Ma (youngest preserved sediments), the detrital zircon U–Pb age signatures were dominated by a 252–300 Ma age group, with a secondary abundance of the 380–490 Ma age group and only minor contributions of the 500–710 Ma age group. The Eo-Oligocene provenance signatures are consistent with interpretations that initial basin deposition primarily recorded unroofing of the Austroalpine orogenic lid and lesser contributions from underlying Penninic units (including the Lepontine dome), containing reworked detritus from Variscan, Caledonian–Sardic, Cadomian, and Pan-African orogenic cycles. In contrast, the dominant 252–300 Ma age group from early Miocene foreland deposits is indicative of the exhumation of Variscan-aged crystalline rocks from the Lepontine dome basement units. Noticeable is the lack of Alpine-aged detrital zircon in all samples with the exception of one late Eocene sample, which reflects Alpine volcanism linked to incipient continent–continent collision. In addition, detrital zircon rare-earth and trace element data, coupled with zircon morphology and U/Th ratios, point to primarily igneous and rare metamorphic sources. The observed switch from Austroalpine to Penninic detrital provenance in the Molasse Basin at ∼ 21 Ma appears to mark the onset of synorogenic extension of the Central Alps. Synorogenic extension accommodated by the Simplon fault zone promoted updoming and exhumation the Penninic crystalline core of the Alpine Orogen. The lack of Alpine detrital zircon U–Pb ages in all Oligo-Miocene strata corroborate the interpretations that between ∼ 25 and 15 Ma, the exposed bedrock in the Lepontine dome comprised greenschist-facies rocks only, where temperatures were too low for allowing zircon rims to grow, and that the Molasse Basin drainage network did not access the prominent Alpine-age Periadriatic intrusions located in the area surrounding the Periadriatic Line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use three-dimensional seismic reflection data from the southern German Molasse Basin to investigate the structural style and evolution of a geometrically decoupled fault network in close proximity to the Alpine deformation front. We recognise two fault arrays that are vertically separated by a clay-rich layer – lower normal faults and upper normal and reverse faults. A frontal thrust fault partially overprints the upper fault array. Analysis of seismic stratigraphy, syn-kinematic strata, throw distribution, and spatial relationships between faults suggest a multiphase fault evolution: (1) initiation of the lower normal faults in the Upper Jurassic carbonate platform during the early Oligocene, (2) development of the upper normal faults in the Cenozoic sediments during the late Oligocene, and (3) reverse reactivation of the upper normal faults and thrusting during the mid-Miocene. These distinct phases document the evolution of the stress field as the Alpine orogen propagated across the foreland. We postulate that interplay between the horizontal compression and vertical stresses due to the syn-sedimentary loading resulted in the intermittent normal faulting. The vertical stress gradients within the flexed foredeep defined the independent development of the upper faults above the lower faults, whereas mechanical behaviour of the clay-rich layer precluded the subsequent linkage of the fault arrays. The thrust fault must have been facilitated by the reverse reactivation of the upper normal faults, as its maximum displacement and extent correlate with the occurrence of these faults. We conclude that the evolving tectonic stresses were the primary mechanism of fault activation, whereas the mechanical stratigraphy and pre-existing structures locally governed the structural style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Food process design has often been approached using methodologies developed for chemical process design. These particularities demand that the design engineer explore other alternatives focused on guaranteeing product quality. In Ecuadorian Amazon context, cane derivatives process is carried out in small artisanal units designed with insufficient technical criteria. This affects final product quality and producers economy. Objective: To propose a procedure that, from the conceptual design, considers product quality. Materials and methods: A procedure was used that considers product quality from the conceptual design, which consists of eleven activities and three decision-making. It is supported by GNU Octave software for process simulation and optimization using the objective function (FO) that maximizes the net present value (NPV) and as a novel aspect, the FO minimizes quality indicators variance. Results and Discussion: In the applied study case, the operational range was determined as: a pH of 3.63 to 4.16, °Brix from 75.12 to 76.73 and NPV fluctuates between 2 603 469.38 USD to 6 669 971.27 USD with a sigma level greater than three. Conclusions: Uncertainty of operational variables decrease increases product acceptability and this is reflected in optimal values obtained from the NPV and quality attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bangong‐Nujiang suture zone, separating the Lhasa and South Qiangtang terranes of the Tibetan Plateau, is marked by remnants of the Bangong‐Nujiang oceanic basin. In the Zanzong Co area of central Tibet, non‐marine molasse deposits of the newly identified Jingzhushan Formation record the eventual collision between these two terranes and subsequent ocean–continent transform along the middle segment of the Bangong‐Nujiang suture zone. In this contribution, it is observed that the Jingzhushan Formation, characterized by lacustrine facies and braided delta facies, rests unconformably on the underlying marine strata and ophiolite. Zircon U–Pb dating has been conducted with samples of four interlayer volcanic rocks and two sandstones from the Jingzhushan Formation. The interlayer volcanic rocks constrain the depositing age from ca. 115 to 72 Ma. Based on the youngest detrital zircon ages, the maximum depositional ages of the Jingzhushan Formation are suggested to be ca. 78 Ma. Petrographic and detrital zircon isotopic results indicate that sediments in the Jingzhushan Formation have mixed sources from the South Qiangtang terrane and the intervening Bangong‐Nujiang suture zone. Provenance analysis, together with regional data, suggests that the newly identified Jingzhushan Formation reflects continental molasse deposition in an intermontane basin during the post‐collisional stage. The development of the intermontane basin evidenced by molasse deposition of the Jingzhushan Formation reveals that the ocean–continent transform of the middle segment of the Bangong‐Nujiang Ocean had been completed in the late Early Cretaceous (ca. 115 Ma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present new exhumation ages for the imbricated proximal molasse, i.e. Subalpine Molasse, of the northern Central Alps. Based on apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He thermochronometry, we constrain thrust-driven exhumation in the Subalpine Molasse between 12 and 4 Ma. This occurs synchronously to the main deformation in the adjacent Jura fold-and-thrust belt farther north and to the late stage of thrust-related exhumation of the basement massifs (i.e. external crystalline massifs) in the hinterland. Our results agree with other findings along the north Alpine foreland. While site-specific variations in the mechanical stratigraphy of the molasse deposits influence the pattern of thrusting at the local scale, we observe that late-Miocene thrusting is a long-wavelength feature occurring along the north Alpine foreland roughly between Lake Geneva and Salzburg. The extent of this thrusting signal as well as the timing suggests that late-Miocene thrusting in the north Alpine foreland coincides with the geometries and dynamics of the attached Central Alpine slab at depth. Interestingly, this implies that the slab geometry at depth does not coincide with the boundary between the Eastern and Central Alps as observed in the surface geology. Using this observation, we propose that thrusting in the Subalpine Molasse and consequently also the late stage of thrust-related exhumation of the external crystalline massifs, as well as the main deformation in the Jura fold-and-thrust belt are at least partly linked to changes in slab dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive sedimentological study was undertaken in the Miocene of the subalpine massifs and southern Jura (France) with the aim to constrain the evolution of process changes in third‐order sequences of peripheral foreland basins during the overfilled phase (i.e. sediment supply higher than accommodation space). Fieldwork analyses based on 35 sedimentological sections allowed the identification of four depositional models: wave dominated, mixed wave‐tide, river to tide and river dominated. The sections were dated using chemostratigraphy (i.e. marine strontium isotopic ratios), revealing three‐third‐order sequences between the Upper Aquitanian and the Langhian. Chronostratigraphical and sedimentological results document prominent and recurrent changes in depositional models along third‐order sequences: (i) in the earliest stage of the transgression, mixed‐energy coastal environments influenced by the local coastal morphology prevailed (in palaeo‐highs or incised valleys); (ii) during the course of the transgression, Gilbert delta deposits suggest a prominent steepening linked to a tectonic uplift in the proximal depozone (between the tectonically active frontal part of the orogenic wedge and the proximal foredeep). Instead, in the distal depozone (between the proximal foredeep and the proximal border of the flexural uplifted forebulge), deposits were characterized either by wave‐dominated or mixed wave‐tide environments and are likely eustatically‐driven; (iii) during the maximum flooding stage, water depth remained shallow below the storm‐weather wave base; and (iv) during the regression, the proximal depozone is characterized by the progradation of gravel‐rich fan deltas. In the distal depozone, mixed wave‐tide systems preceded the development of river to tidal depositional environments. These results were integrated and compared with facies models from other basin analogues worldwide. A model tackling the evolution of process changes within third‐order sequences (of the overfilled phase) of foreland basins is proposed, thereby improving sequence stratigraphic predictions in foreland basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use three-dimensional seismic reflection data from the southern German Molasse Basin to investigate the struc-tural style and evolution of a geometrically decoupled fault network in close proximity to the Alpine deformation front. We recognise two fault arrays that are vertically separated by a clay-rich detachment horizon. A large-scale thrust partially over-prints the upper fault array. Analysis of seismic stratigraphy, syn-kinematic strata, throw distribution, and spatial relationships between faults suggest a multiphase fault evolution: (1) initiation of the lower fault array in the Upper Jurassic carbonate platform during the Rupelian, (2) development of the upper fault array in the Cenozoic sediments during the Chattian, and (3) reverse reactivation of the upper faults and thrusting during the mid-Miocene. These phases document the evolution of the stress field during the migration of the forebulge (phase 1), foredeep (phase 2) and the toe of the orogenic front (phase 3) across the investigated area. We postulate that phase 2 was controlled by the vertical stress gradients, whereby a lower horizontal stress component within the Cenozoic sediments defined the independent development of the upper faults above the lower faults. Mechanical behaviour of the clay-rich horizon precluded the subsequent linkage of the fault arrays. A large-scale thrust must have been facilitated by the reverse reactivation of the upper normal faults, as its maximum displacement and extent correlate with the occurrence of these faults. We conclude that the evolving tectonic stresses were the primary mechanism of fault activation, whereas the mechanical stratigraphy and pre-existing structures locally governed the structural style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the design, acquisition and processing of vertical seismic profiling data collected in 2016 at the directional Thônex‐01 geothermal well, drilled in 1993 in the Geneva Canton (Switzerland). The aim of the study was to obtain additional information from existing‐abandoned well for downhole geophysical characterization of potential geothermal reservoirs in the Geneva area. The main results obtained by this study allowed an improved subsurface image by multi‐offset acquisitions near and around the deviated well. Specifically we were able to (1) improve the velocity model of the Geneva Basin, which, at present, is only constrained by one unique deep exploration well, located at the south‐west of the basin, far away from the study area; (2) image the transition between the Tertiary Molasse siliciclastic sediments and the Mesozoic carbonates; (3) define an acquisition strategy for future vertical seismic profiling surveys in support of the geothermal exploration campaigns in the area. This study has demonstrated the value of vertical seismic profiling method for the refinement of the subsurface geology at local scale, and its usefulness to assist the planning of second well associated with geothermal doublets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eocene to Miocene sedimentary strata of the Northern Alpine Molasse Basin in Switzerland are well studied, yet they lack robust geochronologic and geochemical analysis of detrital zircon for provenance tracing purposes. Here, we present detrital zircon U-Pb ages coupled with rare earth and trace element geochemistry (petrochronology) to provide insights into the sedimentary provenance and to elucidate the tectonic activity of the central Alpine Orogen from the late Eocene to mid Miocene. Between 35-22.5 ± 1 Ma, the detrital zircon U-Pb age signatures were dominated by age groups of 300-370 Ma, 370-490 Ma, and 490-710 Ma, with minor Proterozoic age contributions. In contrast, from 21.5 ± 1 Ma to ~ 13.5 Ma (youngest preserved sediments), the detrital zircon U-Pb age signatures were dominated by a 252-300 Ma age group, with a secondary abundance of the 370-490 Ma age group, and only minor contributions of the 490-710 Ma age group. The Eo-Oligocene provenance signatures are consistent with interpretations that initial basin deposition primarily recorded exhumation and erosion of the Austroalpine orogenic cover and minor contributions from underlying Penninic units, containing reworked detritus from Variscan, Caledonian, and Cadomian orogenic cycles. The dominant 252-300 age group from the younger Miocene deposits is associated with the exhumation of Variscan-aged crystalline rocks of upper-Penninic basement units. Noticeable is the lack of Alpine-aged detrital zircon in all samples with the exception of one late Eocene sample, which reflects Alpine volcanism associated with incipient continent-continent collision. In addition, the rare earth and trace element data from the detrital zircon, coupled with zircon morphology and U/Th ratios, point to primarily igneous and rare metamorphic sources of zircon. The observed change in detrital input from Austroalpine to Penninic provenance in the Molasse Basin at ~ 22 Ma appears to be correlated with the onset of synorogenic extension of the Central Alps. Synorogenic extension accommodated by slip along the Simplon fault zone promoted updoming and exhumation the Penninic crystalline core of the Alpine Orogen. The lack of Alpine detrital zircon U-Pb ages in all Oligo-Miocene strata also shows that the Molasse Basin drainage network was not accessing the prominent Alpine age intrusions and metamorphic complexes located in the southern portion of the Central Alps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass occurrence of turritelline gastropod shells from the Lower Miocene of southern Germany allows for detailed studies of their palaeoecology, transport mechanisms, preservation potentials and the reconstruction of nutrient regimes. Changes in the fabric of the gastropod‐dominated beds are used to reconstruct a generally deepening environment corresponding to the Lower Miocene transgression within the Upper Molasse Sea of the North Alpine Foreland Basin. The sedimentary succession ranges from chaotically arranged, densely packed and near‐shore transported; wave‐influenced deposits showing bimodal shell orientations; more widely dispersed shells showing a uni‐directional orientation; and dispersed shells showing diverse orientations. The shells often show damage to the apex and aperture though it is not clear whether this is due to predation events, pagurisation or abrasion due to transport. An outstanding feature is the replacement of aragonite shells by calcite leading to internal vugs as well as modulating the outer shell surface morphology. The high density of turritelline gastropods indicates a nutrient‐rich palaeoenvironment at the northern edge of the Molasse Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Simplon normal fault in the Western Alps caused tens of kilometers of orogen-parallel extension during convergence of the European and Adriatic plates, but the slip rate of the fault and the time when normal faulting ended are still debated. Here, we constrain the slip history of the Simplon fault with low-T thermochronology and thermo-kinematic modeling. Closely spaced samples from an elevation profile in the center of the fault yield zircon (U–Th)/He ages (ZHe) that are nearly invariant over an altitude of 1.4 km and cluster around ∼6 Ma. In contrast, apatite (U–Th)/He ages (AHe) increase with altitude from 3.4 ± 0.3 to 4.6 ± 0.7 Ma, while the AFT ages range from 4.4 ± 0.7 to 5.8 ± 1.5 Ma. In addition, recently published 40Ar/39Ar ages constrain that our samples moved through the brittle-ductile transition (i.e., ∼300 °C) at 8–10 Ma. Our thermo-kinematic inverse modeling shows that these age data can be explained by a single phase of normal faulting, which lasted from 19.8 ± 1.8 to 5.3 ± 0.3 Ma and caused 45 ± 10 km of extension. The slip rate of the 30°-dipping model fault is 3.5 ± 0.3 km/Myr and equivalent to an exhumation rate of ∼1.8 km/Myr. Our modeling reveals that the altitude-dependent difference between ZHe and AHe ages reflects the thermal relaxation after faulting stopped at ∼5.3 Ma. Since then, exhumation by erosion continued at a rate of ∼0.5 km/Myr. Remarkably, the end of slip on the Simplon fault coincides with the cessation of reverse faulting at 6 ± 2 Ma in the external crystalline massifs of the Alps (Aar, Mont Blanc, Aiguilles Rouges) and with a decrease in strain rate by one order of magnitude at 5-4 Ma in the Swiss molasse basin and the Jura mountains. This temporal coincidence suggests that normal faulting in the internal part of the Alps ceased when plate convergence waned and the under-thrusting of European continental lithosphere beneath the Adriatic plate came to an end. • We constrain the slip on the Simplon normal fault with thermochronology and modeling. • The fault accommodated 45 ± 10 km of orogen-parallel extension in the Western Alps. • The low-angle fault was active between 20 ± 2 and 5.3 ± 0.3 Ma at a rate of ∼3.5 km/Myr. • Waning plate convergence between Europe and Adria at ∼5 Ma caused the end of faulting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ediacaran Hammamat Sediments in the Umm Tawat basin of the Egyptian North Eastern Desert are exposed with an ENE-trend, along with the Dokhan Volcanics and various phases of intrusive rocks. Different lithofacies of molasse-type deposits exist, with a debate about their tectono-depositional setting, provenance, and diagenesis versus metamorphism. In this study, we present a new insight into the facies and evolution of Umm Tawat sediments using an integrated structural, sedimentological, and mineralogical approach. Lithofacies analysis revealed their deposition in continental suites of alluvial fans, braided fluvial channels, and lacustrine environments. The sediments were derived from proximal heterogeneous sources of intermediate and acidic igneous rocks and a subordinate sedimentary provenance conveyed from uplifted basin margin hinterlands. Petrographic, SEM-EDX, and XRD data imply that the HS were affected by diagenesis to very low-grade metamorphism and local thermal metamorphism in contact with the intrusive younger granite. Carbon smears possibly derived from organic matter in shale were observed. Two reconstructed paleostress phases derived from fault slip data with the sedimentological analysis constrain the tectono-depositional evolution of the Umm Tawat molasse basin. We propose an early development of ENE-asymmetric sedimentary depocenter associated with the N–S-directed extensional strike-slip stress regime. Syn-tectonic deposition of the Hammamat Sediments occurred during this phase in three stages with variable sediment provenance and accommodation/sediment influx ratios. This phase was accompanied by the three phases of younger granites and the Dokhan volcanics. Positive inversion with N–S-directed compressional strike-slip stress regime caused ENE-to NE-folding and reverse reactivation for the pre-existing ENE-trending dextral faults. Up on the regional correlation, the Ediacaran Umm Tawat molasse basin differs somewhat from other molasse basins in the central Eastern Desert regarding their facies and tectono-depositional model. This basin probably formed as a continental intra-arc basin located in the northern region of the Nubian Shield. • Possible organic carbon smears in Ediacaran Hammamat Sediments (HS) and signs of diagenesis and thermal metamorphism. • Constrain the evolution of Ediacaran HS by field, fault-slip data and mineralogical and sedimentological characterization. • The preferred model is a localized transtensional basin constrained by fault slip data analysis the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]