Lithostratigraphic units of the Helvetic Palaeogene: review, new definition, new classification

Menkveld-Gfeller, Ursula; Kempf, Oliver; Funk, H.

doi:10.1007/s00015-016-0217-4

Cited by 14 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Generally, the autochthonous cover of the Aar Massif comprises a Mesozoic stratum resembling the northwesternmost facies of the Central Helvetic domain in the Lauterbrunnen valley (Bruderer, 1924;Masson et al, 1980;Herb, 1983). On a larger scale, our stratigraphic model aligns well with recent findings, e.g., for the Triassic (Gisler et al, 2007) and for the revised Tertiary stratigraphy of the Helvetic realm (Menkveld-Gfeller et al, 2016). This stratigraphic model (see Fig.…”

Section: Stratigraphic Primingsupporting

confidence: 89%

“…The overlying calcareous breccia, known as "Mürren-Brekzie" with thicknesses of up to 80 m in the Eiger north face (Günzler-Seifert and Wyss, 1938;Collet and Paréjas, 1931), already chronicles the Priabonian transgression resulting in the deposition of the Niederhorn Fm. This unit is considered as equivalent of the Hohgant sandstone member (Menkveld-Gfeller et al, 2016). These clastic shoreface deposits are overlain by a limestone suite described as Lithothamnium limestone (Menkveld-Gfeller, 1994).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This unit is considered as equivalent of the Hohgant sandstone member (Menkveld-Gfeller et al, 2016). These clastic shoreface deposits are overlain by a limestone suite described as Lithothamnium limestone (Menkveld-Gfeller, 1994). Sandstone lenses and dark bituminous carbonates (most likely Gemmenalp limestone equivalents) become more frequently upsection and grade into a succession of marls alternated with siliciclastic turbidites and calciturbidites.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Linking Alpine deformation in the Aar Massif basement and its cover units – the case of the Jungfrau–Eiger mountains (Central Alps, Switzerland)

et al. 2018

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Abstract. The northwest (NW) rim of the external Aar Massif was exhumed from ∼ 10 km depth to its present position at 4 km elevation above sea level during several Alpine deformation stages. Different models have been proposed for the timing and nature of these stages. Recently proposed exhumation models for the central, internal Aar Massif differ from the ones established in the covering Helvetic sedimentary units. By updating pre-existing maps and collecting structural data, a structural map and tectonic section were reconstructed. Those were interpreted together with microstructural data and peak metamorphic temperature estimates from collected samples to establish a framework suitable for both basement and cover. Deformation temperatures range between 250 and 330 °C, allowing for semi-brittle deformation in the basement rocks, while the calcite-dominated sedimentary rocks deform in a ductile manner at these conditions. Although field data allow to distinguish multiple deformation stages before and during Aar Massif's exhumation, all related structures formed under similar P, T conditions at the investigated NW rim. In particular, we find that the exhumation occurred during two stages of shearing in Aar Massif's basement, which induced in the sedimentary rocks first a phase of folding and then a period of thrusting, accompanied by the formation of a new foliation.

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Section: Stratigraphic Primingsupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Linking Alpine deformation in the Aar Massif basement and its cover units – the case of the Jungfrau–Eiger mountains (Central Alps, Switzerland)

et al. 2018

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“…In spanning a range of ~1,000 m in elevation between summit and lower catchment, our rock samples originated from two different Helvetic nappes (RWS, RSG, RGF: Wildhorn nappe; RLC: Doldenhorn nappe) stacked on top of each other during Alpine orogeny (Herwegh & Pfiffner, ). Samples from the Doldenhorn nappe feature limestones of the Lower Cretaceous, while samples from the Wildhorn nappe feature limestones of Late Jurassic, Early Cretaceous, and Eocene age (Menkveld‐Gfeller et al, ). All rock samples were collected from rock walls or outcrops using a rock hammer.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occurrence and Origin of Methane Entrapped in Sediments and Rocks of a Calcareous, Alpine Glacial Catchment

et al. 2018

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Glacial ecosystems are an important indicator of climate change, and dynamics of the greenhouse gas methane (CH 4 ) in these systems has become a major research topic of late. We investigated occurrence and origin of recently discovered, sediment-entrapped CH 4 within the Wildstrubel glacial catchment (Switzerland) using geochemical analyses on gas extracted from sediments and rocks, including gas content and CH 4 stable isotope measurements, and computation of gas wetness (ratio of CH 4 to ethane and propane). We also examined the potential occurrence of microbial CH 4 production in subglacial, supraglacial, and glacier forefield sediments based on molecular analyses targeting mcrA (a marker gene for microbial CH 4 production) and based on observed CH 4 production during laboratory incubation experiments. Substantial amounts of entrapped CH 4 were detected in all sediment (65.7 ± 28.6 μg CH 4 /g) and most rock samples (up to 145.5 μg CH 4 /g). Similar gas wetness (0.7-126.7) and CH 4 stable isotope values (δ 13 C CH4 : À26.9‰ to À31.2‰, δD CH4 : À118.5‰ to À158.6‰) in sediment and rock samples provided strong evidence that entrapped CH 4 was of common, thermogenic origin. Molecular analyses (up to~10 5 mcrA gene copies per gram) and laboratory incubation experiments (production rates up to 1.55 μg CH 4 g À1 day À1 ) provided evidence for local hot spots of viable methanogens in waterlogged, glacier forefield sediments but not in subglacial sediments. Nonetheless, microbial CH 4 production appeared to be only of minor importance at our field site, as indicated by results of our geochemical analyses. Our findings illustrate the crucial importance of appropriate geochemical analyses to provide solid evidence on the origin of CH 4 in glacial systems.Plain Language Summary The potent greenhouse gas methane was recently discovered to be trapped in sediments of glacier forefields in the Swiss Alps, in particular in those sediments that are derived from limestone bedrock. Here we assess the occurrence and origin of this trapped methane in one specific glacial system, which exhibited highest methane concentrations in a previous survey. We find substantial amounts of methane trapped in sediments and rocks throughout the glacial system. Our geochemical data provide robust evidence that the methane trapped in sediments and rocks is largely derived from ancient organic matter, which was deposited together with the limestone-forming sediments, and subsequently converted to methane by heat and pressure during formation of the limestone bedrock. Conversely, biological methane production by microorganisms appears to be of minor importance at this site. Our findings show that a combination of methods was essential for identifying the ancient origin of trapped methane in sediments and rocks of this glacial system.

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“…the Gets nappe). By contrast, the youngest ones, known as the North Helvetic Flysch group (Menkveld-Gfeller et al, 2016), originate from more external domains (e.g. the inner portion of the North Alpine foreland basin), and occur at the base of the nappe sequence.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Revision of the planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Voirons Flysch (Chablais Prealps, Haute-Savoie, France)

et al. 2018

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The ages obtained from planktonic foraminiferal assemblages retrieved from two exposures in the Gurnigel Flysch and from the re-examination of similar material gathered by previous researchers from the Voirons Flysch reveal only minor discrepancies with previous studies based on nannofossil biostratigraphy. In contrast, major divergences between this work and previous studies on the Voirons Flysch also based on planktonic foraminifera have been identified. They are generally related to distinct approaches in species classification and the use of different zonal schemes. Based on our data, the age of the Voirons Flysch extends from the Early Eocene (planktonic foraminiferal zone P7) to the Middle Eocene (planktonic foraminiferal zone P12). Contrasting with claims made in earlier studies, no specimen of Late Eocene or Early Oligocene age has been observed in the revised material. However, we cannot exclude a younger age (possibly Late Eocene) for the upper portion of this flysch from which we did not revise any sample. Thus, more research and sampling are needed to resolve this question. The palaeogeographic origin of the Voirons-Wägital complex as well as the sedimentation history of these flyschs need now to be re-evaluated in light of this revised biostratigraphic data.

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Lithostratigraphic units of the Helvetic Palaeogene: review, new definition, new classification

Cited by 14 publications

References 9 publications

Linking Alpine deformation in the Aar Massif basement and its cover units – the case of the Jungfrau–Eiger mountains (Central Alps, Switzerland)

Linking Alpine deformation in the Aar Massif basement and its cover units – the case of the Jungfrau–Eiger mountains (Central Alps, Switzerland)

Occurrence and Origin of Methane Entrapped in Sediments and Rocks of a Calcareous, Alpine Glacial Catchment

Revision of the planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Voirons Flysch (Chablais Prealps, Haute-Savoie, France)

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