Sedimentology of the Mitterndorf basin (Plio-/Pleistozän)

The aim of the project is the sedimentological investigation of Pleistocene gravels within the tectonically active Mitterndorf basin in Lower Austria, a young pull-apart subbasin of the Vienna Basin.. These gravels are mainly the result of deposition by meltwater-fed alluvial fans and rivers during major Alpine glaciation periods. The project aims to analyze sediment geometries and stratigraphic architecture of glacio-fluvial strata which were deposited under the influence of tectonic movements along strike-slip faults. The significance of faulting on the aquifer sedimentology of these deposits will also be the task of this project. The basin is filled with up to 150 m of mainly gravels. Scarce biostratigraphic data indicate mainly Late to Middle Pleistocene ages. The economic value of the Mitterndorf basin is based on its importance as one of Europe`s largest shallow groundwater reservoir with an extremely high vulnerability. The analysis will be based mainly on gravel pits in the southern part of the Mitterndorf basin. A scientific bore hole is planned to get informations on the evolution of the basin in time. Ground-penetrating radar will be used for underground investigation of covered areas. Visualization and stratigraphic modeling comprise essential tools for installation of a concise sedimentation model. These data will be also used to get more detailed informations on the hydrogeology of this groundwater reservoir.

The aim of the project is the sedimentological investigation of Pleistocene gravels within the tectonically active Mitterndorf basin in Lower Austria, a young pull-apart subbasin of the Vienna Basin.. These gravels are mainly the result of deposition by meltwater-fed alluvial fans and rivers during major Alpine glaciation periods. The project aims to analyze sediment geometries and stratigraphic architecture of glacio-fluvial strata which were deposited under the influence of tectonic movements along strike-slip faults. The significance of faulting on the aquifer sedimentology of these deposits will also be the task of this project. The basin is filled with up to 150 m of mainly gravels. Scarce biostratigraphic data indicate mainly Late to Middle Pleistocene ages. The economic value of the Mitterndorf basin is based on its importance as one of Europe`s largest shallow groundwater reservoir with an extremely high vulnerability. The analysis will be based mainly on gravel pits in the southern part of the Mitterndorf basin. A scientific bore hole is planned to get informations on the evolution of the basin in time. Ground-penetrating radar will be used for underground investigation of covered areas. Visualization and stratigraphic modeling comprise essential tools for installation of a concise sedimentation model. These data will be also used to get more detailed informations on the hydrogeology of this groundwater reservoir.