Constraints on the Lateral Extrusion of the Eastern Alps

In this project a two-dimensional numerical model will be designed to describe the mechanics of lateral extrusion of the Eastern Alps over time. During the lateral extrusion of the Eastern Alps several important geological constraints changed and the mechanics of this process can therefore only be understood by considering the interaction of several geological processes. In particular we will consider: (a) the influence of faults on the horizontal velocity field during lateral extrusion, (b) the contribution of surface processes (e.g. erosion) to crustal thickness and potential energy changes and (c) rheology changes through time. Model results on their interaction will be used to determine critical parameters that control feedback processes. The aims of this project will be reached by designing a two-dimensional numerical model in plan view that considers viscous deformation, surface processes, rheology changes and discrete faults. We will encapsulate each process in a module and link these modules sequentially at very small time steps. Intensive research by field geologist on the evolution of the Eastern Alps during the period of lateral extrusion provides us with a dense data set to check the model results across the whole time span of lateral extrusion.

In this project a two-dimensional numerical model will be designed to describe the mechanics of lateral extrusion of the Eastern Alps over time. During the lateral extrusion of the Eastern Alps several important geological constraints changed and the mechanics of this process can therefore only be understood by considering the interaction of several geological processes. In particular we will consider: (a) the influence of faults on the horizontal velocity field during lateral extrusion, (b) the contribution of surface processes (e.g. erosion) to crustal thickness and potential energy changes and (c) rheology changes through time. Model results on their interaction will be used to determine critical parameters that control feedback processes. The aims of this project will be reached by designing a two-dimensional numerical model in plan view that considers viscous deformation, surface processes, rheology changes and discrete faults. We will encapsulate each process in a module and link these modules sequentially at very small time steps. Intensive research by field geologist on the evolution of the Eastern Alps during the period of lateral extrusion provides us with a dense data set to check the model results across the whole time span of lateral extrusion.