The Subalpine Molasse experienced shorting during a late stage of Alpine compression. Besides classical imbricate thrusting, there appear more and more evidence for folding. Particularly in the case of mechanically stiff conglomerate beds, such folding under low temperature conditions is rather surprising. We hypothesize that parts of this deformation could have occurred under non-consolidated conditions, i.e. potentially during or directly after the deposition of the sediments at the orogenic front.
The aim of this project is to explore the style of deformation – thrusting, folding, strike-slip faulting – in the Subalpine Molasse in the region of Raegeflühli, Lucerne. For this purpose a combination of remote sensing (digital elevation models, drone imaging) and field-based structural mapping will be combined with sedimentological analysis. The obtained data will then be used to construct a 3D structural model. Restoration of selection cross-sections will provide information on the structo-sedimentological evolution of the area. If of interest, additional topics can be analyses such as deformation behavior (fabric analysis) or the timing of deformation (U-Pb dating of calcite precipitates). The project can be conducted by a team of MSc students.
The tools applied and expected findings are of interest for a variety of applied project in the Subalpine Molasse, as for example, for the exploration of geothermal energy.
Advisors: Prof. Marco Herwegh, Prof. Fritz Schlunegger, Dr. Philippos Garefalakis
Specialities: GEOL
University: BE