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Neogene exhumation history of the Bergell massif (southeast Central Alps)

Type of publication Peer-reviewed
Publikationsform Original article (peer-reviewed)
Publication date 2013
Author Mahéo Gweltaz, Gautheron Cécile E., Leloup Philippe Hervé, Fox Matthew R., Tassant-Got Laurent, Douville Éric,
Project ThermoEurope: low temperature exhumation history of the Bergell
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Original article (peer-reviewed)

Journal Terra Nova
Volume (Issue) 25(2)
Page(s) 110 - 118
Title of proceedings Terra Nova
DOI 10.1111/ter.12013

Abstract

The Bergell pluton is an elongated plutonic body emplaced during Oligocene time along the Insubric line in the central Alps. Reconstruction of its exhumation, based on apatite (U-Th)/He dating and one-dimensional thermal modelling, provides evidence for a three steps history: (i) following initial fast exhumation from >20-25 to ∼17Ma, slow down of the exhumation rate until ∼10Ma, (ii) quiescent phase from ∼10 to ∼5-6Ma and (iii) an apparent increase of exhumation after ∼5-6Ma. The decrease in exhumation rate is related with migration of thrusting south of the Bergell area in the Southern Alps (Lombardic phase). Increase in exhumation rate after ∼5-6Ma is possibly related with Messinian base level drop, enhanced climatic variability (3-4Ma) and intensification of glaciation (∼0.87Ma). © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
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