Late Variscan and Early Alpine Mineralization in the Eastern Alps

Abstract

In the space of time between the Upper Westphalian and the Middle Triassic events developed, which hitherto have been associated with the post-Variscan (i.e. Early Alpine) cycle. Contrary to this view, in the southern part of the Eastern Alps (= Southern Alps) the above-mentioned events, controlled by tectonic and magmatic activities, must be assigned to the Late Variscan cycle. In the east of the northern part of the Eastern Alps, the Late Variscan cycle came to an end with the Saalic phase, i.e. in the Lower Permian, and in the west not till the end of the Lower Triassic. Accordingly, the Early Alpine cycle begins at different times, caused by various rift activities.

In connection with the first Early Alpine phase the Late Variscan events lead to five minero-genetic stages, namely:

• Cu-Au-Pb-Zn-U-Ba-F mineralizations related to a subsequent acidic volcanism,

• ore mineralizations in association with acidic intrusions,

• exogenic-sedimentary mineralizations, controlled by the destruction and erosion of the above-mentioned magmatites,

• mineralizations bound to sahne depositions and basic magmatism,

• karst ore deposits.