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Pre-Mesozoic Geology in the Alps pp 361–374Cite as

The Habach-Formation and the Zentralgneis — A Key in Understanding the Palaeozoic Evolution of the Tauern Window (Eastern Alps)

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Abstract

The pre-Permian Habach formation is a complicated metamorphosed sequence of magmatic and sedimentary rocks within the Tauern window. It can be separated into three subunits:

  1. 1.

    Ophiolites including the Basisamphibolit;

  2. 2.

    An island arc volcanic sequence;

  3. 3.

    The Eiser sequence (Biotitporphyroblastenschiefer).

The ophiolites consist of metamorphosed ultramafic and mafic plutonics as well as volcanics. Their chemistry resembles that of basalts from a marginal basin with some MORB characteristics. The island arc sequence consists of basaltic to rhyolitic rocks overlain by sediments. The volcanics display a geochemical pattern consistent with an island arc volcanic series formed on continental crust. The Eiser sequence comprises pelitic and psammitic metasediments interlayered by basic to acidic metavolcanics. The few analyses available indicate a possible oceanic island arc sequence.

Age data from all subunits of the Habach formation based on radiometric data and scarce fossil findings range from the Upper Proterozoic to the Carboniferous. The evolution of the Habach formation despite the uncertainty of the age dating fits a model of a long-lasting active continental margin on which different terranes were accreted during the Upper Proterozoic to the Palaeozoic.

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Authors
  1. V. Höck
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Mineralogie und Petrographie, Universität Pérolles, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland

    J. F. von Raumer

  2. Institut für Geologie und Paläontologie, Karl-Franzens-Universität, Heinrichstraße 26, A-8010, Graz, Austria

    Franz Neubauer

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Höck, V. (1993). The Habach-Formation and the Zentralgneis — A Key in Understanding the Palaeozoic Evolution of the Tauern Window (Eastern Alps). In: von Raumer, J.F., Neubauer, F. (eds) Pre-Mesozoic Geology in the Alps. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-84640-3_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-84640-3_22

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-84642-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-84640-3

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