A preliminary thermal model for regional metamorphism in the Eastern Alps

A one-dimensional conductive relaxation model is presented for the thermal history of terrains which have undergone tectonic burial. In particular the Tertiary history of the Eastern Alps is considered since the time interval between overthrusting and the peak of metamorphism ( ∼ 30m.y.) and the metamorphic conditions are quite well known. These and other geological constraints dictate a range of solutions in which the greenschist-amphibolite facies metamorphism observed in the Eastern Alps is reached in 30 m.y. with contributions of 0.6-1.0 HFU from the lower crust and mantle. Thus it is suggested that continental crust is capable of inducing fairly high facies of metamorphism by tectonic burial alone, without the necessity for abnormal mantle contribution to the thermal budget.