Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ductile normal faulting along the West Bohemian Shear Zone (Moldanubian/Tepla-Barrandian boundary): Evidence for late Variscan extensional collapse in the Variscan Internides

  • Published:
Geologische Rundschau Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Structural and kinematic investigations of the West Bohemian Shear Zone (WBS) clearly indicate late Variscan orogen-parallel (WSW-ENE) extension within the Variscan internides. Along the WBS the western part of the Tepla-Barrandian (TB) was downthrown to the east against the adjacent Moldanubian. According to seismic data, the steeply east-dipping WBS flattens with depth, forming a prominent detachment zone. The western part of the TB was tilted along this zone, producing the patterns of metamorphic isograds, the age of which is probably Cadomian. Cross-cutting relationships of WBS mylonites and Carboniferous granites, as well as the overall cooling ages of hornblende and mica, suggest that ductile normal faulting along the WBS was active from about 330 to 310 Ma.

Geothermobarometric data, derived from WBS mylonites, prove that during the extensional movements relatively cold crust of the TB (medium pressure greenschist facies) was juxtaposed to relatively hot Moldanubian crust (low pressure amphibolite facies). Thus mylonites which originate from TB rocks show a first-stage prograde development reaching the lower amphibolite facies under medium pressure conditions. This stage was followed by further (uplift-related) retrograde shearing under low pressure greenschist facies conditions.

Extensional movements and the emplacement of granitoids along the WBS, as well as the strong low pressure/high temperature metamorphism of the Moldanubian rocks are remarkably similar in age (Middle Carboniferous). Therefore, a close relationship and mutual dependence of all these features is suggested. Rapid advective thinning of the deeper part of the previously thickened lithosphere and associated rapid crustal uplift are the most probable processes to explain the high Middle Carboniferous heat flow as well as magmatism and extension.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Andrusov D, Corna O (1976) Über das Alter des Moldanubikums nach mikrofloristischen Untersuchungen. Geol Prace, Spr 65: 81–89

    Google Scholar 

  • Aranguren A, Tubia JM (1992) Structural evidence for the relationship between thrusts, extensional faults and granite intrusions in the Variscan belt of Galicia (Spain). J Struct Geol 14: 1229–1237

    Google Scholar 

  • Beard BL, Medaris LG, Johnson CM, Misar Z, Jelinek E (1991) Nd and Sr isotope geochemistry of Moldanubian eclogites and garnet peridotites, Bohemian Massif, Czechoslovakia. Second Eclogite Field Symp, Terra Abstr, Abstr Suppl Terra Nova 3: 4

    Google Scholar 

  • Behrmann JH (1988) Crustal-scale extension in a convergent orogen: the Sterzing-Steinach mylonite zone in the Eastern Alps. Geodin Acta 2: 63–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Blümel P (1983) The western margin of the Bohemian Massif in Bavaria. Fortschr Miner 61: 171–195

    Google Scholar 

  • Blumel P (1984) Mitteldruck- und Niederdruckmetamorphose in den außeralpinen Varisziden Mitteleuropas. Fortschr Miner 62: 28–29

    Google Scholar 

  • Blümel P (1986) Metamorphic processes in the Variscan crust of the central segment. Proc 3rd EGT Workshop, Bad Honnef: 171–155

  • Blümel P, Schreyer W (1976) Progressive regional low pressure metamorphism in Moldanubian metapelites of the northern Bavarian Forest, Germany. Krystalinikum 12: 7–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Bues CC (1992) Geologie, Petrographie und Mineralchemie der Gabbroamphibolitmasse von Neukirchen b. Hl. Blut (Nordostbayern). PHD Thesis, LMU München, 151 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Burchfiel C, Chen Zhiliang, Hodges KV, Liu Yuping, Royden L, Deng Changrong, Xu Jiene (1992) The South Tibetan detachment system, Himalayan Orogen. Geol Soc Am Spec Pap 269: 1–41

    Google Scholar 

  • Büttner S (1992) Analyse der Druck- und Temperaturbedingungen der Regionalmetamorphose in der Grenzzone Gabbroamphibolitmasse von Neukirchen/Moldanubikum. Dipl Arb TH Darmstadt: 88 + XLIII pp

  • Chaloupsky J (1978) The Precambrian tectogenesis in the Bohemian Massif. Geol Rundsch 67: 72–90

    Google Scholar 

  • Dewey JF (1988) Extensional collapse of orogens. Tectonics 7: 1123–1139

    Google Scholar 

  • Dörr W, Fisera M, Franke W (1992) Cadomian magmatic events in the Bohemian Massif — U-Pb data from felsic magmatic pebbles [abstr]. 7th Geol Workshop Styles of Superposed Variscan Nappe Tectonics, 24–27 April 1992, Kutná Hora, ČSFR

  • Echtler H, Chauvet A (1992) Carboniferous convergence and subsequent crustal extension in the southern Schwarzwald (SW Germany). Geodin Acta 5: 37–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Echtler H, Malavielle J (1990) Extensional tectonics, basement uplift and Stephano-Permian collapse basin in a late Variscan metamorphic core complex (Montagne Noire, Southern Massif Central). Tectonophysics 177: 125–138

    Google Scholar 

  • England P, Houseman GA (1989) Extension during continental convergence, with application to the Tibetan Plateau. J Geophys Res 94: 17561–17579

    Google Scholar 

  • England P, Platt J (1993) Convective removal of lithosphere beneath mountain belts: thermal and mechanical consequences. Terra Abstr, Abstr Suppl Terra Nova 5: 5

    Google Scholar 

  • Fatka O, Gabriel Z (1991) Microbiota from siliceous stromatolitic rocks of the Barrandian Proterozoic (Bohemian Massif). Čas Miner Geol 36: 143–148

    Google Scholar 

  • Faure M, Pons J (1991) Crustal thinning recorded by the shape of the Namurian-Westphalian leucogranite in the Variscan belt of the northwest Massif Central, France. Geology 19: 730–733

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer G, Schreyer W Troll G, Voll G, Hart SR (1968) Hornblende-alter aus dem ostbayerischen Grundgebirge. N Jb Miner, Mh 11: 385–404

    Google Scholar 

  • Franke W (1989) The geological framework of the KTB drill site, Oberpfalz. In: Emmermann R, Wohlenberg J (eds) The German Continental Deep Drilling Program (KTB). Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 38–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Gay NC (1970) The formation of step structures on slickensided shear surfaces. J Geol 78: 523–532

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibson RL (1991) Hercynian low-pressure/high-temperature regional metamorphism and subhorizontal foliation development in the Canigou massif, Pyrenees, France —evidence for crustal extension. Geology 19: 380–383

    Google Scholar 

  • Godizart G, Zulauf G (1993) Ductile normal faults in the KTB Hauptbohrung — evidence of late Variscan extensional collapse. KTB Rep 93-2: 103–105

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen BT, Teufel S, Ahrendt H (1989) Geochronology of the Moldanubian—Saxothuringian transition zone, Northeast Bavaria. In: Emmermann R, Wohlenberg J (eds) The German Continental Deep Drilling Program (KTB). Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 55–65

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoeppener R (1955) Tektonik im Schiefergebirge. Geol Rundsch 44: 26–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Horn P, Köhler H, Müller-Sohnius D (1983) A Rb/Sr-isochron (“fluid-inclusion”) age of the Bavarian Pfahl, Eastern Bavaria. Terra Cognita 3: 199

    Google Scholar 

  • Kastl E, Tonika J (1984) The Mariánske Lázně metaophiolite complex (West Bohemia). Krystalinikum 7: 59–76

    Google Scholar 

  • Konzalova M (1981) Some Late Precambrian microfossils from the Bohemian Massif and their correlation. Precambrian Res 15: 43–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Kreuzer H, Seidel E, Schüßer U, Okrusch M, Lenz L-L, Raschka H (1989) K-Ar geochronology of different tectonic units at the northwestern margin of the Bohemian Massif. Tectonophysics 157: 149–178

    Google Scholar 

  • Kreuzer H, Müller P, Okrusch M, Patzak M, Schüßler U, Seidel E, Šmejkal V, Vejnar Z (1990) Ar-Ar confirmation for Cambrian, Early Devonian, and Mid-Carboniferous tectonic units at the western margin of the Bohemian Massif [abstr]. 6th Rundgespräch Geodynamik des europäischen Variszikums, 15–18 November 1990, Clausthal-Zellerfeld

  • Kreuzer H, Vejnar Z, Schüßler U, Okrusch M, Seidel E (1992) K-Ar dating on the Tepla-Domažlice Zone at the western margin of the Bohemian Massif. In: Kukal Z (ed) Proc 1st Int Conf on the Bohemian Massif, 26 September–3 October 1988: 168–175

  • Leake BE (1978) Nomenclature of amphiboles. Am Mineral 63: 1023–1052

    Google Scholar 

  • Lister GS and Snoke AW (1984) S-C Mylonites. J Struct Geol 6: 617–638

    Google Scholar 

  • Logan JM, Friedman M, Higgs NG, Dengo C, Shimamoto T (1979) Experimental studies of simulated gouge and their application to studies of natural fault zones. In: Proc Conf VIII, Analysis of Actual Fault Zones in Bedrock. US Geol Surv Open File Rep 1239: 305–343

  • Maluski H, Costa S, Echtler H (1991) Late Variscan tectonic evolution by thinning of earlier thickened crust. An 40Ar-39Ar study of the Montagne Noire, southern Massif Central, France. Lithos 26: 287–304

    Google Scholar 

  • Masch L, Cetin B (1991) Gefüge, Deformationsmechanismen und Kinematik in ausgewählten Hochtemperatur-Mylonitzonen im Moldanubikum des Bayerischen Waldes. Geol Bavar 96: 7–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Massonne H-J. Schreyer W (1987) Phengite geobarometry based on the limiting assemblage with K-feldspar, phlogopite and quartz. Contrib Miner Petrol 96: 212–224

    Google Scholar 

  • Matte Ph, Maluski H, Rajlich P, Franke W (1990) Terrane boundaries in the Bohemian Massif: Results of large-scale Variscan shearing. Tectonophysics 177: 151–170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McClay KR, Ellis PG (1987) Geometries of extensional fault systems developed in model experiments. Geology 15: 341–344

    Google Scholar 

  • Neužilová M, Vejnar Z (1966) The geology and petrography of rocks of the Kladruby Massif. Sbor Geol Věd G11: 7–32 [in Czech with English abstract]

    Google Scholar 

  • O'Brien PJ (1989a) A study of retrogression in eclogites of the Oberpfalz Forest, north-east Bavaria, West Germany, and their significance in the tectonic evolution of the Bohemian Massif. In: Daly JS, Cliff RA, Yardley BWD (eds) Evolution of Metamorphic Belts. Spec Publ Geol See London 43: 507–512

  • O'Brien PJ (1989b) The petrology of retrograded eclogites of the Oberpfalz Forest, northeastern Bavaria, W-Germany. Tectonophysics 157: 195–212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O'Brien PJ (1990) High pressure metamorphism in the NW Bohemian Massif: comparisons and contrasts between the Moldanubian Zone, Münchberg Massif, ZEV, ZTT and Erzgebirge. KTB Rep 91-1: 1–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Parson T, Thompson GA (1993) Does magmatism influence low-angle normal faulting? Geology 21: 247–250

    Google Scholar 

  • Passchier CW, Simpson C (1986) Porphyroclast systems as kinematic indicators. J Struct Geol 8: 831–843

    Google Scholar 

  • Paterson MS (1958) Experimental deformation and faulting in Wombeyan marble. Geol Soc Am Bull 69: 465–476

    Google Scholar 

  • Petit JP (1987) Criteria for the sense of movement on fault surfaces in brittle rocks. J Struct Geol 9: 597–608

    Google Scholar 

  • Pflug HD, Reitz E (1987) Palynology in metamorphic rocks: indication of early land plants. Naturwissenschaften 74: 386–387

    Google Scholar 

  • Pitra P, Burg JP, Ledru P, Schulmann K (1993) Late-orogenic extension in the Bohemian Massif: petrostructural evidence in the Hlinsko region. Terra Abstr, Abstract Suppl Terra Nova 5: 243

    Google Scholar 

  • Platt JP (1986) Dynamics of orogenic wedges and the uplift of high-pressure metamorphic rocks. Geol Soc Am Bull 97: 1037–1053

    Google Scholar 

  • Plyusnina LP (1982) Geothermometry and geobarometry of plagioclase-hornblende bearing assemblages. Contrib Mineral Petrol 80: 140–146

    Google Scholar 

  • Pták J, Wartha K (1966) Fabric analysis and the major fold structure of the Upper Proterozoic in the Plzeň area. Sbor Geol G11: 33–48

    Google Scholar 

  • Rajlich P, Synek J (1987) A cross section through the Moldanubian Massif and the structural development of its ductile domains. N Jb Geol Paläontol Mh 11: 689–698

    Google Scholar 

  • Rey P, Burg JP, Caron JM (1992) Middle and Late Carboniferous extension in the Variscan Belt: structural and petrological evidence from the Vosges massif. Geodin Acta 5: 17–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Royden L, Burchfiel BC (1987) Thin-skinned extension within the convergent Himalayan region: gravitational collapse of a Miocene topographic front. In: Coward MP, Dewey JF, Hancock PL (eds) Continental Extensional Tectonics. Spec Publ Geol Soc London 28: 611–619

  • Rutter EH, Maddock RH, Hall SH, White SH (1986) Comparative microstructures of natural and experimentally produced fault gouges. Pure Appl Geophys 124: 3–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Seibert J, Pauli C, Franke W, Behrmann J (1990) Zur Strukturentwicklung und Kinematik der Grenzzone Moldanubikum-Tepla/Barrandium im Bayerischen Wald [abstr]. TSK III, 3rd Symp Tektonik, Strukturgeologie, Kristallingeologie im deutschsprachigen Raum, Graz, 19–21 April 1990: 208

  • Simpson C, Wintsch J (1989) Evidence for deformation-induced feldspar by myrmekite. J Metamorphic Geol 7: 261–275

    Google Scholar 

  • Šmejkal V (1964) Absolutni stáři některých vyvřelých a metamorfovaých hornin Českého masivu stanoveně Kalium-argonvou metodou. (II. část.). Sbor Geol Věd R G4: 121–136

    Google Scholar 

  • Sokol R (1911) Der böhmische Pfahl von Furth im Walde bis Ronsperg. Bull Intern Acad Sci Empereur Francois de Premier (XVI) 20 (11, 30): 1–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Sorkhabi RB, Stump E (1993) Rise of the Himalaya: a geochronologic approach. GSA Today 3/4: 85–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Spear FS (1980) NaSi-CaAl exchange equilibrium between plagioclase and amphibole. Contrib Mineral Petrol 72: 33–41

    Google Scholar 

  • Stettner G (1981) Grundgebirge. In: Bayerisches Geologisches Landesamt (ed) Erläuterungen zur geologischen Karte von Bayern 1:500000, 3. Aufl.: 7–29

  • Stettner G (1993) Spätkaledonische Subduktion und jungvariskischer Deckenbau im Westteil der Böhmischen Masse. N Jb Geol Palaontol Abh 187: 137–182

    Google Scholar 

  • Stöckhert B (1989) Kontinentales Tiefhohrprogramm der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Zur Rekonstruktion geotektonischer Modelle um die Bohrlokation Oberpfalz. KTB Rep 89–3: 353

    Google Scholar 

  • Stosch H-G, Lugmair GW (1986) Geochemistry and evolution of eclogites from the Münchberg Gneiss Massif/W-Germany. Terra Cognita 6: 254

    Google Scholar 

  • Stosch H-G, Lugmair GW (1987) Geochronology and geochemistry of eclogites from the Münchberg Gneiss Massif, F.R.G. Terra Cognita 7: 163

    Google Scholar 

  • Tanner D, Schuster J, Behrmann JH, O'Brien PJ (1993) New clues to the Moldanubian puzzle. Structural and petrological observations from the Waldmünchen Area, eastern Bavaria KTB. Report 93–2: 97–102

    Google Scholar 

  • Teufel S (1988) Vergleichende U-Pb- and Rb-Sr-Altersbestimmungen an Gesteinen des Übergangsbereiches Saxothuringikum/Moldanubikum, NE-Bayern. Göttinger Arb Geol Paläontol 35: 1–87

    Google Scholar 

  • Tjia HD (1964) Slickensides and fault movements. Geol Soc Am Bull 75: 683–686

    Google Scholar 

  • Tomek Č, Dvořáková V (1992) Deep seismics in West Bohemia [abstr]. Geol Model of W-Bohemia in relation to the KTB in the F.R.G.: 31–32

  • Tullis JA, Yund RA (1985) Dynamic recrystallization of feldspars: a mechanism for ductile shear zone formation. J Struct Geol 13: 228–241

    Google Scholar 

  • Vejnar Z (1962) Zum Problem des absoluten Alters der kristallinen Schiefer und der Intrusiva des Westböhmischen Kristallins. Krystalinikum 1: 149–159

    Google Scholar 

  • Vejnar Z (1963) Das Glimmerschiefergebiet der Serie Kralovsky hvozd (Künischer Wald) im Böhmerwald. Sbornik UUG XXVII: 107–142

    Google Scholar 

  • Vejnar Z (1965) Bemerkungen zur lithostratigraphischen Beziehung zwischen dem mittelböhmischen Algonkium und dem Moldanubikum. N Jb Geol Paläontol Mh 2: 102–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Vejnar Z (1966a) The petrogenetic interpretation of kyanite, sillimanite and andalusite in the south-western Bohemian crystalline complexes. N Jb Mineral Abh 104: 172–189

    Google Scholar 

  • Vejnar Z (1966b) Peridotites and serpentinites of the Český les mountains. Krystalinikum 4: 163–170

    Google Scholar 

  • Vejnar Z (1968) Interrelations between the Monotonous and the Varied Groups of the West-Bohemian Moldanubicum. Věst Ustř Ust Geol, XLIII, 1968: 207–211

    Google Scholar 

  • Vejnar Z (1972) Regionally metamorphosed volcanic rocks from the West-Bohemian metabasite belt. Krystalinikum 9: 131–156

    Google Scholar 

  • Vejnar Z (1977) The relationships between the metamorphic grade and composition of silicates in the West-Bohemian greenschists and amphibolites. Krystalinikum 13: 129–158

    Google Scholar 

  • Vej nar Z (1982) Regional metamorphism of psammopelitic rock in the Domažlice area. Sbor Geol Věd Geol 37: 9–70 [in Czech with English abstract]

    Google Scholar 

  • Vendeville B, Cobbold PR, Davy P, Brun JP, Choukroune P (1987) Physical models of extensional tectonics at various scales. In: Coward MP, Dewey JF, Hancock PL (eds) Continental Extensional Tectonics. Spec Publ Geol Soc London 28: 95–107

  • Voll G (1976) Recrystallization of quartz, biotite, feldspars from Erstfeld to the Leventina Nappe, Swiss Alps, and its geological significance. Schweiz Mineral Petrogr. Mitt 56: 641–647

    Google Scholar 

  • Vollbrecht A, Weber K, Schmoll J (1989) Structural model for the Saxothuringian-Moldanubian suture in the Variscan basement of the Oberpfalz (Northeastern Bavaria, F.R.G.) interpreted from geophysical data. Tectonophysics 157: 123–133

    Google Scholar 

  • Wagener-Lohse C, Blümel P (1986) Prograde Niederdruck-metamorphose und ältere Mitteldruckmetamorphose im nordostbayerischen Abschnitt der Grenzzone Saxothuringikum/Moldanubikum [abstr]. 76th Annual Meeting Geologische Vereinigung, Gießen

  • Weber K (1992) Die tektonische Position der KTB-Lokation. KTB Rep 92–4: 103–132

    Google Scholar 

  • Weber K, Vollbrecht A (1989) The crustal structure at the KTB drill site, Oberpfalz. In: Emmermann R, Wohlenberg J (eds) The German Continental Deep Drilling Program (KTB). Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 5–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Wernicke B, Burchfiel BC (1982) Modes of extensional tectonics. J Struct Geol 4: 105–115

    Google Scholar 

  • Yardley BWD (1990) An Introduction to Metamorphic Petrology. Longman Earth Science Ser. Longman New York, pp 1–248

    Google Scholar 

  • Zoubek V, Fiala J, Vankova V, Machart J, Stettner G (1988) Moldanubian Region. In: Zoubek V (ed) Precambrian in Younger Fold Belts: The European Variscides, the Carpathians and the Balkanides. Wiley, Chichester, pp 183–267

    Google Scholar 

  • Zulauf G (1994) Cadomian and Variscan tectonothermal events in the SW part of the Tepla-Barrandian unit (Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic). Zbl. Geol. Paläont. Teil I (in press)

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geologisch-Paläontologisches Institut der Universität Frankfurt a. M., Senckenberganlage 32-34, D-60054, Frankfurt a. M., Germany

    G. Zulauf

Authors
  1. G. Zulauf
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Zulauf, G. Ductile normal faulting along the West Bohemian Shear Zone (Moldanubian/Tepla-Barrandian boundary): Evidence for late Variscan extensional collapse in the Variscan Internides. Geol Rundsch 83, 276–292 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00210545

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00210545

Key words

Search

Navigation