3D Modeling and Kinematics of the External Zone of the French Western Alps (Belledonne and Grand Châtelard Massifs, Maurienne Valley, Savoie)

• DOI: 10.1007/s00015-006-1183-z
• Publication Date: 2006-08-11T07:42:58Z
• Authors: Didier Marquer; Philippe Calcagno; Jean-Claude Barfety; Thierry Baudin
• Keywords: Massif; Basement; Syncline; Outcrop

Three dimensional geometric modeling was undertaken on the external crystalline massifs (Belledonne and Grand Châtelard) of the Western Alps. This external zone corresponds to the internal part of the European passive margin developed during Liassic rifting. It was thrust towards the north-west during Oligocene-Miocene compression resulting in tectonic inversion of the European continental margin.