Geological subsurface model of Austria and surrounding areas

In order to provide a large-scale overview of the Austrian Alpine geology and adjacent areas for colleagues, students and the public, a supra-regional 3D framework model of Austria was established. The modelling domain covers an area of about 175 000 km² and a depth to 60 km below sealevel. The finalized model depicts the Eurasian and Adriatic plates, the main geological units of the Alpine orogenic wedge and the synorogenic sedimentary basins in the foreland and within the Alps. Seven modelling units have been defined in cooperation with the Division of Geological Mapping of the Geological Survey of Austria, which are ordered according to their paleo-geographic origin and tectono-metamorphic history. Boundaries between these units exhibit important sedimentary and tectonic features (e.g. unconformity at the base of Neogene sedimentary basins, Alpine frontal thrust, the nappe boundary between Penninic and Sub-Penninic Superunits). Due to the large-scale character of the model, relatively small constituents of the Alpine Orogen (e.g. Meliata Superunit, intrusive rocks along the Periadriatic Fault, minor Neogene basins atop the Austroalpine Superunit) were not included into the model. The Austrian framework model is intended to act as an information tool for subsequent regional modelling projects as well as for educational use. It will be made available to the public via an interactive, web based Visualization tool on the Website of the Geological Survey of Austria.