4D reconstruction of the Aar Massif during the late-stage continent-continent collision in the European Alps

Inversion and exhumation of crystalline basement units of passive margins is a critical stage of mountain-building processes. With a multi-methodological approach that combines 3D geological modelling and cross-section restoration at different time steps, we unravel the 4D geodynamic evolution of the Aar Massif (central Alps, Switzerland) during the late-stage Alpine orogeny (22 to 0 Ma). Our results demonstrate how a portion of the crystalline basement units of the European continental margin was exhumed in a non-cylindrical framework with an alternation of vertical and horizontal-dominated tectonics. Rapid exhumation (22 to 12 Ma), with deformation along steep reverse/normal faults, alternated with northwest-directed thrusting of the previously exhumed basement units (16 to 0 Ma). We pay special attention to how shear/fault zone patterns change laterally and temporarily to accommodate the non-cylindrical deformation in dome-like basement rises. Published thermochronometric and metamorphic peak temperature data provide additional insights into the temporal sequence of reverse and thrust faulting perpendicular and parallel to the strike of the orogen. Such variations in the fault geometries and associated offsets were constrained by the detailed reconstruction of the shear zone pattern in 3D. In this study, we show how the basement-involved uplift and shortening controlled the late-stage collisional overprint and mechanics of the northern rim of the central Alps.