Comparative Tertiary stratigraphy of the Rhine Graben, Bresse Graben and Molasse Basin: correlation of Alpine foreland events

Comparative tectonostratigraphic analysis of the Tertiary (Middle Eocene-Pliocene) of the Rhine-Bresse graben system and the western Molasse Basin demonstrates the occurrence of eleven correlative sequences (CRF I-XI). These show a close relationship between intra-basinal tectonics and depositional history. Their punctuated sediment accumulation can be related to phases of extra-Alpine taphrogenesis and Alpine orogenesis, and to coeval eustatic changes in sea-level. Apparent simultaneity in rift and foredeep sequence development, structural deformation and global change in sea-level suggests a common causal control in which the development of the Alps played an important role. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.