Figure 2: Stratigraphic data from the Molasse basin.

(a) Cumulative thicknesses of Molasse units across a S–N section³⁶ and locations relative to the orogen front where sediment accumulation has occurred. Inset Figure next to the legend illustrates the orientation of the section, which is identical as Fig. 1c. (b) Chronologic (Wheeler) diagram for Molasse units across the basin. The figure has been modified from Sinclair et al.³⁷ and expanded for post 15–12-Ma-old units, which have been eroded and recycled after 5–6 Ma (ref 41, 42). NLB=Northern Limit of Basin. For orientation of section see figure next to the legend. (c) Chronologic (Wheeler) diagram⁴³ for Molasse units for a section that parallels the proximal basin border (see inset figure next to the legend for orientation of section). The numbers 1 (ref. 7), 2 (ref. 8), 3 (ref. 9), 4 (ref. 10) and 5 (ref. 11) correspond to the sources of the magnetostratigraphic data. Sections labelled with 6 (ref. 41) and 7 (ref. 42) have been analysed for the time and the amplitude of basin erosion on the basis of fission track data established for detrital apatites encountered in drillings. Isopachs for non-decompacted Molasse sediments¹⁵ are based on thicknesses of magnetostratigraphic sections. The inset Figure next to the legend illustrates the Alps, the Molasse and Po Basins together with the orientation of the sections.