... Nappes, which were situated beyond a mid-oceanic ridge (like the Atlantic today) during Jurassic times. The oceanic crust was almost totally subducted under the Austroalpine Nappes. Only some Prasinites remained in the Bündnerschieferformation ("phyllite formation of the Grisons") (e.g. Großglockner). On the other hand, the Penninic Nappes thrust over the Helvetic Nappe System, which leads to the autochthonous sediments of the massifs in the north (Bohemian Massif, Black Forest, Vosges). Geology of the Northern Alps in Austria (cross-section and interactive map) In the Eastern Alps (Austria), the Austroalpine was thrust nearly to the northern rim of the Alps, so it covers almost the whole of Austria's Alps (hence the name). Only geological "windows" like the Tauern Window and the Window of Rechnitz (both Penninic) are excepted. The Helvetic System is rather rare in Austria's Alps, whereas it dominates in central Switzerland (hence the name). That is because most parts of the ...

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