Distribution and dimension of young tectonics in the Neuwied basin and the lower Middle Rhine.

Abstract

In the Neuwied basin the displacement of the oldest Tertiary sediments is widespread whereas in the lower Middle Rhine area this occurred locally along a structurally weak line (Ahr Valley- Laacher Lake). This displacement continued during the Pliocene period in the latter area so that the Pliocene siliceous oolite gravels overlay the Oligocene sediments or these rocks are close together. Beyond the Neuwied basin the displacement of the Tertiary sediments is 20-130 m. In the case of the old Pleistocene terraces in the basin, the displacement values are considerable, but only one minor single-block tectonic process occurs in the lower Middle Rhine.-J.M.H.