Unravelling stratigraphic, glacio- and geodynamic information from glaciofluvial terrace hypsometry, North Alpine Foreland

Glaciofluvial terraces of the North Alpine Foreland have been subject to Quaternary research for more than one hundred years. In fact, the terrace stratigraphic model of Penck and Brückner (1909) is pivotal still today. However, local findings by different geologic surveys lead to the necessity of local adaptions of the stratigraphic model, leading to major inconsistencies on the mountain range scale between states and federal states.
The resulting geometry of glaciofluvial outwash is significantly controlled, aside from stream discharge and sediment supply, by the horizontal distance and elevation difference between glacier terminus and receiving stream. Rapid glacier melting and associated terrace abandonment may provide distinct terrace surfaces, which can be preserved over glacial to interglacial timescales upon continuous surface uplift. While terrace slopes (straths and treads) can be indicative for the relative position of the glacier termini, modifications to the inital surface hypsometry can refer to the magnitude and wavelength of this uplift signal. Terraces can therefore not only provide significant stratigraphic information but may provide insights into (local) glacial dynamics and regional tectonic processes. Recent developments on the availability and resolution of digital elevation models offer the opportunity to analyse surfaces on a regional scale in high detail, therby providing a consistent data basis for statistical investigations. Based on a GIS compilation of existing data (digital elevation models, geologic maps, sedimentologic data), we use a self developed morphostratigraphic method, within the software R, to create 2D paleo-river-long-profiles to i) test the existing terrace stratigraphy, ii) point out evidence, that needs to be adressed by attempts of future stratigraphic harmonizations, iii) test possible terrace correlations in Switzerland and across the boundary of the major catchments of Rhine and Danube, and iv) with the help of existing age constraints, collect evidence based data on Quaternary uplift rates across the foreland.
References
Penck, A., & Brückner, E. (1909): Die Alpen im Eiszeitalter. Leipzig: Tauchnitz.