# Tectonics: structure of the earth crust A thematic map of the Atlas of Switzerland, the national atlas published by ETH Zurich. The map is drawn in the browser; this file describes it and lists its variants and links, but not the data values shown on the map. - Map: https://atlasderschweiz.ch/en/theme/tectonics-structure-of-the-earth-crust/ - Short title: Tectonics - Map id: 161 - Categories: Nature and Environment › Geology and raw materials › Geology and tectonics - Keywords: Geology, Rocks - Published: 2016-04-14 - Last revised: 2018-04-16 - Content language: English - Other languages: [Deutsch](https://atlasderschweiz.ch/de/thema/tektonik-aufbau-der-erdkruste.md), [Français](https://atlasderschweiz.ch/fr/theme/tectonique-structure-de-lecorce-terrestre.md), [Italiano](https://atlasderschweiz.ch/it/tema/tettonica-struttura-della-crosta-terrestre.md) ## Description The study of tectonics treats the changes in form of rocks, i.e. rock deformation. This subject has a linking function among the various Earth Science fields (Sedimentology, Petrology, Geophysics, Rock Mechanics, etc.) and permits conclusions concerning the formation of the mountains based on regional rock distribution and the internal structure of the single geological units. The beginning of all tectonic work is the summary and presentation of all available discontinuity planes, folds and other distortions in and between the individual rock and tectonic units (molasse, flysch, imbricate zones (imbricate zones, nappes, etc.). This is carried out using field mapping (including the summary of the spatial position of the rocks using a geologist's compass), the spatial analysis of borehole data as well as through geophysical and microtectonic investigations. The summary of structural geological data can be presented in the form of maps, cross-sections, 3D models and diagrams. Detailed structural geological descriptions and models are of critical importance for construction projects in rock (tunnels, caverns, quarries, mines, among others) and for the evaluation of natural risk (rockfall, rock slides and landslides). Two basically different deformational behaviour patterns can be observed. Rocks with brittle behaviour rupture by overstress (applied stresses in excess of the rock's strength) and fractures and slip surfaces are formed. Earthquakes can also occur along with these processes. This behaviour occurs for most rocks at temperatures under 300-400 °C. At higher temperatures and greater depth other completely different mechanisms are observed. The rock begins to «creep» and to «flow» (ductile, plastic deformations) and is no longer deformed along single surfaces, but inside larger zones. While brittle deformations prevail in the Jura mountains, numerous zones in the Pennine layers show signs of plastic deformation. The deformation and movement of the rock units can be traced back to globally acting forces which had their beginning in plate tectonics. These brought about repeated far-reaching extensions and compressions of the Earth's crust. During the formation of the Alps, the original Tethys marine deposits, originally located side by side, were compressed together, folded and pushed over each other as nappes. ## Sources - swisstopo, Landesgeologie (2010): [GeoKarten500, GeoCover](http://www.swisstopo.admin.ch/internet/swisstopo/de/home/swisstopo/org/geology.html) ## Data sources - swisstopo, Landesgeologie (2010): [GeoKarten500, GeoCover](http://www.swisstopo.admin.ch/internet/swisstopo/de/home/swisstopo/org/geology.html) ## Data owners - [Swiss Federal Office of Topography (swisstopo)](http://www.swisstopo.admin.ch/) ## Citation The terms of use ask to name the Atlas of Switzerland and the data owners, and to keep the source references in exports, screenshots and embeds. Cite the map as: > Atlas of Switzerland (2018): Tectonics: structure of the earth crust. ETH Zürich. Map data © swisstopo. https://atlasderschweiz.ch/en/theme/tectonics-structure-of-the-earth-crust/ ## Variants The map has 3 variants. Levels: spatial unit → time. The `u` value of a variant selects it in the links below. - Domains - 2010: `u=AAEAyQAA` (default) - Main units - 2010: `u=AAEAygAA` - Nappes - 2010: `u=AAEAywAA` ## Links Replace `{u}` with the `u` value of a variant above, or leave out `u={u}` for the default variant. The map opens at its full extent; a link cannot set the map position. - Map: https://atlasderschweiz.ch/en/theme/tectonics-structure-of-the-earth-crust/?u={u} - Short link, stays valid when the title changes: https://atlasderschweiz.ch/en/t/161/?u={u} - Side by side with another map: https://atlasderschweiz.ch/en/comparison/?lt=161&lu={u}&rt={id of the other map}&ru={u of the other map, or leave out} Embed in another website (allowed by the terms of use, as long as the source references stay visible): ```html ``` In the embed URL, `dm` sets what is shown: `e` the map with its title bar (default), `p` also the values of an object clicked on the map, `m` only the map with a button that opens it in the atlas. `ig=1` (default) lets the map react to scrolling and dragging only after a click into it, `ig=0` right away. The size can be changed in `style`. For the use and citation of maps and data, see the [terms of use](https://atlasderschweiz.ch/en/terms-of-use/).