Historical Site

Albert Heim at the Foo Pass

Den Geologen-Hammer stets in Griffweite, liess sich Albert Heim 1911 vorzeitig pensionieren, um sich ganz seinem Hauptwerk, der mehrbändigen «Geologie der Schweiz», zu widmen
Interpretation am Foopass mit der Glarner Doppelfalte mit der "Verrucano-Lücke" am Foopass, wie sie Albert Heim 1878 publizierte. Beeindruckend ist die Zeichen- und Detailgenauigkeit von Alb. Heims Profilen

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Ausschnitte von Heim im Jahr 1921, wo er die Situation anders sah und nur noch eine grosse, nordwärts gerichtete Überschiebung darstellte
... and the controversial theory of double folding

Description

At the Foo Pass, erosion severed the area of the Glarus main thrust. Arnold Escher therefore came up with the idea of a huge double fold in the middle of the 19th century. At the Foo Pass, the Verrucano rocks are missing. In the middle of the 19th century, Arnold Escher developed the theory of a double fold, because he believed that due to its lower resistance in the area of the fold bending at the pass, it was more likely to break and thus erode more quickly.

Albert Heim, one of the most famous Swiss geologists of his time, adopted Escher's double-fold theory and stuck to it steadfastly.

In 1884, Marcel Bertrand, who had never been to the Glarus Alps himself, reinterpreted Heim's descriptions and profiles, demonstrating that the problem could only be solved with a single large thrust and a south-to-north movement. It was not until 1901 that Heim also acknowledged that only a major overthrust was taking place, and the triumphal march of this theory could no longer be stopped. In 1921, Heim wrote in his standard work on Swiss geology:

"Anyone who still doubts the magnificent ceiling tectonics should first take a look at the perforated side ... ».

Since then, many other geologists have visited the outcrops of the Glarus main thrust and studied the structures and mechanisms of the thrust processes. Questions are still controversially discussed and the Glarus main thrust will continue to contribute to a better understanding of the formation of mountain ranges in the future.

(Source: David Imper)

If you want to follow in the footsteps of Escher and Heim and get an idea of the double fold theory on the Foo Pass for yourself, you can reach it either from the direction of Elm or from the Weisstannental along the Via GeoAlpina. Catering and accommodation options are available in Elm or in the Weisstannental on the Walabütz and Siez Alps.

Directions

Public Transport

Start in Elm: Train to Schwanden GL, then continue by bus to Elm

Start in Weisstannen: Train to Sargans, then the bus direction Pizolpark, on weekdays change the bus at Pizolpark - on Sundays the bus runs from Sargans station directly to Weisstannen / Vorsiez

Directions

Start in Elm: turn off the A3 at Niederurnen, follow the Linthal to Schwanden and then turn into the Sernftal to Elm (paid parking in Elm)

Start in Weisstannen: from Zurich on the A3 to Mels, leave the motorway at the mels / Sargans exit, the way to the Weisstannental is signposted from the motorway exit. Last available parking spaces in Weisstannen

Contact

Responsible for this content: Graubünden Ferien.
This content has been translated automatically.