Permian and Mesozoic Geology of Germany

Abstract

Following the Variscan Orogeny, the supercontinent of Pangea began to break apart in the Permian: an event that initiated extensive continental volcanism. In the northern part of Central Europe, the Central European Basin started to subside in the Late Permian. The southern part of the basin, and later the northern part were dominated by a multifaceted history that began with small depressions where continental sediments were deposited. These areas later evolved into epicontinental shallow seas and eventually developed open marine conditions. Large parts of Germany were covered with sediments of Mesozoic age. Some areas of the Variscan basement, however, were reexposed during subsequent tectonic movements and erosion.