History of tectonic interpretations of the Alps

Two centuries of tectonic interpretations of the Alps are briefly reviewed, from the early fixistic tenets emphasizing vertical movements to the impac t of the new global tectonics, through the epos of the nappe theory. From 1 884 to the early 1900s, Alpine geology played a central role in the develop ment of the nappe theory and modern tectonics, Mobilistic concepts, cleverl y foreseen by Suess, were established by Bertrand, Schardt, Lugeon. Termier and Argand, and the Alps became a model for the evolution of mountain belt s. In the 1920s Wegener's theory of continental drift was endorsed by Argan d and Staub in the Alpine-Himalayan ranges, in contrast with hostility on t he other side of the Atlantic. Later, some geologists favoured gravity and gliding nappes, minimizing the role of crustal shortening. Nevertheless, th is return to neo-fixistic views waned, and Argand's and Staub's classic tec tonic lines dominated until the beginning of the plate tectonics age. The A lps did not play any part in the birth of this new global theory, and Alpin e geology only benefited later, (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights r eserved.