The sedimentary trough of the Rhine graben
Abstract Accurate knowledge of the sediments in the Rhine graben is not only essential for proper corrections of geophysical data but it provides the main tool to reconstruct the development of the graben in time and space. A large number of borehole data and reflexion seismic results have been made available by mining and oil prospecting companies. Depth charts of the basis of Tertiary sediments of different Mesozoic layers and sometimes of the surface of the crystalline basement have been designed. Longitudinal and cross sections of the trough show tectonic features in detail e.g. the north-south tilting, the basins and sills within the rift, the existence of deeper depressions at the edges of the rift. Aeromagnetic and gravity data are used for additional evidence.