Tectonic Structure and Metamorphism
The Rhenohercynian Zone is a part of the northern foreland of the Hercynian orogen. It has a lower grade of metamorphism than the Saxothuringian Zone to the south, meaning its rocks have generally been at smaller depths and under lower temperatures. The Subvariscan Zone north of the Rhenohercynian Zone was untouched by Hercynian metamorphism. During the Hercynian orogeny, the Rhenohercynian zone was folded and thrusted internally. It was thrusted over the foreland to the north (the London-Brabant Massif and other Avalonian terranes). From the south it was overthrusted by the Mid-German Crystalline High, part of the Saxothuringian Zone.
The metamorphic grade increases towards the south or southeast. The southern edge of the Rhenish Massif lies in the Northern Phyllite Zone, which has a higher grade than other parts of the zone.
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