170 million years of earth history
The area around the "Strombierg" shows a very high density of geological information: geological layers can be found on the 170 meters in altitude between the Moselle (about 145 meters above sea level) and the highest point of the plateau (315 m. Gi. Msp.). , which are between 400 and 230 million years old. They thus cover a geological period of 170 million years. The blocks of rock represent different stages in this history. The oldest layers of rock can be found in the bed of the Moselle. This is mainly quartzite, which was deposited as sand in the sea during the Devonian period (about 400 million years ago). During the later Hercynian orogeny (between 370 and 300 million years), these sands, meanwhile solidified into sandstone, were transformed into quartzite and heavily folded. This mountain range, whose remains include the Hunsrück and the Ardennes, was subsequently removed again. By the beginning of the Triassic period, 250 million years ago, it was almost completely covered by the sea again. The erosion products of the mountains from the north and north-east lay in our area as new marine deposits over the strata of the Devonian. Only a few islands and promontories still protrude above the rising sea level, including the area around the "Strombierg". This so-called "Sierck Sill" significantly influenced the depositional conditions of the entire region at the beginning of the Triassic. It was only completely flooded by the sea in the middle shell limestone and covered with Triassic deposits. The youngest rocks of the "Strombierg” form the up to 70 meter thick, light gray to yellowish dolomites of the Upper Shell Limestone. Since it is hard and weather-resistant rock, they form striking rock walls. They were used in numerous quarries, such as on the southwestern " Strombierg” near Contz, building blocks and gravel. Before the Moselle was canalised, the "Taunus quartzite" appeared at low water levels during the summer months. They are part of the "Sierck Sill" and the oldest geological layers in the area. This very hard rock has withstood weathering and is the reason for the rapids. Source: Ministère de I'Environnement, Administration des Eaux et Forëts, Service Géologique