Key points:

• The tectonic evolution of Northern Switzerland is linked to the evolution of the surrounding tectonic domains. These are the Konstanz – Frick Trough (and in general the pre-structured Paleozoic basement), the Jura Fold-and-Thrust Belt, the Upper Rhine Graben and the Hegau – Bodensee Graben.
• In general, inherited faults act as zones of weakness within the less deformed rock volume and later deformation preferentially localises along them.
• The geodynamic evolution is summarised by two phases of sedimentation and burial
  (Mesozoic and Paleogene – Neogene) separated by a phase of subaerial exposure. Miocene NW propagation of the Alps formed the Jura Fold-and-Thrust Belt.
• The Triassic salt layers acted as décollement level during the NW-propagation of the Alpine front in the eastern Jura Fold-and-Thrust Belt. No evidence for a secondary décollement within the Opalinus Clay was observed within the siting regions.
• All the siting regions show areas devoid of seismically mappable faults. NL includes the largest of such areas.