Mitterkarjoch

Mitterkarjoch is a mountain pass located in the Austrian Alps. It is situated between the glaciers of the Wetterstein Mountains and the Allgäuer Alpbogen, near the border with Germany. The pass is normally snow-shrouded and not readily accessible during winter months.

Geologically, the Mitterkarjoch is situated in a region of intense tectonic activity. This has led to the formation of the Wetterstein and Allgäu windows, which are areas of weak rock that have eroded into windows exposing Precambrian crystalline basement. The pass straddles the paleontological boundary between the Wetterstein limit and the Allgäu zone.

In the geological history of the area, significant folding and thrusting occurred during the Alpine orogeny. This process has created numerous thrust faults, folded sheets, and kilometre-long break lines across the mountain range. At Mitterkarjoch, two cusps linked by a low-lying 'lendfauling', appear to carry individual gneissic granodiorite outcrops into the clefts.

During the summer months, the pass offers fairly accessible long-distance routes for Alpinists and geologists. Climbers approach via breathtaking glacier follows. Skilled mountaineers ascend at fairly easy routes (UIAA I and II difficulties). However, beginners are cautioned to picked secure crampon routes and assault steeper courses on longer-valued cascading glaciers. This synchronous movement coincides with damp periods.