Tectonic, eustatic and environmental controls on mid-Cretaceous carbonate platform deposition, south-central Pyrenees, Spain

Cenomanian–Turonian strata of the south‐central Pyrenees in northern Spain contain three prograding carbonate sequences that record interactions among tectonics, sea level, environment and sediment fabric in controlling sequence development. Sequence UK‐1 (Lower to Upper Cenomanian) contains distinct lagoonal, back‐margin, margin, slope and basin facies, and was deposited on a broad, flat shelf adjacent to a deep basin. The lack of reef‐constructing organisms resulted in a gently dipping ramp morphology for the margin and slope. Sequence UK‐2 (Upper Cenomanian) contains similar shallow‐water facies belts, but syndepositional tectonic modification of the margin resulted in a steep slope and deposition of carbonate megabreccias. Sequence UK‐3 (Lower to Middle Turonian) records a shift from benthic to pelagic deposition, as the shallow platform was drowned in response to a eustatic sea‐level rise, coupled with increased organic productivity. Sequences UK‐1 to UK‐3 are subdivided into lowstand, transgressive and highstand systems tracts based on stratal geometries and facies distribution patterns. The same lithologies (e.g. megabreccias) commonly occur in more than one systems tract, indicating that: (1) the depositional system responded to more than just sea‐level fluctuations; and (2) similar processes occurred during different times throughout sequence development. These sequences illustrate the complexity of carbonate platform dynamics that influence sequence architecture. Rift tectonics and flexural subsidence played a major role in controlling the location of the platform margin, maintaining a steep slope gradient through syndepositional faulting, enhancing slope instability and erosion, and influencing depositional processes, stratal relationships and lithofacies distribution on the slope. Sea‐level variations (eustatic and relative) strongly influenced the timing of sequence and parasequence boundary formation, controlled changes in accommodation and promoted platform drowning (in conjunction with other factors). Physico‐chemical and climatic conditions were responsible for reducing carbonate production rates and inducing platform drowning. Finally, a mud‐rich sediment fabric affected platform morphology, growth geometries (aggradation vs. progradation) and facies distribution patterns.     

Triassic carbonate submarine fans along the Arabian platform margin, Sumeini Group, Oman

ABSTRACT The Sumeini Group formed along the passive continental margin slope that bounded the northeastern edge of the Arabian carbonate platform. With the initial development of this passive continental margin in Oman during Early to Middle Triassic time (possibly Permian), small carbonate submarine fans of the C Member of the Maqam Formation developed along a distally steepened slope. The fan deposits occur as several discrete lenticular sequences of genetically related beds of coarsegrained redeposited carbonate (calciclastic) sediment within a thick interval of basinal lime mudstone and shale. Repeated pulses of calciclastic sediment were derived from ooid shoals on an adjacent carbonate platform and contain coarser intraclasts eroded from the surrounding slope deposits. Sediment gravity flows, primarily turbidites with lesser debris flows and grain flows, transported the coarse sediments to the relatively deep submarine fans. Channel erosion was a major source of intraformational calcirudite. Two small submarine fan systems were each recurrently supplied with calciclastic sediment derived from point sources, submarine canyons. The northern fan system retrogrades and dies out upsection. The southern fan system was apparently longer-lived; calciclastic sediments in it are more prevalent and occur throughout the section. The proximal portions of this fan system are dominated by channelized beds of calcirudite which represent inner- to mid-fan channel complexes. The distal portions include mostly lenticular, unchannelized beds of calcarenite, apparently mid- to outer-fan lobes. Carbonate submarine fans appear to be rare in the geological record in comparison with more laterally continuous slope aprons of coarse redeposited sediment. The carbonate submarine fans of the C Member apparently formed by the funnelling of coarse calciclastic sediment into small submarine canyons which may have developed due to rift and/or transform tectonics. The alternation of discrete sequences of calciclastic sediment with thick intervals of ‘background’ sediment resulted from either sea-level fluctuations or pulses of tectonic activity.     

Carbonate turbidite sequences deposited in rift-basins of the Jurassic Tethys Ocean (eastern Alps, Switzerland)

Syn-rift sediments in basins formed along the future southern continental margin of the Jurassic Tethys ocean, comprise, in the eastern Alps of Switzerland, up to 500 m thick carbonate turbidite sequences interbedded with bioturbated marls and limestones. In the fault-bounded troughs no submarine fans developed; in contrast, the fault scarps acted as a line source and the asymmetric geometry as well as the evolution of the basin determined the distribution of redeposited carbonates. The most abundant redeposits are bio- and lithoclastic grainstones and packstones, with sedimentary structures indicating a wide range of transport mechanisms from grain flow to high- and low-density turbidity currents. Huge chaotic megabreccias record catastrophic depositional events. Their main detrital components are Upper Triassic shallow-water carbonates and skeletal debris from nearby submarine highs. After an event of extensional tectonism, sedimentary prisms accumulated in the basins along the faults. Each prism is wedge-shaped with a horizontal upper boundary and consists of a thinning- and fining-upward megacycle. Within each megacycle six facies associations are distinguished. At the base of the fault scarp, an association of breccias was first deposited by submarine rockfall and rockfall avalanches. A narrow, approximately 4000 m wide depression along the fault was subsequently filled by the megabreccia association, in which huge megabreccias interfinger with thin-bedded turbidites and hemipelagic limestones. The thick-bedded turbidite association covered the megabreccias or formed, farther basinward, the base of the sedimentary column. Within the thick-bedded turbidites, thinning- and fining-upward cycles are common. The overlying thin-bedded turbidite association shows nearly no cyclicity and the monotonous sequence of fine-grained calciturbidites covers most of the basin area. With continuous filling and diminishing sediment supply, a basin-plain association developed comprising fine-grained and thin-bedded turbidites intercalated with bioturbated marls and limestones. On the gentle slopes opposite the fault escarpment, redeposited beds are scarce and marl/limestone alternations as well as weakly nodular limestones prevail.     

The Cretaceous megabreccias of the Gargano Promontory (Apulia, southern Italy): their stratigraphic and genetic meaning in the evolutionary framework of the Apulia Carbonate Platform

Huge megabreccias occur at the eastern margin of the Cretaceous Apulia Carbonate Platform (Gargano Promontory, southern Italy). Their stratigraphic and genetic meaning are controversial in the debated geological evolution of the Apulia Platform. New stratigraphic analyses have revealed that three distinct megabreccia levels occur within the coarse debrites that were previously interpreted to be the result of repeated collapses of a scalloped platform margin during the late Albian–Cenomanian. Each level has peculiar chronostratigraphic distribution, geometry, composition and genetic features. They are the Posta Manganaro Megabreccias (late early Aptian to late Albian pp. ), Monte S. Angelo Megabreccias (early–middle Cenomanian) and Belvedere di Ruggiano Megabreccias (middle Turonian). These deposits overlie regional, tectonically enhanced unconformities of late early Aptian, late Albian and late Cenomanian age. These megabreccias, which were formed, respectively, during drowning, prograding and exposure events of the Apulia Platform, reflect important turning points in its Cretaceous geodynamic evolution.     

Sequence architecture and carbonate platform configuration (Late Cenomanian–Santonian), Sinai, Egypt

Abstract Relative sea‐level changes on the mixed carbonate–siliciclastic platform of Sinai are manifested in shifts of distinct facies belts (deep‐water facies, high‐energy subtidal, shallow subtidal, lagoon, shallow shoreface siliciclastics, supratidal) and are interpreted in terms of sequence stratigraphy. Eight sedimentary sequences are recognized for the Upper Cenomanian to Santonian. Their correlation along a north–south transect reveals distinct changes in lithofacies and progradation/retrogradation patterns within the individual systems tracts. The number and stratigraphy of the sequence boundaries of Sinai correlate well with those from adjacent areas. Patterns of increased subsidence are documented for the Central Sinai Basin since the Late Cenomanian by increased thickness of the stratal packages (post‐CeSin 7 HST, post‐TuSin 1 LST and HST, post‐TuSin 2 LST) and are balanced by varying accumulation rates. Based on new sedimentological and biostratigraphic data, large‐scale palaeogeographic maps and cross‐sections show the: (1) temporal and spatial evolution of the Central Sinai Basin, e.g. its latest Cenomanian initial formation, Lower Turonian deep‐water facies, Middle Turonian to Coniacian synsedimentary subsidence; (2) drowning of the Cenomanian platform coinciding with the latest Cenomanian to Early Turonian relative sea‐level rise; (3) re‐establishment of the platform in Middle–Late Turonian times; and (4) a Coniacian basin and swell morphology.     

Sequence development of Late Cenomanian–Turonian carbonate ramps, platforms and basins in Israel

The Cenomanian–Turonian carbonate-dominated lithofacies of Israel reflect a complex interplay between tectonics, sea-level change, and palaeoecology. Improved correlation based on revision of the bio- and chronostratigraphic framework has enabled the establishment of a sequence-stratigraphic model comprising five sequences delineated by four sequence boundaries, in the Late Cenomanian–Early Coniacian interval. The Late Cenomanian–Turonian succession begins with prograding, highstand, carbonate-platform deposits of the first sequence. Interruption of progradation and drowning of this platform took place within the Late Cenomanian guerangeri Zone (=the vibrayeanus Zone in Israel), resulting in a drowning unconformity which is regarded as a Type 3 sequence boundary (labelled CeUp). The drowning is attributed in part to extinctions in the rudist-dominated biofacies (e.g., Caprinidae), which led to reduced carbonate production and enhanced the impact of the sea-level rise. Similar drowning of Tethyan platforms around the C/T boundary has been linked to the establishment of coastal upwelling and consequent eutrophication. Outer ramp hemipelagic facies (Derorim and the Lower Ora formations) replaced the platform carbonates, thickening substantially southwards in the Eshet-Zenifim Basin of southern Israel. Along the ancient continental slope (Mediterranean coastal plain) evidence of this drowning is obscured by submarine erosion, while in central and northern Israel the drowned section is represented by condensation or a hiatus, reflecting an elevated, sediment-starved sea-floor. A carbonate platform dominated by rudistid shoals (‘Meleke’ Member; Shivta Formation) was re-established in the Judean hills and northern Negev during the middle part of the Turonian coloradoense Zone (local zone T4). Later, during kallesi Zone times (T7), the platform facies prograded southwards towards the Eshet-Zenifim intra-shelf basin. The drowning succession and overlying resurrected carbonate platform are topped in central and southern Israel by a pronounced Type 1 sequence boundary (Tu1) between the kallesi (T7) and ornatissimum (T8) zones (Middle Turonian). In central Israel and northern Negev the sequence boundary is overlain by lowstand deposits of the ‘Clastic Unit’ and by the transgressive and highstand inner to mid-ramp deposits of the Nezer and Upper Bina formations. In the southern Negev the sequence boundary is overlain by lowstand and transgressive systems tracts of mixed carbonates, siliciclastics, and localized evaporites (Upper Ora Formation), and then by mid to inner ramp carbonates of the Gerofit Formation. The latter represents a very high rate of accumulation, indicating rapid, continued subsidence balanced by platform growth. The Tu2 sequence boundary of the Late Turonian is expressed in the southern Negev by a shift from inner ramp carbonates of the Gerofit Formation to outer ramp chalky limestones of the Zihor Formation, indicating localized drowning. The succeeding Co1 sequence boundary again indicates localized drowning of the prograding highstand deposits of the Zihor Formation (‘Transition Zone’) overlain by Lower Coniacian transgressive deposits of the upper part of the Zihor Formation. All of these third-order sequences are expressed in southern Israel, where the rate of subsidence was in balance with sea-level fluctuations. In contrast, the Judean Hills and eastern Galilee areas have a more incomplete succession, characterized by hiatuses and condensation, because of reduced subsidence. More distal areas of continuous deep-water deposition in western Galilee and the coastal plain failed to record the Middle Turonian lowstand, while a longer term, second-order sequence spanning the entire Late Cenomanian–Early Coniacian interval, is present in the Carmel and Yirka Basin areas.     

Anatomy of a modern open-ocean carbonate slope: northern Little Bahama Bank

The open-ocean carbonate slope north of Little Bahama Bank consists of a relatively steep (4°) upper slope between water depths of 200 and 900 m, and a more gentle (1–2°) lower slope between depths of 900 and 1300+ m. The upper slope is dissected by numerous, small, submarine canyons (50–150 m in relief) that act as a line source for the downslope transport of coarse-grained carbonate debris. The lower slope is devoid of any well-defined canyons but does contain numerous, small (1–5 m) hummocks of uncertain origin and numerous, larger (5–40 m), patchily distributed, ahermatypic coral mounds. Sediments along the upper slope have prograded seaward during the Cenozoic as a slope-front-fill seismic facies of fine-grained peri-platform ooze. Surface sediments show lateral gradation of both grain size and carbonate mineralogy, with the fine fraction derived largely from the adjacent shallow-water platform. Near-surface sedimentary facies along the upper slope display a gradual downslope decrease in the degree of submarine cementation from well-lithified hardgrounds to patchily cemented nodular ooze to unlithified peri-platform ooze, controlled by lateral variations in diagenetic potential and/or winnowing by bottom currents. Submarine cementation stabilizes the upper part of the slope, allowing upbuilding of the platform margin, and controls the distribution of submarine slides, as well as the headward extent of submarine canyons. Where unlithified, sediments are heavily bioturbated and are locally undergoing dolomitization. Upper slope sediments are also ‘conditioned’eustatically, resulting in vertical, cyclic sequences of diagenetically unstable (aragonite and magnesian calcite-rich) and stable (calcite-rich) carbonates that may explain the well-bedded nature of ancient peri-platform ooze sequences. Lower slope sediments have prograded seaward during the Cenozoic as a chaotic-fill seismic facies of coarse-grained carbonate turbidites and debris flow deposits with subordinate amounts of peri-platform ooze. Coarse clasts are ‘internally’derived from fine-grained upper slope sediments via incipient cementation, submarine sliding and the generation of sediment gravity flows. Gravity flows bypass the upper slope via a multitude of canyons and are deposited along the lower slope as a wedge-shaped apron of debris, parallel to the adjacent shelf edge, consisting of a complex spatial arrangement of localized turbidites and debris flow deposits. A proximal apron facies of thick, mud-supported debris flow deposits plus thick, coarse-grained, Ta turbidites, grades seaward into a distal apron facies of thinner, grain-supported debris flow deposits and thinner, finer grained Ta-b turbidites with increasing proportions of peri-platform ooze. Both the geomorphology and sedimentary facies relationships of the carbonate apron north of Little Bahama Bank differ significantly from the classic submarine fan model. As such, a carbonate apron model offers an alternative to the fan model for palaeoenvironmental analysis of ancient, open-ocean carbonate slope sequences.     

From platform to basin: the evolution of a Paleocene carbonate margin (Eastern Desert, Egypt)

In this study, progradation and the subsequent retrogradation of a late Paleocene isolated carbonate platform (Galala Mountains, Eastern Desert, Egypt) is demonstrated by variations of distinct facies associations from the platform margin in the north to the hemipelagic basin in the south. A combination of a sea-level drop and tectonic uplift at around 59 Ma (calcareous nannofossil biozone NP5) favored the initiation of the carbonate platform. From this time onwards, the facies distribution along the platform–basin transect can be subdivided into five facies belts comprising nine different facies associations. Their internal relationships and specific depositional settings are strongly coupled with the Maastrichtian–Paleocene seafloor topography, which resulted from local tectonic movements. Patch reefs and reef debris were deposited at the platform margin and the horizontally bedded limestones on the upper slope. Slumps and debris flows were stored on the lower slope. In the subhorizontal toe-of-slope facies belt, mass-flow deposits pass into calciturbidites. Further southwards in the basin, only hemipelagic marls were deposited. Between 59 and 56.2 Ma (NP5–NP8), the overall carbonate platform system prograded in several pulses. Distinct changes in facies associations from 56.2 to 55.5 Ma (NP9) resulted from rotational block movements. They led to increased subsidence at the platform margin and a coeval uplift in the toe-of-slope areas. This resulted in the retrogradation of the carbonate platform. Furthermore the patch-reef and reef-debris facies associations were substituted by the larger foraminifera shoal association. The retrogradation is also documented by a significant decrease in slump and debris-flow deposits on the slope and calciturbidites at the toe of slope.     

Lithostratigraphy and depositional environments of the upper cretaceous deposits in the central Taurides (S Turkey)

The study area is located in the Central Taurides (southern Turkey), which is bounded by the K?rkkavak fault to the west and Ecemi? fault to the east. The sequences are studied in detail based on measured sections composed of the rocks deposited during the Cenomanian–Maastrichtian and located within different tectonic units previously described in the Taurides. The study materials include 217 thin section data from seven Cenomanian–Maastrichtian sequences of outcropping in different parts of the Central Taurides. The sediments deposited during the Cenomanian–Maastrichtian period in the Central Taurides are subdivided into eight units based on their lithological, paleontological, and textural properties. The lower boundaries of the upper Santonian and Campanian are unconformable contacts. The Upper Cretaceous sequence starts with the middle Cenomanian and represents a continuation of the Lower Cretaceous tidal flat and shelf lagoon sequence. Upper Turonian–Coniacian sediments are not observed due to the eustatic sea level drop. The second main transgression period of the Upper Cretaceous platform took place in the Santonian. This unit is represented by limestones composed of wackestones/packstones containing benthic foraminifera and rudist fragments, which are deposited in tidal flats and subtidal environments. The late Campanian starts with a transgression, and the environment transformed transitions into slope facies from inner platform facies, as a result of the thrust of ophiolitic rocks. In the following period, slope front and basin plain environments were dominant due to the increasing slope. Slumped pelagic limestones were deposited on the slope. Planktonic foraminiferal pelagic limestones were unconformably deposited on plaque limestone in the slope front environment depending on the increase in slope gradient and local faulting. As a result of decreasing tectonic activity, the sediments were deposited onto a stable basin plain. They were initially fed from the nearby carbonate platform and then by siliciclastic turbidites derived from the thrusted ophiolitic rocks. In this study, the lithostratigraphic properties of the Cenomanian–Maastrichtian units outcropping in various parts of the Central Taurides are described. The sedimentary deposits described here suggest different basinal conditions in the region.     

Eocene fan delta-submarine fan deposition in the Wagwater Trough, east-central Jamaica

ABSTRACT The Wagwater Trough is a fault-bounded basin which cuts across east-central Jamaica. The basin formed during the late Palaeocene or early Eocene and the earliest sediments deposited in the trough were the Wagwater and Richmond formations of the Wagwater Group. These formations are composed of up to 7000 m of conglomerates, sandstones, and shales. Six facies have been recognized in the Wagwater Group: Facies I-unfossiliferous massive conglomerates; Facies II—channelized, non-marine conglomerates, sandstones, and shales; Facies III-interbedded, fossiliferous conglomerates and sandstones; Facies IV—fossiliferous muddy conglomerates; Facies V—channelized, marine conglomerates, sandstones, and shales; and Facies VI—thin-bedded sheet sandstones and shales. The Wagwater and Richmond formations are interpreted as fan delta-submarine fan deposits. Facies associations suggest that humid-region fan deltas prograded into the basin from the adjacent highlands and discharged very coarse sediments on to a steep submarine slope. At the coast waves reworked the braided-fluvial deposits of the subaerial fan delta into coarse sand and gravel beaches. Sediments deposited on the delta-front slope were frequently remobilized and moved downslope as slumps, debris flows, and turbidity currents. At the slope-basin break submarine fans were deposited. The submarine fans are characterized by coarse inner and mid-fan deposits which grade laterally into thin bedded turbidites of the outer fan and basin floor.     

The Maesan fan delta, Miocene Pohang Basin, SE Korea: architecture and depositional processes of a high-gradient fan-delta-fed slope system

The Maesan fan-delta-fed slope system in the Miocene Pohang Basin occurs between two Gilbert-type fan deltas. Detailed analysis of sedimentary facies and bed geometry reveals that the sequence is represented by 13 sedimentary facies. These facies can be organized into three facies associations, representing distinct depositional environments: alluvial fan (facies association I), steep-faced slope (facies association II), and basin plain (facies association III). Subaerial debris flows and dense, inertia-dominated currents were transformed into subaqueous sediment gravity flows in steep-faced slope environments. Further downslope, these flows were channelized and formed lobate conglomerate and sandstone bodies at the terminal edge of the channels (or chutes). Interchannel and interlobe areas were dominated by homogeneous mudstone and muddy sandstone, deposited by suspension settling of fine-grained materials. Part of the steep-faced slope deposits experienced large-scale slides and slumps. The chutes/channels, lobes and splays on the steep-faced slope of the Maesan system are similar to those in modern subaqueous coarse-grained fan-delta systems.     

Facies related phylostratigraphy of the benthic neoselachian Ptychodus from the Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian/Turonian) of the Pre-North Sea Basin of Europe

The phylostratigraphy, taphonomy and palaeoecology of the Late Cretaceous neoselachian Ptychodus of northern Germany appears to be facies related. Ptychodus is not present in lower Cenomanian shark-tooth-rich rocks. First P. oweni records seem to relate to middle Cenomanian strata. P. decurrens appears in the middle to upper Cenomanian mainly in non-coastal environments of the shallow marine carbonate ramp and swell facies which isolated teeth were found partly in giant ammonite scour troughs on the Northwestphalian-Lippe High submarine swell in the southern Pre-North Sea Basin. They are recorded rare in deeper basin black shales facies (upwelling influenced, OAE Event II). P. polygyrus seems to be restricted to upwelling influenced basin and deeper ramp facies mainly of the uppermost Cenomanian and basal lower Turonian (OAE II Event). P. mammillaris is mostly represented during the lower to middle Turonian in the inoceramid-rich ramp and the near shore greensand facies along the Münsterland Cretaceous Basin coast north of the Rhenish Massif mainland. Finally, P. latissimus is recorded by two new tooth sets and appears in the upper Turonian basin swell facies and the coastal greensands. Autochthonous post-Turonian Ptychodus remains are unrecorded in the Santonian–Campanian of Germany yet. Reworked material from Cenomanian/Turonian strata was found in early Santonian and middle Eocene shark-tooth-rich condensation beds. With the regression starting in the Coniacian, Ptychodus disappeared in at least the Münster Cretaceous Basin (NW-Germany), but remained present at least in North America in the Western Interior Seaway. The Cenomanian/Turonian Ptychodus species indicate a rapid neoselachian evolution within the marine transgression and global high stand. A correlation between inoceramid shell sizes, thicknesses and their increasing size during the Cenomanian and Turonian might explain the more robust and coarser ridged enamel surfaces in Ptychodus teeth, if Ptychodus is believed to have preyed on epifaunistic inoceramid bivalves.     

Glacially-influenced deep-marine sedimentation of the Late Precambrian Gaskiers Formation, Newfoundland, Canada

The Late Proterozoic Conception Group, exposed on the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland, Canada, is a 4 km thick turbidite succession containing a conformable 300 m thick sequence of diamictites (the Gaskiers Formation) near the base. Massive and crudely-stratified diamictites form beds up to 25 m thick which have a tabular geometry with slightly erosive basal contacts and are interbedded with mudstones and fine-grained, thin-bedded turbidites. These diamictites are interpreted as submarine debris flow deposits. Disrupted diamictites form strongly deformed units that contain large, complexly folded rafts of mudstone and turbidite facies. These diamictite units are interpreted as submarine slumps. Diamictites contain glacially-striated and faceted clasts; clasts and matrix are predominantly of volcanic provenance. One outcrop shows interbedded volcanic agglomerate and diamictite, and volcanic bombs can also be identified. The interbedding of diamictites with turbidites and the stratigraphic context provided by the thick sequences of turbidites below (Mall Bay Formation) and above (Drook Formation) indicate a deep marine slope setting of diamictite deposition. Diamictite facies record remobilization and downslope transfer of large volumes of unstable volcanic and glacial debris initially deposited in a shallower water marginal marine zone. The regional tectonic framework suggests the Conception Group accumulated in a deep, southward-opening ensialic rift basin with active but waning volcanic centres to the north. The Gaskiers Formation may be representative of other Late Precambrian glacially-influenced diamictite sequences that were deposited around the North Atlantic region and in Europe. These deep marine diamictite sequences characterized by debris flows, turbidites, and slump deposits, can be contrasted with more extensive shallow marine shelf diamictite sequences found in association with dolomites and tidally influenced shallow water facies in other basinal settings.     

Anatomy of ancient passive margin slope systems: Aptian gravity-driven deposition on the Vocontian palaeomargin, western Alps, south-east France

The Aptian succession on the Vocontian palaeomargin (south-east France) consists of marl and marly calcareous pelagic slope facies together with a range of gravity-driven deposits (slumps, debris-flow deposits, turbidite packages and massive sandstones). The massive sandstones were emplaced by high-density turbidity currents and are associated with extensive clastic sills and dykes. The sedimentology is constrained by a high-resolution bio- and lithostratigraphic framework and permits a detailed analysis of the slope succession including: (1) a sequence stratigraphical analysis of the slope deposits; and (2) lateral tracing of individual sedimentary packages downslope. The resulting model for the Vocontian slope represents an alternative to the ‘classic’ Exxon delta-fed, mud-rich model. Key elements of the Vocontian model are: (1) an emphasis on lowstand slope erosion and complex slope morphology controlled by contemporary tectonism and salt diapirism; (2) slope deposition in confined erosional and structurally controlled conduits rather than the buildout of slope fans/channel-levee complexes; (3) a dominance of large-volume muddy slump and transitional debris-flow deposits, with subordinate sandy turbidites, including significant massive sandstone facies; (4) common sand injections (sills and dykes) associated with the massive sandstone facies; and (5) minimal downslope evolution of the flows, with the nature of the source sediment being the over-riding factor determining flow behaviour and deposit character. The Vocontian system is a rare instance in which large sections of a ‘fossil’ passive margin slope are preserved in the geological record. The slope deposits differ from the classic models of turbidite systems that have mainly been built from peripheral foreland basins, and the new insight makes it possible to compare ancient and present-day passive margin slope systems.     

贺兰奥拉槽早古生代深水重力流体系的沉积特征和充填样式

位于鄂尔多斯西缘的贺兰构造带为一中元古代一古生代的奥拉槽。在区内的中寒武和中奥陶统中识别了一套巨厚的深水重力流沉积,其中包括下斜坡滑塌泥石流复合体、浊积扇以及碳酸盐岩斜坡扇裙等沉积类型。主要的相单元包括充填沟道或进入扇面形成的泥石流钙质角砾岩和砾岩、充填辫状水道的多层叠置的砂岩和砂砾岩、上叠扇的砂、泥岩互层以及浊积砂屑或含砾砂屑灰岩等。在中奥陶世该奥拉槽发展成一深水一半深水海槽,沿盆地西侧发育有浊积扇,而东侧仅有碳酸盐岩滑塌扇裙。它们可能是沿深水盆地两侧深大断裂产生的陡坡或水下断崖分布的,代表了早古生代贺兰奥拉槽在强烈沉陷期特定的深水盆地充填。     

Correlation of the major late Jurassic —early Tertiary low- and highstand cycles of south-west Egypt and north-west Sudan

The mainly continental deposits of northwest Sudan and south-west Egypt have been correlated with coeval shallow marine and marine deposits in northern Egypt along a north-south running cross-section, based on surface and subsurface data. The palaeodepth curve of northern Egypt illustrates the gradual seal-level rise, reaching its maximum during the Late Cretaceous with conspicuous advances during the Aptian and late Cenomanian. A general highstand is also recorded during the Campanian-Maastrichtian in north-west Sudan. A detailed facies correlation is given for the Aptian and late Cenomanian highstand in western Egypt. The correlation of the Cenomanian Bahariya and Maghrabi formations displays short-term relative sealevel fluctuations. The interpretation illustrates the extensiveness of related erosional processes in the hinterland, partly intensified by temporarily uplift of the Uweinat-Aswan High in the south. Regional uplift and constant erosion took place in south-west Egypt during Coniacian and Santonian times. The regional stratigraphic gaps and uncertain interpretation of the Bahariya Uplift are induced by the influence of the Trans-African Lineament, especially during the Late Cretaceous. Low-stand fluvial sheet sandstones characterized by non-cyclic sequence development and high facies stability occur, especially in the Neocomian and early Turonian. During the Barremian and Albian, fluvial architecture changes to more cyclic fluvial sequences and increasing soil formation, due to increasing subsidence, more humid climatic conditions and the generally rising sea level, culminating in the extensive shallow marine Abu Ballas and Maghrabi formations.     

柴达木盆地北缘早奥陶世台地-斜坡-盆地相沉积特征及控制因素

通过对柴北缘地区的野外地质调查及室内实验分析,根据地质剖面中发育的岩石组合类型、沉积构造等特征,对研究区早奥陶世台地斜坡盆地相沉积体系进行了详细研究。认为研究区早古生代持续的海平面上升、柴北缘洋陆俯冲及陆弧碰撞是控制该时期盆山格局及沉积充填演化的重要因素。柴北缘早奥陶世台地边缘颗粒滩相发育在多泉山组中下部,岩性以生物碎屑灰岩、鲕粒灰岩以及泥晶灰岩为特征。而研究区斜坡相深水物质主要是由重力流搬运的碳酸盐岩再沉积物组成,共识别出包括细粒沉降微晶泥、滑塌角砾岩、颗粒流、瘤状灰岩、碎屑流以及浊积岩等不同类型的斜坡异地沉积物。研究区盆地相处于碳酸盐岩沉积体系岛弧碎屑岩沉积体系两大沉积体系的转换位置。受到柴北缘洋陆俯冲及陆弧碰撞等影响,隆升的陆壳基底及大陆岛弧物质向盆地提供大量碎屑物质,因此在靠近岛弧边缘地区发育了砂质碎屑流、浊流等重力流沉积体系下的弧后盆地沉积产物。     

A relative water-depth model for the Normandy Chalk (Cenomanian–Middle Coniacian,Paris Basin,France) based on facies patterns of metre-scale cycles

A relative water-depth model for the Chalk of the Paris Basin is proposed, based on the lateral variations of the high-frequency metre-scale cycles, which are characteristic features easily identified in the field. The studied outcrops are the Cenomanian–Middle Coniacian cliffs of Normandy. The main result of this study is to highlight the importance of storm activity in the deposition of the Chalk. The relative water-depth model is based on storm-induced shell concentrations observed within the two components of the metre-thick cycles: the depositional interval itself and the top hiatal surface.Six types of shell concentrations are defined, along with seven types of depositional facies making up the depositional units, as well as eight types of hiatal surface. Three cycle associations, differing in their thickness and the amount and type of non-carbonate constituents, can be identified in the Lower to Upper Cenomanian, the Upper Cenomanian to Lower Turonian and the Middle Turonian to Middle Coniacian.A relative water-depth profile model for all these cycles is based on the shell concentrations and a “water-depth equivalence” is proposed between the three cycle associations (lateral “facies” substitution diagram). This model is tested using palaeocological data (irregular echinoids) and by correlating field sections in terms of stacking patterns. Most of the studied deposits accumulated above the storm wave base (upper offshore zone or mid ramp).     

Stratigraphy and allogenic controls of the western Portugal Cretaceous: an updated synthesis

The stratigraphy of the western Portugal on-shore Cretaceous record (western Iberian margin, Lusitanian Basin) is described, including formal units and a selection of informal units prevailing in the geological literature. This paper is a synthesis based on a review of previous works, but with an innovative emphasis on the interpretation of eustatic and tectonic controls. The sedimentary record is dominated by siliciclastics and comprises fluvial and deltaic coastal marine siliciclastic systems, as well as extensive deposits of shallow marine carbonate platforms, both open and rimmed. Several regional unconformities and transgressive/regressive cycles are identified and the allogenic controls interpreted, namely the geodynamic events along the boundaries of the Iberian plate. Above the Berriasian deposits belonging to the Upper Jurassic cycle, the five main unconformity-bounded units are: (1) upper Berriasian–lower Barremian, (2) upper Barremian–lower Aptian, (3) upper Aptian–uppermost Cenomanian, (4) mid lower Turonian–lower Campanian and (5) middle Campanian–Maastrichtian. These units show transgressive peaks in the lower Hauterivian, lower Aptian, base of the upper Cenomanian and mid lower Turonian. The general trend of the Lower Cretaceous reflects the transition from late rifting to passive margin, with the last break-up unconformity dated as late Aptian. The Lusitanian Basin achieved full infill by the Cenomanian, when a large carbonate platform extended far inland. The later deposits were preserved only in the northern sector and the accompanying unconformities reflect transpressive intraplate stresses generated in boundaries of the plate with Africa and Eurasia. With very low accommodation being created throughout the Late Cretaceous, fluvial deposits were dominant, including a few marine levels related with eustatic rises in the early Turonian, the Coniacian, the early Campanian and the Maastrichtian.