Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic geodynamic evolution of the Atlantic margin offshore Essaouira (Morocco)

After Mesozoic rifting, the Atlantic margin of Morocco has recorded the consequences of the continental collision between Africa and Europe and the relative northward motion of the African plate over the Canary Island hotspot during Cenozoic times. Interpretation of recently acquired 2D seismic reflection data (MIRROR 2011 experiment) presents new insights into the Late Cretaceous to recent geodynamic evolution of this margin. Crustal uplift presumably started during the Late Cretaceous and triggered regional tilting in the deep‐water margin west of Essaouira and the formation of the Base Tertiary Unconformity (BTU). An associated hiatus in sedimentation is interpreted to have started earlier in the north (presumably in the Cenomanian at well location DSDP 416) and propagated to the south (presumably in the Coniacian at well location DSDP 415). The difference in the total duration of this hiatus is postulated to have controlled the extrusion of Late Triassic to Early Jurassic salt during the Late Cretaceous to Early Palaeocene non‐depositional period, resulting in regional differences in the preservation of salt structures: the Agadir Basin in the south of the study area is dominated by salt diapirs, whereas massive canopies characterised the Ras Tafelnay Plateau farther north and salt‐poor canopies and weld structures the northernmost offshore Essaouira and Safi Basins. Accompanied by volcanic intrusions, a presumably Early Palaeogene reactivation of previously existing basement faults is interpreted to have formed a series of deep‐water anticlines with associated gravity deformation of shallow‐seated sediments. The orientation of the fold axes is roughly perpendicular to the present day coast and the extensional fault direction; therefore, not a coast‐line parallel pattern of extensional faults, related to the rifting and break‐up of the margin, but rather a coast‐line perpendicular oceanic fracture zone might have caused the basement faults associated with the deep‐water folds. Both the volcanic intrusions and the formation of the deep‐water anticlines show a comparable age trend which gets progressively younger towards the south. A potential tempo‐spatial relationship of the BTU and the reactivation of basement faults can be explained by the relative northward motion of the African plate over the Canary Island hotspot. Regional uplift producing the BTU could have been the precursor of the approaching hotspot during the Late Cretaceous, followed during the Early Palaeogene by a locally more pronounced uplift above the hotspot centre.     

Magnetic anomalies associated with salt tectonism,deep structure and regional tectonics in the Maritimes Basin,Atlantic Canada

The structure and tectonic evolution of an evaporite basin are investigated in this case study, which combines the interpretation of magnetic data with the more commonly applied seismic reflection and gravity methods. The Maritimes Basin contains up to 18 km of Upper Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks resting on the basement of the Acadian orogeny. Carboniferous rocks are intensely deformed to the southeast of the Magdalen Islands as a result of deformation of evaporites of the Viséan Windsor Group. Short‐wavelength (<5 km) magnetic lineations define NNE‐ and ENE‐trending linear belts, coincident with the mapped pattern of salt structures. Magnetic models show that these lineations can be explained by the infill of subsidence troughs by high‐susceptibility sediment and/or the presence of basaltic rocks, similar to those uplifted and exposed on the Magdalen Islands. Additional shallow, magnetic sources are interpreted to result from alteration mineralization in salt‐impregnated, iron‐rich sedimentary rocks, brecciated during salt mobilization. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of samples from the Pugwash mine confirm the presence of higher susceptibility carnallite‐rich veins within salt units. Salt tectonism and basin development were influenced by the structure of the base group, the deepest regionally continuous seismic reflections (ca. 5–11 km), associated with an unconformity at the base of the Windsor Group, sampled at the Cap Rouge well. Salt structural evolution, formation of the magnetic lineations and geometry of the base group are associated with regional dextral transpression during basin development (late Carboniferous) and/or Alleghanian Orogeny (late Carboniferous to Permian). In this and similar studies, the effective use of magnetics is dependent upon the presence of rocks of high magnetic susceptibility in contrast to the low‐susceptibility salt bodies. In the absence of high‐susceptibility rocks, magnetic lows over the salt structures may be modelled, similar to commonly applied gravity techniques, to derive the internal structure and geometry.     

The timing of salt structure growth in the Southern Permian Basin (Central Europe) and implications for basin dynamics

In this paper, a literature‐based compilation of the timing and history of salt tectonics in the Southern Permian Basin (Central Europe) is presented. The tectono‐stratigraphic evolution of the Southern Permian Basin is influenced by salt movement and the structural development of various types of salt structures. The compilation presented here was used to characterize the following syndepositional growth stages of the salt structures: (a) “phase of initiation”; (b) phase of fastest growth (“main activity”); and (c) phase of burial’. We have also mapped the spatial pattern of potential mechanisms that triggered the initiation of salt structures over the area studied and summarized them for distinct regions (sub‐basins, platforms, etc.). The data base compiled and the set of maps produced from it provide a detailed overview of the spatial and temporal distribution of salt tectonic activity enabling the correlation of tectonic phases between specific regions of the entire Southern Permian Basin. Accordingly, salt movements were initiated in deeply subsided graben structures and fault zones during the Early and Middle Triassic. In these areas, salt structures reached their phase of main activity already during the Late Triassic or the Jurassic and were mostly buried during the Early Cretaceous. Salt structures in less subsided sub‐basins and platform regions of the Southern Permian Basin mostly started to grow during the Late Triassic. The subsequent phase of main activity of these salt structures took place from the Late Cretaceous to the Cenozoic. The analysis of the trigger mechanisms revealed that most salt structures were initiated by large‐offset normal faults in the sub‐salt basement in the large graben structures and minor normal faulting associated with thin‐skinned extension in the less subsided basin parts.     

The tectono‐stratigraphic evolution of the Austral Basin and adjacent areas against the background of Andean tectonics,southern Argentina,South America

The Austral Basin (or Magallanes Basin) in southern Argentina is situated in a highly active tectonic zone. The openings of the South Atlantic and the Drake Passage to the east and south, active subduction in the west, and the related rise of the Andes have massively influenced the evolution of this area. To better understand the impacts of these tectonic events on basin formation to its present‐day structure we analysed 2D seismic reflection data covering about 95 000 km² on‐ and 115 000 km² offshore (Austral ‘Marina’ and Malvinas Basin). A total of 10 seismic horizons, representing nine syn‐ and post‐ rift sequences, were mapped and tied to well data to analyse the evolution of sedimentary supply and depocenter migration through time. 1D well backstripping across the study area confirms three main tectonic stages, containing (i) the break‐up phase forming basement graben systems and the evolution of the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous ancient backarc Austral/Rocas Verdes Basin (RVB), (ii) the inversion of the backarc marginal basin and the development of the foreland Austral Basin and (iii) the recent foreland Austral Basin. Synrift sedimentation did not exceed the creation of accommodation space, leading to a deepening of the basin. During the Early Cretaceous a first impulse of compression due to Andes uplift caused rise also of parts of the basin. Controlling factors for the subsequent tectonic development are subduction, balanced phases of sedimentation, accumulation and erosion as well as enhanced sediment supply from the rising Andes. Further phases of rock uplift might be triggered by cancelling deflection of the plate and slab window subduction, coupled with volcanic activity. Calculations of sediment accumulation rates reflect the different regional tectonic stages, and also show that the Malvinas Basin acted as a sediment catchment after the filling of the Austral Basin since the Late Miocene. However, although the Austral and Malvinas Basin are neighbouring basin systems that are sedimentary coupled in younger times, their earlier sedimentary and tectonic development was decoupled by the Rio Chico basement high. Thereby, the Austral Basin was affected by tectonic impacts of the Andes orogenesis, while the Malvinas Basin was rather affected by the opening of the South Atlantic.     

Faulting, seismic-stratigraphic architecture and Late Quaternary evolution of the Gulf of Alkyonides Basin–East Gulf of Corinth, Central Greece

Swath bathymetry, single‐channel seismic profiling, gravity and box coring, ²¹⁰Pb down‐core radiochemical analyses and sequence stratigraphic analysis in the Gulf of Alkyonides yielded new data on the evolution of the easternmost part of the Gulf of Corinth. Three fault segments, the South Strava, West Alkyonides and East Alkyonides faults, dipping 45, 30 and 45°, respectively, northwards, form the southern tectonic boundary of the Alkyonides Basin. Two 45° southwards dipping segments, the Domvrena and Germeno Faults, form the northern tectonic margin. The Alkyonides Basin architecture is the result of a complex interaction between fault dynamics and the effects of changes in climate and sea/lake level. Chrono‐stratigraphic interpretation of the seismic stratigraphy through correlation of the successive seismic packages with lowstands and highstands of the Late Quaternary indicates that the evolution of the basin started 0.40–0.45 Ma BP and can be divided in two stages. Subsidence of the basin floor during the early stage was uniform across the basin and the mean sedimentation rate was 1.0 m kyear^?1. Vertical slip acceleration on the southern tectonic margin since 0.13 Ma BP resulted in the present asymmetric character of the basin. Subsidence concentrated close to the southern margin and sedimentation rate increased to 1.4 m kyear^?1 in the newly formed depocentre of the basin. Actual (last 100 year) sedimentation rates were calculated to >2 mm year^?1, but are significantly influenced by the presence of episodic gravity flow deposits. Total vertical displacement of 1.1 km is estimated between the subsiding Alkyonides Basin floor and the uplifting Megara Basin since the onset of basin subsidence at a mean rate of 2.4–2.75 m kyear^?1, recorded on the East Alkyonides Fault. Gravity coring in the Strava Graben and in the lower northern margin of Alkyonides Basin proved the presence of whitish to olive grey laminated mud below thin marine sediments. Aragonite crystals and absence of the marine coccolithophora Emiliania huxleyi indicate sedimentation in lacustrine environment during the last lowstand glacial interval.     

Effects of pre-orogenic tectonic structures on the Cenozoic evolution of Andean deformed belts: Evidence from the Salar de Punta Negra Basin in the Central Andes of Northern Chile

We integrated new field observations, two-dimensional (2-D) seismic profiles and new and previously reported chronological data to understand the effects of pre-orogenic structures on the tectonic evolution of the Salar de Punta Negra in the Central Andes. For first time a series of restored geological cross-sections are presented, thus showing the pre-orogenic tectonic architecture of the region and new ideas about the tectonic evolution of the inner forearc of the Central Andes. Our results show a series of east-dipping normal faults as the main pre-orogenic structures in the region, which resulted from lithospheric stretching of the western continental margin during the Paleozoic to Mesozoic (Triassic–Jurassic). These were later incorporated into the Andean orogen by tectonic inversion, forming west-verging inversion anticlines. The beginning of the tectonic inversion is constrained by the first on-lap of the Upper Cretaceous-Palaeocene syn-kinematic deposits on the top of the Mesozoic syn-rift successions, highlighting that inversion occurred during this period. These syn-kinematic deposits display zircons with older age peaks between ca. 200 and 300 Ma, thus indicating that some Carboniferous to Triassic sources of sediments were eroded during the uplift of the orogen. Other basement reverse faults affect the footwalls of normal inverted faults and the shoulders of ancient half-graben structures. These truncate and decapitate previous inverted faults and completely cut the infill of the basin, leading to exhumation of the pre-rift basement rocks. We propose that the propagation of these structures was favoured by the modified thermal-tectonic state of the lithosphere from the eastward migration of the volcanic arc, and not by the previous pre-orogenic structures. The structural and stratigraphic relationships recognized both in the field and 2-D seismic profiles indicate that many reverse faults originated after the initial tectonic inversion and continued to be active from the Eocene until the Pleistocene period.     

A three‐dimensional stratigraphic model for the Messinian crisis in the Pannonian Basin,eastern Hungary

A three‐dimensional quantitative stratigraphic forward model is employed to investigate the controls leading to the Messinian events in the lacustrine Pannonian Basin of Central Paratethys, and the link between the Messinian salinity crisis in the Mediterranean and the late Miocene‐Pliocene stratigraphy of the Pannonian Basin. Subsurface geological data show that a prominent unconformity surface formed during Messinian time in the Pannonian Basin associated with a sudden forced regression, abrupt basinward shift of facies and a subsequent, prolonged lowstand normal regression. The lowstand prograding series filled up the shallow basin fast, while, at the same time, the marginal areas of the basin were subject to tectonic inversion. The Dionisos program used in this research is built on a nonlinear water‐driven sediment diffusion process, and it employs multiple sediment classes, basin flexure and compaction. Four different scenarios were built in the experiments to test possible basin histories with different rates and timing of tectonic inversion. Each scenario was modelled in two versions: including and not including a lake‐level fall in the Messinian. The results confirm that the Pannonian Basin in the study area has undergone a tectonic inversion since the Messinian, although the exact rates of uplift at different locations remain uncertain. The unconformity and the observed stratigraphic architecture and facies pattern could be modelled adequately only in the versions that applied a Messinian lake‐level fall. Our research concludes that the Messinian unconformity in the Pannonian Basin was caused by an absolute lake‐level drop, likely linked to the desiccation of the Mediterranean, followed by subsidence and normal regression in the basin centre and concomitant tectonic inversion and uplift along the basin margins.     

Characterization of the depocenters and the basement structure,below the central Chile Andean Forearc: A 3D geophysical modelling in Santiago Basin area

Since the last century, several geological and geophysical studies have been developed in the Santiago Basin to understand its morphology and tectonic evolution. However, some uncertainties regarding sedimentary fill properties and possible density anomalies below the sediments/basement boundary remain. Considering that this is an area densely populated with more than 6 million inhabitants in a highly active seismotectonic environment, the physical properties of the Santiago Basin are important to study the geological and structural evolution of the Andean forearc and to characterize its seismic response and related seismic hazard. Two and three‐dimensional gravimetric models were developed, based on a database of 797 compiled and 883 newly acquired gravity stations. To produce a well‐constrained basement elevation model, a review of 499 wells and 30 transient electromagnetic soundings were used, which contribute with basement depth or minimum sedimentary thickness information. For the 2‐D modelling, a total of 49 gravimetric profiles were processed considering a homogeneous density contrast and independent regional trends. A strong positive gravity anomaly was observed in the centre of the basin, which complicated the modelling process but was carefully addressed with the available constrains. The resulting basement elevation models show complex basement geometry with, at least, eight recognizable depocenters with maximum sedimentary infill of ~ 500 m. The 3‐D density models show alignments in the basement that correlates well with important intrusive units of the Cenozoic and Mesozoic. Along with interpreted fault zones westwards and eastwards of the basin, the observations suggest a structural control of Santiago basin geometry, where recent deformation associated with the Andean contractional deformation front and old structures developed during the Cenozoic extension are superimposed to the variability of river erosion/deposition processes.     

Post-Jurassic tectono-sedimentary evolution of the Northern Lusitanian Basin (Western Iberian margin)

Seismic reflection and well stratigraphic data are used to investigate the post‐Jurassic evolution of the Northern Lusitanian Basin, offshore west Iberia. Stratigraphic correlations between 11 exploration wells were attained in order to characterize the variations in depositional facies associated with salt tectonics. Latest Triassic–Hettangian salt, which generated multiple salt pillows during the Jurassic rifting, was reactivated after the early Aptian in two main phases. The first phase stretches from the late Turonian to the Maastrichtian. The second relates to Miocene tectonic inversion. The compression of the post‐salt overburden caused the amplification of Jurassic detachment folds, forming barriers to the westward progradation of sediment into distinct salt‐withdrawal sub‐basins. Particularly during the Miocene, thin‐skinned overburden shortening was accommodated by growing salt structures that suffered thrusting and extrusion. This structural style contrasts with that of salt‐scarce areas where a simple westerly tilted, fault‐bounded monocline was generated.     

Spatial and temporal variations in minibasin geometry and evolution in salt tectonic provinces: Lower Congo Basin,offshore Angola

In passive margin salt basins, the distinct kinematic domains of thin‐skinned extension, translation and contraction exert important controls on minibasin evolution. However, the relationship between various salt minibasin geometries and kinematic domain evolution is not clear. In this study, we use a semi‐regional 3D seismic reflection dataset from the Lower Congo Basin, offshore Angola, to investigate the evolution of a network of minibasins and intervening salt walls during thin‐skinned, gravity‐driven salt flow. Widespread thin‐skinned extension occurred during the Cenomanian to Coniacian, accommodated by numerous distributed normal faults that are typically 5–10 km long and spaced 1–4 km across strike within the supra‐salt cover. Subsequently, during the Santonian–Paleocene, multiple, 10–25 km long, 5–7 km wide depocentres progressively grew and linked along strike to form elongate minibasins separated by salt walls of comparable lengths. Simultaneous with the development of the minibasins, thin‐skinned contractional deformation occurred in the southwestern downslope part of the study area, forming folds and thrusts that are up to 20 km long and have a wavelength of 2–4 km. The elongate minibasins evolved into turtle structures during the Eocene to Oligocene. From the Miocene onwards, contraction of the supra‐salt cover caused squeezing and uplift of the salt walls, further confining the minibasin depocentres. We find kinematic domains of extension, translation and contraction control the minibasin initiation and subsequent evolution. However, we also observe variations in minibasin geometries associated with along‐strike growth and linkage of depocentres. Neighbouring minibasins may have different subsidence rates and maturity leading to marked variations in their geometry. Additionally, migration of the contractional domain upslope and multiple phases of thin‐skinned salt tectonics further complicates the spatial variations in minibasin geometry and evolution. This study suggests that minibasin growth is more variable and complex than existing domain‐controlled models would suggest.     

Structural evolution of African basins: stratigraphic synthesis

The structural and stratigraphic character of African interior sedimentary basins is highly variable, indicating contrasting basin-forming mechanisms and subsequent subsidence histories. A stratigraphic database has been compiled for African interior depositional basins for the purpose of better understanding basin thermal and structural development. Data are recorded in the form of stratal age, lithology, thickness and elevation of top with respect to present sea level. The data are obtained from published structure contour maps, well sections, and outcrop geology and elevation. There are various degrees of data coverage of the basins, proportional to the amount of water and oil drilling activity. Consequently, there is excellent coverage of North African basins such as the Algerian basin and the Sirte basin, while there is little known about the subsurface of the Congo basin. The stratigraphic data are used to reconstruct the depositional history of the basins, while backstripping leads to the quantification of the thermo-tectonic component of basin subsidence. The nature of basement subsidence can provide constraints on lithospheric flexural rigidity. In addition, the depositional and thermo-tectonic history of each basin bears upon the mechanisms of basin formation and subsidence. Virtually all types of basins are represented in interior Africa, including thrust-loaded basins (Algerian), passive-margin rift basins (Algerian, Sirte), modern active rift basins (East African), ancient rift basins (Benue, Abu Gabra), basins caused by uplift of their margins (Congo, Chad, Illumeden) and even basins that may be related to thermal subsidence of hot-spot domes (Algerian, Sirte).     

Seismic stratigraphy and paleogeographic evolution of Fairway Basin,Northern Zealandia,Southwest Pacific: from Cretaceous Gondwana breakup to Cenozoic Tonga–Kermadec subduction

We present the first comprehensive seismic‐stratigraphic analysis of Fairway Basin, which is situated on the rifted continent of Zealandia in the Tasman Sea, southwest Pacific, between Australia and New Caledonia. The basin is 700 km long, 150 km wide, and has water depths of 500–3000 m. We describe depositional architecture and paleogeographic evolution of this basin. Basin formation was concurrent with two tectonic events: (i) Cretaceous rifting during eastern Gondwana breakup and (ii) initiation and Cenozoic evolution of Tonga–Kermadec subduction system to the east of the basin. To interpret the basin history we compiled and interpreted 2D seismic‐reflection profiles and make correlations with DSDP boreholes and the geology of New Caledonia. Five seismic‐stratigraphic units were defined. The deepest and oldest unit, FW3, folded and faulted can be correlated with volcaniclastic sediments and magmatic rocks in New Caledonia that are associated with Mesozoic Gondwana margin subduction. Alternatively, given the basin location 200–300 km west of New Caledonia and inboard of the ancient plate boundary, the unit could have formed as Gondwana intra‐continental basin with no known correlative. The overlying unit FW2b records syn‐rift deposition, probably associated with Cretaceous Gondwana breakup. Subaerial erosion supplied terrigenous sediment into the deltas in the northern part of the basin, as suggested by the truncation surfaces on the basement highs and sigmoid reflector geometries within unit FW2b respectively. Above, unit FW2a records post‐rift sedimentation and passive subsidence as the Tasman Sea opened and the Fairway Basin drifted away from Australia. Subsidence led to the flooding of the basement highs and burial of wave‐cut surfaces. Eocene compressive deformation resulted in minor folding and tilting within the Fairway Basin and was associated with the formation of many diapiric structures. The top of unit FW2 is an extensive unconformity that is associated with erosion and truncation on surrounding ridges. Above this unconformity, unit FW1b is interpreted as a turbidite system sourced from topography created during the Eocene tectonic event, which we interpret as being related to Tonga–Kermadec subduction initiation. Pelagic carbonate sedimentation is now prevalent. Unit FW1a has progressively draped the basin during Oligocene to Pleistocene subsidence. Many small volcanic cones were erupted during this final phase of subsidence, either as a delayed consequence of subduction initiation, or related to Tasmantid and Lord Howe hotspot trails. The northern Fairway Ridge remains close to sea level and its reef system continues to supply carbonate detrital sediments into the basin, most likely during sea‐level lowstands. Fairway Basin contains a nearly continuous record of tectonic and paleoclimatic events in the southwest Pacific since Cretaceous time. Its paleogeographic history is a key piece in the puzzle for understanding patterns of regional biodiversity in the southwest Pacific.     

Neogene tectonostratigraphic history of the southern Neuquén basin (39°–40°30′S,Argentina): implications for foreland basin evolution

Although the Neuquén basin in Argentina forms a key transitional domain between the south‐central Andes and the Patagonian Andes, its Cenozoic history is poorly documented. We focus on the sedimentologic and tectonic evolution of the southern part of this basin, at 39–40°30′S, based on study of 14 sedimentary sections. We provide evidence that this basin underwent alternating erosion and deposition of reworked volcaniclastic material in continental and fluvial settings during the Neogene. In particular, basement uplift of the Sañico Massif, due to Late Miocene–Pliocene intensification of tectonic activity, led to sediment partitioning in the basin. During this interval, sedimentation was restricted to the internal domain and the Collon Cura basin evolved towards an endorheic intermontane basin. From stratigraphic interpretation, this basin remained isolated 7–11 Myr. Nevertheless, ephemeral gateways seem to have existed, because we observe a thin succession downstream of the Sañico Massif contemporaneous with the Collon Cura basin‐fill sequence. Comparisons of stratigraphic, paleoenvironmental and tectonic features of the southern Neuquén basin with other foreland basins of South America allow us to classify it as a broken foreland with the development of an intermontane basin from Late Miocene to Late Pliocene. This implies a thick‐skinned structural style for this basin, with reactivation of basement faults responsible for exhumation of the Sañico Massif. Comparison of several broken forelands of South America allows us to propose two categories of intermontane basins according to their structural setting: subsiding or uplifted basins, which has strong implications on their excavation histories.     

The evolution of the high‐elevated depocenters of the northern Sierras Pampeanas (ca. 28˚ SL), Argentine broken foreland,South‐Central Andes: the Pipanaco Basin

The Pipanaco Basin, in the southern margin of the Andean Puna plateau at ca. 28°SL, is one of the largest and highest intermontane basins within the northernmost Argentine broken foreland. With a surface elevation >1000 m above sea level, this basin represents a strategic location to understand the subsidence and subsequent uplift history of high‐elevation depositional surfaces within the distal Andean foreland. However, the stratigraphic record of the Pipanaco Basin is almost entirely within the subsurface, and no geophysical surveys have been conducted in the region. A high‐resolution gravity study has been designed to understand the subsurface basin geometry. This study, together with stratigraphic correlations and flexural and backstripping analysis, suggests that the region was dominated by a regional subsidence episode of ca. 2 km during the Miocene‐Pliocene, followed by basement thrusting and ca. 1–1.5 km of sediment filling within restricted intermontane basin between the Pliocene‐Pleistocene. Based on the present‐day position of the basement top as well as the Neogene‐Present sediment thicknesses across the Sierras Pampeanas, which show slight variations along strike, sediment aggradation is not the most suitable process to account for the increase in the topographic level of the high‐elevation, close‐drainage basins of Argentina. The close correlation between the depth to basement and the mean surface elevations recorded in different swaths indicates that deep‐seated geodynamic process affected the northern Sierras Pampeanas. Seismic tomography, as well as a preliminary comparison between the isostatic and seismic Moho, suggests a buoyant lithosphere beneath the northern Sierras Pampeanas, which might have driven the long‐wavelength rise of this part of the broken foreland after the major phase of deposition in these Andean basins.     

Subsurface fluid flow in the deep‐water Kwanza Basin,offshore Angola

Integrated analysis of high‐quality three‐dimensional (3D) seismic, seabed geochemistry, and satellite‐based surface slick data from the deep‐water Kwanza Basin documents the widespread occurrence of past and present fluid flow associated with dewatering processes and hydrocarbon migration. Seismic scale fluid flow phenomena are defined by seep‐related seafloor features including pockmarks, mud or asphalt volcanoes, gas hydrate pingoes, as well as shallow subsurface features such as palaeo‐pockmarks, direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHIs), pipes and bottom‐simulating reflections (BSRs). BSR‐derived shallow geothermal gradients show elevated temperatures attributed to fluid advection along inclined stratigraphic carrier beds around salt structures in addition to elevated shallow thermal anomalies above highly conductive salt bodies. Seabed evidences of migrated thermogenic hydrocarbons and surface slicks are used to differentiate thermogenic hydrocarbon migration from fluid flow processes such as dewatering and biogenic gas migration. The analysis constrains the fluid plumbing system defined by the three‐dimensional distribution of stratigraphic carriers and seal bypass systems through time. Detailed integration and iterative interpretation have confirmed the presence of mature source rock and effective migration pathways with significant implications for petroleum prospectivity in the post‐salt interval. Integration of seismic, seabed geochemistry and satellite data represents a robust method to document and interpret fluid flow phenomena along continental margins, and highlights the importance of integrated fluid flow studies with regard to petroleum exploration, submarine geohazards, marine ecosystems and climate change.     

Rifting and pre‐rift lithosphere variability in the Orphan Basin,Newfoundland margin,Eastern Canada

The Orphan Basin, lying along the Newfoundland rifted continental margin, formed in Mesozoic time during the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean and the breakup of Iberia/Eurasia from North America. To investigate the evolution of the Orphan Basin and the factors that governed its formation, we (i) analysed the stratigraphic and crustal architecture documented by seismic data (courtesy of TGS), (ii) quantified the tectonic and thermal subsidence along a constructed geological transect, and (iii) used forward numerical modelling to understand the state of the pre‐rift lithosphere and the distribution of deformation during rifting. Our study shows that the pre‐rift lithosphere was 200‐km thick and rheologically strong (150‐km‐thick elastic plate) prior to rifting. It also indicates that extension in the Orphan Basin occurred in three distinct phases during the Jurassic, the Early Cretaceous and the Late Cretaceous. Each rifting phase is characterized by a specific crustal and subcrustal thinning configuration. Crustal deformation initiated in the eastern part of the basin during the Jurassic and migrated to the west during the Cretaceous. It was coupled with a subcrustal thinning which was reduced underneath the eastern domain and very intense in the western domains of the basin. The spatial and temporal distribution of thinning and the evolution of the lithosphere rheology through time controlled the tectonic, stratigraphic and crustal architecture that we observe today in the Orphan Basin.     

Sedimentary evidence for late Messinian uplift of the SE margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau: Adana Basin,southern Turkey

The Adana Basin of southern Turkey, located at the SE margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau in the vicinity of the Arabia‐Eurasia collision zone, is ideally suited to record Neogene and Quaternary topographic and tectonic changes in the easternmost Mediterranean realm. On the basis of our correlation of 34 seismic reflection profiles with corresponding exposed units along the margins of the Adana Basin, we identify and characterize the seismic facies that corresponds to the upper part of the Messinian Handere Formation (ca. 5.45 to 5.33 Ma), which consists mainly of fluvial conglomerates and marls. The seismic reflection profiles indicate that ca. 1100 km³ of the Handere Formation upper sub‐unit is distributed over ca. 3000 km², reflecting local sedimentation rates of up to 12.5 mm year^?1. This indicates a major increase in both sediment supply and subsidence rates at ca. 5.45 Ma. Our provenance analysis of the Handere Formation upper sub‐unit based on clast counting and palaeocurrent measurements reveals that most of the sediment is derived from the Taurus Mountains at the SE margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau and regions farther north. A comparison of these results with the composition of recent fluvial conglomerates and the present‐day drainage basins indicates major changes between late Messinian and present‐day source areas. We suggest that these changes in drainage patterns and lithological characteristics result from uplift and ensuing erosion of the SE margin of the plateau. We interpret the tectonic evolution of the southern flank of the Anatolian Plateau and the coeval subsidence and sedimentation in the Adana Basin to be related to deep lithospheric processes, particularly lithospheric delamination and slab break‐off.     

Tectonic evolution of sedimentary basins of northern Somalia

Regional seismic reflection profiles tied to lithological and biostratigraphic data from deep exploration wells have been used to determine the structure and evolution of the poorly known basins of northern Somalia. We recognize six major tectonostratigraphic sequences in the seismic profiles: Middle‐Late Jurassic syn‐rift sequences (Adigrat and Bihen Group), ?Cenomanian‐Campanian syn‐rift sequences (Gumburo Group), Campanian‐Maastrichtian syn‐rift sequences (Jesomma Sandstones), Palaeocene post‐rift sequences (Auradu Limestones), Early‐Middle Eocene post‐rift sequences (Taleh Formation) and Oligocene‐Miocene (Daban Group) syn‐rift sequences. Backstripping of well data provides new constraints on the age of rifting, the amount of crustal and mantle extension, and the development of the northern Somalia rifted basins. The tectonic subsidence and uplift history at the wells can be explained by a uniform extension model with three episodes of rifting punctuated by periods of relative tectonic quiescence and thermal subsidence. The first event initiated in the Late Jurassic (~156 Ma) and lasted for ~10 Myr and had a NW‐SE trend. We interpret the rift as a late stage event associated with the break‐up of Gondwana and the separation of Africa and Madagascar. The second event initiated in the Late Cretaceous (~80 Ma) and lasted for ~20–40 Myr. This event probably correlates with a rapid increase in spreading rate on the ridges separating the African and Indian and African and Antarctica plates and a contemporaneous slowing down of Africa's plate motion. The backstripped tectonic subsidence data can be explained by a multi‐rift extensional model with stretching factor, β, of 1.09–1.14 and 1.05–1.28 for the first and second rifting events, respectively. The model, fails, however, to completely explain the slow subsidence and uplift history of the margin during Early Cretaceous to Late Cretaceous. We attribute this slow subsidence to the combined effect of a sea‐level fall and regional uplift, which caused a major unconformity in northern Somalia. The third and most recent event occurred in the Oligocene (~32 Ma) and lasted for ~10 Myr. This rift developed along the Gulf of Aden and reactivated the Guban, Nogal and Daroor basins, and is related to the opening of the Gulf of Aden. As a result of these events the crust and upper mantle were thinned by up to a factor of two in some basins. In addition, several distinct petroleum systems developed. The principal exploration play is for Mesozoic petroleum systems with the syn‐rift Oligocene‐Miocene as a subordinate objective owing to low maturity and seal problems. The main seals for the different plays are various shales, some of which are also source rocks, but the Early Eocene evaporites of the Taleh formations can also perform a sealing role for Palaeogene or older generated hydrocarbons migrating vertically.     

The response of a basin‐scale Miocene barrier reef system to long‐term,strong subsidence on a passive continental margin,Barcoo Sub‐basin,Australian North West Shelf

The Miocene sedimentary succession of the southern Browse Basin records the response of a tropical reef system to long‐term, strong subsidence on a passive continental margin. Geological interpretation of a comprehensive two‐dimensional (2D) seismic reflectivity data set documents for the first time the development of a continuous Miocene barrier reef on the Australian North West Shelf. With a length of over 250 km, this barrier reef is among the Earth's largest in the Neogene record. A sequence stratigraphic analysis tied to well data shows that the main controls for the evolution, growth and demise of the reef system were subsidence, third‐order global‐scale eustatic variations and antecedent topography. The generally very high Miocene subsidence rates estimated for the study area cannot be explained by typical passive‐margin subsidence controlled by lithospheric cooling and sedimentary loading alone. Additional dynamic subsidence induced by mantle convection, though documented as unusually large on the northern margin of Australia during the Neogene, can be also regarded as being of only minor importance. Therefore, accelerated tectonic subsidence related to the collision of the Australian and Eurasian Plates 250–500 km north of the study area seems to exert an important influence on reef development and demise, complicated by local tectonic inversion. The Miocene tectonic reactivation and inversion of an older structural grain is interpreted to have controlled the reef development considerably by providing localized topographic highs along transpressional anticlines above basement‐rooted faults that served as preferential sites for reef growth and retreat during times of rapidly rising sea level. This exemplarily shows that the far‐field effects of collision‐induced tectonic subsidence can significantly influence carbonate systems on passive margins.     

Intraplate uplift: new constraints on the Hoggar dome from the Illizi basin (Algeria)

Zones of anomalously high topography within continental interiors, distant from active plate boundaries, are interpreted as being either dynamically supported by viscous flow in the underlying mantle or influenced by plate tectonics. Constraining the models of their genesis requires accurate data on the timing and dimensions of such features. New apatite fission‐track and thermal maturity data from the Illizi Basin in Algeria quantify the magnitude and timing of kilometre–scale uplift and exhumation of the northern flank of the Hoggar swell in North Africa. The findings of this study, integrated with previously published thermochronological data, confirm that long‐wavelength regional uplift occurred during the Cenozoic extending over a distance in excess of 1500 km from north to south. The uplift, centred on the Hoggar Massif, significantly impacted the flanking Illizi and Tim Mersoï basins. The combination of thermal history modelling and regional stratigraphic observations indicates that the onset of exhumation of the Illizi Basin likely occurred during the Eocene, broadly coincident with magmatism on the Hoggar Massif to the south and the onset of tectonic shortening in the Atlasic belt to the north.