Palaeomagnetic study of the Ronda peridotites (Betic Cordillera, southern Spain)

A palaeomagnetic study of the Ronda peridotites (southern Spain) has been carried out on 301 samples from 20 sites, spread along the three main outcrops of the ultrabasic complex: Ronda, Ojén and Carratraca massifs. Different lithologies and outcrops with different degrees of serpentinization have been sampled and analysed. Rock magnetic experiments have been carried out on a representative set of samples. These measurements include: Curie curves, hysteresis cycles, isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) acquisition curves, thermal demagnetization of IRM imparted along three orthogonal axes and magnetic bulk susceptibility. Results indicate that magnetite is the main magnetic mineral present in the samples. Stepwise thermal and alternating field (AF) demagnetization of the natural remanent magnetization (NRM) reveals the presence of a characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) carried by magnetite, and in some sepentinized samples, a northward component with variable unblocking temperatures up to 250–575 °C. The appearance and the relative intensity of this northward component are strongly related to serpentinization degree. Taking into account the geological history of the peridotites, the ChRM has been considered as a thermo-chemical remanent magnetization acquired during the first serpentinization phase associated to the post-metamorphic cooling of this unit. On the basis of radiometric and fission track analysis, the ChRM is proposed to have been acquired between 20 and 17–18 Ma. The inclination of the mean direction of the ChRM statistically coincides with the expected inclination for stable Iberia during the Oligocene–Miocene. The declination of the ChRM differs from the expected declination, indicating clockwise block rotations of 41±12° about vertical axes since the cooling of the peridotites. When applying a compositional layering correction, the ChRM directions fail to pass this kind of fold test, thus, the compositional layering was not a palaeohorizontal during ChRM acquisition time. Normal and reversed polarities of the ChRM are reported, showing that at least one reversal of the Earth's magnetic field took place during ChRM acquisition process. A tentative polarity zonation within the peridotitic outcrops is also suggested. No evidence is found from these data for the previously proposed simultaneity between post-metamorphic cooling and rotation of the peridotites.     

Alpujarride attribution of the supposed ‘Almagride Complex’ (Betic Internal Zone,Almerı́a Province,Spain)Appartenance Alpujarride du prétendu « Complexe almagride » (Zones internes bétiques,province d'Almeria,Espagne)

The differentiation of units in the Sierra de Almagro has been a source of controversy. There were defined the Almagride and Ballabona–Cucharón complexes, the former considered by several authors as part of a Subbetic metamorphosed and outcropping in a tectonic window. In this study, the units of Ballabona, Almagro and Cucharón are integrated into a single one, that of Tres Pacos, because they correspond to different parts of the same stratigraphic series. This unit is tectonically over the Nevado–Filabride Complex. The existence of the Almagride and Ballabona–Cucharón complexes is discarded and their units form part of the Alpujarride Complex. To cite this article: C. Sanz de Galdeano, F.J. Garc??a Tortosa, C. R. Geoscience 334 (2002) 355–362.     

Dynamics of sedimentary environments in the accelerated siltation of a reservoir: the case of Alhama de Granada,southern Spain

An analysis has been made of sedimentary systems involved in the rapid silting of a reservoir constructed in 1974 in Alhama de Granada (S. Spain); in only 30 years the storage capacity of the reservoir has shrunk by 80% and its perimeter has decreased by 64%. A study of sediment lithofacies identified in a series of shallow trenches and of georadar facies identified in a series of almost 900 m lines of ground penetrating radar (GPR) images, together with a survey of surface geology, has identified 3 alluvial systems (2 transversal systems and a longitudinal system) whose deltas have filled in the reservoir. Thus, there are three phases in the evolution of the reservoir siltation: (1) an initial stage (1974–1977) typified by northward progradation of the longitudinal river delta of about 100 m year⁻¹ and an eastward progradation of the transversal system delta of about 20 m year⁻¹; (2) an intermediate stage (1977–1984) in which the longitudinal river delta progradation slowed to 25 m year⁻¹ and the axial drainage became obstructed due to the considerable eastward progradation of the transversal delta; and (3) a final phase (1984–present) in which there have been few changes in the areal distribution of the deltas apart from a southeastward expansion of the transversal delta. Generally, aggradational growth patterns (vertical accretion) have dominated in this final phase. The lithology of the source area, the slope and precipitation distribution has a significant effect not only on the sediment supply, but also indirectly on the creation of accommodation space and on the evolution of stratal growth patterns.     

Mesozoic thermal history of the Prebetic continental margin (southern Spain): Constraints from apatite fission-track analysis

Apatite fission-track analysis was applied to Triassic and Cretaceous sediments from the South-Iberian Continental Margin to unravel its thermal history. Apatite fission-track age populations from Triassic samples indicate partial annealing and point to a maximum temperature of around 100–110 °C during their post-depositional evolution. In certain apatites from Cretaceous samples, two different fission-track age populations of 93–99 and around 180 Ma can be distinguished. Track lengths associated with these two populations enabled thermal modelling based on experimental annealing and mathematical algorithms. These thermal models indicate that the post-depositional thermal evolution attained temperatures ≤ 70 °C, which is consistent with available vitrinite-reflectance data. Thermal modelling for the Cretaceous samples makes it possible to decipher a succession of cooling and heating periods, consisting of (a) a late Carboniferous–Permian cooling followed by (b) a progressive heating episode that ended approximately 120 Ma at a maximum T of around 110 °C. The first cooling episode resulted from a combination of factors such as: the relaxation of the thermal anomaly related to the termination of the Hercynian cycle; the progressive exhumation of the Hercynian basement and the thermal subsidence related to the rifting of the Bay of Biscay, reactivated during the Late Permian. Jurassic thermal evolution deduced from the inherited thermal signal in the Cretaceous sediments is characterized by progressive heating that ended around 120 Ma. This heating episode is related to thermal subsidence during Jurassic rifting, in agreement with the presence of abundant mantle-derived tholeiitic magmas interbedded in the Jurassic rocks. The end of the Jurassic rifting is well marked by a cooling episode apparently starting during Neocomiam times and ending at surface conditions by Albian times.     

Small‐scale faulting,topographic steps and seismic ruptures in the Alhambra (Granada,southeast Spain

The Alhambra (14th century AD ) in Granada (southeast Spain) is built at the summit of a Pliocene to Lower Pleistocene conglomeratic formation. Tens of small‐scale normal faults crop out along the northern hillslope of the Alhambra, which have a N130–N150°E strike, dipping 65–75° mostly to the southwest. These are closely spaced faults (approximately 5–30 m) with centimetre to several metre displacements. Several topographic steps in this area coincide with hectometre‐ to kilometre‐scale faults with the same kinematics as the small‐scale ones. Some of these faults appear to be active and related to the present seismicity detected in this region, and associated with the cracks and other damage observed in the Alhambra. Several focal mechanisms calculated in this study are in accordance with the dominant NW–SE orientated normal faults. We interpret that the topographic steps of these faults are a consequence of repeated earthquakes during the past 800 ka. The last large earthquake of approximately 5.1 magnitude in this area occurred in 1431, destroying the Alixares Palace, the Arabian fence and part of the Alhambra wall. We consider the seismic risk associated with these faults to be moderate, as the displacement is partitioned into several hectometre‐ to kilometre‐scale faults. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation and validation of landslide-susceptibility maps obtained by a GIS matrix method: examples from the Betic Cordillera (southern Spain)

This work presents the results of applying the matrix method in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to the drawing of maps of susceptibility to slope movements in different sectors of the Betic Cordillera (southern Spain). In addition, the susceptibility models built by the matrix method were compared with a multivariate statistical method, and the first method gave the best results. The susceptibility maps drawn by the GIS matrix method were validated by calculating the coefficients of association with the degree of fit between recent slope movements registered in 1997 and the different levels of susceptibility of previously drawn maps (1995–1996) in different representative zones of the Betic Cordillera (southern Spain). The first sector studied showed excellent degrees of fit, with an error of less than 10% for all the slope failures and 3% when considering only failures of natural origin. In the second sector, the relative errors were less than 5%. In the third sector, the error hardly exceeded 6%. The results are discussed in the different zones and for each type of slope movement. In any case, these results evidence the predictive capacity of susceptibility maps drawn in GIS by the matrix method, for a great number of slope movements.     

Palaeostress analysis of the northern Nijar and southern Vera basins: constraints for the Neogene displacement history of major strike-slip faults in the Betic Cordilleras, SE Spain

This paper presents the results of a detailed structural analysis of the northern Nijar and southern Vera basins with special emphasis on the evolution of the regional stress field and the associated timing of movement of the Serrata, Gafarillos and Palomares strike-slip fault zones. These major fault zones control the Neogene deformation of the SE Internal Betic Cordilleras in Spain. Detailed stress analysis on Neogene sediments of the Vera and Nijar basins shows a strike-slip regime with NW–SE-oriented subhorizontal maximum principal stress (σ₁) during Tortonian and earliest Messinian times. Under the influence of this stress field, dextral displacement along the N090E-trending Gafarillos fault zone resulted in deformation of the sediments of the southern Sorbas and northeastern Nijar basins. During the early Messinian a clock-wise rotation of the stress field occurred. Stress analysis in rocks with late–early Messinian up to Quaternary ages in the Nijar and Vera basins indicates a strike-slip regime with N–S-oriented subhorizontal maximum principal stress (σ₁). Under the influence of this stress field the main activity along the N010E-striking Palomares strike-slip fault zone took place, resulting in deformation of the Neogene sediments of the southeastern Vera basin and culminating in a maximum sinistral displacement of more than 20 km. At the same time the stress field was not suitably oriented to exert a large shear component on the Gafarillos fault zone, which activity ended after the earliest Messinian. Fault and outcrop patterns of syntectonic Neogene sediments in the Vera basin show that displacement along the Palomares fault zone decreased at the end of the Middle Miocene although minor displacement phases may still have occurred during the Late Miocene and possibly even Pliocene. From the Middle Miocene onward, deformation in the Nijar basin was controlled by sinistral displacement along the N040E-trending Serrata strike-slip fault zone.     

Lower Aptian Subbetic organic-rich facies, radiolarites, and associated deposits: the local expression of Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (Carbonero Formation, southern Spain)

The Carbonero Formation represents a scarce, well documented example of Aptian anoxic facies in the Betic Cordillera. Generally, the Aptian record in the pelagic Subbetic basin is both very discontinuous and affected by frequent hiatuses, but in some subsident areas controlled by extensional faults (as in the Carbonero trough) an interesting record is preserved. The Carbonero Formation is characterised by a thick pelagic succession composed of marls with intercalations of calcareous turbidites and a thick interval of anoxic facies. This interval, dated as early Aptian, most likely represents the local expression of Ocean Anoxic Event 1a in the Subbetic basin. A multidisciplinary study including lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and sedimentology has been carried out in the Carbonero Formation, with special attention to the anoxic interval. A collection of facies and sedimentary features has been characterised and interpreted, including barite concretions, calcareous concretions, black shales, siliceous marls and radiolarites, and calcareous turbidites. All these facies seem to have been deposited under oxygen-depleted conditions on a fault-bounded depression with a high subsidence rate. The accumulation and burial of sediments and the preservation of organic matter were controlled by both local and regional factors, such as the physiography of the basin and tectonic setting, as well as by global factors, such as palaeoceanographic and climatic changes.     

Partial crustal melting beneath the Betic Cordillera (SE Spain): The case study of Mar Menor volcanic suite

The Neogene Volcanic Province (NVP) within the Betic Cordillera (SE Spain) consists of three main metapelitic enclave suites (from SW to NE: El Hoyazo, Mazarrón and Mar Menor). Since the NVP represents a singular place in the world where crustal enclaves were immediately quenched after melting, their microstructures provide a “photograph” of the conditions at depth just after the moment of the melting.

The thermobarometric information provided by the different microstructural assemblages has been integrated with the geophysical and geodynamical published data into a model of the petrologic evolution of the Mar Menor enclaves. They were equilibrated at 2–3 kbar, 850–900 °C, and followed a sequence of heating melt producing reactions. A local cooling event evidenced by minor melt crystallization preceded the eruption.

The lower crustal studies presented in this work contribute to the knowledge of: (i) the partial melting event beneath the Mar Menor volcanic suite through a petrologic detailed study of the enclaves; (ii) how the microstructures of fast cooled anatectic rocks play an important role in tracing the magma evolution in a chamber up to the eruption, and how they can be used as pseudothermobarometers; (iii) the past and current evolution of the Alborán Domain (Betic Cordillera) and Mediterranean Sea, and how the base of a metapelitic crust has melted within an active geodynamic setting.     

The Baza Fault: a major active extensional fault in the central Betic Cordillera (south Spain)

In the Guadix-Baza Basin (Betic Cordillera) lies the Baza Fault, a structure that will be described for the first time in this paper. Eight gravity profiles and a seismic reflection profile, coupled with surface studies, indicate the existence of a NE-dipping normal fault with a variable strike with N-S and NW-SE segments. This 37-km long fault divides the basin into two sectors: Guadix to the West and Baza to the East. Since the Late Miocene, the activity of this fault has created a half-graben in its hanging wall. The seismic reflection profile shows that the fill of this 2,000–3,000 m thick asymmetric basin is syntectonic. The fault has associated seismicity, the most important of which is the 1531 Baza earthquake. Since the Late Tortonian to the present, i.e. over approximately the last 8 million years, extension rates obtained vary between 0.12 and 0.33 mm/year for the Baza Fault, being one of the major active normal faults to accommodate the current ENE–WSW extension produced in the central Betic Cordillera. The existence of this fault and other normal faults in the central Betic Cordillera enhanced the extension in the upper crust from the Late Miocene to the present in this regional compressive setting.     

A cross section of the eastern Betic Cordillera (SE Spain) according field data and a seismic reflection profile

The BT3 multichannel seismic profile was acquired by the C.G.G. (Compagnie General de Géophysique) in 1977 for hydrocarbon exploration in the eastern Betic Cordillera. REXIMseis Ltd scanned and vectorized a paper copy and then performed post-stack processing, including coherence filtering and deconvolution. The receiver functions of a broad-band seismic station located near the village of Vélez Rubio, at the SE end of the profile, were analysed by Julia et al. [Julia, J., Mancilla, F., Morales, J., 2005. Seismic signature of intracrustal magmatic intrusions in the Eastern Betics (Internal Zone), SE Iberia, Geophysical Research Letters 32, L16304, doi:10.1029/2005GL023274.] to determine the structure of the underlying crust. We have used these Vp data to convert the profile to depth. The profile has a mean SE–NW trend, with a SE-Section 44 km in length followed by a NW-Section 20 km in length. The record includes the first 4 s (twtt), which corresponds to 11 km.Two main areas can be seen in the profile. At the SE-end, a band of high-amplitude discontinuous reflectors dips towards the north. The band is 100 to 200 ms thick, increasing even more northwards. This band reaches the surface at the top of the Maláguide Complex (the upper complex of the Internal Zones). Above these reflectors, an area with chaotic seismic facies and no reflectors corresponds to the outcrops of the olistostromes and turbidites of the Solana Formation, and it is in turn overlain by discontinuous reflectors of the Subbetic rocks.At the NW-end of the profile, a set of high-amplitude continuous reflectors with SE dips point to the location of the Prebetic. Below this section, oblique reflectors of intermediate amplitude indicate the Variscan basement. Over the Prebetic, we have marked the basal thrusts of the Intermediate Units and the Subbetic. Using this seismic data, as well as field observations, we propose a geological cross-section of the upper crust of the eastern Betic Cordillera and a model of the most recent evolution of the orogen. In this model, the Internal Zones and the Subbetic have been welded together from the Middle Burdigalian to the present day and acted as an orogenic wedge that deformed the Intermediate Units and the Prebetic.     

Graphite–sulfide deposits in Ronda and Beni Bousera peridotites (Spain and Morocco) and the origin of carbon in mantle-derived rocks

This paper describes unusual graphite–sulfide deposits in ultramafic rocks from the Serranía de Ronda (Spain) and Beni Bousera (Morocco). These deposits occur as veins, stockworks and irregular masses, ranging in size from some centimeters to a few meters in thickness. The primary mineral assemblage mainly consists of Fe–Ni–Cu sulfides (pyrrhotite, pentlandite, chalcopyrite and cubanite), graphite and chromite. Weathering occurs in some sulfide-poor deposits that consist of graphite (up to 90%), chromite and goethite. Texturally, graphite may occur as flakes or clusters of flakes and as rounded, nodule-like aggregates. Graphite is highly crystalline and shows light carbon isotopic signatures (δ¹³C≈− 15‰ to − 21‰). Occasionally, some nodule-like graphite aggregates display large isotopic zoning with heavier cubic forms (probably graphite pseudomorphs after diamond with δ¹³C up to − 3.3‰) coated by progressively lighter flakes outwards (δ¹³C up to − 15.2‰).Asthenospheric-derived melts originated the partial melting (and melt–rock reactions) of peridotites and pyroxenites generating residual melts from which the graphite–sulfide deposits were formed. These residual melts concentrated volatile components (mainly CO₂ and H₂O), as well as S, As, and chalcophile elements. Carbon was incorporated into the melts from the melt–rock reactions of graphite-bearing (formerly diamonds) garnet pyroxenites with infiltrated asthenospheric melts. Graphite-rich garnet pyroxenites formed through the UHP transformation of subducted kerogen-rich crustal material into the mantle. Thus, graphite in most of the studied occurrences has light (biogenic) carbon signatures. Locally, reaction of the light carbon in the melts with relicts of ¹³C-enriched graphitized diamonds (probably generated from hydrothermal calcite veins in the subducting oceanic crust) reacted with the partial melts to form isotopically zoned nodule-like graphite aggregates.     

Phase equilibria constraints on melting of stromatic migmatites from Ronda (S. Spain): insights on the formation of peritectic garnet

Stromatic metatexites occurring structurally below the contact with the Ronda peridotite (Ojén nappe, Betic Cordillera, S Spain) are characterized by the mineral assemblage Qtz+Pl+Kfs+Bt+Sil+Grt+Ap+Gr+Ilm. Garnet occurs in low modal amount (2–5 vol.%). Very rare muscovite is present as armoured inclusions, indicating prograde exhaustion. Microstructural evidence of melting in the migmatites includes pseudomorphs after melt films and nanogranite and glassy inclusions hosted in garnet cores. The latter microstructure demonstrates that garnet crystallized in the presence of melt. Re‐melted nanogranites and preserved glassy inclusions show leucogranitic compositions. Phase equilibria modelling of the stromatic migmatite in the MnO–Na₂O–CaO–K₂O–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂–O₂–C (MnNCaKFMASHOC) system with graphite‐saturated fluid shows P–T conditions of equilibration of 4.5–5 kbar, 660–700 °C. These results are consistent with the complete experimental re‐melting of nanogranites at 700 °C and indicate that nanogranites represent the anatectic melt generated immediately after entering supersolidus conditions. The P–T estimate for garnet and melt development does not, however, overlap with the low‐temperature tip of the pure melt field in the phase diagram calculated for the composition of preserved glassy inclusions in garnet in the Na₂O–CaO–K₂O–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O (NCKFMASH) system. A comparison of measured melt compositions formed immediately beyond the solidus with results of phase equilibria modelling points to the systematic underestimation of FeO, MgO and CaO in the calculated melt. These discrepancies are present also when calculated melts are compared with low‐T natural and experimental melts from the literature. Under such conditions, the available melt model does not perform well. Given the presence of melt inclusions in garnet cores and the P–T estimates for their formation, we argue that small amounts (<5 vol.%) of peritectic garnet may grow at low temperatures (≤700 °C), as a result of continuous melting reactions consuming biotite.     

Metagabbro and associated eclogites in the Lubrin area, Nevado-Filabride Complex, Spain

Abstract Several small bodies of metabasite (maximum dimensions of 1000 m x 500 m) are included in the metamorphic rocks of the Nevado-Filabride Complex in the Betic Cordilleras (Almeria Region). The body of 400 m x 100 m, located 200 m due west of the Lubrin village, contains troctolitic gabbro with well-preserved igneous textures and mineral compositions, wholly amphibolitized gabbro, garnet-bearing metagabbro eclogite. Along with the textural and mineral changes, sensible and regular geochemical variations can be observed, where the content of MgO decreases from 24% to 11%, while that of CaO and Na₂O increases from 7% to 11% and from 2% to 3%, respectively. In addition, the content of some minor elements such as Sr, Y, Nb, Zr and Sc increases while that of Ni and Cr decreases from troctolitic gabbro to the eclogite. The amphibolitized gabbro shows values scattered around those of the troctolitic gabbro. These geochemical variations are ascribed to inherited differences in the pre-metamorphic protolith, i.e. a fractionated gabbro which varies from olivine-rich to clinopyroxene-rich gabbro. Nevertheless, some metasomatism affected the Lubrin body without changing the main chemical trends, as documented by the significantly different ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of each rock-type. This points to a metasomatism which involved the introduction of crustal radiogenic strontium. The petrographical and mineral chemical features are interpreted to be the result of syn-metamorphic fluid circulation possibly combined with deformation by shearing. The igneous texture and mineral chemistry have been retained wherever both fluid circulation and shearing were ineffective. On the contrary, where both events were effective, the formation of eclogite occurred. Later, the entire body underwent a retrogressive amphi-bolitic stage under greenschist facies conditions, which was probably responsible for the formation of the amphibolitized gabbro portion and for the retrogression of the eclogite.     

Quantitative subsidence-uplift analysis of the Bajo Segura Basin (eastern Betic Cordillera, Spain): tectonic control on the stratigraphic architecture

The Bajo Segura Basin is located in the eastern Betic Cordillera, at present connected with the Mediterranean Sea to the east. It has a complete stratigraphic record from the Tortonian to the Quaternary, which has been separated into six units bounded by unconformities. This paper is concerned with the northern edge of the basin, controlled by a major strike–slip fault (the Crevillente Fault Zone, CFZ), where the most complete stratigraphic successions are found. The results obtained (summarised below) are based on an integrated analysis of the sedimentary evolution and the subsidence-uplift movements. Unit I (Early Tortonian) is transgressive on the basin basement and is represented by ramp-type platform facies, organised in a shallowing-upward sequence related to tectonic uplift during the first stages of movement along the CFZ. Unit II (lower Late Tortonian) consists of shallow platform facies at bottom and pelagic basin facies at top, forming a deepening-upward sequence associated with tectonic subsidence due to sinistral motion along the CFZ. Unit III (middle Late Tortonian) is made up of exotic turbiditic facies related to a stage of uplift and erosion of the southern edge of the basin. Unit IV (upper Late Tortonian) consists of pelagic basin facies at bottom and shallow platform facies at top, defining a shallowing-upward sequence related to tectonic uplift during continued sinistral movement on the basin-bounding fault. Units V (latest Tortonian–Messinian) and VI (Pliocene–Pleistocene p.p.) consist of shallowing-upward sequences deposited during folding and uplift of the northern margin of the basin. No definitive evidence of any major eustatic sea-level fall, associated with the ‘Messinian salinity crisis’, has been recorded in the stratigraphic sections studied.     

Aptian bio-events—an integrated biostratigraphic analysis of the Almadich Formation, Inner Prebetic Domain, SE Spain

The Upper Barremian to Aptian Almadich Formation (Inner Prebetic Domain of the Betic Cordillera) is composed of hemipelagic sediments deposited on a distal carbonate ramp in the southern Iberian Palaeomargin. Within this facies we have found a thick interval of blue to black shales and marls that is interpreted as deposited under oxygen-depleted conditions. We think that this interval, dated as early Aptian, represents the local record of Ocean Anoxic Event 1a. The integrated biostratigraphic analysis of a section in the Almadich Formation, by means of planktonic foraminifera, calcareous nannofossils and ammonites, enables us to recognize most of the biostratigraphic units based on these three fossil groups and to correlate between them. The Sartousiana, Sarasini, Weissi, Deshayesi and Furcata (ammonite) Zones were identified for the Upper Barremian–Lower Aptian interval. By means of calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy the Micrantholithus hoschulzii, Hayesites irregularis and Rhagodiscus angustus Zones, plus several additional biohorizons, were identified. A quantitative study performed on a set of 27 Lower Aptian samples has enabled the precise identification of the ‘nannoconid crisis’, the lower limit of which clearly precedes the main anoxic event, and its correlation with other bioevents. Planktonic foraminifera occur consistently throughout the Lower to Upper Aptian of the Cau section and are moderately well preserved. This fact allows us to use the most recent taxonomic framework, based on wall texture, to identify the Blowiella blowi, Schackoina cabri, Globigerinelloides ferreolensis, Globigerinelloides algerianus, Hedbergella trocoidea andTicinella bejaouaensis Zones. Coincident with the anoxic episode, the planktonic foraminiferal assemblages are composed of a significant number of forms with elongated chambers and/or tubulospines assigned to the genera Claviblowiella,Lilliputianella , Leupoldina and Schackoina. Most of the planktonic foraminiferal and nannofossil taxa are illustrated.     

Types of carbonate aquifers according to the fracturation and the karstification in a southern Spanish area

 The analysis of the fractures in the marble forming sierras Blanca and Mijas (southern Spain), with faults of markedly different sizes and joints measured at 21 stations, demonstrate the presence of two principal directions of fractures (NNW-SSE and NNE-SSW). Other major directions of fractures, although less distinct, are N100E, N120E and N60E. The form of the karstic cavities known in these sierras was influenced by fractures, fundamentally NNW-SSE and, to a lesser extent, NNE-SSW, as well as by the mineralogical composition of the marble. All the cavities known are located in blue limestone marble and appear to have formed by the end of the Miocene, principally during the Pliocene and the Pleistocene. From a hydrogeological standpoint, Sierra Blanca and Sierra Mijas constitute a unit limited by faults oriented ENE-WSW, NNW-SSE and NNE-SSW. Specifically, fractures of the latter two directions influence the compartmentalization and the hydrogeological functioning of the unit. According to the degree of fracturing and/or karstification, three basic types (apart from intermediate situations) of aquiferous behavior have been distinguished: karstic aquifer, fissured aquifer, and porous aquifer. Received: 2 October 1995 · Accepted: 29 May 1996     

From Middle Jurassic heating to Neogene cooling: The thermochronological evolution of the southern Alps

The Dolomite region is located in the Southern Alps, which were affected by Mesozoic extensional tectonics and by consequent thermal perturbations. In this work, vitrinite reflectance and apatite fission-track analysis are used to estimate the thermal evolution. These methodologies have been applied to the Permo-Mesozoic succession, which crops out along the TRANSALP seismic profile. The regional distribution of the organic matter maturity seems to be mainly controlled by different burials reached during the Norian-Liassic extensional phase, in connection with high heat flow values. The best solutions obtained from thermal modelling of both vitrinite and fission-track data suggest that peak of high heat flow occurred during Bajocian–Bathonian ages, when western Tethys was characterized by intrusions of gabbros and plagiogranites and extrusion of tholeiite basalts. This time coincides with the onset of the drifting phase and related thermal subsidence. The following thermal relaxation occurred during continuous sedimentation and the maximum burial does not coincide with peak temperatures. Cooling history has been carefully analysed through apatite fission-track data on samples collected close to the Valsugana overthrust, which document an important exhumation event at about 10 Ma. The related erosion has been analysed through the combined use of arenite petrography and fission-track analysis on detrital samples of the Veneto foredeep succession, which represents the storage of detritus during Tertiary. These data confirm that after Serravalian the Southalpine domain and related covers were affected by subaerial erosion.     

Crustal growth during back‐arc closure: Cretaceous exhumation history of Cordillera Darwin,southern Patagonia

The Cordillera Darwin metamorphic complex is unique in the Andes in exposing kyanite–staurolite schist north of the Beagle Channel in southern Patagonia. Garnet in amphibolite facies pelitic schists from Bahía Pia has patchy textures whereby some grains consist of clear, grossular‐rich garnet with fine‐grained S1 inclusion trails truncated by regions of turbid spessartine–pyrope‐rich garnet with biotite, muscovite, plagioclase and quartz inclusions. Micron‐scale aqueous inclusions in turbid garnet are consistent with recrystallization facilitated by fluid ingress; S2 inclusion trails indicate this was broadly contemporary with the growth of kyanite and staurolite in the matrix. Pseudosection modelling in Na₂O–CaO–K₂O–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O–TiO₂–Fe₂O₃ (NCKFMASHTO) is used to infer a P–T path dominated by decompression from 12 to 9 kbar at T ≈ 620 °C, coupled with garnet mode decreasing from ～5% to <1%. U–Th–Pb in situ dating of S2 monazite indicates that staurolite and kyanite growth and thus exhumation was underway before 72.6 ± 1.1 Ma. Contact aureoles developed adjacent to late granite intrusions include sillimanite‐bearing migmatites formed at P ≈ 6 kbar after 72 Ma. Metamorphism of southern Cordillera Darwin induced by continental underthrusting beneath the arc, related to closure of the Rocas Verdes back‐arc basin, was terminated by thrusting‐controlled exhumation, with the rocks at P ≈ 9 kbar by c. 73 Ma and 6 kbar by c. 70 Ma.     

Triassic metasedimentary successions across the boundary between the southern Apennines and the Calabrian Arc (northern Calabria,Italy)

The boundary area between the Apenninic fold‐and‐thrust belt and the crystalline Calabrian Arc, located around Sangineto in northern Calabria, has been investigated. New geological mapping in the Sant'Agata area has been performed on the Triassic successions traditionally attributed to the metasedimentary San Donato Unit. This, coupled with a reappraisal of the stratigraphy and tectonics of coeval successions present more to the south in the Cetraro Unit, results in a new reconstruction of the Triassic evolution of all the metasedimentary successions found in the region. Four informal stratigraphic units have been distinguished in the S. Agata area. The lowest one (Unit A) consists of well‐bedded metalimestones and bioturbated marly limestones that correlate with Ladinian–Carnian carbonates in nearby areas. A second unit (Unit B), never recognized before, contains a complex alternation of dolomites, phyllites and some meta‐arenites containing several beds of Cavernoso facies, attributed to the Carnian. They grade upward to platform and platform‐margin dolomites of Norian–Rhaetian age (Unit C) that in turn are replaced upward and laterally by a fourth unit (Unit D) consisting of well‐bedded, dark dolomites and metalimestones with marly interlayers locally found as resedimented large blocks in slope conglomerates. Unit D correlates with Rhaetian–Liassic beds in nearby areas. Several pieces of evidence of post‐metamorphic contractional tectonics, with 140°N and 30°N trends, are found together with evidence of SW‐directed extension. The siliciclastic Carnian beds of Unit B are correlated with the phyllites of Cetraro, formerly believed to be Middle Triassic; moreover, it is suggested that in the Cetraro area Unit C is almost totally replaced by Unit D. This demonstrates that the former distinction between the two tectonic units in the whole area has to be discarded. We have made a general palaeoenvironmental reconstruction which progresses laterally, during Ladinian–Carnian times, from (i) a coastal, mixed siliciclastic–carbonate–evaporitic area at Cetraro to (ii) a transitional carbonate shelf where siliciclastic input was only episodic, and finally to (iii) a bioconstructed margin which was later replaced by a steepened margin created by tectonic instability. Starting from the Norian, subsidence shifted toward the former coastal area where an intraplatform, restricted basin developed. The proposed stratigraphy corresponds closely to the Alpujarride units of the Betic Cordillera, Spain. Moreover, it is shown that strong affinities also exist, in terms of the structural framework, with the metamorphic units of Tuscany and Liguria. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.