Crustal thinning from the Betic Cordillera to the Alboran Sea

Two profiles have been gravimetrically modelled in the central and eastern parts of the Alboran Sea and Betic Cordillera. The crust in the central part thins from 38 km below the Internal Zones to 18–22 km beneath the Alboran Basin in an area about 30 km wide. The eastern part shows greater thinning, from about 38 to 15 km, distributed over a broader area some 100 km wide. The mode of crustal thinning in the eastern part can be compared with that of a rifted passive margin whereas the central part exhibits a transform style.     

Late Miocene–early Pliocene planktonic foraminifer event-stratigraphy of the Bajo Segura basin: A complete record of the western Mediterranean

The Bajo Segura basin (eastern Betic Cordillera) has one of the most complete late Miocene–early Pliocene marine records of the western Mediterranean. An updated planktonic foraminifer zonal scheme based on recent astronomically tuned biozones is presented for this interval, documenting a complete succession of biostratigraphic markers, from biozone MMi9 (earliest Tortonian) to MPl3 (latest early Pliocene), of likely significance for regional-scale correlation throughout the Mediterranean. The findings reveal a series of intrazonal events (some unreported until now in the Mediterranean Neogene basin), including the particularly interesting two influxes of the Globorotalia miotumida group during the Tortonian. These biostratigraphic findings are the basis for a framework of the major allostratigraphic units in the basin based on planktonic foraminifer event-stratigraphy: synthems Tortonian I, Tortonian II, Tortonian-Messinian I, Messinian II, and Pliocene. In addition, the timing of the main tectono-sedimentary and palaeogeographic events throughout the basin's evolution has been further constrained. Our results suggest that, at least in the Bajo Segura basin, the late-Messinian barren interval (non-distinctive zone) can be considered an ecobiostratigraphic zone (cenozone) characterized by dwarf fauna of planktonic foraminifera. Consequently, the Bajo Segura composite section can be regarded as a biostratigraphic reference section for Neogene basins in the Betic Cordillera and hence also in the Western Mediterranean.     

Stratigraphic and tectonic evolution of the western Alboran Sea: Late miocene to recent

The western Alboran Sea contains three morphostructural domains: continental margins, structural highs, and basins, some with diapirs. Seven sequences from Tortonian to upper Quaternary, identified on airgun profiles, record a distinct set of depositional events. The tectonic evolution was influenced by the relative movement of the African and Iberian plates. Connections through the Atlantic/Mediterranean gateways and global sea level oscillations are recorded as major unconformities in the depositional record. A Neogene change in tectonic character from transtensional to transpressional regimes is postulated on the basis of changes in the regional stress field orientation.     

Cenozoic tectonics on the Galicia margin,northwest Spain

Neogene tectonic activity (Betic Orogeny) along the southern plate boundary of Iberia, as it converged with Africa and the Alboran Plate was inserted between them, propagated along Iberia's west side as far north as Galicia, northwest Spain. As the activity propagated northward, it reactivated structures formed during the Paleozoic (Hercynian), the Early Cretaceous opening of the northern North Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay, and the Paleogene Pyrenean Orogeny when Iberia collided with Eurasia. Recent earthquakes indicate that this tectonism is still active today as far north as northwest Spain.     

Flexural interaction and the dynamics of neogene extensional Basin formation in the Alboran-Betic region

Quantitative tectonic modelling demonstrates an interaction of flexure of the lithosphere underlying the western Betics with crustal thinning in the Alboran Basin and flank uplift in the Internal Zone. In the eastern Betics the flexural response is overprinted by post-thrusting extensional events. Lateral variations in thermal structure and rheology of the lithosphere along strike of the Betics shed light on changes in tectonic configuration and are consistent with evidence for lateral variations in the mode of extension in the Alboran Basin. Flexural modelling and subsidence analysis of Neogene basins in the Internal Zone of the Betics, with spatial development controlled by contrasts in lithosphere rheology, demonstrate that at least two extensional events have affected the orogenic evolution of the Betics. The first event appears to reflect Oligocene-Early Miocene rifting observed throughout the Western Mediterranean. The second phase, which caused the present configuration of the Betics, corresponds to Tortonian-Recent extension centered in the Alboran Basin.     

Plio-Quaternary margin growth patterns in a complex tectonic setting: Northeastern Alboran Sea

Four main seismic sequences of Plio-Quaternary age identified in the northeastern Alboran Sea record the main phases of margin and basin development. The geometry and thickness of these sequences reveal that the Motril and Almeria basins contain the main sediment depocenters. Sea level fluctuations and sediment input were probably the most significant factors controlling growth patterns, but the presence of structural barriers and the active tectonism influenced sediment traps and downslope gravity processes.     

Alboran Sea late cenozoic tectonic and stratigraphic evolution

Analysis of airgun seismic profiles from the Alboran Sea reveals a complex morphostructure with margins, basins, and structural highs. North of the Alboran Ridge, south-facing margins have a passive style of evolution, with thick progradational sequences of post-Messinian deposits, whereas north-facing margins are tectonized along structural highs with reduced sediment cover. Basins are extensional features developed since the Early Miocene by mechanisms of tectonic escape and pull-apart, under generalized northwest-southeast to north-south compression. Depositional sequences in this semi-land-locked sea were controlled by the local tectonism and influenced by global sea-level oscillations.     

Neogene tectonic evolution of the Alboran Sea from MCS data

The structural framework of the northern Alboran Sea is one of a series of grabens or half-grabens developed during various Miocene rifting stages. MCS profiles and well data reveal early to late Miocene seismo-stratigraphic units affected by rifting. Three rifting episodes—latest Aquitanian-Burdigalian, Langhian-Serravalian, and Tortonian-are postulated to have caused significant extension and crustal thinning beneath the Alboran Sea. The middle Miocene episode led to major depocenters and triggered mud diapirism. Post-Tortonian tectonics modified the architecture of the Miocene Alboran Basin and formed the present structure, seafloor morphology, and boundaries of the Alboran Sea.     

东海新生代构造格架特征与油气关系

东海海域存在着二个不同时期、不同类型、不同结构秒同成因机制的新生代盆地，即发育在陆壳之上的东海陆架陆缘裂谷盆地和发育在过渡地壳之上的冲绳海槽弧后盆地。前者是大陆向洋蠕散时两次裂离而形成的，后者是洋壳向陆壳俯冲导致陆壳裂离而产生的。     

Interaction between trench retreat and Anatolian escape as recorded by neogene basins in the northern Aegean Sea

The evolution of the North Aegean Sea is studied through the development of three deep basins: the North Aegean Trough, the North Skyros Basin and the Ikaria Basin. Bathymetric data, a 2D seismic dataset and the well-investigated stratigraphic records of the onshore deep basins of northern Greece and Western Turkey were used to make structural and seismic stratigraphic interpretations. The study area shows two sharp unconformities that correspond to the Eocene-Oligocene transition and the Miocene-Pliocene shift. These discontinuities were used as marker horizons for a more detailed structural and seismic stratigraphic interpretation resulting in the identification of several seismic units. A general seismic signature chart was established using onshore basin stratigraphy and well data, which was then used to constrain the ages of the different seismic units. The main features observed in the basins are interpreted as: 1) trans-tensional growth patterns in Pliocene and Quaternary sediments that combine NE–SW trending and steeply dipping fault zones that likely correspond to strike-slip corridors and E-W/WNW-ESE trending normal faults, 2) regional erosional truncations of Miocene sediments, likely related to the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC), 3) thick delta-turbidite deposits of Neogene age. Only the North Aegean Trough shows evidence of earlier development and polyphase deformation through inversion structures, and additional seismic units. Extension processes in the Aegean region have been driven by the Hellenic slab rollback since the middle Eocene. The widespread development of Neogene basins at the whole Aegean scale attests to a major tectonic change due to an acceleration of the trench retreat in the middle Miocene. The present study shows that the Neogene basins of the North Aegean Sea developed in dextral transtension with the northward migration of the associated NE-SW trending strike-slip faults. At regional scale, this tectonic pattern indicates that the westward escape of Anatolia started to interact with the trench retreat in the middle Miocene, around 10 Myr before the arrival of the North Anatolian Fault in the North Aegean Sea.     

The tectonics of the Okhotsk Sea

The northern and central parts of the Okhotsk Sea form an epiMesozoic platform. The hetero-aged acoustic basement is represented by deformed geosynclinal rocks from Cretaceous to Precambrian in age. The slightly deformed sedimentary cover levelled the uneven surface of the acoustic basement, and this Upper Paleogene—Neogene cover filled up the system of the structural basins. The general NW—SE and W—E extensions of the taphrogenic horsts and grabens of the acoustic basement were formed due to extension and subsidence of the earth's crust during the late Paleogene—Neogene.     

Models of magnetic and Bouguer gravity anomalies for the deep structure of the central Alboran Sea basin

 Magnetic and gravimetric data from the central Alboran Sea allow identification of two axes of crustal thinning, which were probably active during the Oligocene–Early Miocene. The western Alboran basin axis is subparallel and may be related in origin to the Gibraltar Arc. The ENE–WSW trending Alboran Channel axis is probably intruded by basic igneous rocks and may represent the western end of the Algerian–Balearic basin rift. Present-day small areas with high heat flow may well be related to volcanism and an anomalous mantle. Areas of active deformation in the Alboran Sea accommodate the present Eurasia-Africa convergence. Received: 17 May 1996 / Revision received: 19 April 1997     

Post-Messinian evolutional patterns of the central Alboran Sea

The northern Alboran Ridge margin depicts fault-bounded, structural blocks tilted downward to the basins. Post-Messinian sequences fill depressions on these blocks with thick depositional wedges thinning basinward. A change in the stress field after the Early Pliocene produced structural inversions and generalized uplifting of the Alboran Ridge from the Late Pliocene to Recent time.     

黄海海域地质构造特征及其油气资源潜力

综合前人的研究成果,利用2000年以来在黄海采集的综合地球物理资料,结合我国及邻国在该海域的钻井成果,分析和讨论了黄海地区从古生代至新生代的构造演化历史;对南、北黄海沉积盆地形成的构造背景和盆地的构造类型进行了研究,认为在古生代它们是台地相沉积,中生代和新生代是张裂盆地;通过对我们采集的地震剖面之分析和研究,认为盆地中的中生界和古近系发育了良好的烃源岩,新近系发育了良好的区域盖层,储层在盆地中普遍发育。因此,在南、北黄海沉积盆地中可以找到中、小型油气田。另外,对盆地中的古生界应加强研究,在保存较好并且中新生代沉积较薄的地方做探查工作,应该有一定的油气前景。     

The role of basement inheritance faults in the recent fracture system of the inner shelf around Alboran Island,Western Mediterranean

Fractures associated with volcanic rock outcrops on the inner shelf of Alboran Island, Western Mediterranean, were mapped on the basis of a side-scan sonar mosaic. Absolute maximum fracture orientation frequency is NW–SE to NNW–SSE, with several sub-maxima oriented NNE–SSW, NE–SW and ENE–WSW. The origin of the main fracture systems in Neogene and Quaternary rocks of the Alboran Basin (south Spain) appears to be controlled by older structures, namely NE–SW and WNW–ESE to NW–SE faults which cross-cut the basement. These faults, pre-Tortonian in origin, have been reactivated since the early Neogene in the form of strike-slip and extensional movements linked to the recent stress field in this area. Fracture analysis of volcanic outcrops on the inner continental shelf of Alboran Island suggests that the shelf has been deformed into a narrow shear zone limited by two NE–SW-trending, sub-parallel high-angle faults, the main orientation and density of which have been influenced by previous WNW–ESE to NW–SE basement fractures.     

Geographical variation in abundance of striped and common dolphins of the western Mediterranean

Line-transect data from sighting surveys conducted in the western Mediterranean (in 1991) and the Alboran Sea (in 1992) were analysed to estimate densities and numbers of striped and common dolphins in various areas of the western Mediterranean. Density of striped dolphins in the northwestern Mediterranean was estimated as 0.20 dolphins km⁻² (CV = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.12 and 0.32) and was 41% higher than in the southwestern Mediterranean, where it was estimated as 0.12 dolphins km⁻² (CV = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.05 and 0.25). The highest densities were observed in the Liguro–Provençal basin, with 0.24 dolphins km⁻² (CV = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.14 and 0.40), and the Alboran Sea, with 0.20 dolphins km⁻² (CV = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.10 and 0.36). These areas, and especially the Ligurian Sea, appear to be the most productive in terms of the food consumed by striped dolphins. Common dolphins were abundant only in the Alboran Sea with an estimated density of 0.16 dolphins km⁻² (CV = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.08 and 0.35), scarce in the south Balearic area and almost absent in the northwestern Mediterranean. The magnitude of the dolphin by-catch in fishing operations in the Alboran Sea and other areas stresses the need for further assessment of densities and numbers, notably in the Alboran Sea and the North African Mediterranean waters.     

Particulate barium fluxes on the continental margin: a study from the Alboran Sea (Western Mediterranean)

Particulate biogenic barium (bio-Ba) fluxes obtained from three instrumented arrays moored in the Alboran Sea, the westernmost basin in the Mediterranean Sea, are presented in this study. The mooring lines were deployed over almost 1 year, from July 1997 to May 1998, and were equipped with sediment traps at 500–700 m depth, 1000–1200 m depth and 30 m above the seafloor (1000–2200 m). The results obtained support the growing body of evidence that the relationship between particulate bio-Ba and Corg throughout the water column in margin systems is clearly different from this relation in the open ocean. In the Alboran Sea, the annual averaged bio-Ba fluxes range from 0.39 to 1.07 μmol m⁻² day⁻¹, with mean concentrations of 1.31–1.69 μmol g⁻¹ and bio-Ba/Corg ratios lower than in the open ocean. The low bio-Ba values obtained also indicate that calculating bio-Ba is extremely sensitive to the detrital Ba/Al ratio of each sample. The lithogenic Ba fraction in the Alboran Sea continental margin area contributes between 24% and 85% of the total Ba. Increased bio-Ba export efficiency was observed after periods of high primary productivity and suggests that the processes limiting the bio-Ba formation in the study area relate to settling dynamics of organic matter aggregates. Furthermore, the ballasting effect of the abundant lithogenic and carbonate particles may limit decomposition of organic matter aggregates and enhance the transfer of particles rich in Corg and relatively poor in bio-Ba to the deep seafloor. Lateral input of freshly sedimented biogenic material, including particulate bio-Ba, has been observed on the lower continental slope in the western Alboran Sea. These observations emphasize that the use of the bio-Ba as a proxy of export productivity from the surface ocean must be used cautiously in highly dynamic environments such as those in the Alboran Sea.     

Geotechnical properties and preliminary assessment of sediment stability on the continental slope of the northwestern Alboran Sea

Laboratory analysis of core samples from the western Alboran Sea slope reveal a large variability in texture and geotechnical properties. Stability analysis suggests that the sediment is stable under static gravitational loading but potentially unstable under seismic loading. Slope failures may occur if horizontal ground accelerations greater than 0.16g are seismically induced. The, Alboran Sea is an active region, on which earthquakes inducing accelerations big enough to exceed the shear strength of the soft soil may occur. Test results contrast with the apparent stability deduced from seismic profiles.     

The Mecina Extensional System: Its relation with the post-Aquitanian piggy-back Basins and the paleostresses evolution (Betic Cordilleras,Spain)

The Alboran Domain has undergone a westsouthwestern-east-northeastern post-Aquitanian minimal extension of 104% in two stages. In the first one (Burdigalian-early Tortonian), the Mecina Extensional System was active, the Neogene Basins were piggy-back ones, and stress ellipsoids were oblate. In the second stage (Tortonian-Present), stress ellipsoids were prolate, and the original shape of the outcropping Neogene Basins was nearly the same as their present morphology. An orogenic wedge model is proposed in which the westward strain of the wedge has been produced by variations in the spreading rates of the Ligurian-Balearic and Tyrrhenian basin oceanic crusts.     

中国海域及邻区主要含油气盆地与成藏地质条件

中国海域及邻区分布有近５０个沉积盆地,其中大部分发育在大陆边缘,而主要含油气盆地则分布在大陆架部位。盆地的起源,发生,发展受控于大地构造不同时期的构造运动,形成诸如裂谷型断陷盆地,走滑盆地以及非典型前陆盆地等多类型沉积盆地。从区域广度阐述了盆地沉积的有利相带对油气成藏的重要性,尤其是陆架盆地的成藏地质条件所形成的富集油气藏包括已发现的一大批大中型油气田,更具有的开发前景。