Mantle-derived volatiles in continental crust: the Massif Central of France

CO₂-rich gases and groundwaters from springs and boreholes originating within the basement of the Massif Central have variable³He/⁴He ratios with correspondingR/R_a values ranging from 0.8 to 5.5 and 0.3 to 2.8 respectively, indicating the presence of a significant component of mantle helium. Molar concentrations of rare gases in the CO₂-rich gases are approximately 5 orders of magnitude greater than in the waters and suggest that a near-surface Henry's Law fractionation has occurred between exsolving CO₂ and water.δ¹³C values of the CO₂-rich gases are in the range −4.2 to −6.1‰, i.e. in that range normally attributed to mantle carbon, but which could also represent an average crustal composition and therefore do not discriminate between mantle and crustal sources.C/³He ratios show 4 orders of magnitude variation from 1.4 × 10¹² to 5 × 10⁸ and, compared to a mantleC/³He ratio of 10⁹, indicate that either a complex fractionation has occurred between mantle helium and mantle CO₂ or more likely that mantle rare gases have been diluted by large quantities of CO₂ with an average crustal carbon isotope composition. The regional distribution of³He and C does not show any obvious relationship to age or proximity of volcanic centres or major faults, suggesting that mantle-derived C and He components decoupled from their silicate melt sources at some depth.The results from this area of active fluid circulation suggest that C-isotope data derived from metamorphic terrains should be interpreted with great caution, but that input of some mantle-derived carbon is expected to accompany crustal extension.     

The Carboniferous of the Moscow syneclise: Paleomagnetic data

New data for the Early and Late Carboniferous sections of the Russian platform (Moscow syneclise and Donbass) are presented. Magneto-mineralogical studies are carried out to identify the magnetic minerals—carriers of natural remanent magnetization. Extensive Late Paleozoic remagnetization of Carboniferous rocks is revealed. The obtained paleomagnetic data allowed us to determine the average paleomagnetic poles for the Gzhelian, Serpukhovian, and Visean stages of Carboniferous deposits of the Moscow syneclise.     

Attenuation of Rayleigh waves across the volcanic area of the Massif Central,France

Rayleigh wave attenuation is investigated for periods ranging from 20 to 90 s, along a 450 km-long profile following the Oligocene tensile zone of the French Massif Central. A model is deduced by inversion, assuming that the S-wave intrinsic quality factor Q_β is frequency-independent, and yields a mean value Q_β = 43 ± 10 for the first 100 km in the upper mantle. This value, far lower than the mean value obtained in Eurasia, is close to those obtained in other recent tensile areas, e.g., the western United States or mid-oceanic ridges.A velocity-depth model for S-waves, deduced in a previous study from surface-wave propagation, has been corrected for the attenuation effect. We find a discrepancy between the corrected S-model and P-wave residuals in the same area, implying that Q_β must be frequency-dependent. This can be a clue for partial melting in the upper mantle beneath this region.     

Tephrochronology of the Mont-Dore volcanic Massif (Massif Central,France): new 40Ar/39Ar constraints on the Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene activity

The Mont-Dore Massif (500 km²), the youngest stratovolcano of the French Massif Central, consists of two volcanic edifices: the Guéry and the Sancy. To improve our knowledge of the oldest explosive stages of the Mont-Dore Massif, we studied ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar-dated (through single-grain laser and step-heating experiments) 11 pyroclastic units from the Guéry stratovolcano. We demonstrate that the explosive history of the Guéry can be divided into four cycles of explosive eruption activity between 3.09 and 1.46 Ma (G.I to G.IV). We have also ascertained that deposits associated with the 3.1–3.0-Ma rhyolitic activity, which includes the 5-km³ “Grande Nappe” ignimbrite, are not recorded in the central part of the Mont-Dore Massif. All the pyroclastites found in the left bank of the Dordogne River belong to a later explosive phase (2.86–2.58 Ma, G.II) and were channelled down into valleys or topographic lows where they are currently nested. This later activity also gave rise to most of the volcanic products in the Perrier Plateau (30 km east of the Mont-Dore Massif); three quarters of the volcano-sedimentary sequence (up to 100 m thick) was emplaced within less than 20 ky, associated with several flank collapses in the northeastern part of the Guéry. The age of the “Fournet flora” (2.69?±?0.01 Ma) found within an ash bed belonging to G.II suggests that temperate forests already existed in the French Massif Central before the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary. The Guéry’s third explosive eruption activity cycle (G.III) lasted between 2.36 and 1.91 Ma. It encompassed the Guéry Lake and Morangie pumice and ash deposits, as well as seven other important events recorded as centimetric ash beds some 60 to 100 km southeast of the Massif in the Velay region. We propose a general tephrochronology for the Mont-Dore stratovolcano covering the last 3.1 My. This chronology is based on 44 ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar-dated events belonging to eight explosive eruption cycles each lasting between 100 and 200 ky. The occurrence of only one pumice deposit in the 800-ky period between 1.9 and 1.1 Ma suggests that volcanic explosive activity was strongly reduced or quiescent.     

Magma mixing in alkaline series: an example from Sancy volcano (Mont-Dore,Massif Central,France)

Three magmatic units (Grande Cascade pyroclastic deposits, Grande Cascade lava flow, Durbise nuée ardente deposits) from the Quaternary volcano Sancy (Mont-Dore area, Auvergne, France) show textural evidences of magma mixing between a silica undersaturated basic magma (alkali basalt and hawaiite) and an acid magma (quartz-bearing trachyte). Three kinds of mixed rock types are described: basic inclusions within an acid host, « emulsified rocks » showing infracentimetric basic globules disseminated within an acid groundmass, and « banded rocks » in which elongated acid and basic zones alternate. The chemical compositions of mixed rocks plot systematically onto linear trends in petrographic diagrams. Microprobe analyses of the groundmass show similar linear variations between basic and acid end-members. The mineralogical associations of these mixed rocks are highly complex and present many disequilibrium features. Olivine is stable in the basic component and becomes rimmed by orthopyroxene in the acid one. Zoning patterns of feldspars are complex. Clinopyroxene, kaersutite and phlogopite phenocrysts have increasing component Mg contents from core to rim both in the basic and the acid. Titanomagnetite and hemoilmenite phenocrysts were equilibrated at 900-800° C under high oxygen fugacities.Mixing results primarily from a mechanical disintegration of partly liquid basic inclusions within their acid host, and also from a mechanical transfer of phenocrysts from one component to the other, in which they often remain surrounded by a coating of their original groundmass. Chemical data on the groundmass indicates that some « true » hybridization between coexisting acid and basic liquids may also have occurred. The extent of mixing is controlled by the type of emplacement. For pyroclastic deposits a chemical gap exists between basic inclusions and their acid hosts; in contrast, mechanical mixing was enhanced during the emplacement of the viscous Grande Cascade lava flow, and complete transitions occur between basic and acid components. The two end-members are genetically associated, the latter deriving from the former by crystal fractionation. Mixing appears as a late-stage phenomenon in the petrogenetic history of the Mont-Dore series; in the case of the Grande Cascade lava flow, its extent is primarily dependent on emplacement modalities.     

Textural, isotopic and REE variations in spinel peridotite xenoliths, Massif Central, France

Sr and Nd isotope analyses and REE patterns are presented for a suite of well-documented mantle-derived xenoliths from the French Massif Central. The xenoliths include spinel harzburgites, spinel lherzolites and some pyroxenites. They show a wide range of textures from undeformed protogranular material through porphyroclastic to equigranular and recrystallised secondary types. Textural differences are strongly linked to trace element geochemistry and variations in radiogenic isotope ratios. Many undeformed protogranular xenoliths are Type IA LREE-depleted with MORB-type ε_Sr values between − 30.7 and − 23.6, and ε_Nd values + 13.9 to + 9.4. A second group of undeformed xenoliths are Type IB LREE-enriched with higher ε_Sr values (− 22.7 to − 10.6) and lower ε_Nd values (+ 11.9 to + 5.6). Deformed xenoliths with porphyroclastic, equigranular and secondary recrystallised textures are all Type IB (LREE-enriched, ε_Nd < 6.4, ε_Sr > 11.8). It is proposed that two separate events have given rise to the observed mixing arrays: (1) MORB-source depleted mantle was enriched by a component derived from an enriched mantle. Deformation and recrystallisation accompanied this event. (2) Subsequently, unenriched MORB-source mantle interacted with magmas chemically akin to the host basalts, and enrichment occurred with little deformation. Hypotheses of Tertiary mantle diapirism resulting in isochemical deformation and refinement of protogranular mantle to equigranular mantle are untenable because of differences in REE patterns and isotopic ratios between different textural groups.     

Magma mixing at La Nugère Volcano (Chaîne des Puys,Massif Central,France): Role in the trachyandesites genesis

A succession of heterogeneous pyroclastites with contrasted composition (hawaiite-trachyte) and homogeneous intermediate lava flows (benmoreite) is present at Puy de la Nugère (Chaîne des Puys, Massif Central, France). Mineralogical disequilibrium assemblages are present in both the explosive en effusive products. Textural, mineralogical and geochemical data on these formations are compatible with a magma mixing model. The origin of the trachyandesitic rocks in the alkaline suite of Chaîne des Puys would be controlled by fractional crystallization and magma mixing.     

Direct dating of Plio-Quaternary pumices by Ar/Ar step-heating and single-grain laser fusion methods: the example of the Monts-Dore massif (Massif Central, France)

K-feldspars separated from Plio-Quaternary pumice flows of the Monts-Dore massif (Massif Central, France) give ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar saddle-shaped age spectra. Laser-probe analysis of hand-picked single grains gives ages in agreement with those of overlying and underlying lava flows previously dated by the conventional K-Ar method. The laser-probe ages are lower than the minimum ages measured on the populations of grains by the step-heating method. As previously suggested by Lo Bello and co-workers for the pumice flow of Neschers belonging to the same volcanic massif, the saddle-shaped age spectra are ascribed to the different Ar-release patterns of two populations of K-feldspars: (1) young sanidine phenocrysts of the pumices; and (2) old K-feldspars plucked from the Hercynian basement during the explosive eruption. Measurements of both the granitic rocks from surrounding areas and the granitic xenoliths included in pumices give ages around 330 Ma and show that most of the xenocrysts included in the pumices did not lose significant amounts of argon during the eruption. With the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar step-heating method, we were able to detect contamination of Quaternary K-feldspars by Hercynian K-feldspars as low as 0.25. Because pumice flows of the Monts-Dore massif crop out over large areas, these new ages will be useful for establishing a precise stratigraphy of the European Plio-Quaternary.     

Sediment Yield During Late Glacial and Holocene periods in the Lac Chambon Watershed,Massif Central,France

A sediment budget for the Late Glacial and Holocene periods was calculated for the Lac Chambon watershed which is located in a formerly glaciated temperate crystalline mountain area. It appears that over 15 500 years: (1) 69 per cent of eroded particles have been displaced by gravity processes and then stored within the watershed, compared to 31 per cent that have been displaced by running water and evacuated outward; (2) the mean mechanical erosion due to gravity processes on the slopes amounted to 16·1 ±6 m and only developed on a quarter of the watershed surface, whereas the mean mechanical erosion due to running water amounted 1·24 ± 0·37 m and involved the whole watershed surface. The mean sediment yields due to gravity processes on slopes were 2300 ± 1360, 1770 ± 960 and 380 ± 100 m³ km⁻³ a⁻¹, respectively, for basalts, and basic and acidic trachyandesites. Values of sediment yield due to running water were 49±15, 120±36 and 79±24 m³ km⁻² a⁻¹, respectively, during the Bôlling–Allerôd, the Younger Dryas and the Pre-Boreal–Boreal periods. They were 56±17 and 166±50 m³ km⁻² a⁻¹ during the Sub-Atlantic period before and after 1360 a BP , respectively. These values reflect variations in the natural environment and the impact of human-induced deforestation. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sr and Nd isotope geochemistry of coexisting alkaline magma series,Cantal, Massif Central,France

Sr and Nd isotope analyses are presented for Tertiary continental alkaline volcanics from Cantal, Massif Central, France. The volcanics belong to two main magma series, silica-saturated and silica-undersaturated (with rare nephelinites). Trace element and isotopic data indicate a common source for the basic parental magmas of both major series; the nephelinites in contrast must have been derived from a mantle source which is isotopically and chemically distinct from that which gave rise to the basalts and basanites.⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratios range from 0.7034 to 0.7056 in the main magma series (excluding rhyolites) and¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios vary between 0.512927 and 0.512669; both are correlated with increasing SiO₂ in the lavas. The data can be explained by a model of crustal contamination linked with fractional crystallisation. This indicates that crustal magma chambers are the sites of differentiation since only rarely do evolved magmas not show a crustal isotopic signature and conversely basic magmas have primitive isotopic ratios unless they contain obvious crustal-derived xenocrysts. Potential contaminants include lower crustal granulites or partial melts of upper crustal units. Equal amounts of contamination are required for both magma series, refuting hypotheses of selective contamination of the silica-saturated series.The isotopic characteristics of the apparently primary nephelinite lavas demonstrates widespread heterogeneity in the mantle beneath Cantal. Some rhyolites, previously thought to be extremely contaminated or to be crustally derived, are shown to have undergone post-emplacement hydrothermal alteration.     

Paleomagnetic evidence for low-temperature emplacement of the phreatomagmatic Peperino Albano ignimbrite (Colli Albani volcano, Central Italy)

The Peperino Albano (approximately 19–36 ka old) is a phreatomagmatic pyroclastic flow deposit, cropping out along the slopes of the associated Albano maar (Colli Albani volcano, Italy). The deposit exhibits lateral and vertical transitions from valley pond to veneer facies, as well as intracrater facies. We present the results of a paleomagnetic study of thermal remanent magnetization (TRM) of the lithic clasts of the Peperino Albano ignimbrite that provide quantitative estimates of the range of emplacement temperatures across the different facies of the ignimbrite. Emplacement temperatures estimated for the Peperino Albano ignimbrite range between 240° and 350°C, with the temperatures defined in the intracrater facies being generally lower than in the valley pond and veneer facies. This is possibly due to the large size of the sampled clasts in the intracrater facies which, when coupled with low temperature at the vent, were not completely heated throughout their volume during emplacement. The emplacement temperatures derived from the paleomagnetic results are in good agreement with the presence of un-burnt plants at the base of the ignimbrite, indicating that the temperature of the pyroclastic flow was lower than the temperature of ignition of wood. Paleomagnetic results from the Peperino Albano confirm the reliability of the paleomagnetic approach in defining the thermal history of pyroclastic flow deposits.     

四川江油-北川地区下石炭统灰岩的古地磁研究

对采于四川北部江油 北川地区 (31.4°N ,10 4 .3°E)下石炭统 39个采点的 334块灰岩标本进行了较为系统的古地磁学研究 ,结果表明 ,标本中剩磁方向具有明显的双分量特征 ,低温 (10 0～ 30 0℃ )分量在地理坐标系下与现代地磁场方向基本一致 ,且不能通过褶皱检验 ,应是现代地磁场的重磁化 ,中温 (30 0～ 4 80℃ )反极性分量在地层坐标系中具有高负倾角的特征 ,其形成可能与早侏罗世岩层的褶皱弯曲有关 .     

Paleomagnetic poles for the Carboniferous Brush Creek limestone and Buffalo siltstone from southwestern Pennsylvania

We report partial results of a larger project being undertaken in the Appalachian Basin to determine the character of the geomagnetic field in the Carboniferous. The Brush Creek limestone, which contains abundant terrigenous matter, yields reliable results from three different sites, while the overlying Buffalo siltstone appears at one locality. AF demagnetization curves, IRM acquisition curves, thermomagnetic analysis, and optical reflection microscopy indicate that the remanence carriers are magnetites or titanomagnetites, which are probably primary in origin. Stepwise AF demagnetization reveals that the best demagnetizing fields are 15–20 and 20–30 mT for the limestone and siltstone units, respectively. A total of 93 specimens from 20 samples (oriented hand samples and field-drilled cores) yields a paleopole at S 36.1, W 55.7, with an alpha-95 of 4.2° and a k of 13.1 for the Brush Creek limestone. The Buffalo siltstone paleopole is located at S 27.4, W 57.0, with alpha-95 = 6.1° and k = 13.0 using 45 specimens from 31 oriented hand samples. These results agree fairly well with the mean reversed Carboniferous paleopole and Noltimier's coal pole, but are sufficiently different to raise the possibility of doing magnetostratigraphic correlations.     

Paleomagnetic constraints on the Plio–Pleistocene geodynamic evolution of the external central–northern Apennines (Italy)

We report on new paleomagnetic results obtained from 27 sites sampled in the Plio–Pleistocene sequences at the external front of the central–northern Apennines. Previous analyses of Miocene (Messinian) sediments indicated that the present shape of the northern Apenninic arc is due to the oroclinal bending of an originally straight belt oriented around N320° and that vertical axis rotations accompanied the migration of the thrust fronts toward the Adriatic foreland [F. Speranza et al., J. Geophys. Res. 102 (1997) 3153–3166]. We tried to provide new paleomagnetic constraints for the timing and rates of the oroclinal bending process during the Pliocene and the Pleistocene. The results suggest that CCW rotations observed in the northern part of the studied area are possibly younger than 3 Ma. No regional rotation is recorded in the Pliocene and Pleistocene sediments from the southern part of the study area, analogously to the Messinian sediments of the ‘Acquasanta’ domain of Speranza et al. [F. Speranza et al., J. Geophys. Res. 102 (1997) 3153–3166]. A local significant CCW rotation (23°±10°) is identified in the Early Pleistocene sediments that crop out along the Adriatic coast between Ascoli and Pescara, indicating differential motion of the thrust sheets. This rotation must be younger than 1.43 Ma.     

Structural evolution of the Pleistocene Cimini trachytic volcanic complex (Central Italy)

Structural, geomorphological, geophysical and volcanological data have been processed for the implementation of a dedicated GIS through which the structural evolution of the Pleistocene trachytic Cimini volcano (central Italy) has been reconstructed. The evolution of the Cimini complex includes three main close-in time phases: (1) intrusion of a shallow laccolith, rising along NW and NE trending faults and stagnating at the contact between the Mesozoic-Cenozoic and the Pliocene-Pleistocene sedimentary units constituting the bedrock of the volcano; (2) emplacement of lava domes along radial and tangential fractures formed by the swelling induced by the laccolith growth; (3) ignimbrite eruptions and final effusion of olivine-latitic lavas. Domes are both of Pelean and low lava dome type and their morphology was controlled by the location on the inclined surface of the swelled area. Some domes show to have uplifted upper Pliocene thermally metamorphosed clay sediments, suggesting a cryptodome-like growth. Comparison of the top of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic units with the top of the upper Pliocene-Pleistocene sedimentary complex, suggests that the laccolith emplaced in a graben of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic sedimentary complex filled by the Pliocene–Pleistocene sediments uplifted by the shallow intrusion. Stress patterns acting on the Cimini area have been deduced analysing the drainage network and the morphotectonic lineaments. Rose diagrams show a large dispersion of the lineaments reflecting the local presence of radial and tangential fractures. The most frequent extensional NW and NE trending lineaments have regional significance and controlled the magma uprise leading to the laccolith emplacement.     

Paleomagnetic study of the Central Andes: Counterclockwise rotation of the Peruvian block

Paleomagnetic study was performed on Mesozoic and Tertiary rocks from Peru and northernmost Chile. Comparisons of these results as well as other data from the Central Andes with paleomagnetic poles from South American craton strongly support the orocline hypothesis of Carey for the formation of the Arica (Santa Cruz) deflection. Paleomagnetic declinations of Jurassic and Cretaeous rocks are quite similar to the direction of the present-day structural trend in the Central Andes, which suggests that the mountain belt has rotated in a coherent fashion (i.e., rigid body rotation) in sections of the Central Andes. The occurrence of this deformation is certainly post-Cretaceous, with some suggestion that rotation still continued as recently as Neogene. The mechanism of this deformation is not well known, but a differential stretching of the Amazon Basin behind the Peruvian Andes is a possibility.     

Distinguishing volcanic debris avalanche deposits from their reworked products: the Perrier sequence (French Massif Central)

Debris avalanches associated with volcanic sector collapse are usually high-volume high-mobility phenomena. Debris avalanche deposit remobilisation by cohesive debris flows and landslides is common, so they can share textural characteristics such as hummocks and jigsaw cracks. Distinguishing original deposits from reworked products is critical for geological understanding and hazard assessment because of their different origin, frequency and environmental impact. We present a methodology based on field evidence to differentiate such epiclastic breccias. Basal contact mapping constrained by accurate altitude and location data allows the reconstruction of deposit stratigraphy and geometry. Lithological analysis helps to distinguish the different units. Incorporation structures, kinematic indicators and component mingling textures are used to characterise erosion and transport mechanisms. We apply this method to the enigmatic sequence at Perrier (French Massif Central), where four units (U1–U4) have been interpreted either as debris flow or debris avalanche deposits. The sequence results from activity on the Monts Dore Volcano about 2 Ma ago. The epiclastic units are matrix supported with an almost flat top. U2 and U3 have clear debris flow deposit affinities such as rounded clasts and intact blocks (no jigsaw cracks). U1 and U4 have jigsaw cracked blocks with matrix injection and stretched sediment blocks. U1 lacks large blocks (>10 m wide) and has a homogenous matrix with an upward increase of trapped air vesicle content and size. This unit is interpreted as a cohesive debris flow deposit spawned from a debris avalanche upstream. In contrast, U4 has large mega-blocks (up to 40 m wide), sharp contacts between mixed facies zones with different colours and numerous jigsaw fit blocks (open jigsaw cracks filled by monogenic intra-clast matrix). Mega-blocks are concentrated near the deposit base and are spatially associated with major substratum erosion. This deposit has a debris avalanche distal facies with local debris flow affinities due to partial water saturation. We also identify two landslide deposits (L1 and L2) resulting from recent reworking that has produced a similar facies to U1 and U4. These are distinguishable from the original deposits, as they contain blocks of mixed U1/U4 facies, a distinctly less consolidated and more porous matrix and a fresh hummocky topography. This work shows how to differentiate epiclastic deposits with similar characteristics, but different origins. In doing so, we improve understanding of present and past instability of the Monts Dore and identify present landslide hazards at Perrier.     

The Structure of the Ushishir Volcanic Massif,Central Kurils

This study is concerned with the Ushishir volcanic massif, which is an ideal place for routine observations of the interaction between products of gas-charged hydrothermal activities and seawater. The Kraternaya Bay was studied by performing a detailed echo sounding and continuous seismoacoustic profiling, while the environs of Ushishir Island were echo-sounded and studied by continuous seismoacoustic profiling and hydromagnetic surveying. We provide results from an interpretation of these surveys. The Ushishir massif structure is described. The hypothesis is proposed that an ancient caldera exists in the area of Yankich Island that is up to 5 km across. The evolution of the Ushishir volcanic massif is inferred.     

Geochemistry and petrology of meta-igneous granulitic xenoliths in Neogene volcanic rocks of the Massif Central,France — implications for the lower crust

Meta-igneous mafic and ultramafic rocks, which constitute about 60% of the granulitic xenoliths enclosed in the Neogene alkali basalts of the Bournac pipe (French Massif Central) have well preserved magmatic trends of element variations. The meta-igneous suite was probably derived from at least two different parental magmas and it may be a part of a gabbroic complex which resembles mafic bodies associated with anorthosites. The xenoliths are also very similar to many other granulitic xenoliths and to meta-igneous mafic granulitic massifs. This indicates that the gabbroic intrusions may be widespread in the lower crust and the close association of gabbroic rocks with meta-sedimentary granulites suggests a model for the composition of the lower continental crust.     

Interannual (1999-2005) morphodynamic evolution of macro-tidal salt marshes in Mont-Saint-Michel Bay (France)

This paper provides a detailed study on the sedimentation patterns and the recent morphodynamic evolution affecting the macro-tidal salt marshes located west of the Mont-Saint-Michel (France). Twenty-two stations along three transects on the marshes were seasonally monitored for marsh surface level variations from 1999 to 2005, using a sediment erosion bar. The corresponding erosion/accretion rates were obtained together with data on topography, vegetation cover, and grain size of surface sediment. To examine the mechanisms contributing to the salt marsh sedimentation, the data and their evolution were treated with respect to tides, relative mean regional sea level, and wind speed/frequency variations.From 1999 to 2005, the marsh was globally accreting (from 3.45 to 38.11 mm yr⁻¹ in the low marsh, up to 4.91 mm yr⁻¹ in the middle marsh, and up to 1.35 mm yr⁻¹ in the high marsh), while the study was conducted during a window of decreasing trend in mean regional sea level (−2.45 mm yr⁻¹ according to regional-averaged time series). These sedimentation rates are one of the highest recorded worldwide; however, the sedimentation was not found to be continuous over the period in question. This pattern is illustrated by the strong extension of the marshes from 1999 to 2002, and the relative stability observed from 2003 to 2005. The imported and reworked sediments are trapped and fixed by the dense vegetation (Puccinellia maritima, Halimione portulacoides), inducing the general seaward extension of the marshes. The processes governing sediment budget (accretion/erosion) show annual, seasonal, and spatial variability on the marsh. Spatial variations display contrasted patterns of erosion/sedimentation between the low, middle, and high marsh, and between the different transects. These patterns are a result of distance from sediment sources, strong heterogeneity in vegetation cover (human induced or not), and contrasting topographic and micro-topographic characteristics. The higher accretion rates are observed in distal settings in the low marsh, and strongly decrease toward the middle and high marsh. This evolution results from a decrease in accommodation space/water column thickness, and frequency of inundation coupled with an increase in station elevation, but also from the cumulated effects of vegetation cover and micro-topography. The vegetation cover of the low and middle marsh enhance the settling and fixing of fine sediments imported through tides or dispersed by flood and ebb currents.The seasonal evolution of the marshes is marked by contrasting effects of water storage in the sediment. The overall seasonal sediment budget is controlled by the variation of the frequency of inundation relative to tidal range and marshes topography. Autumns are influenced by the tide (equinoxes), relative mean regional sea level, and variations in wind speed/frequency. Winter wind speed and frequency in relation with tidal variations appear to be the main parameters regulating winter marsh evolution. Summers are predominantly under the influence of local variations in water storage (desiccation) while external parameters generally display a low influence. Although it is not governed by any one parameter, springtime sediment budget seems to result from strong interaction between the above-cited parameters, despite the significant frequency of inundation (equinoxes).