A deformed Pliocene-Quaternary alluvial and red paleosol succession in the Eastern Betics: Paleomagnetic,rock-magnetic and sedimentological pilot study

Summary An integrated pilot paleomagnetic and sedimentological study has been conducted in the Neogene-Quaternary infilling materials of the Bajo Segura Basin (Eastern Betics, SE Spain). The studied sediments belong to the youngest (late Pliocene-Quaternary) lithostratigraphic unit of the basin (P-Q unit). The statistical analysis of tectonic striations and stylolitic dissolutions on the conglomerate limestone clasts indicates a NNW-SSE maximum compression direction. This is in accordance with the principal susceptibility axes, determined from the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility measurements (AMS) of the interbedded siltstones where the Kmax axis group in a subhorizontal N 080° E direction.A total of 45 core samples have been collected from 16 stratigraphic siltstone levels encompassing the described section at Crevillente with the aim to establish a magnetochronology. Upwards in the section the NRM intensity and bulk susceptibility vary from 10^–2 to 10^–3 A/m and from 1550 to 100 × 10^–6 SI, respectively. The mean characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) after bedding correction (Dec/Inc = 10°/60°, ₉₅ = 8.7°, k = 15.9) is deviated slightly towards the E from the reference N direction, and could reflect a deflection related to the observed magnetic fabric although no clear correlation exists with AMS parameters. The derived magnetostratigraphy reveals only one reversal boundary within the upper third of the section, delimiting an upper reversal magnetozone which has been tentatively correlated with the Olduwai subchron close to the Plio-Pleistocene boundary.Pilot and preliminary rock-magnetic experiments and standard X-ray difraction (XRD) analysis have been performed on typical samples in order to establish the carriers of magnetization and characterize the sedimentological and magnetic-acquisition processes in these sediments. Magnetic carriers seem to be dominated by magnetite with a relative grain size within the PSD state (pseudo single-domain) threshold, but closer to the MD (multi domain) threshold, which favours the detrital origin for the magnetite.     

Generation of earth stratified models compatible with both ellipticity and phase velocity observations of Rayleigh waves

In the eigenvalue eigenvector decomposition used in inversion techniques, we can sometimes obtain eigenvalues close to zero. Related to these eigenvalues close to zero, a set of stratified earth models is generated. These are compatible with the theoretical observations according to a given model. The method is applied to ellipticities and phase velocities of Rayleigh waves, and supply proof of the advantage of working with both sets of data together.     

Periodic orbits of the generalized Friedmann–Robertson–Walker Hamiltonian systems

The averaging theory of first order is applied to study a generalization of the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker Hamiltonian systems with three parameters. We provide sufficient conditions on the three parameters of the generalized system to guarantee the existence of continuous families of periodic orbits parameterized by the energy, and these families are given up to first order in a small parameter.     

Magnetostratigraphic and cyclostratigraphic calibration of a prospective Palaeocene/Eocene stratotype at Zumaia (Basque Basin, northern Spain)

ABSTRACT Detailed magnetostratigraphic work at the Palaeocene/Eocene boundary interval in the Zumaia section has led to a precise delineation of the position of polarity Chron C25n from −35.0 m (or −35.7 m) to −25.2 m below the base of the Carbon Isotopic Excursion that marks the Palaeocene/Eocene boundary. This chronostratigraphic constraint suggests that the lithological carbonate–marl couplets making up most of the studied section are the expression of orbital precession cycles, and confirms the expanded and continuous nature of the section, with mean sediment accumulation rates of ∼ 2.5 cm kyr⁻¹. The new data render Zumaia a unique land-based marine section with available magnetostratigraphic data coupled to cyclostratigraphy. The revised chronostratigraphic framework presented supports previous cyclostratigraphic calibration of the latest Palaeocene geomagnetic timescale; it should facilitate better assessment of the different chemobiostratigraphic events that span this critical interval as a consequence of past climate and oceanographic change. Consequently, the Zumaia section is proposed as a candidate Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the Palaeocene/Eocene boundary.     

Diagenetic evolution of lower Jurassic platform carbonates flanking the Tazoult salt wall (Central High Atlas,Morocco)

Platform carbonates diagenesis in salt basins could be complex due to potential alterations of fluids related and non-related to diapirism. This paper presents the diagenetic history of the Hettangian to Pliensbachian platform carbonates from the Tazoult salt wall area (central High Atlas, Morocco). Low structural relief and outcrop conditions allowed to define the entire diagenetic evolution occurred in the High Atlas diapiric basins since early stages of the diapiric activity up to their tectonic inversion. Precipitation of dolomite and calcite from both warmed marine-derived and meteoric fluids characterised diagenetic stages during Pliensbachian, when the carbonate platforms were exposed and karstified. Burial diagenesis occurred from Toarcian to Middle Jurassic, due to changes of salt-induced dynamic related to increase in siliciclastic input, fast diapir rise and rapid burial of Pliensbachian platforms. During this stage, the diapir acted as a physical barrier for fluid circulation between the core and the flanking sediments. In the carbonates and breccias flanking the structures, dolomite and calcite precipitated from basinal brines, whereas carbonate slivers located in the core of the structure, were affected by the circulation of Mn-rich fluids. The final diagenetic event is characterised by the income of meteoric fluids into the system during uplift caused by Alpine orogeny. These results highlight the relevant influence of diapirism on the diagenetic modifications in salt-related basins in terms of diagenetic events and involved fluids.     

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The Last Pterosaurs: First Record from the Uppermost Maastrichtian of the Tremp Syncline (Northern Spain)

Pterosaur bones are for the first time reported from the Tremp Syncline(Spain) and the southern Pyrenees.They come from the Torrebilles-2 site(Isona,Lleida Province) in the upper Maastrichtian part of the Tremp Formation,which falls within the C29r magnetochron.Fragmentary long bones are referred to the Pterosauria based on their cortical thinness,micro-architecture,and histological features.They belong to very large to possibly giant individuals.The most complete specimen is possibly a partial right femur.The review of the Maastrichtian pterosaur record shows that only a few specimens can be referred to the C29r(which contains the K/Pg boundary).The identification of fragmentary remains could improve our knowledge about the abundance and distribution of these flying sauropsids just before the end-Cretaceous mass extinction.