Carbonate platform growth influenced by contemporaneous basaltic intrusion (Albian of Larrano, Spain)

Abstract Carbonate platform growth in active tectonic settings may be strongly influenced by the structural evolution of the basin, including volcanic activity. In this paper, the sedimentary–tectonic evolution of the Duranguesado carbonate platform (Larrano) in northern Spain is described, and an evolutionary depositional model is presented. The Albian Duranguesado carbonate platform deposits are dominated by rudist and coral limestones with small intervening argillaceous limestone-filled troughs (10–30 m deep). The platform succession is divided into two parts. The lower platform deposits were intruded by volcanics and tilted before the deposition of the upper platform succession. A volcanic vent plug filling an upward-flaring pipe occurs in the lower carbonate platform succession. The timing of intrusion is well constrained to the early Albian. Tectonic extension and active deep-seated strike-slip faults induced magma ascent at a fault intersection. Sedimentological analysis of these areas indicates that, before volcanic intrusion, they acted as weakened zones of extension, and were slightly more subsident basinal areas. These sites contain anomalous accumulations of siliceous sponge spicule deposits, linked to the release of hydrothermal fluids on the sea floor. After the phase of intrusion, tilting and erosion of the platform and its associated volcanic products occurred. As the intrusion cooled, the platform downwarped, leading to the formation of an overlying perched capping basin bordered by carbonate platforms. Over the volcanic plug, carbonate mounds grew on local palaeohighs. The presence of strike-slip and magma emplacement in the Duranguesado platform is related to movements between the Iberian and European lithospheric plates, which were accommodated by rotation and lateral movement of the crust along wrench faults.