Visiting the Monduver geologic dome II
Students of the third course of Geology of the Alicante University within the subject of Regional Geology: visit Jarafuel triassic section, Montealegre del Castillo triassic section, Sot de Chera Jurassic section and Monduver geologic dome.
The picture shows exposition of the teacher on the Monduver peak.
New project to study sedimentary basins.
The Spanish research agency (Agencia Estatal de Investigación) of the Spanish Science and innovation minister (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación) has conceded a new project to study the Cenozoic sedimentary basins entitle as “EVOLUCION TECTONO-DEPOSICIONAL DE CUENCAS SEDIMENTARIAS CENOZOICAS: CARACTERIZACION 2D-3D Y MEJORA DE PATRONES ESTANDAR” (PID2020-114381GB-I00).
This research project will develop techniques for the analysis of various types of Cenozoic sedimentary basins in a general compressive or convergent framework (associated with strike-slip faults, transported -piggy-back or wedge-top-, and complex foreland systems). The stratigraphic architecture, biostratigraphic control of the different sedimentary bodies, stratigraphic discontinuities will be studied, as well as sediments sources (both terrigeneous and biogenic) through mineralogical, petrographic and geochemical studies.
TEAM
Principal investigator: Manuel Martín-Martín (Alicante University)
Jesús M. Soria (Alicante University)
Manuel Bullejos Lorenzo (Granada University)
Antonio Sánchez Navas (Granada University)
Agustín Martín-Algarra (Granada University)
José Enrique Tent-Manclús (Alicante University)
Josep Tosquella (Huelva University)
Carlos Ureña Almagro (Granada University)
Fernando Pérez-Valera (Alicante University)
Francisco Javier Alcalá-García (Instituto Geológico y Minero de España, IGME)
Estelle Mortimer (University of Leeds)
Douglas Patton (University of Leeds)
Francesco Perri (Calabria University)
Salvatore Critelli (Calabria University)
Crina Miclaus (Alexandru Ioan Cuza University)
Francisco Serrano (Malaga University)
Tectono-sedimentary Cenozoic evolution of the El Habt and Ouezzane Tectonic Units (External Rif, Morocco)
An interdisciplinary study based on lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, petrographic and mineralogical analyses has been performed in order to stablish the Cenozoic tectono-sedimentary evolution of the El Habt and Ouezzane Tectonic Units (Intrarif Subzone, External Rif, Morocco). The reconstructed record allowed identification of the depositional architecture and related sedimentary processes of the considered units. The Cenozoic successions were bio-chronologically defined allowing, at the same time, identification of unconformities and associated stratigraphic gaps.
The presence of five unconformities allowed to define the main stratigraphic units arranged in a regressive trend: (1) lower Paleocene interval (Danian p.p.) assigned to a deep basin; (2) Eocene interval (lower Ypresian-lower Bartonian p.p.) from a deep basin to an external carbonate-siliceous platform; (3) lower Rupelian-upper Chattian p.p. interval deposited on unstable slope with turbidite channels passing upward to an external siliciclastic platform; (4) Burdigalian p.p. interval from a slope; (5) Langhian-Serravallian p.p. interval from slope to external platform realms. The petrography of the arenites and calcarenites allowed to identify supplies derived from erosion of a recycled orogen (transitional and quartzose sub-types).
The clay-mineralogy analysis indicates an unroofing (first erosion of Cretaceous terrains followed by upper Jurassic rocks) always accomplished by erosion of Cenozoic terrains. Several tectofacies checked in some stratigraphic intervals seems to indicate the beginning of deformation of the basement generating gentle folds and first activation of blind thrusts, mainly during the Paleogene. A pre-orogenic tectonic framework is considered as risponse to the generalized tectonic inversion (from extension to compression) as frequently registered in the central-western peri-Mediterranean areas. The large volumes of reworked terrigeneous supply during the latest Oligocene-Miocene p.p. indicates the beginnigs of the syn-orogenic sedimentation (foredeep stage of the basins) controlled by active tectonics.
Middle Eocene carbonate platforms of the westernmost Tethys
A study of the paleoenvironmental evolution of the middle Eocene platforms recognized in the westernmost Tethys has been carried out in the well exposed middle Eocene succession from Sierra Espuña-Mula basin (Betic Cordillera, S Spain). Eight microfacies (Mf1 to Mf8) have been recognized, based mainly on fossil assemblages (principally larger benthic foraminifera), and rock texture and fabric.
The fossiliferous assemblage can be asigned to the ‘subtropical’ heterozoan association or to the low-latitude ‘foralgal facies’ , which are dominated by non-framework building, light-dependent biota such as perforate larger benthic foraminifera, coralline algae, and sometimes green algae and solitary corals. Larger benthic foraminifer assemblages, corresponding from euphotic to oligophotic conditions and the large surface showed, suggest a progressive marine ramp under essentially oligotrophic conditions. Eventually, supply of detrital sediments from the continent and/or upwelling currents increasse the nutrients of marine waters. Comparision with other Tethyan sectors allows stating that coral-reef buildups (z-corals) were widespread on shallow platforms of the central and eastern Tethys Ocean, but that these were neither of great dimensions nor dominant because of the much more dominant presence of larger benthic foraminifera. Moreover, these coral constructions were completely absents in the westernmost Tethys. The dominance of larger benthic foraminifera and the absence of z-corals in the westernmost Tethys is explained by particular paleogeographic features due to the occurrence of a narrow and deep oceanic branch (i.e., the Maghrebian Flysch Basin) connecting the Tethys with the Atlantic Ocean.
The various issues regarding the morphological characters and evolution of larger benthic foraminifera in the study area, such as sizes of tests, specific diversity and/or intraspecific variability, number of appearances and last occurrences during the middle Eocene are analyzed and compared with those appearing in other Tethyan sectors. In addition, the early to late Bartonian boundary is recognized in the study area as critical for the biological change as in other shallow-marine environments along the Tethys margins.
Sedimentary History and Palaeogeography of the Cenozoic clastic wedges of the Malaguide Complex, Internal Betic Cordillera, Southern Spain
The Cenozoic sedimentary cover of the Malaguide Complex (Internal Betic Cordillera, Spain), in the Almería and Málaga areas, consists of a suite of sedimentary successions from continental and shallow-marine to deep-marine environments. Structural and stratigraphic relations, and petrological and geochemical signatures reveal the sedimentary evolution of the Cenozoic Malaguide Complex (CMC) from pre-orogenic (Palocene-Eocene) to syn-orogenic (Oligocene-Early Miocene) stages.
Sandstones detrital modes of the overall succession are heterogeneous testifying to a multi-source area, marked by exhumation of the Malaguide basement terranes and of the Internal Betic Zone (Alpujárride Complex) in lower position. Pre-orogenic and syn-orogenic strata consist of four main depositional sequences: the Mula Group (Paleocene), the Xiquena Group (Eocene) for the preorogenic successions; and Ciudad Granada Group (Oligocene-Aquitanian) and Viñuela Group (Burdigalian) for the synorogenic successions. Pre-orogenic strata evolve from intra-arenite to hybrid arenites to progressive increase of sandstones in abundance of detrital supply from sedimentary cover of the internal Betic units. The unroofing history of the internal Betic Units, predominantly in the Malaguide Complex, is clearly testified in strata of the synorogenic clastic units, where detrital supply is coming from the Malaguide Complex. Sedimentary lithic fragments were derived from the Mesozoic strata of the Malaguide Complex while metamorphic detritus is related to the Internal Betic Zone basement that was exhumed starting from the Oligocene. Pre-orogenic mudrocks mainly show abundance of calcite and dolomite over quartz and phyllosilicates. Syn-orogenic mudrocks, record an abrupt decrease in calcite and dolomite and an increase of phyllosilicate, quartz and feldspars mainly in the Malaga section. The geochemical signatures attest to a compositional variation of the samples from pre-to-synorogenic successions, with palaeoweathering indices showing moderate values and a weak up-section decrease. The Cenozoic Malaguide Complex played a key role in the geodynamic evolution of the Betic Cordillera, representing the key tectonic element of the western Mesomediterranean domains.
Cite as: Critelli, S., Martín-Martín, M., Capobianco, W., Perri, F., 2021. Sedimentary history and palaeogeography of the Cenozoic clastic wedges of the Malaguide Complex, Internal Betic Cordillera, southern Spain. Mar. Pet. Geol. 124, 104775. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2020.104775
Visiting the Monduver geologic dome
Students of the third course of Geology of the Alicante University within the subject of Regional Geology: visit Jarafuel triassic section, Montealegre del Castillo triassic section, Sot de Chera Jurassic section, Valencia Albufera, and Monduver geologic dome.
The dome was investigated during the 70s as was drilled by the Jaraco borehole.
Mula field work
Students of the third course of Geology of the Alicante University within the subject of Mapping 2: visit North of Mula village. Working in the Malaguide complex non-metamorphic rocks.
The visit took place from October 21th until 24th of 2020 and the professor in charge was Manuel Martín-Martín.
The Huelva Group: Josep Tosquella
Josep Tosquella Angrill graduated in Geological Sciences in 1985 from the University of Barcelona. He obtained his doctorate from the University of Barcelona in 1995, having studied the Nummulitinae of the Paleocene-Early Eocene of the south-Pyrenean Basin. Their teaching history begins at the Faculty of Geology of the University of Barcelona as Assistant Professor LRU (1990-1998). From 1999 to 2001 teach as a Full-time Associate Professor in the Department of Geology of the Faculty of Experimental Sciences of the University of Huelva, and on October 17 of 2001 he take part as Full University Professor at this University at the Department of Earth Sciences (Palaeontology area). His recent research activity is mainly focused on the following lines: a) Large Benthic Foraminifera (Nummulitids) in the Cenozoic sediments of the Pyrenean, Betic and Vasco-Cantabrian areas: Systematics, Paleoecology, Paleobiogeography, Biochronostratigraphy and usefulness in Intercontinental Stratigraphic Correlations, and b) Geoarchaeology of the Tinto-Odiel Estuary (Huelva, SW Spain): Morphosedimentary evolution and peopling.
Recent papers:
- Martín-Martín, M., Guerrera, F., Tosquella, J., Tramontana, M., Paleocene-Lower Eocene carbonate platforms of westernmost Tethys. Sedimentary Geology, 404, 105674.
- Ruiz, F., Rodríguez-Vidal, J.,Cáceres, L.M.,Olías, M., González-Regalado, M.L., Campos, J.M., Bermejo, J., Abad, M., Izquierdo, T.,Carretero, M.I.,Pozo, M.,Monge, P.,Tosquella, J., Prudencio, M.I., Dias, M.I.,Marques, R., Gómez, P., Toscano, Romero, V., 2020. Silver and copper as pollution tracers in Neogene to Holocene estuarine sediments from southwestern Spain. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 150, 110704.
- Ruiz, F., Gómez, G., González-Regalado, M.L., Rodríguez-Vidal, J.,Cáceres, L.M.,Gómez, P., Clemente, M.J., Bermejo, J., Campos, J., Toscano, A., Abad, M., Izquierdo, T., Muñoz, J.M., Carretero, M.I.,Prudencio, M.I.,Dias, M.I.,Marques, R.,Tosquella, J., Monge, P., 2020. A multidisciplinary analysis of shell deposits from Saltés Island (SW Spain): The origin of a new Roman shell midden. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 538, 109416.
- González-Regalado, M.L., Romero, V., Abad, M., Tosquella, J., Izquierdo, T., Gómez, P., Clemente, M.J., Toscano, A., Rodríguez-Vidal, J., Cáceres, L.M., Muñoz, J.M., Prudêncio, M.I., Dias, M.I., Marques, R., García, E.X.M., Carretero, M.I., Ruiz, F., Monge, G., 2019. Late Tortonian-Middle Messinian palaeoenvironmental changes in the western Betic Strait (SW Spain). Ameghiniana, 56 (4), 336-360.
- Astibia, H., Payros, A., Ortiz, S., Elorza, J., Álvarez-Pérez, G., Badiola, A., Bardet, N., Berreteaga, A., Calzada, S., Corral, J.C., Díaz-Martínez, I., Merle, D., Pacaud, J.M., Pereda-Suberbiola, X., Pisera, A., Rodríguez-Tovar, F., Tosquella, J., Bitner, M.A., 2016. Fossil associations from the middle and upper Eocene strata of the Pamplona Basin and surrounding areas (Navarre, western Pyrenees). Journal of Iberian Geology, 42 (1), 7-28.
- Payros, A., Pujalte, V., Orue-Etxebarria, X., Apellaniz, E., Bernaola, G., Baceta, J.I., Caballero, F., Dinarès-Turell, J., Monechi, S., Ortiz, S., Schmitz, B. y Tosquella, J., The relevance of iberian sedimentary successions for paleogene stratigraphy and timescales. In Montenari, M. (Ed.): Stratigraphy & Timescales (Vol. I): 393-466, Academic Press publications, ELSEVIER, Amsterdam.
- Molina, E., Alegret, L., Apellaniz, E., Bernaola, G., Caballero, F., Dinarès-Turell, J., Hardenbol, J., Heilmann-Clausen, C., Larrasoaña, J.C., Luterbacher, H.P., Monechi, S., Ortiz, S., Orue-Etxebarria, X., Payros, A., Pujalte, V., Rodríguez-Tovar, F., Tosquella, J. y Uchman, A., 2011. The Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base of the Lutetian Stage at the Gorrondatxe section, Spain. Episodes, 34 (2), 86-108.
- Payros, A., Dinarès-Turell, J., Bernaola, G., Orue-Etxebarria, X., Apellaniz, E. y Tosquella, J., 2011. On the age of the Early/Middle Eocene boundary and other related events: cyclostratigraphic refinements from the Pyrenean Otsakar section and the Lutetian GSSP. Geological Magazine, 148 (3), 442-460.
- Astibia, H., Bardet, N., Pereda-Suberbiola, X., Payros, A., Buffrénil, V. de, Elorza, J., Tosquella, J., Berreteaga, A. y Badiola, A., 2010. New fossils of Sirenia from the Middle Eocene of Navarre (Western Pyrenees): the oldest West European sea cow record. Geological Magazine, 147 (5), 665-673.
- Payros, A., Pujalte, V., Tosquella, J. y Orue-Etxebarria, X., 2010. The Eocene storm-dominated foralgal ramp of the western Pyrenees (Urbasa-Andia Formation): an analogue of future shallow-marine carbonate systems?Sedimentary Geology, 228 (3-4), 184-204.
The Granada Group: Antonio Sánchez-Navas
Antonio Sánchez-Navas has been doing research in the fields of crystallography, mineralogy and petrology. The publication list of mineralogy includes papers in American Mineralogist, European Journal of Mineralogy, Canadian Mineralogist y Clays and Clay minerals. His research activities focussed on the field of crystallography have been published in Crystal Growth and Design and Journal of Crystal Growth. Publications about geochemistry include papers in important international journals as Geochimica et Cosmochimica y Chemical Geology; about Geology, in journals as Geology, Journal of Geology, Journal of Metamorphic Geology and Terranova; about sedimentology in Sedimentology; about environmental sciences and cultural heritage in Journal of Geophysical Research, Atmospheric Environment, Geoderma, Archaeometry and Journal of Cultural Heritage. He has worked as scientific and technical advisor of the Scientific Instrumentation Center of the University of Granada (1989-present). Among the works carried out, it is worth mentioning the development of the backscattered electron diffraction (EBSD) for the textural analysis of geological materials in our laboratories.
– López-Quirós, A., Sánchez-Navas, A., Nieto, F., Escutia C. (2020): New insights into the nature of glauconite. American Mineralogist, 105, 674-686. https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2020-7341.
– Chen, X. Y., Teng, F. Z., Sanchez, W. R., Romanek, C. S., Sanchez-Navas, A., Sánchez-Román, M.(2020): Experimental constraints on magnesium isotope fractionation during abiogenic calcite precipitation at room temperature. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 281, 102-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2020.04.033.
– López-Quirós, A., Escutia, C., Sánchez-Navas, A., Nieto, F., Garcia-Casco, A., Martín-Algarra, A., Evangelinos, D., Salabarna, A. (2019) Glaucony authigenesis, maturity and alteration in the Weddell Sea: An indicator of paleoenvironmental conditions before the onset of Antarctic glaciation. Scientific Reports 9:13580. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-50107-1.
– Hernández-Laguna, A., Pérez del Valle, C., Hernández-Haro, N., Ortega-Castro, J., Muñoz-Santiburcio, D., Vidal, I., Sánchez-Navas, A., Escamilla-Roa, E., Sainz-Díaz, C. I. (2019): Compressibility of 2M1 muscovite-phlogopite series minerals. Journal of Molecular Modeling 25:341. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00894-019-4218-x.
– Farré-de-Pablo, J., Proenza, J. A., González-Jiménez, J. M., Garcia-Casco, A., Colás, V., Roqué-Rossell, J., Camprubí, A., Sánchez-Navas, A. (2018): A shallow origin for diamonds in ophiolitic chromitites. Geology, 47 (1), 75-78. https://doi.org/10.1130/G45640.1.
– Díaz-Hernández, J. L., Sánchez-Navas, A., Delgado, A., Yepes, J., García-Casco, A. (2018): Textural and isotopic evidence for Ca-Mg carbonate pedogenesis. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 222, 485-507. doi: 10.1016/j.gca.2017.11.006.
– Sánchez-Navas, A., García-Casco, A., Mazzoli, S., Martín-Algarra, A. (2017): Polymetamorphism in the Alpujarride Complex, Betic Cordillera, south Spain. The Journal of Geology, 125, 637-657. doi: 10.1086/693862.
University of Alicante Group: Dr. Manuel Martín-Martín
Manuel Martín Martín graduated in Geological Sciences from the University of Granada in 1990. He obtained a research grant from the FPI plan of the Ministry of Education and Science (1993-1996) and received his doctorate from the University of Granada in 1996, having studied the Tertiary of Maláguide Domain in Sierra Espuña (Bética Internal Zones). He obtained a postdoctoral fellowship from the FPI plan of the Ministry of Education and Science (1997-1998) to study the Paleogene of the Corbiéres and Minervois sector (SE, France) at the Université Paul Sabatier in Toulouse (France). He is professor at the University of Alicante from the end of 1998. Since July 25, 2002, he has been a Full Professor at the University of Alicante at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (Internal Geodynamics area). Currently he is working on the tectono-sedimentary evolution of Cenozoic basins, being the Head Researcher of the Group of the University of Alicante: “Geodynamic evolution of the eastern Betic mountain range and the Alicante marine platform”.
Recent papers:
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