A comparison of the stratigraphic record between two different branches of the Tethys is attempted for the first\u00a0time. This study concerns the main Oligocene-Miocene tectono-sedimentary events in the Cenozoic units of\u00a0the Moldavidian Basin (Romanian Eastern Carpathians) and the Maghrebian Flysch Basin (Maghrebian Chain\u00a0and its lateral extension in the Betic and Southern Apennine Chains). Both basins are characterized by three\u00a0main general Oligo-Miocene successions (internal, mixed, and external) corresponding to three subdomains\u00a0controlled by the geological evolution of opposite plate (or microplate) margins and affected by a similar tectonic\u00a0evolution. The successions of the three subdomains of the two basins show very similar features regarding\u00a0stratigraphic records (lithofacies and petrofacies associations, unconformities, marker-levels, age), and the\u00a0space-time sediment supply diversification (i.e., immature and super-mature arenites coming from opposite\u00a0margins). Furthermore, pre-, syn- and post-orogenic successions have been identified in the geological\u00a0reconstructions of both basins. The tectonic control on depositional processes (i.e., a large amount of siliciclastic\u00a0supply confined in restricted time ranges, widespread volcaniclastites linked to acid-intermediate\u00a0penecontemporaneous volcanic activity), and the appearance of indicators of syn-sedimentary tectonic activity\u00a0(turbidites, slumps, and olistostromes) result in correlable events related to deformation phases that in turn\u00a0are indicative of a similar evolution. Also, the basinal evolutionary stages (i.e., beginning of terrigenous supply,\u00a0thrust-top basin formation and gravitational sliding, molassic and\/or intramontane sedimentary cycles), the\u00a0timing of deformation phases (drifting, foredeep), and geotectonic events (from extension to compression and\u00a0post-orogenic deformation) seem to be similar. All results are encompassed in an evolutionary geodynamic\u00a0model considered in the context of the Africa-Europe convergence where intermediate microplates are involved.\u00a0This complex framework implies a progressive reorientation of convergence direction of these microplates\u00a0that occurs during similar geodynamic events leading to the closure of the western Tethys Ocean and its related\u00a0late-Alpine branches. This comparative approach, if applied to similar evolutionary phases of other mountain\u00a0chains, can be useful for different geological contexts of other orogenic belts, especially to check the major general\u00a0geological constraints for their evolution.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.ua.es\/westerntethys\/files\/2019\/12\/carpatos.png\")
Paleogeographic evolutionary sketches of thewestern Tethyan domains for Cretaceous (A), Oligocene (B), Aquitanian (C) and Langhian (D). Relationships between microplates and basins, tectonic transport, and opening and closing of basins are shown (based also on data fromGuerrera et al., 1993, 2012a, 2012b, Belayouni et al., 2009; Amadori et al., 2012; Guerrera and Mart\u00edn-Mart\u00edn, 2014).<\/p><\/div>\n