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A special issue of Geosciences (ISSN 2076-3263). This special issue belongs to the section "Structural Geology and Tectonics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2020) | Viewed by 27590

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Dr. Manuel Martín-Martín

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Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
Interests: sedimentary basins; Cenozoic; tectono-sedimentary evolution; classical studies; 2D-3D modelling; deformation-compaction corrections
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Dear Colleagues,

The study of the tectono-sedimentary evolution of basins is a capital topic with many scientific and economic derivations, developed in the last several decades. Usually, basin studies are focused on the evolution of sedimentary patterns of the sedimentary basins and based in classical geology. In other cases, the goal is the articulating structures of the basin development. In many cases, 2D and 3D models are presented for each kind of sedimentary basin, even including corrections of deformation and compaction, as well as numerical statistical interpolations—all with the help of specialized software. Regardless of the above, in many cases, the studied basins show characteristics outside of the standard presented in the published models of the reference basins. For this purpose, this Special Issue, dedicated to the “Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of Cenozoic Basins”, seeks to improve the general knowledge of the tectono-sedimentary formation and evolution patterns of Cenozoic sedimentary basins by adding the study of the generating and articulating structures of the basin development together with classical sedimentary basin studies. Proposals can be focused on stratigraphic, sedimentological, petrographic, mineralogical, geochemical, tectonic data, and geophysical interpretations. The use of 2D and 3D models, corrections through balancing of geological sections, compaction corrections by mean of backstripping, as well as numerical statistical interpolations—all with the help of specialized basin software—are welcome. The papers published in this Special Issue could contribute to clarifying and updating the state of knowledge about this capital theme.

Dr. Manuel Martín Martín
Guest Editor

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Keywords

sedimentary basins
Cenozoic
tectono-sedimentary evolution
classical studies
2D-3D modelling
deformation-compaction corrections

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 179 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of Cenozoic Basins

by Manuel Martín-Martín

Geosciences 2021, 11(5), 199; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences11050199 - 02 May 2021

Viewed by 1697

Abstract

The study of the tectono-sedimentary evolution of basins is a capital topic with many scientific and economic derivations [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of Cenozoic Basins)

Research

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21 pages, 7486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shoreline Changes and Coastal Erosion: The Case Study of the Coast of Togo (Bight of Benin, West Africa Margin)

by Francesco Guerrera, Manuel Martín-Martín, Mario Tramontana, Bertin Nimon and Kossi Essotina Kpémoua

Geosciences 2021, 11(2), 40; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences11020040 - 21 Jan 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4798

Abstract

The coastal strip between the Volta River delta and the westernmost portion of Benin (West Africa Margin of Atlantic Basin) is highly populated (e.g., Lomé) due to migrations from inland areas. The coastal zone has proved to be very vulnerable because of the potential development of sometimes catastrophic events related to different and interacting causes, resulting in negative effects on natural ecosystems and socio-economic conditions. The main problem is the marked erosion of large coastal sectors with maximum retreat rates of the order of 5 m/year. The continuous loss of territory leads to a progressive impoverishment of activities and human resources and to the increase of geological risk factors. The coastal erosion is induced both by natural and anthropic causes and can be controlled only by means of prevention programs, detailed scientific studies and targeted technical interventions. The main erosional processes observed in the study area are triggered by the presence of the Lomé port and other human activities on the coastal strip, including the water extraction from the subsoil, which induces subsidence and the use of sediments as inert material. These elements, together with the reduction of the solid supply from Volta River (caused by the realization of the Akosombo dam) are among the main factors that control the medium and long-term evolution of the area. Also relative sea level changes, which take into account also tectonic and/or isostatic components, can contribute to the process. In order to have a real understanding of the coastal dynamics and evolution, it would be necessary to develop a scientific structure through the collaboration of all countries of the Bight of Benin affected by coastal erosion. The aim should be primarily to collect the interdisciplinary quantitative data necessary to develop a scientific knowledge background of the Bight of Benin coastal/ocean system. In conclusion, some proposals are presented to reduce the vulnerability of the coastal area as for example to plan surveys for the realization of appropriate coastal protection works, such as walls, revetments, groins, etc. A possible expansion of the port of Lomè is also considered. Proposals comprise the constitution of a Supranational Scientific Committee as a coordinating structure on erosion for both the study of phenomena and planning interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of Cenozoic Basins)

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22 pages, 3747 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tectono-Sedimentary Cenozoic Evolution of the El Habt and Ouezzane Tectonic Units (External Rif, Morocco)

by Manuel Martín-Martín, Francesco Guerrera, Rachid Hlila, Alí Maaté, Soufian Maaté, Mario Tramontana, Francisco Serrano, Juan Carlos Cañaveras, Francisco Javier Alcalá and Douglas Paton

Geosciences 2020, 10(12), 487; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10120487 - 03 Dec 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2786

Abstract

An interdisciplinary study based on lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, petrographic and mineralogical analyses has been performed in order to establish the Cenozoic tectono-sedimentary evolution of the El Habt and Ouezzane Tectonic Units (External 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 biochronologically defined allowing, at the same time, identification of unconformities and associated stratigraphic gaps. The presence of five unconformities allowed for the definition of 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 for the identification of the supplies derived from erosion of a recycled orogen (transitional and quartzose subtypes). 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 seem to indicate the beginning of deformation of the basement generating gentle folds and first activation of blind thrusts, mainly during the Paleogene. A preorogenic tectonic framework is considered as responseto 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 beginningsof the synorogenic sedimentation (foredeep stage of the basins) controlled by active tectonics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of Cenozoic Basins)

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22 pages, 5891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of the Madrid Basin (Spain) during the Late Miocene: Data from Paleokarst Profiles in Diagenetically-Complex Continental Carbonates

by Juan Carlos Cañaveras, Jose Pedro Calvo, Salvador Ordóñez, María Concepción Muñoz-Cervera and Sergio Sánchez-Moral

Geosciences 2020, 10(11), 433; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10110433 - 30 Oct 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2491

Abstract

An intra-Vallesian (Upper Miocene) paleokarst developed at the top of the Intermediate Miocene Unit in the continental intracratonic Madrid Basin is recognized. This paleokarst is an early shallow, tabular-shaped karst that shows a marked control by the depositional facies pattern and lithologies. By integrating morphological, petrological, and geochemical data, three hydrogeological zones were established throughout the paleokarstic profiles: (i) a paleo-vadose zone, characterized by vertically elongated caves and vadose cementation; (ii) a 3–7 m thick paleo-epiphreatic zone (paleo-water table fringe), with development of stratiform breccia bodies, the superimposition of both vadose and phreatic features, and the lowest Fe and Mn contents in host-rock carbonates; and (iii) a paleo-phreatic zone characterized by an increase in δ¹³C values and the predominance of phreatic cementation. The paleogeographic reconstruction for the intra-Vallesian paleokarst using profiles revealed relative topographic highs to the north and topographic lows to the south, drawing the paleokarst landscape. Immediately overlaying the paleokarst surface are fluvio-lacustrine facies belonging to the Miocene Upper Unit (Late Vallesian to Late Turolian). Their lowermost deposits consist of fluvial terrigenous facies deposited by approximately N–S fluvial streams, and pass upward into fluvio-lacustrine fresh-water limestones. This paleokarstic surface represents a major change in the evolution of sedimentary patterns of basin, from endorheic to exorheic conditions, as the result of a change from compressive to extensional conditions in the tectonic regime. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of Cenozoic Basins)

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21 pages, 3850 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Approach to the Paleoceanographic Characteristics of the Sea-Surface at the Western Mediterranean (Balearic Area) during the Pliocene and Gelasian

by Francisco Serrano

Geosciences 2020, 10(8), 302; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10080302 - 07 Aug 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2387

Abstract

From the study of the planktonic foraminifer assemblages of the sediments of the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP)-Site 975 (Baleares), sea-surface temperature, seasonality and salinity for the Pliocene and Gelasian of the Western Mediterranean were estimated. The estimates were carried out by the modern analog technique (MAT) using PaleoUma, a calibration dataset of 735 North-Atlantic and Mediterranean core-tops. In order to compare Pliocene–Gelasian and present-day analog assemblages, the necessary reduction of the taxonomic variables leads to statistically insignificant increases in estimation error, assessed on the calibration dataset itself. In addition, the correlation with δ¹⁸O results as an independent proxy, supports the use of MAT in order to establish the dominant paleoceanographic frameworks during the Pliocene and Gelasian. The SST curve shows an increase trend of the average value since the Early Zanclean (19.7 ± 1.8 °C) to the Late Piacenzian (20.9 ± 1.7 °C) and a decrease until the Late Gelasian (18.1 ± 1.4 °C). The seasonality offers permanently lower estimates than the current value (9.8 °C), reaching the closest values during the Late Gelasian (8.6 ± 0.8 °C). The salinity estimates are overall slightly lower during the Zanclean (36.7‰ ± 0.5‰) than today (37.3‰), whereas they reach up to more than 38.5‰, in the Early Piacenzian. The paleoceanographic frameworks deduced from the combination of the paleoceanographic parameters suggest that the current water-deficit regime in the Mediterranean was clearly predominant throughout the Pliocene and Gelasian. However, since the Piacenzian this regime alternates with stages of water surplus, which are especially frequent in the late Piacenzian. By the middle of the Early Gelasian the regime becomes more predominantly in deficit again. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of Cenozoic Basins)

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18 pages, 5885 KiB

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Geochemical Characterization and Thermal Maturation of Cerrejón Formation: Implications for the Petroleum System in the Ranchería Sub-Basin, Colombia

by Luis Felipe Cruz-Ceballos, Mario García-González, Luis Enrique Cruz-Guevara and Gladys Marcela Avendaño-Sánchez

Geosciences 2020, 10(7), 258; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10070258 - 04 Jul 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3769

Abstract

The Upper Paleocene Cerrejón Formation is a great source of coal in Colombia. The northeastern part of the Ranchería Sub-Basin sees the most intense mining activity. As a consequence, all geological studies have been concentrated on this region. Consequently, neither the distribution of the Cerrejón Formation, nor the quality and quantity of organic matter in the rest of the sub-basin is clear. In this study, we analyzed new geochemical data from Rock–Eval pyrolysis analyses and vitrinite reflectance using core samples from the ANH-CAÑABOBA-1 and ANH-CARRETALITO-1 wells. Based on this information, it was possible to classify the geochemical characteristics of the Cerrejón Formation as a source rock, particularly in the central area of the sub-basin, which had not been extensively studied before. Additionally, based on the interpretation of seismic reflection data, the numerical burial history models were reconstructed using PetroMod software, in order to understand the evolution of the petroleum system in the sub-basin. The models were calibrated with the data of maximum pyrolysis temperature (Tmax), vitrinite reflectance (%Ro), and bottom hole temperature (BHT). We infer the potential times of the generation and expulsion of hydrocarbon from the source rock. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of Cenozoic Basins)

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Review

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21 pages, 10362 KiB

Open AccessReview

Volcanism and Volcanogenic Submarine Sedimentation in the Paleogene Foreland Basins of the Alps: Reassessing the Source-to-Sink Systems with an Actualist View

by Andrea Di Capua, Federica Barilaro and Gianluca Groppelli

Geosciences 2021, 11(1), 23; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences11010023 - 04 Jan 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2758

Abstract

This work critically reviews the Eocene–Oligocene source-to-sink systems accumulating volcanogenic sequences in the basins around the Alps. Through the years, these volcanogenic sequences have been correlated to the plutonic bodies along the Periadriatic Fault System, the main tectonic lineament running from West to East within the axis of the belt. Starting from the large amounts of data present in literature, for the first time we present an integrated 4D model on the evolution of the sediment pathways that once connected the magmatic sources to the basins. The magmatic systems started to develop during the Eocene in the Alps, supplying detritus to the Adriatic Foredeep. The progradation of volcanogenic sequences in the Northern Alpine Foreland Basin is subsequent and probably was favoured by the migration of the magmatic systems to the North and to the West. At around 30 Ma, the Northern Apennine Foredeep also was fed by large volcanogenic inputs, but the palinspastic reconstruction of the Adriatic Foredeep, together with stratigraphic and petrographic data, allows us to safely exclude the Alps as volcanogenic sources. Beyond the regional case, this review underlines the importance of a solid stratigraphic approach in the reconstruction of the source-to-sink system evolution of any basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of Cenozoic Basins)

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20 pages, 12187 KiB

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Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of the Cenozoic Basins in the Eastern External Betic Zone (SE Spain)

by Manuel Martín-Martín, Francesco Guerrera and Mario Tramontana

Geosciences 2020, 10(10), 394; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10100394 - 03 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2497

Abstract

Four main unconformities (1–4) were recognized in the sedimentary record of the Cenozoic basins of the eastern External Betic Zone (SE, Spain). They are located at different stratigraphic levels, as follows: (1) Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, even if this unconformity was also recorded at the early Paleocene (Murcia sector) and early Eocene (Alicante sector), (2) Eocene-Oligocene boundary, quite synchronous, in the whole considered area, (3) early Burdigalian, quite synchronous (recognized in the Murcia sector) and (4) Middle Tortonian (recognized in Murcia and Alicante sectors). These unconformities correspond to stratigraphic gaps of different temporal extensions and with different controls (tectonic or eustatic), which allowed recognizing minor sedimentary cycles in the Paleocene–Miocene time span. The Cenozoic marine sedimentation started over the oldest unconformity (i.e., the principal one), above the Mesozoic marine deposits. Paleocene-Eocene sedimentation shows numerous tectofacies (such as: turbidites, slumps, olistostromes, mega-olistostromes and pillow-beds) interpreted as related to an early, blind and deep-seated tectonic activity, acting in the more internal subdomains of the External Betic Zone as a result of the geodynamic processes related to the evolution of the westernmost branch of the Tethys. The second unconformity resulted from an Oligocene to Aquitanian sedimentary evolution in the Murcia Sector from marine realms to continental environments. This last time interval is characterized as the previous one by a gentle tectonic activity. On the other hand, the Miocene sedimentation was totally controlled by the development of superficial thrusts and/or strike-slip faults zones, both related to the regional geodynamic evolutionary framework linked to the Mediterranean opening. These strike-slip faults zones created subsidence areas (pull-apart basin-type) and affected the sedimentation lying above the third unconformity. By contrast, the subsidence areas were bounded by structural highs affected by thrusts and folds. After the third unconformity, the Burdigalian-Serravallian sedimentation occurred mainly in shallow- to deep-water marine environments (Tap Fm). During the Late Miocene, after the fourth unconformity, the activation of the strike-slip faults zones caused a shallow marine environment sedimentation in the Murcia sector and a continental (lacustrine and fluvial) deposition in the Alicante sector represented the latter, resulting in alluvial fan deposits. Furthermore, the location of these fans changed over time according to the activation of faults responsible for the tectonic rising of Triassic salt deposits, which fed the fan themselves. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of Cenozoic Basins)

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Evolutionary Models of the Cenozoic Basins of Central-Western Mediterranean Area: A Review of Methodological Approaches

by Francesco Guerrera, Manuel Martín-Martín and Mario Tramontana

Geosciences 2020, 10(9), 366; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/geosciences10090366 - 15 Sep 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3437

Abstract

In the last 40 years, several models based on very different methodological approaches have been proposed to interpret the complex geodynamic evolution of the central-western Mediterranean area and, in particular, of the Cenozoic basins. The persistence of numerous interpretations and still-open problems resulted in the proliferation of very different models. The reconstructions presented are highly influenced by difficulties often encountered in considering constraints introduced by models built by means of completely different methodological approaches. For example, major difficulties can arise in integrating data from individual classical disciplines (i.e., geology, stratigraphy, geophysics, tectonics, magmatology and plate kinematics) with those resulting from the use of modern technologies (i.e., digital processing, uses of software, field observations using drones, etc.) and generally aimed to support specific topics. These considerations lead researchers to believe that a multidisciplinary approach would always be auspicious for these studies, because a greater control of the reconstruction of geologic and geodynamic events, and, therefore, for resulting models, would be ensured. After some considerations about different types of literature models based on specific investigation methodologies, the updating of a recently presented evolutionary model is proposed by attempting to integrate as much data as possible about the Cenozoic basins of the central-western Mediterranean area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of Cenozoic Basins)

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