Coastal plain and fluvial deposits in the tertiary of central and northern Spain

Abstract

The Ebro Basin represents purely fluvial deposition with a relatively high, but steady tectonic activity in relation to uplift of the Pyrenees and thrust fault activity. The cyclic pattern in the fluvial deposits can be attributed to Milankovitch related climatological changes. In the Loranca Basin both tectonic activity and climatological conditions controlled the style of the alluvial channels and the alluvial facies distribution. Also in the Tremp-Graus Basin both tectonic activity and climate influenced the alluvial deposition and caused cyclic alluvial deposition, while, moreover, the depositional system was influenced by changes of relative sea level.. The aim of this study is to recognize cyclic patterns in the alluvial sedimentary successions in the three above mentioned areas in Spain. Moreover, the depositional cycles will be interpreted in terms of changes in tectonic activity, in climatological conditions and in sea level.