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Sedimentary markers in the Provençal Basin (western Mediterranean): a window into deep geodynamic processes
Author(s) -
Leroux Estelle,
Aslanian Daniel,
Rabineau Marina,
Moulin Maryline,
Granjeon Didier,
Gorini Christian,
Droz Laurence
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
terra nova
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.353
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-3121
pISSN - 0954-4879
DOI - 10.1111/ter.12139
Subject(s) - geology , rift , structural basin , tectonic subsidence , sedimentary rock , subsidence , sedimentary basin , tectonics , back stripping , sedimentary basin analysis , paleontology , palaeogeography , geomorphology , geodynamics , volcanism
Deep Earth dynamics impact so strongly on surface geological processes that we can use sediment palaeo‐markers as a window into the deeper Earth. Derived from climatic and tectonic erosive actions on the continents, and related to eustasy, subsidence and isostasy, the sediment in a deep basin is the main recorder of these processes. Nevertheless, defining and quantifying the relative roles of parameters that interact to give the final sedimentary architecture is not a simple task. Using a 3D‐grid of seismic and wide‐angle data, boreholes and numerical stratigraphic modelling, we propose here a quantification of post‐rift vertical movements in the Provençal Basin (West Mediterranean) involving three domains of subsidence: seaward tilting on the platform and the slope and purely vertical subsidence in the deep basin. These domains fit the deeper crustal domains highlighted by previous geophysical data. Post‐break‐up sedimentary markers may therefore be used to identify the initial hinge lines of the rifting phase and the subsidence laws.