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The Minorca Basin: a buffer zone between the Valencia and Liguro‐Provençal Basins ( NW Mediterranean Sea)
Author(s) -
Pellen Romain,
Aslanian Daniel,
Rabineau Marina,
Leroux Estelle,
Gorini Christian,
Silenziario Carmine,
Blanpied Christian,
Rubino JeanLoup
Publication year - 2016
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.12215
Subject(s) - geology , structural basin , neogene , clockwise , paleontology , subsidence , geomorphology , fold (higher order function) , mechanical engineering , engineering
Detailed analyses of seismic profiles and boreholes in the Valencia Basin ( VB ) reveal a differentiated basin, the Minorca Basin ( MB ), lying between the old Mesozoic Valencia Basin sensu strico ( VB ss) and the young Oligocene Liguro‐Provençal Basin ( LPB ). The relationship between these basins is shown through the correlation of four Miocene‐to‐present‐day megasequences. The Central and North Balearic Fracture Zones ( CFZ and NBFZ ) that border the MB represent two morphological and geodynamical thresholds that created an accommodation in steps between the three domains. Little to no horizontal Neogene movements are found for the Ibiza and Majorca Islands. In contrast, the counterclockwise movement of the Corso‐Sardinian blocks induced a counterclockwise movement of the Minorca block towards the SE along the CFZ and NBFZ , during the exhumation of lower continental crust in the LPB . This new understanding implies pure Neogene vertical subsidence in the VB ss and places the AlKaPeCa northeastward of the present‐day Alboran Area.