Pliocene-Quaternary Deformational Structures in the Eastern Algarve Continental Shelf, Gulf of Cadiz

The eastern Algarve continental shelf in the northern margin of the Gulf of Cadiz has been investigated by analysing a set of high-resolution seismic reflection profiles. We examine the major structural elements affecting the upper sedimentary units. A seismo-stratigraphic interpretation and regiona...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Luján, María, Lobo, Francisco José, Mestdagh, Thomas, Vázquez, Juan Tomás, Fernández-Puga, M. C., Van Rooij, D.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2020
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/225328
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/225328
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Gulf of Cadiz
Continental shelf
Pliocene-Quaternary deformation
seismic stratigraphy
Golfo de Cádiz
Plataforma continental
Deformación pliocena-cuaternaria
Estratigrafía sísmica
Descripción
Sumario:The eastern Algarve continental shelf in the northern margin of the Gulf of Cadiz has been investigated by analysing a set of high-resolution seismic reflection profiles. We examine the major structural elements affecting the upper sedimentary units. A seismo-stratigraphic interpretation and regional correlation allowed the identification of a major discontinuity that separates two main intervals, pre-Middle Pleistocene (MP) and post-MP. In addition, a number of deformation features such as ENE-WSW to NE-SW thrusts, kilometric-scale N-S to NW-SE folds and NNE-SSW to NNW-SSE sub-vertical normal faults were identified affecting the Pliocene-Quaternary sedimentary record, indicating neotectonic activity. The structures pre-dating MP are in agreement with a dominant transpressive regime along the continental shelf, under the Late Cenozoic NW-SE oblique convergence and related to the reactivation of Mesozoic diapiric structures. The structures post-dating MP induce a lower deformation of the sedimentary cover but were still active during the last glacial maximum, in agreement with the low uplift recognized in the Portuguese mainland.