Neogene carbonate-platform slopes (NEOCARPS)

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The goal of this study is to unravel intrinsic and external controlling factors shaping carbonate-platform slope geometries along a cool-to tropical-water carbonate factory gradient. The hypothesis to test is that, although platform slopes forming under different climatic regimes have a similar appearance, controlling factors of slope depositional processes differ as a consequence of climate impact on carbonate production, transport, and deposition. Investigations will deal with three case studies: a tropical platform (Messinian, South Spain), a subtropical platform (Burdigalian, Sardinia), and a temperate platform (Pliocene, South Spain). Size and geometry of clinoforms will be quantitatively obtained by laser scanning. Variations of composition, grain size, and diagenesis will be recorded and assigned to slope positions. Rock data and geometrical data will be merged with a modelling software allowing integrated interpretation. The outcomes of the project will shed new light on lateral dimensions of facies belts, paleowater-depth related sediment compositional variations, and alongslope differentiation of diagenetic processes. New process-oriented models for the genesis of carbonate platform slopes along a latitudinal transect will be established.