Sedimentological characterization and provenance analysis of the pre-collisional Betic & Rif turbidite systems

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The Betic-Rif orogenic system is the westernmost segment of the Western Mediterranean Alpine Chains orogenic belt. The geological evolution of the region resulted from the convergence of the S Iberian and N African palaeomargins leading to crustal deformation, and the westward movement of the Alborán Domain. These two processes resulted in the uplift and thrusting of deep-marine successions, which had been deposited in the Maghrebian Basin, onto the Iberian and African margins. These sediments, cropping out in the Campo de Gibraltar region of SW Spain, can also be traced eastwards as far as the Dinarides. The Betic-Rif system, therefore, is a key area for our understanding of the geodynamic processes which took place during the development of the Maghrebian Basin, as well as the western Mediterranean.The Campo de Gibraltar region contains a variety of lithological units, with three main stratigraphic units recognized, namely, Algeciras, Aljibe and Bolonia units. These have stratigraphic equivalents on the Moroccan side of the Mediterranean. Petrological and provenance information from the various sandstone bodies is lacking and the first aim is to rectify this using a variety of petrological, geochemical and isotopic analyses. Secondly, the sedimentary successions within the Campo de Gibraltar, which are of fundamental importance to our understanding of the evolution of the western part of the Maghrebian Basin, are poorly documented. High-resolution investigation of these successions will provide us with the tools to better understand the causes and consequences of the regional and local geodynamic events in this area.