A correlation of subsurface andsurface data of the Middle-Upper Jurassic between the Ebro Basin and the central Iberian chain (Eastern Spain)

Abstract

Evidence coming from subsurface studies of Middle and Upper Jurassic in the Ebro Basin (easten Iberia) shows ageneral homogeneity and a good correlation with Iberian Chain on what concerns the distribution of facies and the main litho-stratigraphic units: (1) the thick, carbonate Chelva Formation (Middle Jurassic); (2) the sponge limestone, Yátova Formation (middle-upper Oxfordian), (3) The Sot de Chera formation (upper Oxfordian — lower Kimmeridginan) formed by a uniform marly interval; (4) the Loriguilla Formation (Kimmeridgian), formed by a homogeneous interbedding of shaley marls and limestones. The uppermost Jurassic unit, the oncolitic limestone Higueruelas Formation (Tithonian to Berriasian) has not been evidenced so far in the Ebro Basin due, most probably, to erosion. Correlation appears much less evident with other adjacent areas, such as the Catalan Coastal Range, farther East, or the Pyrenees, at the North, where lithological successions are distinct and facies are predominantly dolimitic. On the other hand, the Middle-Upper Jurassic successions appear much more complete at the southern part of the Ebro Basin than in the north, where they are progressively affected by pre-Cretaceous and pre-Tertiary erosion.