Biofacies analysis of Upper Jurassic marginally marine environments of Portugal, I. The carbonate-dominated facies at Cabo Espichel, Estremadura

Abstract

The Upper Kimmeridgian to Upper Portlandian sequence at Cabo Espichel (Estremadura, Portugal) consists of a succession of neritic carbonates with intercalations of clastic sediments which range from marls to conglomerates. Eight major facies types could be distinguished based on their macrofauna, microfauna, trace fossils, sedimentary structures, and microfacies. They range from generally very shallow subtidal nodular biomicrites, coral biostromes, and intertidal algal laminites to prodelta silts and marls, fluviatile conglomerates and alluvial red beds.