Integration of subsidence and sequence stratigraphic analyses in the Cretaceous carbonate platforms of the Prebetic (Jumilla–Yecla Region), Spain

Abstract

An integrated analysis of subsidence and sequence stratigraphy of the Cretaceous successions of the Jumilla–Yecla Region (Betics, SE Spain) is supported by abundant stratigraphical, sedimentological and palaeontological data, with the aim to document and explain the accommodation changes that controlled the evolution and architecture of the carbonate platforms generated during that time on the southern continental margin of Iberia. The Cretaceous shallow marine carbonates and clastics that extensively crop out in the Jumilla–Yecla Region are divided into 11 sequence sets (major stratigraphic units bounded by tectonically induced unconformities), which can be subdivided into several third order depositional sequences and their constituent system tracts. All these genetic units build up a regional chronostratigraphic framework, which is herein used to support subsidence calculations. From the results of the subsidence analysis, seven intervals with characteristic tectonosedimentary patterns were distinguished for Cretaceous time. From these intervals, the first three (respectively early Tithonian–early late Berriasian, late Berriasian–late Hauterivian, and latest Hauterivian to earliest late Albian) were controlled by extensional tectonics, strong enough to mask, during most part of the time, the long-term thermal subsidence inherent to the continental margin. This tectonism was related to the Iberia–Africa divergence and the opening of the North Atlantic. Later, the fourth interval (late Albian–mid Cenomanian) and the sixth interval (late Coniacian to late Santonian) were characterised regionally by, overall, homogeneous subsidence patterns controlled by thermal subsidence, sediment loading and a relative tectonic quiescence. Finally, the fifth and the seventh intervals (respectively latest Cenomanian–early Coniacian and Campanian–Maastrichtian) were characterised by strong tectonic movements and complex subsidence patterns which were related to changes in intraplate stresses related to the onset of the convergence between Africa and Iberia and with the evolution of the Bay of Biscay.