Sedimentary record of Pleistocene paleodoline evolution in the Ebro basin (NE Spain)

Abstract

Pleistocene fluvial deposits of the Ebro River, in NE Spain, are widely affected by faults, fractures and tilting of beds. Based on the lithological, geometrical and textural features of these deposits, seven architectural elements have been differentiated. Gravel Bars (GB), Gravel-filled Channels (CH), Sheets and Channel-fill Sands (SB), are the most common elements and, together with less frequent Overbank Fines (FF), characterize a gravel-dominated braided fluvial system. Gravel Lobes (GL) that draw progressive unconformities and are laterally related to U-shaped or basin-form mud deposits, Sediment Gravity Flow deposits (SG), and Sands with Slumps and Convolute Bedding (SGS), are not typical architectural elements of braided fluvial environments and they are interpreted in this work as related to syn-sedimentary deformation. Our research proves that deformation is due to dissolution of the underlying Tertiary evaporites with genesis of dolines. The development of these karst structures involved both subsidence and sudden collapses that affected previous fluvial sediments. Small depressions (dolines) generated that were progressively filled by syn-sedimentary deformed detrital deposits. A model for the evolution of the doline fills is purposed that envisages several stages: 1) gravitational processes caused remobilisation of previous fluvial gravels that were dragged to the created depression, 2) flooding of the depression and development of a backswamp area that was progressively filled by fine sediments and gravel lobes as a consequence of the overflow of nearby channels, 3) gravel lobes draw progressive unconformities revealing several subsidence episodes related to dissolution, dragging and compaction, 4) non-deformed fluvial facies at the top of the series mark the end of the karstification influence. OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminiscence) ages, the first from the terraces of the Ebro River, demonstrate that karst has developed in this area at least since the Late Pleistocene, and that the dolines have been filled-in throughout several thousand years. This large span time of doline evolution without anthropogenic influence should be considered for a better planning and management in hazardous areas.