Abstract
The Early Cretaceous Kurnub Group of Jordan consists of three regressive-transgressive (fluvial-marine) depositional sequences in northern Jordan, recorded here for the first time, whereas continental clastics dominated central and southern Jordan. Deposition of the Kurnub Group started in the late Neocomian above a regional angular unconformity by basal conglomerate and sandstone facies association of an alluvial braidplain origin. During this time the Tethys Seaway was located to the north and northwest of Jordan which afterwards, during the Barremian, advanced in a south- and southeastward direction flooding north Jordan and giving rise to a tidal flat-coastal swamp sequence. Following a subsequent regression of the sea, unconfined braidplain deposits covered the area. The most extensive transgression of the Tethys inundated the region during the late Aptian and early Albian where a mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sequence with interbedded inner shelf carbonates and tidal marsh—coastal swamp black shales and lignites was deposited. The next and last regression took place in the middle Albian where a thin meandering river clastic sequence was deposited. Finally, shallow-marine sedimentation resumed over the region during the remaining time of the Kurnub Group which at the same time prepared for the subsequent regional Cenomanian transgression. Upon comparison with global eustatic curves, these three incursions of the Tethys sea in Jordan are to a great extent in accordance with the global sea-level fluctuations. The various formations of the Kurnub Group and their informal units that are established here for the first time can readily be correlated with equivalent deposits in adjacent countries. The distribution of the shorelines of the Barremian, Aptian and Albian on both sides of the Dead Sea Transform offers new evidence for 100 km northward displacement of the Arabian plate against the Sinai-Palestine plate.
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