Sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of the Zebbag formation (Upper Albian-Lower Turonian) from Saharan platform (Southeastern Tunisia)

Abstract

Sedimentological and sequential analyses of the Zebbag formation, Upper Albian-Lower Turonian age, from the Tataouine basin have been carried out. These analyses were based on detailed logging of five field sections across the Dahar cliff (Southern Tunisia). Indeed, the study was built upon a detailed facies and microfacies analysis where five facies associations were found. In fact, they represent a spectrum of environments ranging from tidal flat, coastal lagoon, peritidal, shallow subtidal inner ramp, to shallow subtidal middle ramp settings. Our analysis allowed the recognition of five transgressive/regressive sequences which tend to decrease towards the south showing a progressive onlapping of the Zebbag formation carbonate on Saharan craton. The sedimentary infill of the basin documents one of the various types of lateral and vertical variations in component lithofacies assemblages. Besides, it appears that the Upper Albian-Lower Turonian time interval has recorded the interplay between the mostly eustatic and tectonic phases recorded on the Saharan platform of southern Tunisia.