Sea Corridor Research Articles

CargO-S: A pattern-based well-founded legal domain ontology for the traceability of goods in logistic sea corridors

Building legal domain ontologies is a prominent challenge in the ontology engineering community. The ontology builders confront issues such as the complexity of the legal domain, the difficulty of applying existing ontology engineering approaches, and the intention of developing legal models faithful to realities. In this paper, we discuss constructing a well-founded legal domain ontology, named CargO-S, for the traceability of goods in logistic sea corridors. For building CargO-S, a pattern-oriented approach is applied, supported by ontology-driven conceptual modeling, ontology layering, and ontology reuse processes. CargO-S is grounded in the unified foundational ontology UFO by using the ontology-driven conceptual modeling language OntoUML. Besides, ontology layering is proposed to simplify the development process by dividing CargO-S into three layers located at different granularity levels: upper, core, and domain. For building the upper and core layers, conceptual ontology patterns are reused from the foundational ontology UFO and the legal core ontology UFO-L. These patterns are applied, either by extension or analogy with legal rules, for building the domain layer. CargO-S is then validated by implementing the ontology as OWL and SWRL rules. Finally, the performance and the semantic accuracy of CargO-S are evaluated using a dual evaluation approach.

Инфраструктурные проекты — генеральный ресурс повышения экономического потенциала Арктики

The study examines modern challenges affecting the development of the Arctic marine transport system and the economic situation of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF). The basic normative legal acts that determine the activities of economic organizations in the Arctic are presented. It was deter-mined that in the context of the world economy regression caused by geopolitical, economic, natural and other reasons, increasing the AZRF economic potential is a priority goal, and the implementation of tasks for the Arctic zone development and ensuring national security corresponds to the implementation of the Fundamentals of State Policy of Russia. The tendency of competitive struggle by the Arctic countries on the issues of economics and geopolitics is noted. The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is presented as the basis of the Arctic sea transport system, its economic potential, international importance, international integration with the People's Republic of China is shown. The main infrastructural projects of the Arctic for the development of the oil and gas complex, the construction of an icebreaker fleet, the construction of new and modernization of the existing ports of the NSR, etc. are presented to solve the problems of increasing cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Corridor. New projects for modernization of port infrastructure, transport development, etc. are considered. The purpose of the study is to assess the ongoing and planned infrastructure projects carried out by the state and business to increase the economic potential of the Arctic. Many of them are unique, which expresses firm confidence in the modern development of the Arctic zone, in ensuring the national security of the Russian Federation.

Features and prospects of development of transit container transportation on the Northern sea route

Due to the congestion of the main transit container corridors, there is an urgent need for the development of alternative container lines. This trend prompted us to conduct a study of an alternative sea corridor to the Suez Canal. In this paper, we have considered the features and prospects for the development of transit container transportation along the Northern Sea Route. We analyzed many factors that influenced the complexity of transportation by the Northern Sea route, such as severe weather conditions, undeveloped infrastructure, and others. We studied the geography of the Northern Sea Route, the natural conditions along its entire length, and identified the main ports along the route. We conducted a comparative analysis between the Northern Sea Route and its main competitor, the Suez Canal. We found out that there are prospects for the development of the Northern Sea Route and its economic benefits over competitors. We were convinced that the Northern Sea Route is a strategically important project for Russia. We reviewed the transport strategy for the development of the Northern Sea Route until 2030. They presented forecasts for the development of the Northern Sea Route. They gave an example of an experimental flight of a Maersk vessel passing along the Northern Sea Route. Based on our research, we were able to make forecasts for the development of transit container traffic along the Northern Sea Route.

ПРАВОВИЙ СТАТУС ІНОЗЕМНИХ ВІЙСЬКОВИХ КОРАБЛІВ ЯК ЕКОЛОГІЧНО НЕБЕЗПЕЧНИХ ОБ’ЄКТІВ

The article describes the practical experience of the NATO Navy’s environmental activities in the protection of marine ecosystems. The article uses publications on the protection of marine ecosystems, the ecological status of the Black and Azov Seas and environmental control. The physical and geographical characteristics of the Black Sea and the ecological conditions of the Azov-Black Sea are described. Data from the ecological monitoring of the Azov-Black Sea region indicate a severe ecological crisis in the region, which is characterized by excessive development of unicellular algae, death of fish and dolphins. The intensification of the ecological crisis coincided with the beginning of the militarization of the Azov-Black Sea region. The presence of foreign warships will further intensify the environmental crisis in the Black Sea. There is a need for legislative regulation of the naval activities of NATO countries in the territorial and internal waters of Ukraine. Today, the current legislation of Ukraine requires to determine the normative nature of navigation and stay of foreign warships in the territorial and internal waters of Ukraine, to determine recommended courses or sea corridors for foreign warships, to establish areas where military presence and military exercises are prohibited. The environmental legislation of Ukraine should provide rules for environmental safety in the operation of foreign warships, rules for storage and disposal of waste, rules for the destruction of ammunition that has not been used, defines the procedure for compensation for environmental damage from naval activities. So far, these issues have not been regulated by law. The method of calculating damage from foreign warships has not been created or put into effect. In the long run, it is necessary to conduct ecological studies of the North-Western part of the Black Sea to determine the areas closed to naval activities. Keywords: warship, Black Sea, marine ecosystem, maritime law, naval forces, high seas.

АРКТИЧЕСКИЕ ПОРТЫ – ВАЖНЫЙ ЭЛЕМЕНТ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ ПОЛИТИКИ РОССИИ

The current trends in the development of Arctic ports, the maritime transport system and the economic situation of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF) are considered. It is determined that in the conditions of the regression of the world economy caused by geopolitical, economic, natural and other reasons, increasing the economic potential of the Russian Arctic is a priority goal, and the fulfillment of tasks for the development of the Arctic zone and ensuring national security corresponds to the implementation of the Foundations of Russia's state policy. The Arctic ports and the Northern Sea Route (NSR) are presented, their economic potential, international significance, international integration with the People's Republic of China is shown. The main infrastructure projects of the Arctic for the development of the oil and gas complex, the construction of an icebreaking fleet, the construction of new and modernization of existing ports of the NSR, etc.to solve problems of increasing cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Corridor are considered. The first foreign shareholder of the Vostok Oil project-the Singapore trading giant Trafigura, the second oil supplier in the world after Vitol-has invested its own funds in the development of oil fields in the Arctic, the construction of a new port and infrastructure facilities under the project of the Port Bay North oil loading terminal. The process of digitalization of the Arctic zone of Russia for a safe and comfortable living of the population, improving the efficiency of ships on the Northern Sea Route – strengthening satellite grouping, laying fiber-optic communication lines, etc. is justified. – within the framework of the implementation of the targets provided for in the Development Strategy of the Russian Arctic until 2035. The purpose of the study is to assess the ongoing and planned infrastructure projects implemented by the state and business to increase the economic potential of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. ensuring the national security of the Russian Federation.

МІЖНАРОДНИЙ ТУРИЗМ ЯК НЕОЛІБЕРАЛЬНА ПРАКТИКА КИТАЙСЬКОГО ВПЛИВУ НА ЗАХІДНИХ БАЛКАНАХ

The article reveals China's geostrategic interests in the Western Balkans. The paper highlights the main directions of Beijing's political and economic cooperation with the countries of the region, the impact of these processes on the foreign policy orientations of the Balkan countries. The focus is on assessing the international political potential of Chinese outbound tourism as a tool for neoliberal influence on the host destinations of the Western Balkans. The work consists of three interrelated parts. The first part, within the neoliberal paradigm, reveals the understanding of tourism as a factor of international political interaction and the establishment of "complex interdependence". For China, which generates the largest outbound tourist flow, these human communications provide the possibility of indirect influence on host destinations through the created economic dependence and the approval of "official tourist destinations." The second part of the study highlights the Chinese approach to the Western Balkans. It is motivated by the implementation of a large-scale project of the New Silk Road "Belt and Road Initiative", designed to create a cross-border transport and logistics network to accelerate the delivery of Chinese goods to European markets. In the context of this project, the countries of the Western Balkans have become a geographical "entry point" for both land and sea corridors of the new Silk Road, which connect the markets of Europe and Asia. The third part of the publication shows that China's international political and investment activity in the Western Balkans is based on a network of transnational social ties created under the auspices of the state. An appropriate place among them is given to tourist flows from China, whose communication strategies influence emotional and commercial involvement, as well as a positive perception of China in the region. It has been concluded that the intensification of tourist contacts and the related liberalization of mobility regimes serve as an important factor in strengthening the complex asymmetric interdependence of the Balkans with China. In the long term, this will strengthen Beijing's position in Europe, especially in the context of global competition with the United States.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Global Politics and Implications

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development project that ambitiously aims to connect Asia with European and African continents through land and sea corridors. China adopted this gigantic game-changing master plan in 2013 and spurred much speculation among scholars and policymakers worldwide. This article investigates the development of the project through the lens of global political geography and economy. From an international relations perspective, the author consults relevant pieces of literature and focuses on the international issues and events concerning the development of the project using concepts of ideas, interests, and institutions within the scope of geopolitics and political economy. The analysis is performed by reviewing critical events and arguments related to the ideas, interests and institutions evolving around the implementation of BRI. Drawing from the analysis, the author argues that the rise of China as a dominant global superpower largely depends on the success of the BRI, and this initiative will continue to generate politics among the international actors, multinational entities, and institutions. Despite widespread speculations, the project poses a substantive threat to the USA’s global dominance and is likely to create more global development cooperation under Chinese leadership and vision.

Main Aspects of Economic and Business Cooperation between Georgia and China

Bilateral relations between Georgia and Peoples Republic of China were established in 1992.China was one of the first countries who recognized independence of Georgia after the disintegration of USSR. Very soon China opened the embassy in Tbilisi, which gave a strong boost to the historical, political and economic relations between two countries.Georgia-China ties in the trade/economic relations have expanded from the period when Georgia managed to overcome the crisis,related to the Georgia-Russia war.During the last period, China has shown growing interest in Georgia. Notably, Chinese interests in Georgia currently focus on theeconomic sphere. However, the two countries share a common foundation for closer diplomatic cooperation. Additionally, deepening economic and business relations have a geopolitical corollary—by increasing its economic footprint China would have a growing interest in Georgia’s stability and security, especially, after presenting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013. The BRI is a diverse series of projects and encompasses both land and sea corridors and includes 65 countries - nearly two-thirds of the world’s population, and one-third of global GDP. Within this project, Georgia can help shorten the distance between China and Europe, whichwill be positively reflected on the transit potential of this South Caucasus country.

Occurrence of Pterois miles in the Island of Kefalonia (Greece): the Northernmost Dispersal Record in the Mediterranean Sea

Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) is one of the worst aquatic invaders in history and its rapid dispersal in the Mediterranean Sea raise serious concerns for local biomes. On April 2019, one adult specimen was caught by gillnets close to the shoreline of the island of Kefalonia, Greece. This occurrence, confirmed by DNA barcoding, represents the northernmost record of the species in the Mediterranean Sea, up today, suggesting that the Ionian Sea corridor facilitates fast dispersal of ecological versatile species such as P. miles to higher latitudes.

СЕВЕРНЫЙ МОРСКОЙ ПУТЬ В АРКТИЧЕСКОЙ ПОЛИТИКЕ РФ

The article is devoted to assessing the development prospects of the Northern Sea Route (NSR). The author examines the main concerns of international investors and partners about the commercial viability of the NSR. The author proposes to deliberately and systematically implement the strategic objectives for the Arctic development, to create a comprehensive plan for the implementation of measures aimed at the development of forecasts for the development of the NSR. Despite the considerable international interest in the Russian Arctic from potential foreign partners and investors, there are also great concerns about the commercial viability of the NSR. For example, in the foreign ship¬building and shipping companies who would be interested in the development of the NSR, there is no single point of view about the prospects of this transport corridor. According to foreign researchers, in order to promote active use of the Northern route has a lot of issues should be cleared out. The main problems today relate to the political, economic and intra-corporate barriers. One of the main vectors of development of the NSR in the twenty-first century should be the development of cooperation with foreign partners, aimed at the harmonization of the rules and regulations relating to the use of the Northern sea corridor, as well as comprehensive work aimed at improving its general image and commercial attractiveness.

ЄМЕНСЬКИЙ КОНФЛІКТ В РАМКАХ «ХОЛОДНОЇ ВІЙНИ» НА БЛИЗЬКОМУ СХОДІ: ГЕОПОЛІТИЧНИЙ АСПЕКТ

Розглянуто проблему конфлікту в Ємені, як елемента проксі-війни між Саудівською Аравією та Іраном. В результаті чинників різного характеру, звичайне релігійне протистояння двох великих конфесій ісламу, переросло в регіональний конфлікт, в якому замішані інтереси множин держав-лідерів. Наведено хронологію подій переростання конфесійного внутрішнього конфлікту в регіональний. Проаналізовано зацікавленість і таємна роль в конфлікті Саудівської Аравії, США, Ірану, Об'єднаних Арабських Еміратів, а також Ізраїлю. Встановлено, що Ємен сьогодні став майданчиком для розширення впливу не тільки для Ірану і Саудівської Аравії, а й для інших передових держав за рахунок важливих судноплавних маршрутів. Зроблено спробу вивчення зв'язку між подіями і гравцями в регіоні з використанням теорії ігор.

Point infrastructure of inland waterway transport of the Lower Vistula in the position of the transport corridor Baltic Sea- Adriatic Sea

The main goal of European Union's transportation policy is to create effective and integrated transportation system. According to development plans of internal waterways in Poland for 2016-2020 with a view to 2030 it can be assumed that there is going to be a revitalization of waterways in Poland up to minimum fourth class level of international waterways. The modernization of current line and point infrastructure is crucial for efficient development of inland shipping on Lower Vistula's part. The part of Lower Vistula along with the point infrastructure can affect the increase of cargo flow, for example: intermodal transport of the Baltic Sea-Adriatic Sea corridor. Article includes the meaning of Baltic Sea - Adriatic Sea corridor in reference to transeuropean transportation TENT network. Moreover, an article includes the information regarding infrastructure of Lower Vistula's revitalized part.

FDTD Simulation of Very Large Domains Applied to Radar Propagation Over the Ocean

A domain decomposition method for analyzing very large finite-difference time domains, tens of thousands of wavelengths long, is demonstrated by the application to the problem of radar scattering in the maritime environment. Success depends on the elimination of artificial scattering from the “sky” boundary which is ensured by an ultra-high-performance absorbing termination that eliminates this reflection at angles of incidence less than 0.03° off grazing. The results are cross validated against a parabolic equation (PE) method and a surface integral equation method on a 1.7 km sea surface problem, and to a PE method on propagation through an inhomogeneous atmosphere in a 4 km-long space, both at X-band. Further comparisons are made against boundary integral equation and PE methods from the literature in a 3.6 km space containing an inhomogeneous atmosphere above a flat sea at S-band. Details of the method are given for the 2-D problem. Application to 3-D is demonstrated by comparing the 2-D solution with the 3-D solution of a sea corridor 1.3 m wide, 2.25 m tall, by 110 m long.

Ancient connections among the European rivers and watersheds revealed from the evolutionary history of the genus Telestes (Actinopterygii; Cypriniformes).

In order to better understand the complex geologic history of the Mediterranean area, we have analysed evolutionary history, phylogeographic structure and molecular diversity of freshwater fishes belonging to the genus Telestes. As primary freshwater fishes distributed largely in the Mediterranean basin, this genus represents a suitable model system for investigating the historical biogeography of freshwater drainage systems in southern Europe. In this investigation we have included samples representing all Telestes species and based our analyses on one mitochondrial and one nuclear gene. We have investigated phylogenetic structure inside the genus Telestes, estimated divergence times, reconstructed ancestral distribution ranges and described intraspecific molecular diversity. Diversification of Telestes started in the Early Miocene, when the ancestors of T. souffia, lineage comprising T. croaticus and T. fontinalis, and the one comprising T. pleurobipunctatus and T. beoticus got isolated. The remaining species are genetically more closely related and form a common cluster in the recovered phylogenetic trees. Complex geological history of southern Europe, including formation of continental bridges, fragmentation of landmass, closing of the sea corridor, local tectonic activities, led to complicated biogeographical pattern of this genus, caused by multiple colonization events and passovers between ancient rivers and water basins. Especially pronounced diversity of Telestes found in the Adriatic watershed in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina is a consequence of a triple colonization of this area by different lineages, which led to an existence of genetically distinct species in neighboring areas. Significant intraspecific structuring is present in T. souffia, T. muticellus, T. croaticus and T. pleurobipunctatus. Besides in well-structured species, elevated levels of genetic polymorphism were found inside T. turskyi and T. ukliva, as a consequence of their old origin and unconstrained evolutionary history.

Migration Strategies of Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo Linnaeus, 1758) in Dobruja

AbstractWe studied various aspects regarding migration behavior of the Common Buzzard for two subspecies (B. b. buteoandB. b. vulpinus) transiting the region which overlaps with the Western Black Sea Corridor. Using vantage points set across Dobruja we managed to count 2,662 individuals. We highlighted the seasonal and diurnal peak passage, flight directions and height of flight for each season. Our results suggest that 57% of the counted individuals belongs to long-distance migrant Steppe Buzzard -B. b. vulpinus. The peek passage period in autumn migration was reached between the 26thof September to the 6thof October, while for the spring migration peek passage remained uncertain. The main autumn passage direction was from N to S, and NNW to SSE but also from NE to SW. For spring passage the main direction was from S to N but also from ESE to WNW. Flight height during autumn migration was mostly at high altitude while in spring migration was more evenly distributed. The most significant activity was recorded in the second time period, between 10:01 and 13:00 (43%).

Atlas of modern dinoflagellate cyst distributions in the Black Sea Corridor: from Aegean to Aral Seas, including Marmara, Black, Azov and Caspian Seas

Abstract We present the first comprehensive taxonomic and environmental study of dinoflagellate cysts in 185 surface sediment samples from the Black Sea Corridor (BSC) which is a series of marine basins extending from the Aegean to the Aral Seas (including Marmara, Black, Azov and Caspian Seas). For decades, these low-salinity, semi-enclosed or endorheic basins have experienced large-scale changes because of intensive agriculture and industrialisation, with consequent eutrophication and increased algal blooms. The BSC atlas data provide a baseline for improved understanding of linkages between surface water conditions and dinoflagellate cyst (dinocyst) distribution, diversity and morphological variations. By cross-reference to dinocyst occurrences in sediment cores with radiocarbon ages covering the past c. 11,700 years, the history of recent biodiversity changes can be evaluated. The seabed cyst samples integrate seasonal and multi-year data which are not usually captured by plankton samples, and the cyst composition can point to presence of previously unrecorded motile dinoflagellate species in the BSC. Results show the presence of at least 71 dinocyst taxa of which 36% can be related to motile stages recorded in the plankton. Comparison with sediment core records shows that five new taxa appear to have entered or re-entered the region over the past century. Statistical analysis of the atlas data reveals the presence of four ecological assemblages which are primarily correlated with seasonal and annual surface water salinity and temperature; correlation with phosphate, nitrate and silicate nutrients, chlorophyll- a and bottom water oxygen is less clear but may be important for some taxa. Biodiversity indices reveal strong west − east biogeographical differences among the basins that reflect the different histories of Mediterranean versus Ponto-Caspian connections. The atlas data provide a standardised taxonomy and regional database for interpreting downcore cyst variations in terms of quantitative oceanographic changes. The atlas also provides a baseline for monitoring further changes in the BSC dinocysts that may accompany the accelerating development of the region.

Reconstructing paleoclimate fields using online data assimilation with a linear inverse model

Abstract. We examine the skill of a new approach to climate field reconstructions (CFRs) using an online paleoclimate data assimilation (PDA) method. Several recent studies have foregone climate model forecasts during assimilation due to the computational expense of running coupled global climate models (CGCMs) and the relatively low skill of these forecasts on longer timescales. Here we greatly diminish the computational cost by employing an empirical forecast model (linear inverse model, LIM), which has been shown to have skill comparable to CGCMs for forecasting annual-to-decadal surface temperature anomalies. We reconstruct annual-average 2 m air temperature over the instrumental period (1850–2000) using proxy records from the PAGES 2k Consortium Phase 1 database; proxy models for estimating proxy observations are calibrated on GISTEMP surface temperature analyses. We compare results for LIMs calibrated using observational (Berkeley Earth), reanalysis (20th Century Reanalysis), and CMIP5 climate model (CCSM4 and MPI) data relative to a control offline reconstruction method. Generally, we find that the usage of LIM forecasts for online PDA increases reconstruction agreement with the instrumental record for both spatial fields and global mean temperature (GMT). Specifically, the coefficient of efficiency (CE) skill metric for detrended GMT increases by an average of 57 % over the offline benchmark. LIM experiments display a common pattern of skill improvement in the spatial fields over Northern Hemisphere land areas and in the high-latitude North Atlantic–Barents Sea corridor. Experiments for non-CGCM-calibrated LIMs reveal region-specific reductions in spatial skill compared to the offline control, likely due to aspects of the LIM calibration process. Overall, the CGCM-calibrated LIMs have the best performance when considering both spatial fields and GMT. A comparison with the persistence forecast experiment suggests that improvements are associated with the linear dynamical constraints of the forecast and not simply persistence of temperature anomalies.

Middle–late Pleistocene marine molluscs from Izmit Bay area (eastern Marmara Sea, Turkey) and the nature of Marmara – Black Sea corridors

In this study, marine Pleistocene mollusc faunas from deposits along the southern shores of the Izmit Bay area (Marmara Sea, Turkey) are reviewed. Ten samples from five localities spanning middle and late Pleistocene intervals are assessed and compared to four samples of a Holocene age. For the Pleistocene fauna, a total of 59 mollusc species (33 bivalve and 26 gastropod species) are recorded, some of which are reported for the first time for this region. The middle Pleistocene fauna bears large resemblance to the late Pleistocene faunas, even though marine conditions were lacking during sea-level drops in the Marmara Sea Basin in intervening times. The middle Pleistocene mollusc fauna is dominated by species that typify the so-called Uzunlarian faunas while the late Pleistocene mollusc fauna is indistinguishable from Karangatian faunas of the Black Sea Basin.Several common species (including Bittium reticulatum, Rissoa spp. and Lucinella divaricata) show that the both Uzunlarian and Karangatian assemblages of Yalova fauna mainly represent seagrass palaeoenvironments. Palaeosalinities estimates for the Yalova area are uppermost mesohaline to polyhaline, typically around or above 20 psu, which is almost similar to the optimum salinity estimates for the middle Pleistocene Uzunlarian. However, it is slightly lower then the Upper Pleistocene Karangatian, representing the location of the Yalova area in an embayment with freshwater input at that time.The Yalova sections are located in the southern flank of the North Anatolian fault system responsible for a strong local uplift of the study area. The sections contain evidence for three marine high stands, separated by terrestrial intervals. When regional uplift rates (approximately 0.2 mm/y) and oceanic sea-levels are considered it is likely that the three highstand intervals correspond to relative sea level high stands of MIS7, MIS5e and possibly MIS5d but further study is required to confirm such a suggestion.

A WebGIS platform to monitor environmental conditions in ports and their surroundings in South Eastern Europe.

The scope of this work is to describe the design and development of a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) application and highlight its usefulness regarding monitoring and evaluating environmental conditions in several ports and their surroundings in the greater South East Europe (SEE). The system receives inputs and handles two kinds of data that are processed and illustrated through maps and graphs at various temporal and spatial scales in this informational platform. The aforementioned data consists of point measurements from stations operating in the area of SEE ports as well as satellite date sets derived monthly for a period of 10 to 12 years, in terms of sea surface temperature, chlorophyll a, and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The WebGIS platform is based on the client-server model and uses Google Maps API services for data plotting. Advanced designing and development tools and methodologies are used. The available valuable data render the application into a trustful and accurate provider of visual environmental interest information regarding the main ports of southeastern Europe and their surroundings that would operate as a guide for an environmentally sustainable future of ports and sea corridors in SEE.

Middle Triassic carbonate platforms in eastern Iberia: Evolution of their fauna and palaeogeographic significance in the western Tethys

This article reports the first integrated study of the Middle Triassic of Iberia, based on the stratigraphy, sedimentology, and fossil fauna of Muschelkalk facies of the Iberian Ranges and the Catalan Coastal Ranges in Spain. On the basis of this study, new palaeogeographic reconstructions of the westernmost Tethys are proposed, and the evolution of the different palaeogeographic domains of Iberia (e.g., Iberian, Mediterranean, and Levantine–Balearic) are described.In these domains, Muschelkalk facies record the development of wide carbonate platforms that were the consequence of the first two broad marine transgressions of the Mesozoic in Iberia, respectively, late Pelsonian–early Illyrian and late Illyrian–Longobardian. Of these marine incursions, the oldest only manifested in the Mediterranean Triassic domain (Catalan Coastal Ranges and part of the Iberian Ranges), which acted as a palaeogeographic gulf opening northwards. Most of the fauna related to this first incursion show strong affinities with the Alpine/Germanic bioprovinces, related to the Palaeotethys. In contrast, the second transgressive episode took place in a new regional palaeogeographic setting related to the intra-Pangea dextral shear, and the northward movement of the Cimmerian microcontinent. A rapid sea-level rise induced generalised marine flooding of the Iberian, Mediterranean, and Levantine–Balearic Triassic domains. The resulting carbonate platforms yield fossil assemblages (ammonoids, bivalves, foraminifera and conodonts) that show affinities with those of both the Alpine and Sephardic bioprovinces related to the Neotethys. These assemblages point to a significant increase in diversity during the late Fassanian–Longobardian, possibly related to the prevailing wider connections between the sea corridors, an increased continental run-off and input of nutrients and/or a general cooling of marine waters.