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Diapiric deformations in the Quaternary deposits of the central Ebro Basin, Spain

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

J. L. Simón  and
A. Soriano
J. L. Simón
Affiliation:
Departamento de Geomorfología y Geotectónica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
A. Soriano
Affiliation:
Departamento de Geomorfología y Geotectónica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Abstract

From a study of 24 outcrops in Neogene and Quaternary deposits of the central Ebro Basin, a number of diapiric deformations have been recognized, two principal types being differentiated: domal or pillow structures, and piercement or intrusive structures. The former are incipient diapirs of gypsum. Piercing structures have reverse faulted contacts not caused by halokinesis; here Neogene marls are the active plastic material, contrasting with the competent behaviour of gypsum. These intrusive structures are viscous diapirs which easily pierce the non-consolidated, low strength Quaternary gravel overburden and submit it to a horizontal compressive stress. As a consequence, reverse faults and flexures develop in it. Generally normal faults and tension cracks do not appear. Underlying gypsum beds are frequently pulled up into diapirs and they constitute the structural core.

Density contrast and conditions for plastic flow exist at the marl–gravel boundary. It seems to have been specially common at the time of Quaternary fluvial sedimentation, so that much deformation is synsedimentary. Diapiric phenomena have been very active during early to middle Pleistocene time, becoming weaker afterwards.

Type
Articles
Information
Geological Magazine , Volume 123 , Issue 1 , January 1986 , pp. 45 - 57
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1986

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