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Structural, Reverse Basin and Forward Stratigraphic Modelling of the Southern Cantabrian Basin, NW Spain

  
  Abstract & Detailed Project Description
  
     
     

   
     
     
  Scientists
Zbynek Veselovsky, Eriksfiord AS Bergen (formerly University of Heidelberg)
Thilo Bechstädt, GeoResources and University of Heidelberg
Rainer Zühlke, GeoResources and University of Heidelberg
  
     
  Abstract
Structural balancing offers approximations of pre-deformational, spatial relationships between measured cross-sections, as well as minimal basin shortening and Late Devonian basin geometry. At the basin scale, the amount of total tectonic shortening of the deformed basin infill was 54% at minimum. The Pedrosa Domain displays the highest values reaching 65%, followed by the Bodon (41%) and Alba (25%) Domains.

Using 2D reverse-basin modelling, six major subsidence trends within the total subsidence values and their components can be distinguished between 560Ma and 313 Ma. These trends reflect a complex evolution from a rift initiation–climax stage, to a post-rift stage (passive continental margin) and finally to a foreland basin, governed by the approach of the Variscan Orogen in the Early Carboniferous. The strongly subsiding foredeep moved from south to north in time (present-day coordinates), reflecting movements of the Variscan Orogen. Two second-order encroachment subcycles with durations of 20 Myr and 41 Myr were identified, based on subsidence patterns and basinward shifts of regional onlap. Maximum marine flooding was reached during the early Llandovery.

Two-dimensional stratigraphic forward modelling visualizes the predicted depositional history along the synthetic Bernesga Transect. Differential thermo-tectonic and flexural-induced subsidence, along with the fluctuating eustatic sea level controlled the production and destruction of accommodation space. Siliciclastic flux rates between 2500 and 4600m2 kyr−1 impeded carbonate production, which was able to initiate after a significant drop of clastic input (700m2 kyr−1) in the Early Devonian. Three Devonian carbonate factories display decompacted carbonate production rates from 90 to 780mMyr−1, each depending on (i) the amount of siliciclastic input, (ii) the accommodation space available and (iii) palaeogeographical position of the depositional area. The present study shows that carbonate production rates are often underestimated in the literature.
 


 
  Publications
Veselovsky, Z., Bechstädt, T. and Zühlke, R., 2008, Structural, reverse basin and forward stratigraphic modelling of the Southern Cantabrian Basin, NW Spain, in: P.L. de Boer, G. Postma, C.J. van der Zwan, P.M. Burgess and P. Kukla, eds., Analogue and Numerical Modelling of Sedimentary Systems: From Understanding to Prediction: Spec. Publ., Int. Assoc. Sediment, v. 40., p. 65-96.
  
     
  Funding Organizations
University of Heidelberg
German Research Fund (DFG)
  
     
   Detailed Project Description ...
  
     
     
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