Abstract
The Maastrichtian-Paleocene El Haria Formation is reviewed in the context of the tectonostratigraphic evolution using an integrated seismic stratigraphic analysis. The analysis of microfaunal and nanofloral content reveals local and internal hiatuses that are discussed and integrated in the geodynamic evolution of the studied interval. These are supported by seismic reflection configurations, which evidenced lithofacies changes, gaps, incised valleys, and significant variations in thickness that highlights the presence of specific and deep depocenters. The El Haria Formation displays seven sequences closely related to base-level changes driven by eustasy and tectonic movements. Albeit correlatable to the global chart of Snedden and Liu (2010), some minor cycles are amalgamated, while others remain below seismic resolution. The Selandian major maximum flooding (Pg10) is detected. The Thanetian-Ypresian transition (56 Ma) coincides with a major sea-level rise; it initiates the deposition of the carbonates of Bou Dabbous Formation. The realized sequential analysis is a part of a round-trip between outcrops, seismic, and logs, while keeping attention to the three-dimensional distribution of sedimentary system tracts.
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We are grateful to the editor and the anonymous reviewers whose comments resulted in the final balanced version of this manuscript. The presented work would not have been produced without data courtesy of ETAP (Entreprise Tunisienne d’Activités Pétrolières)—the Tunisian National Oil Company; they are gratefully acknowledged. We thank Prof Mohamed Faouzi Zagrarni for fruitful discussions on the geological distribution of the El Haria Formation and its depositional environment in central Tunisia. .
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Abidi, O., Inoubli, M.H., Sebei, K. et al. Integrated stratigraphic modeling of the Cap Bon province during the Maastrichtian-Paleocene interval, Tunisia. Arab J Geosci 11, 167 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-3502-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-3502-x