Abstract
The Numidian Flysch (Oligocene-Miocene) is a mud-rich deepwater system dominated by thin-bedded and very thin-bedded turbidites. Preliminary study of the equivalent series in Sicily, Tunisia, Algeria and southern Spain reveal a similar range of mud, silt and sand-rich facies in each locality. They are commonly associated with thick-bedded turbidites and the deepwater massive sandstone facies association. They were deposited by low-concentration turbidity currents in a slope setting which shows a general shallowing-upward trend. Attribute and sequence characteristics indicate deposition in channel-abandonment, channel-levee, open slope and lobe architectural elements, for which we infer a series of separate basins and input points along the 2000 km extent of the Numidian Flysch system. Intensive bioturbation in parts are indicative of the interbedded hemipelagites and, possibly, contourites, although evidence for interaction with along slope currents during closure of the Tethys Ocean is yet to be elucidated. While the sand-rich turbidites represent good potential for hydrocarbon reservoirs, any exploration must take the dominance of thin-bedded turbidites into account.
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Stow, D., Riahi, S., Menzoul, B., Patel, U., Omoniyi, B., Johansson, M. (2019). Thin-Bedded Turbidites of the Numidian Flysch, North Africa and Southern Europe. In: Boughdiri, M., Bádenas, B., Selden, P., Jaillard, E., Bengtson, P., Granier, B. (eds) Paleobiodiversity and Tectono-Sedimentary Records in the Mediterranean Tethys and Related Eastern Areas. CAJG 2018. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01452-0_57
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01452-0_57
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