Proto-type basin evolution of the East Mediterranean Sea

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2019.8.22

Abstract

Abstract:

The Eastern Mediterranean Sea experienced an extension-convergence tectonic cycle, accumulating abundant oil and gas resources. Based on 2D seismic data, ODP Leg160, IHS and Tellus commercial database as well as published papers, we constructed the tectonic-stratigraphic framework of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and its adjacent area, and restored prototype basins in 12 critical geological periods. We also discussed basin evolution mechanism from the perspective of plate tectonics. The Upper Triassic-the Quaternary in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea can be divided into three regions: the onshore and shallow water region at the Neotethys passive continental margin, deep water region at the Neotethys passive continental margin and the Cyprus forearc fold belt. The first two stratigraphic regions consist of a set of rift-passive continental margin stratum system. However, significant differences in lithofacies and unconformity are in these two regions. A set of oceanic basin-forearc basin stratum system developed in the Cyprus forearc fold belt. The results show that the evolution of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea can be divided into three phases: the Permian-Early Jurassic rifting phase, the Middle Jurassic Bajocian-Late Cretaceous Turonian drifting phase and the convergence and transformation phase since the Late Cretaceous Senonian. The last phase can be subdivided into four stages, including the “double subduction zones” during the Late Cretaceous Senonian, the subduction-collision at the north during the Paleogene, the subduction-collision at the south of the Cyprus Arc and reactivity of the Levant margin during the Miocene, and the “arc-seamount” collision and plate escaping since the Miocene Messinian. The basin evolution was controlled by rifting of continental fragments, including the Tauride-Anatolian plate and the micro-plates (Kyrenia, Troodos and Eratosthenes) from Gondwana, as well as by northward drifting and collision of Eurasia and these continental fragments.

Key words: proto-type basin, tectonic-depositional environment, basin evolution, East Mediterranean Sea

CLC Number:

GAO Huahua, TONG Xiaoguang, WEN Zhixin, WANG Zhaoming. Proto-type basin evolution of the East Mediterranean Sea[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2020, 27(4): 255-271.

Figures/Tables 10

Fig.1 Location map and structural element division of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and its adjacent region

Fig.2 Crustal scale section across the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and the Tethyan margin

Fig.3 Time structure map (in ms TWT) and structural element division of the base Middle Jurassic Bajocian in the Eratosthenes Seamount and its periphery

Fig.4 Regional onshore and shallow water area tectono-stratigraphic framework of the Levant margin (see Fig.7 for an example)

Fig.5 Regional onshore and shallow water area tectono-stratigraphic framework of the Egypt margin (see Fig.7 for an example)

Fig.6 Regional deep water area tectono-stratigraphic framework of the Neotethys passive continental margin (see Fig.7 for an example)

Fig.7 Regional Cenozoic tectono-stratigraphic framework of the Cyprus forearc fold belt

Fig.8 Mesozoic tectonic-depositional environment and proto-type basin evolution of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Fig.9 Cenozoic tectonic-depositional environment and proto-type basin evolution of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Fig.10 Plate tectonics and basin evolution mechanism model of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and its adjacent area

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