Les communications entre l'Atlantique et la Méditerranée par le couloir sud-rifain du Tortonien à l'actuel: stratigraphie séquentielle des bassins néogènes de la région du cap des Trois Fourches (Rif Oriental, Maroc)

Abstract

The sequence stratigraphic concepts are applied to the Neogene “post-nappes” basins of the Cap des Trois Fourches area. It allows to correlate sequences and unconformities through this key area and reconstruct the development of the Atlantic-Mediterranean gateway through the South Riffian strait for the past 10 Ma. During this period of time, the sediment accumulation which was controlled essentially by sea level changes, have recorded tectonics and volcanics pulses. The Atlantic-Mediterranean gateways were cut off during two short period of times of 200 to 500 kyr that occurred during the Upper Tortonian and the Upper Messinian, respectively. The present day situation began during Upper Pliocene time.