Summary
A Lower Jurassic shallow-platform carbonate succession recognized at Alte, in the Algarve Basin (South Portugal), bears a typically Tethyan microfossil assemblage, which had not been documented before in Portugal and allows better dating of the succession. This is mainly composed of intertidal-supratidal sediments, with infrequent subtidal sediments and event deposits, suggesting a marginal-marine, peritidal depositional setting. The microfossil assemblage comprises benthic foraminifera, calcareous algae, porostromates, ostracods andIncertaesedis. As regards to biostratigraphy, the most important are the larger imperforate foraminifera, which includeLituosepta recoarensis, Paleomayncina termieri andPseudopfenderina butterlini?, among other. The vertical distribution of these species indicates that the succession may be confidently dated as Upper Sinemurian, most probably as topmost Sinemurian. The persistence ofL. recoarensis at the top of the sucession indicates that these deposits do not reach the Carixian. The dasyclads are the most important group in the microflora, in particular the typical Liassic speciesPalaeodaysacladus mediterraneus. Also most abundant isThaumatoporella parvovesiculifera. As regards to the Algarve Basin Lower Jurassic shallow-platform formations, it is only in the levels bearing these assemblages that a biostratigraphical constraint is found. The recognition of these Tethyan assemblages also reinforces the knowledge of their palaeogeographical distribution and of the correlative depositional settings in the southern Iberian Peninsula, allowing further comparisons with the North-African region.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Andreo, B., García-Hernández, M., Martín-Algarra, A., Rey, J. & Vera, J.A. (1991): La sedimentacíon carbonatada del Lías en la transversal de Vélez Rubio (Subbético Interno).—Rev. Soc. Geol. España,4/1–2, 165–178, 8 Figs., Madrid.
Azerêdo, A. C. (1999): Etudes micropaléontologiques dans les séries carbonatées du Jurassique moyen du Basin Lusitanien (Portugal).—Comun. Inst. Geol. Mineiro,86, 59–84, 5 Pls., 5 Figs., Lisboa.
Baratollo, F. & Bigozzi, A. (1996): Dasycladaceans and depositional environments of the Upper Triassic-Liassic carbonate platform of the Gran Sasso.—Facies,35, 163–208. Pls— 54, Erlangen.
Baratollo, F., De Castro, P. & Parente, M. (1994): Some remarks on the generaPalaeodasycladus (PIA, 1920) PIA, 1927 andEodasycladus Cross & Lemoine, 1966 Ex Gramier & Deloffre, 1993 (Green Algae, Dasycladales).—Beitr Paläontol.,19, 11 p., 2 Pls., 1 Fig., Wien.
Bassoullet, J.P. (1997): Les grands foraminifères In: Cariou, E. & Hantzpergue, P. (coords.), Biostratigraphie du Jurassique Ouest-Eurropéen et Mediterranéen.—Groupe Français d'étude du Jurassique, Bull. Centre Rech. Elf Explor.-Prod., Mém.17, 293–304, 3 Figs., Pau.
Bassoullet, J. P., Fourcade, E. & Peybernès, B. (1985): Paléobiogéographie des grands Foraminifères benthiques des marges néo-téthysiennes au Jurassique et au Crétacé inférieur. —Bull. Soc. Géol. France 8, I/5, 699–713, 7 Fig., Paris.
Bosence, D., Wood, J. L., Rose, E. P. F. & Qing, H. (2000): Low-and high-frequency sea-level changes control peritidal carbonate cycles, facies and dolomitization in the Rock of Gibraltar (Early Jurassic, Iberian Peninsula).—J. Geol. Soc.,57, 61–74, 10 Figs., 2 Tables, London.
Bouroullec, J. & Deloffre, R. (1970): Les Algues du Jurassique Aquitain.—Bull. Centre Rech. Pau,4/1, 79–127, 11 Pls., 3 Figs., Pau.
Boutakiout, M. (1990): Les foraminifères du Jurassique des Rides sud-rifaines et des régions voisines (Maroc).—Doc. Lab. Géol. Fac. Sciences Lyon,112, 247 p., 15 Pls., 50 Figs. Lyon.
Cherchi, A. (1989): Problems of larger forminifera palaeobiogeography in the Mediterranean Mesozoic.—In: Boriani, A., Bonafede, M., Piccardo, G. B. & Vai, G. B. (eds.): The lithosphere in Italy.—Advances in Earth Science Research, 353–382, 2 Figs., Roma.
Chiocchini, M. (1977): Ricerche geologiche sul Gran Sasso d'Italia (Abruzzo). I— Facies di margine della piattaforma carbonatica durante il Lias medio e superiore nei pressi di S. Stefano di Sessanio (F. 140 Teramo).—Studi Geologici Camerti,3, 65–73, 9 Pls., Camerino.
De Castro, P. (1987): On some Foraminifera and Algae in Apennine Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene.—Mem. Soc. Geol. Italiana,40, 109–124, 7 Pls., 3 Figs., 2 Tables, Roma.
De Castro, P. (1990): Thaumatoporelle: Conoscenze attuali e approccio all'interpretazione.—Boll. Soc. Paleont. Italian,29/2, 179–206, 11 Pls., 7 Figs., Modena.
Dercourt, J., Zonenshain, L., Ricou, L.E., Kazmin, V.G., Le Pichon, X., Knipper, A., Grand-Jacquet, C., Sborshchikov, L.M., Boulin, J., Sorokhtim, O., Geyssant, J., Lepurier, C., Biju-Duval, B., Sibuet, J. C., Savostin, L.A., Westphal, M. & Lauer, J.P. (1985): Presentation de 9 cartes paléogéographiques au 1/20000000e s'étendant de l'Atlantique au Pamir pour la période du Lias à l'Actuel.—Bull. Soc. Géol. France, 8,I/5, 637–652, 9 Pls., 1 Fig., Paris.
Duarte, L. V. (1997): Factes analysis and sequential evolution of the Toarcian-Lower Aalenian series in the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal).—Comun. Inst. Geol. Mineiro,83, 65–94.—Pls., 17 Figs., Lisboa.
Duarte, L. V.; Krautter & Soares, A. F. (2001): Bioconstructions à spongiaires siliceux dans le Lias terminal du Bassin lusitanien (Portugal): stratigraphie, sédimentologie et signification paléogéographique.—Bull. Soc. Géol. France,172/5, 637–646, 8 Figs., Paris.
Flügel, E. (1983): Mikrofazies der pantokrator-Kalke (Lias) von Korfu, Giechenland.—Facies,8, 263–300, Pls. 41–49, 1 Fig., Erlangen.
González-Donoso, J. M., Linares, A. & Rivas, P. (1974): El Lías inferior y medio de Poloria (serie del Zegrí, Zona Subbética, norte de Granada).—Estudios Geologicos, Instituto Lucas Mallada, C.S.I.C. (España),XXX, 639–654, 5 Pls., 2 Figs.
Henriques, M. H. (1995): Les faunes d'ammonites de l'Aalénien portugais: composition et implications paléobiogéographiques. In: M. Gayet & B. Curtinat (eds.), First European Palaeontological Congress, Lyon, 1993.—Geobios, Mem. Sp.,18, 229–235, Lyon.
Henriques, M. H. (2000): Biostratigraphie (Ammonoidea) du passage Lias-Dogger dans le Bassin Lusitanien: la coupe de S. Gião.—Strata, Sér. 1,10, 31–35, Toulouse.
Hottinger, L. (1967): Foraminifères imperforés du Mésozoique marocain.—Not. Mém. Serv. Géol. Maroc,209, 168 p., 20 Pls. , 49 Figs., Rabat.
Hudson, J. D. (1970): Jurassic algal limestones.—Lethaia,3, 11–40, 11 Figs., Oslo.
Inverno, C. M. C., Manuppella, G., Zbyszewski, G., Pais, J. & Ribeiro, M. L. (1993): Notícia Explicativa da Folha 42-C (Santiago do Cacém) da Carta Geológica de Portugal à escala de 1:50.000.—Serv. Geol. Portugal, 75 p., Lisboa.
Jansa, L. F. (1986): Palaeoceanography and evolution of the North Atlantic Ocean basin during the Jurassic. In: Vogt, P. R. & Tucholke, B. E. (Eds). The Geology of North America, vol. M, The Western North Atlantic region.—Geol. Soc. America, 603–616, 4 Figs., Denver.
Manuppella, G. (1988): Litostratigrafia e tectónica da Bacia Algarvia.—Geonovas,10, 67–71 2 Figs., Lisboa.
Manuppella, G. (coord.) (1992): Carta Geológica da Região do Algarve, escala 1:100.000.—Serv Geol. Portugal, Lisboa.
Manuppella, G. & Azerêdo, A. C. (1996): Contribuição para o conhecimento da geologia da região de Sesimbra.—Comun. Inst. Geol. Mineiro,82, 37–50, 3 Figs., Lisboa.
Manuppella, G., Marques, B. & Rocha, R. B. (1988): Evolution tectono-sédimentaire du bassin de l'Algarve pendant le Jurassique.—Proceedings 2nd International Symposium on Jurassic Stratigraphy, Lisboa, 1031–1046, 4 Figs., Lisboa.
Matos, J. E. (1997): Stratigraphy, sedimentology and oil potential of the Lower Jurassic to Kimmeridgian of the United Arab Emirates; outcrop and subsurface compared.—Unpublished Ph.D Thesis, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen (Scotland), 469 p., 60 Pls., 1 volume of appendices.
Mougenot, D., Monteiro, J. H., Dupeuble, P. A. & Malod, J. A. (1979): La marge continental sud-portugaise: évolution structurale et sédimentaire.—Ciências da Terra, U.N.L.,5, 223–246, 7 Figs., Lisboa.
Mouterde, R., Ramalho, M. M., Rocha, R. B., Ruget, C. & Tintant, H. (1971): Les Jurassique du Portugal. Esquisse stratigraphique et zonale.—Bol. Soc. Geol. Portugal,18, 73–104, 3 Tables, Lisboa.
Peybernès, B., Bouaouda, M.S., Alméras, Y., Ruget, C. & Cugny, P. (1987): Stratigraphie du Lias et du Dogger du bassin côtier d'Essaouira (Maroc) avant et pendant le début de l'expansion océanique dans l'Atlantique Central. Comparaisons avec le bassin d'Agadir.—C.R. Acad. Sci.,305, Séries II, 1449–1555, 1 Pl., 1 Fig., Paris.
Peybernès, B., Manuppella, G. & Cugny, P. (1993): Découpage en séquences de dépôt, datées par les grands forminifères benthiques, du Dogger carbonaté du Sud du Portugal (Santiago do Cacém et Algarve).—Géol. Méditerranéenne,XX/2, 101–107, 1 Pl., 1 Fig.
Praturlon, A. (1966): Algal assemblages from Lias to Paleocene in Southern Latium-Abruzzi: a review.—Boll. Soc. Geol. Ital.,85, 167–194, 16 Figs., 1 Table, Roma.
Ribeiro, A., Antunes, M. T., Ferreira, M. P., Rocha, R. B., Soares, A. F., Zbyszewski, G., Moitinho de Almeida,F., Carvalho, D. & Monteiro, J. H. (1979): Introduction à la géologie générale du Portugal.—Serv. Geol. Portugal, 114 p., 66 Figs., Lisboa.
Rocha, R. B. (1976): Estudo estratigráfico e paleontológico do Jurássico do Algarve Ocidental.—Ciências da Terra, U. N. L.,2, 178 p., 5 Pls., 49 Figs., Lisboa.
Septfontaine, M. (1980): Les Foraminifères imperforés des milieux de plate-forme au Mésozoïque: détermination pratique, interprétation phylogénétique et utilization biostratigraphique. —Rev Micropal.,23/3–4, 169–203, 3 Pls., 10 Figs., Paris.
Septfontaine, M. (1984): Biozonation (a l'aide des Foraminifères imperforés) de la plate-forme interne carbonatée liasique du Haut Atlas (Maroc)..—Rev. Micropal.,27/3, 209–229, 2 Pls., 4 Figs., Paris.
Septfontaine, M. (1985): Milieux de dépôts et foraminifères (Lituolidés) de la plate-forme carbonatée du Lias moyen au Maroc.—Rev. Micropal.,28/4, 265–289, 2 Pls., 10 Figs., Paris.
Septfontaine, M. (1988): Vers une classification evolutive des Lituolidés (Foraminifères) jurassiques en milieu de plateformes carbonatée.—Rev. Paléobiol., vol. spec.2, Benthos 86 229–256, 2 Pls., 5 Figs. Genève.
Septfontaine, M., Arnaud-Vanneau, A., Bassoullet, J-P., Gusic, Y., Romalho, M. M. & Velic, I. (1991): Les foraminifères imperforés des plates-formes carbonatées jurassiques: état des connaissances et perspectives d'avenir.—Bull. Soc. Vaudoise Sci. Natur. (Bull. Géol. Lausanne, 312),80/3, 255–277, 2 Figs., Lausanne.
Sokac, B. (2001): Lower and Middle Liassic calcareous algae (Dasycladales) from Mt. Velebit (Croatia) and Mt.Trnovski Gozd (Slovenia) with particular reference to the genusPalaeodasycladus (Pia, 1920) 1927 and its species.—Geol. Croatica,54/2, 133–257, 42 Pls., 8 Figs., 17 Tables, Zagreb.
Terrinha, P.A.G. (1988): Structural geology and tectonic evolution of the Algarve Basin.—Unpublished PhD Thesis, Imperial College, University of London, U. K., 430 p., 134 Figs., London.
Terrinha, P. A. G., Ribeiro, C., Kullberg, J. C., Lopes, C., Rocha, R. B. & Ribeiro, A. (2002): Compressive episodes and faunal isolation during rifting in the Algarve and Lusitanian Basins, Southwest Iberia.—Journ. Geology,110, 101–113, 9 Figs., Chicago.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Azerêdo, A.C., Manuppella, G. & Ramalho, M.M. The late Sinemurian carbonate platform and microfossils with Tethyan affinities of the Algarve Basin (South Portugal). Facies 48, 49–60 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02667529
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02667529