Dating of Holocene Sedimentary and Paleosol Sequence within the Guadalentín Depression (Murcia, SE Spain): Paleoclimatic Implications and Paleoseismic Signals

This work presents the chronology of Holocene filling Guadalentín Tectonic Depression (Murcia, SE Spain) combining 14C and OSL age data. studies sediments paleosols interbedded in sedimentary sequence between Totana Librilla, using as reference Espuña Karting section (Alhama de Murcia), which has been fully sampled for its geochronological analysis. The entire dated sequences record last c. 20–19 ka BP, although local basal travertine beds extend back to Late Pleistocene (30–33 ka). Soil morphology properties from different environmental crises Spain, but also a progressive aridification throughout Holocene. Chalcolithic Paleosol develops soon after 4.6–4.0 nearly coinciding with start Meghalayan stage, evidencing drastic change relatively humid arid conditions, coincident crisis Copper Age civilizations Spain. Bronze paleosol developed under more indicating important longer gap 2.5–2.7 BP. stop sedimentation are correlative first stages fluvial incision at basin center locations desiccation fragmentation ancient wetlands collapse Spain (Argaric Culture). During Ibero-Roman Humid Period (IRHP), 2.6–1.6 pedogenic cycle occurred conditions. preluded establishment exorheic environments well period paleoseismic activity area around 2.0–1.8