Eocene to middle Miocene contourite deposits in Cyprus: A record of Indian Gateway evolution

Bottom current deposits (contourites) form in association with modern-day or ancient oceanic gateways. A paucity of examples the record and lack consensus on diagnostic criteria for differentiating them from other deepwater limit our understanding how they may past global circulation, tectonic events gateway evolution. This work describes an exceptional example Eocene to middle Miocene deep-marine located both onshore offshore environments around island Cyprus. Multidisciplinary approaches were used discriminate contourite facies associations, propose a sedimentary model, interpret relations regional tectonics evolution nearby Indian Gateway. Contourite appear late intervals interstratified pelagic/hemipelagic sediments, turbidites mass-transport (MTDs). These developed along slope basin upper plate active margin, evolving wide formed during period quiescent into series shallowing-upward, segmented sub-basins affected by compressional stress. The present study proposes model which two depositional systems developed: first (dominated finer-grained contourites), then latest Oligocene coarser-grained contourites). Both buried extensive marl respective influence deep (circulating NW) intermediate SE) water masses. long-term contourites reflects that enhanced subduction processes south Cyprus as well exchange between Neotethys Ocean Atlantic Oceans —until final closure Gateway end Miocene, when new circulation pattern was established formation Mediterranean Sea. described here represent bi-gradational sequences normally contouritic drifts, sometimes having asymmetric top-cut sequence characteristics plastered drifts terraces. coarser (sandy) contourites, consist three packages associated compressive flexural phases. They pertain I) Chattian (late Oligocene); II) Aquitanian/Burdigalian (early Miocene) III) Langhian (middle Miocene). Evidence bottom episodes occurs toward top these before are later dominant deposits. sandy thus phases, whereas predominately units intermittent MTDs (developed phases combination sediments) sediment supply after their winnowing / reworking. Our research found discriminating related primarily variations processes, behaviour its velocity, sedimentation rates paleoenvironmental conditions. highlights importance primary structures, microfacies ichnological features making determinations at scale. Due common occurrence, thickness (30-40 m), potential porosity permeability, can reservoirs energy geosciences. In summary, this demonstrates role gateways driving paleo-oceanic that, turn, controls shapes morphology basins continental margins. It also allows comparison present-day margin Future high-resolution analyses geological settings could help resolve architectures similar terms episodic —involving compressive-flexural stress variations. control Earth’s surface environment (sea-level, climate circulation) over time influencing supply, strata types