Evolution of a Miocene canyon and its carbonate fill in the pre-evaporitic eastern Mediterranean

Abstract Extensive canyons, excavated into the margins of Levant Basin during Oligocene–Miocene, are interesting case-studies for canyon fills in carbonate settings. The Pattish Formation, developed along pre-evaporitic Messinian Beer Sheva Canyon Israel, was investigated using both onshore seismic imaging and field data. has three main facies fill (1) Subparallel reflections mimicking canyon´s morphology; (2) chaotic overlying subparallel ones, (3) sigmoidal reflections, locally with sharp edges at margins. first corresponds to pelagic marls Bet Eshel Formation. other two are, respectively, equivalent bioclastic calcarenite clinobeds slumps channels, coral–stromatolite reefs reef slopes Formation observed outcrop. There were phases development: slope incision headward erosion due tectonic uplift eustatic sea-level fall Early Oligocene, large failure latest Middle Miocene; platform connection a fluvial system Late Miocene related falling sea level uplift; filling by centre canyon, followed flanks formed gravity flows. Finally, production resulted associated prograding towards axis. late phase ended deposition evaporites Salinity Crisis.