Flexural?isostatic reconstruction of the Western Mediterranean during the Messinian Salinity Crisis: Implications for water level and basin connectivity

During the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC, 5.97–5.33 Ma), thick evaporites were deposited in Mediterranean Sea associated with major margin erosion. This has been interpreted by most authors as resulting from water level drop evaporation but its timing, amplitude and variations between subbasins are poorly constrained due to uncertainty post-Messinian vertical motions lack of a clear time-correlation marginal basin offshore records. The Balearic Promontory surrounding basins exemplify range responses this event, erosion up kilometre units abyssal areas containing majority MSC halite. contains unique patches halite thickness 325 m at intermediate depths that provide valuable information on during stage deposition. We compile seismic markers potentially indicating ancient shorelines drawdown phase: first is marked transition MES UU based data. second limit bottom surface (BES) deposits. restore these their original depth accounting for flexural isostasy sediment compaction. best-fitting scenario involves ca. 1,100 ± 100 Upper unit 1,500 BES level. According our results, deposition began Central Mallorca Depression 1,300–1,500 depth, perched hundreds metres above deep basins, which 1,500–1,800 (Valencia Basin) >2,900 (Algerian Basin). hypothesis surfaces formed subaerially phase consistent model before/during least 1,000 m, followed until terminated reinstatement normal marine conditions.