Large-scale vertical movements in Cenomanian to Santonian carbonate platform in Iberia: indicators of a Coniacian pre-orogenic compressive stress

The Cenomanian to early Santonian interval is usually considered a time of postrifting tectonic quiescence around the northern margins Iberia that preceded onset Pyrenean convergence by crustal thrusting in latest Santonian. However, plate kinematic models Mesozoic evolution poorly constrain Turonian-Santonian position relative Eurasia. This study reconstructs changes sedimentary facies and architecture Iberian carbonate platform throughout Late Cretaceous sheds new light on geodynamic Iberia-Eurasia relationship at time. Sixteen outcrop sections were described 24 identified define 5 depositional environments ranging from deep marine basin continental setting. From these previously published field data we reconstruct platform, an east-west transect nearly 400 km long, basis 11 short-term sequences long-term hemicycles. In our interpretation, Turonian correspond postrift stage during which European margins, together with between them, subside gently, as shown accommodation rates varying ∼15 30 m/My ∼100 150 basin. Coniacian are characterized large-scale flexural response consisting (1) uplift southern margin, negative rates, karstified surfaces paleosols, (2) increasing subsidence its edges (the margin eastern Aquitaine platform), several times greater than Turonian. We propose far-field stress possibly related northeastward motion Africa, and/or shortening Iberia-Europe boundary central Pyrenees led incipient deformation domain. late Campanian orogenic marked rapid domain, except western end. evidence for first pre-orogenic flexure induced regional reorganisation Africa Europe