The Eocene carbonate platform of the central-western Malaguides (Internal Betic Zone, S Spain) and its meaning for the Cenozoic paleogeography of the westermost Tethys

The Eocene Peñicas (Almería) and Harania (Málaga) stratigraphic sections from the Malaguide Complex (Betic Cordillera, South Spain) belonging to Mesomediterranean Microplate westernmost Tethys (about-35°N 0° 5°E according coordinates) have been studied. cover Cuisian middle Lutetian deposits, which show several lithofacies representing shallow marine platform realms. Based on fossiliferous assemblage, texture fabrics, eight microfacies related inner outer ramp settings were defined. In of section abundant colonial corals recognized. deposits are arranged into a transgressive succession composed by three minor transgressive-regressive sedimentary cycles. assemblage shows mixture photozoan (Larger Bentic Foraminifera –LBF–, green red calcareous algae corals) heterotrophic (mollusks, echinoids, bryozoans, small benthic planktic foraminifers) elements, suggesting euphotic mesophotic conditions in oligo-mesotrophic warm-waters at low-middle latitudes. This indicates transition heterozoan carbonates particular shift towards settings. During Early Eocene, widespread distribution LBF leads Tethyan domains disappearance or extreme reduction coral constructions. Nevertheless, associated realms observed indicating that could continue develop Atlantic Ocean, contrast with respect other sectors. Therefore, Ypresian-Lutetian time-span is transitional period for global temperature during locally survived only where optimal ecologic occurred, preferably marginal contexts, as it seems happened studied area. • Westernmost (about-30° N Middle Shallow Photozoan elements (LBF, Abundant