The Vaca Muerta transgression (Upper Jurassic), Neuquén Basin, Argentina: Insights into the evolution and timing of aeolian–marine transitions

Abstract Considering the evolution of aeolian to marine transitions for geological record, either catastrophic or gradual transgressive scenarios showing high low rates coastal migration have been proposed. A critical evaluation modern analogues suggests that a transgression shares many characteristics with Holocene transgressions, yet they are caused by different sea‐level rise. The present study provides insights into in order discuss these alternative For this purpose, sedimentological and ichnological analysis was carried out on ten stratigraphic sections Picún Leufú area, Argentina. There, deposits Vaca Muerta Formation accumulated over Quebrada del Sapo during early Tithonian. sedimentary transition can be summarized in: (i) shutdown dune field deposition, generating planation surface somewhat elevated areas reworked megadunes lowlands; (ii) beach sedimentation episodic flooding contributed megadune reworking; (iii) deposition an embayed marginal‐marine setting at coast, recorded bay margin bindstone, proximal distal sedimentation. This indicates very rapid coastline condensed Transgressive Systems Tract succession throughout area. Rates rise similar ones (millimetres centimetres per year) may produced between formations. Late Jurassic represents non‐glacial time, global maximum highstand pre‐dated event. Thus, part has attributed tectonic/thermal subsidence compaction underlying strata, which generated atypical