Transition between Variscan and Alpine cycles in the Pyrenean-Cantabrian Mountains (N Spain): Geodynamic evolution of near-equator European Permian basins

In the northern Iberian Peninsula, Pyrenean-Cantabrian orogenic belt extends E-W for ca. 1000 km between Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. This orogen developed from collision Iberia Eurasia, mainly in Cenozoic times. Lower-middle Permian sediments crop out small, elongated basins traditionally considered independent each other due to misinterpretations on incomplete lithostratigraphic data scarce radiometric ages. Here, we integrate detailed stratigraphic, sedimentary, tectonic, paleosol magmatic well-dated units. Our reveal a similar geodynamic evolution across Ranges at end of Variscan cycle. started their development under an extensional regime related Belt collapse, which stars late Carboniferous times hinterland. collapse transitioned Pangea breakup middle study region. Sedimentation occurred as three main tectono-sedimentary phases. A first phase (Asselian-Sakmarian), may have even (Gzhelian) some sections, is represented by alluvial sedimentation associated with calc-alkaline magmatism. second stage (late Artinskian–early Kungurian), alluvial, lacustrine palustrine intercalations volcanic beds, shows clear upward aridification trend probably Paleozoic icehouse-greenhouse transition. The third final (Wordian-Capitanian) comprised deposits alkaline mafic rarely deposited Cantabrian Mountains, underwent significant pre- Early Mesozoic erosion segments Pyrenees. can be transition towards Supercontinent breakup, not generalized until Early/Middle Triassic this latitude because process stopped about 10 Myr (Pyrenees) 30 (Cantabrian Mountains). When compared near paleoequator, climate lower-middle Western Central Europe common features. Specifically, identify coeval periods activity, tectonics, high subsidence rates thick sedimentary record, well prolonged without sedimentation. comparison also identifies evolutionary differences that could distinct locations hinterland or foreland orogen. provide better understanding major crustal re-equilibration reorganization took place equator Western-Central during post-Variscan period.