Understanding the complex geomorphology of a deep sea area affected by continental tectonic indentation: The case of the Gulf of Vera (Western Mediterranean)

We present a multidisciplinary study of morphology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, tectonic structure, and physical oceanography to report that the complex geomorphology Palomares continental margin adjacent Algerian abyssal plain (i.e., Gulf Vera, Western Mediterranean), is result sedimentary response Aguilas Arc indentation in Eurasian–Africa plate collision. The imprinted on basement with elongated metamorphic antiforms are pierced by igneous bodies, synforms accommodate deformation create physiography. partially covered Upper Miocene deposits sealed regional Messinian Erosive Surface characterized palaeocanyons carve modern margin. These outcropping highs then shaped Plio-Quaternary contourites formed under action Light Intermediate Dense Deep Mediterranean bottom currents. Even though currents responsible for primary sedimentation shapes margin, 97% this region's seafloor affected mass-movements modified contourite sediments eroding, deforming, faulting, sliding, depositing sediments. Mass-movement processes have resulted formation recurrent mass-flow deposits, an enlargement submarine canyons gully incisions, basin-scale gravitational slides spreading above Salinity Crisis salt layer. Polopo, Gata extensional upslope domain downslope contractional diapirs piercing (hemi)pelagites/sheet-like turbidites creating dotted numerous crests. mass movements were mostly triggered interplay sedimentological factors over time. indentation, which involves progressively southeastward tilting whole land-sea region, likely generated quasi-continuous oversteepening entire thus reducing stability contourites. In addition, subsidence favoured flow underlying layer, contributing instability overlying large areas plain.