Neo-tectonic reactivation and relief rejuvenation in the western Betics foreland (Viar catchment)
- J. L. Yanes 1
- I. Expósito 1
- A. Jiménez Bonilla 1
- F. Moral Martos 1
- J.C. Balanyá 1
- E. García Navarro 2
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1
Universidad Pablo de Olavide
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2
Universidad de Huelva
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ISSN: 0213-683X
Year of publication: 2019
Issue Title: Comunicaciones presentadas en la LXVI Sesión Científica / Leioa (Bilbao), 24 de mayo de 2019
Issue: 66
Pages: 107-110
Type: Article
More publications in: Geogaceta
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Abstract
We analyze the recent tectonic activity recorded in the Viar catchment (Betics foreland), combining structural and geomorphic tools. Our results indicate that recent, probably Quaternary, tectonic activity is responsible for relief segmentation, both parallel and perpendicular to the limit between the foreland of the Betics and the Guadalquivir foreland basin. Thus, uplift of the Viar catchment boundaries seems to be controlled by the presence of previous structures, reactivated as NW-SE oblique reverse faults at its NE boundary and oblique normal faults, close to E-W orientation, at its SW boundary. Additionally, SW-NE oblique normal faults are associated with the topographic escarpment that separates the Iberian Massif and the Guadalquivir foreland basin. They must have elevated the Iberian Massif before the subsidence of the Viar catchment occurred, given that the Neogene sediments of the Guadalquivir basin do not extend within the southernmost Viar catchment although its floor is at the same altitude as the Neogene outcrops in the northermost Guadalquivir basin. The contrasting kinematics accommodating relief rejuvenation point to the superposition of shortening, probably due to Alpine intraplate deformation, and extension related to forebulge flexion.