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International audience; New results on the geochronology of metabasites hosted by the Neoproterozoic (late Ediacaran) Serie Negra of the Ossa-Morena Zone (Iberian Massif) are presented. These rocks record a protracted subduction at least since the latest Cryogenian, followed in a continuum by early Cambrian rifting. The Serie Negra country rocks are continental-crust forearc segments of the thinned continental margin of Gondwana. The metabasite suite exhibits E- and N-MORB, as well as volcanic arc signatures, and discloses the existence of a diverse Late Ediacaran–Early Cambrian magmatism across the Ossa-Morena Zone. Protoliths of the E-MORB metabasites are clearly Ediacaran. They exhibit geochemical characteristics typical of younger island arcs, notably of their forearc zones affected by extension soon after the initiation of subduction. Radiometric dating of N-MORB metabasites shows that these rocks are significatively younger than their country rocks, whose age has been stratigraphically and paleontologically constrained as Ediacaran. They record early Cambrian rifting developed in a continuum after a protracted subduction. Metabasite petrological zonation permits to reconstruct a single Ediacaran subduction zone located to the S of the current OMZ and dipping towards the N (in present day geographical coordinates).

A synthesis of Cenozoic detrital suites from the Internal Betic-Rif Cordilleras is discussed in relations with major paleotectonic phases during growth of orogenic belts. The discussion has been focused on the Malaguide and Ghomaride complexes that have a Cenozoic sedimentary detritic cover. The heterogeneous petrographic composition of coarse detrital rocks, and the mineralogy and geochemistry of mudrocks indicate a multiple source area consisting in metamorphic, and recycled siliciclastic and carbonate source rocks, with a minor supply of mafic rocks during the early Miocene. The siliciclastic coarse detrital suites plot mainly in a wide area at the Qm-Lt side in a Qm-F-Lt diagram reflecting their transition between a craton, quartzose recycled, quartzose transitional orogenic, and finally lithic transitional orogenic provenance type. The Paleocene-Eocene successions seem to be affected by higher weathering effects than the Oligo-Miocene ones. Significant recycling and reworking processes should take place during the Paleocene-Eocene and the Oligo-Miocene before the final deposition. The source areas were characterized by non-steady-state weathering conditions reflecting a progressive cooling contemporaneous to the typical evolution of source areas where active tectonism allows erosion within weathering profiles developed on source rocks. A sharp increase of siliciclastic content together with the changes in sorting-recycling-weathering suggests abrupt changes in the source area starting from Oligocene. This fact allows subdividing the succession into the lower (Paleocene-Eocene) and the upper (Oligocene-Early Miocene) cycles. Lower cycle was contemporaneous to the Eo-Alpine tectonic phase, which was reflected in the Malaguide and Ghomaride domains by basement folding and deep tectonics with fault-propagation folds, accomplished by minor rising or reliefs and deepening of subsidence areas. Contrarily, the upper cycle took place during the Neo-Alpine phase, when in the Malaguide and Ghomaride domains, thrustings should become superficial contemporaneous to subduction and stacking of tectonic units. This led to a strong increasing of rising areas reflected in the sedimentation by the occurrence of coarse terrigenous deposits in wedge-top basins. The early Miocene also shows the influence of volcanism in the Mediterranean region, and/or the erosion of magmatic-metamorphic rocks derived from deep tectonic levels affected in the Eo-Alpine phase or belonging to the Hercynian bedrock. This evolution fits well with recent paleogeographic-geodynamic models for the western-central Mediterranean. Research Project PID2020-114381GB-I00 to M. Martín-Martín, F. Perri and S. Critelli, Spanish Ministry of Education and Science; Research Groups and Projects of the Generalitat Valenciana, Alicante University (CTMA-IGA) are acknowledged. Support from Ministero Italiano dell'Università e della Ricerca Scientifica to S. Critelli, is also acknowledged.

This paper introduces a Python application for visualizing an imbricate thrust system. The application uses the traditional geologic information to create an HTML geological map with real topography and a set of geological cross-sections with the essential structural and stratigraphic elements. On the basis of the high geological knowledge gained during the last three decades, the Palomeque sheets affecting the Cenozoic Malaguide succession in the Internal Betic Zone (SE Spain) were selected to show the application. In this area, a Malaguide Cretaceous to Lower Miocene succession is deformed as an imbricate thrust system, with two thrusts forming a duplex, affected later by a set of faults with a main strike-slip kinematic. The modeled elements match well with the design of the stratigraphic intervals and the structures reported in recent scientific publications. This proves the good performance of this Python application for visualizing the structural and stratigraphic architecture. This kind of application could be a crucial stage for future groundwater, mining, and civil engineering management. Research Project PID2020-114381GB-100 of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Research Groups and Projects of the Generalitat Valenciana from University of Alicante (CTMA-IGA), semigrupos.ugr.es from University of Granada and Research Groups FQM-343 of the Junta de Andalucía.

The coexistence of shortening and extensional tectonic regimes is a common feature in orogenic belts. The westernmost end of the Western Mediterranean is an area undergoing shortening related to the 5 mm/yr NNW‒SSE convergence of the Nubia and Eurasia Plates. In this region, the Central Betic Cordillera shows a regional ENE‒WSW extension. Here, we present GNSS-derived geodetic data along a 170 km-long transect orthogonal to the main active normal faults of the Central Betic Cordillera. Our data indicate that the total extension rate along the Central Betic Cordillera is 2.0 ± 0.3 mm/yr. Extension is accommodated in the eastern (0.8 ± 0.3 mm/yr in the Guadix-Baza Basin) and western (1.3 ± 0.3 mm/yr in the Granada Basin) parts of the Central Betic Cordillera, while no extension is recorded in the central part of the study area. Moreover, our data permit us to quantify, for the first time, short-term fault slip rates of the Granada Fault System, which is one of the main seismogenic sources of the Iberian Peninsula. We deduce a fault slip rate of ∼1.3 ± 0.3 mm/yr for the whole Granada Basin, with 0.9 ± 0.3 mm/yr being accommodated in the Granada Fault System and 0.4 ± 0.3 mm/yr being accommodated in the southwestern sector of the Granada Basin, where no active faults have been previously described at the surface. The heterogeneous extension in the Central Betic Cordillera could be accommodated by shallow high-angle normal faults that merge with a detachment at depth. Part of the active extension could be derived from gravitational instability because of underlying over-thickened crust. This research was funded by the Generalitat Valenciana (Valencian Regional Government, Research project AICO/2021/196), Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and University (Research Projects RTI2018-100737-B-I00 and PID2021-127967NB-I00), the University of Alicante (Research Project VIGROB053), the University of Jaén (POAIUJA 2021–2022, CEACTEMA and Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucía, 2014–2020—call made by UJA, 2018, Ref. 1263446), P18-RT-3275 (Junta de Andalucía/FEDER), and the Junta de Andalucía regional government (RNM282 and RNM 148 research groups). The Institut Cartogràfic Valencià, Agencia Valenciana de Seguridad y Respuesta a las Emergencias (Generalitat Valenciana), Consorcio Provincial para el Servicio de Prevención y Extinción de Incendios y Salvamento de Alicante, Excelentísimas Diputaciones Provinciales de Alicante y Castellón, and the Ayuntamiento de Almoradí also provided partial funding.

El terremoto de “Tabernes de 1396”, en el valle de la Valldigna, se ha considerado como uno de los mayores terremotos que se tiene registro en la Península Ibérica. La información utilizada para tales afirmaciones siempre ha partido de fuentes secundarias de la zona porque las originales se creían perdidas. En este trabajo, a partir de una copia recientemente editada, del libro de la historia del Real Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Valldigna, la “Historia Cronológica” del Padre Estevan Gil, se fija la fecha del 16 de diciembre en vez del 18 de diciembre para el terremoto principal y se reinterpretan los daños del terremoto, a partir de la fuente original. Además, se apunta la importancia del terremoto del 7 de noviembre de 1330 que supone la primera destrucción del cenobio. El libro original aporta información de la última destrucción de iglesia, en el terremoto de 1644, sus daños y la reconstrucción. Juntamente con otro libro, también recientemente editado de Tomás Gómez, sobre la visita castellana de 1666 nos permite descubrir como era el monasterio y entender los daños y las reconstrucciones. Por último, se mencionan otros dos terremotos en los años 1724 y 1748 que también aparecen reflejados en el libro del Padre Gil. The “1396 Tabernes” earthquake occurred in the Valldigna valley and it has been considered one of the largest Iberian Peninsula recorded earthquakes. The information used for such claims has always been from secondary sources in the area because the originals were believed to be lost. In this work, the recently edited copy of the book about the Royal Monastery Nuestra Señora de la Valldigna history, the “Chronological History” of Father Estevan Gil, has permitted to correct the date of December 16th instead of December 18th for the main earthquake. The earthquake damage is reinterpreted from the original source. In addition, the importance of the November 7th 1330 earthquake which represents the first destruction of the monastery, is pointed out. The original book provides information on the last destruction of the church in the 1644 earthquake, its damage and reconstruction. Together with another book, also recently published by Tomás Gómez, on the castilian visit of 1666, it allows us to discover what the monastery was like and understand the damage and reconstruction. Finally, two other earthquakes are mentioned in the years 1724 and 1748 that are also reflected in Father Gil’s book. Este trabajo se ha financiado por el proyecto PID2020-114381GB-I00 de la Agencia Estatal de Investigación del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación y de fondos NextGenerationEU de la Unión Europea proyecto de la Generalitat Valenciana GVA-THINKINAZUL/2021/039.

Supplementary data to this article can be found online at https://doi. org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2023.106283, This paper introduces a methodology based on Python libraries and machine learning k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithms to create an interactive 3D HTML model (3D_Vertical_Sections_Faults_LRD.html) that combines 2D grain-size KNN-prediction vertical maps (vertical sections) from which syn-sedimentary faults and other features in sedimentary porous media can be delineated. The model can be visualized and handled with conventional web browsers. The grain-size physical parameter is measurable, constant over instrumental time, handleable math-ematically, and its range can be associated to lithological classes. Grain-size input data comes from a public database of 433 boreholes in the Llobregat River Delta (LRD) in NE Spain. Four lithological classes were defined: Pre-Quaternary basement, and Quaternary gravel, sand, and clay-silt. Using a new KNN-prediction algorithm, seven NW-SE (transversal) and three SW-NE (longitudinal) vertical sections were created following the orien-tation of faults identified in surface and detected in reflection seismic geophysical surveys. For exploratory K values in the 1-75 range were used. K around 25 provides the general and smoothy shape of the basement top surface, whereas K =1 is a optimal value to represent the heterogeneity of the LRD at short distance. Using a new KNN-prediction confidence algorithm inspired in the Similarity Ratio algorithm for machine-learning KNN, the vertical sections overall confidence was evaluated as satisfactory. A general decreasing confidence trend ac-cording to the decreasing data density with depth and from inland to seaward was found. The vertical sections created with K = 1 show horizontal interruptions (displacements or vertical steps) in the basement continuity and in the Quaternary coarse bodies (gravel and sand) attributable to the action of Quaternary active faults. These faults have been linked or correlated with well-known active faults in the area related in much cases with the Valencia Trough opening. Moreover, several faults detected in surface and other identified in this paper by the first time have been revealed as fault zones made of fault branches with different steps in an echelon-like arrangement. Faulting seems to be more evident in the Pleistocene Lower Detrital Complex and much less active or inactive in the Holocene Upper Detrital Complex. Syn-tectonic gravel channels faulty controlled, progradation of gravel lobes, and lateral migration of channel bars were also observed. At its current develop-ment stage, this methodology could also be applied to other geological environments, making the due minor modifications of the code, and is especially suitable to reduce the high (usually unmeasurable) uncertainty associated to the qualitative geological data used in more complex numerical tools aimed at modelling a lot of geological resources (groundwater, minerals, geothermal, petroleum) or different Earth phenomena., Spanish Government PID2020-114381 GB-I00, Generalitat Valenciana from Alicante University (CTMA-IGA)

The widely debated late Oligocene-middle Miocene Numidian Fm (NF) consists of supermature quartzose sediments deposited in the Maghrebian Flysch Basin (MFB) outcropping from the Betic Cordillera to the Southern Apennine passing by the Maghrebian Chain. The NF is commonly composed of three lithostratigraphic members and is characterized by two vertical successions (Type A and Type B) corresponding to different sedimentation areas in the MFB. It is noteworthy the occurrence of widespread lateral successions of the NF (Types C, D and E) indicating in some cases an interference of the Numidian sedimentation with other different depositional systems and supplies. The Type C ‘Mixed Successions’, deposited in depocentre areas, are composed of supermature Numidian supply interfingering with immature siliciclastic materials, coming from the internal portion of the MFB. The Type D consists of supermature Numidian materials supplied from the Africa Margin (external sub-domains) deposited in sub-basins on the Africa-Adria margins, outside the typical Numidian depositional area. The Type E, which stratigraphically overlies both the South Iberian Margin (SIM) and the Mesomediterranean Microplate (MM), represents the migration of the Numidian depositional system to reach the opposite margins of the MFB. The occurrence at a regional scale of all the above-mentioned lateral successions reveals a great evolutionary complexity resulting also from further constraints, which must be considered for palaeogeographic and palaeotectonic reconstructions. Another important point deals with the diachronism of the top of the NF, observed eastward from the Betic-Rifian Arc and the Algerian-Tunisian Tell (Burdigalian p.p.) to Sicily (Langhian p.p.) and up to the Southern Apennine (at least Langhian/Serravallian boundary) which can be related with eastwards delay in the MFB closure. The palaeogeographic reconstruction of the Numidian depositional area presented in this paper, which is also included into a global kinematic model, represents a first attempt to use the software GPlates for this subject. This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (Research Project PID2020-114381GB-I00).

A new sediment sample preparation procedure for observing calcareous nannofossils using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) is described. The new preparation technique is a moderately time-consuming technique that allows observation of the finest structural details of specimens in the SEM. It has two separate steps: 1) disaggregation employing H2O2 and an ultrasound bath, keeping the pH stable through the use of a NaCO3-HCO3 buffer solution; and 2) a filtration process that concentrates and cleans the nannofossils through use of a vacuum pump. To do this, previous techniques for improving the quality of SEM images were combined, aimed at avoiding dissolution in the process, for which a slow digestion of the organic matter was carried out using a buffered solution, adding centrifugation and controlled vacuum pumping in order to retain the coccoliths without affecting their preservation. This work was supported by Projects RTI2018-099489-B-I00 and PID2020-114381GB-I00, granted by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and also by the European Union Next-GenerationEU Project GVA-THINKINAZUL/2021/039.

article i nfo VolcanicrocksofCambrianage fromZafra (Ossa-MorenaZone,IberianMassif)are theresultof riftprocessesthat affected Cadomian arc units accreted to the NW edge of Gondwana during the Neoproterozoic-Early Cambrian transition. Tephrite to rhyolite volcanics define an alkaline transitional association (Coombs type). Basic-ultrabasic rocksexhibit typical alkaline REE-patterns, strongly enriched in LREE with respect to HREE. Two parental magmas are identified,one withamantle signature,lackofNbnegativeanomalyand eNd500Ma +3.8to+4.2;anotherwith crustal contribution, minor Nb negative anomaly and eNd500Ma +0.8 to +1.8. Intermediate-acid rocks show var- iable REE fractionation and share geochemical characteristics of both basic-ultrabasic groups with restricted eNd500Ma +2.2 to 3.1 and general absence of Nb negative anomaly. Basic-ultrabasic melts resulted from different amounts of partial melting of a homogeneous source and segregation at the garnet-spinel transition zone. We argue that the "Hales transition" recently recognized in reflection seismic experiments of SW Iberia might image such a source region. Mantle-derived magmas ponded at the base of the crust and weakly interacted with crustal rocks/melts, whilst intermediate-acid rockswere generated by plagioclase±clinopyroxene±amphibole fraction- ation. Melt ascent took place through fractures, with limited crustal interaction. Based upon the new geochemical results and complementary cartographic and geophysical data, a model is presented for the Cambrian break-up of North Gondwana due to magma ascent from the mantle.

The k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm is a non-parametric supervised machine learning classifier; which uses proximity and similarity to make classifications or predictions about the grouping of an individual data point. This ability makes the KNN algorithm ideal for classifying datasets of geological variables and parameters prior to 3D visualization. This paper introduces a machine learning KNN algorithm and Python libraries for visualizing the 3D stratigraphic architecture of sedimentary porous media in the Quaternary onshore Llobregat River Delta (LRD) in northeastern Spain. A first HTML model showed a consecutive 5 m-equispaced set of horizontal sections of the granulometry classes created with the KNN algorithm from 0 to 120 m below sea level in the onshore LRD. A second HTML model showed the 3D mapping of the main Quaternary gravel and coarse sand sedimentary bodies (lithosomes) and the basement (Pliocene and older rocks) top surface created with Python libraries. These results reproduce well the complex sedimentary structure of the LRD reported in recent scientific publications and proves the suitability of the KNN algorithm and Python libraries for visualizing the 3D stratigraphic structure of sedimentary porous media, which is a crucial stage in making decisions in different environmental and economic geology disciplines., Junta de Andalucia FQM-343 RNM-188, Spanish Government PID2020-114381GB-100, Generalitat Valenciana from the University of Alicante (CTMAIGA)

The Cenozoic sedimentary cover from the Ghomaride Complex (Internal Rif Belt) has been studied in the Tetuan area (N Morocco) where a suite of sedimentary successions from shallow-marine to deep-marine environments crops out. For that purpose stratigraphic relations and petrological and geochemical signatures have been analyzed. Sandstone suites of the overall succession are heterogeneous and testify a multi-source area, in response of accretionary processes of the Ghomaride-Maláguide units and the exhumation of the lower units of the Internal Rif Zone (e.g. Sebtide-Alpujárride Complex). Pre-orogenic and Syn-orogenic (according to the eoalpine phase) deposits have been identified consisting in two depositional sequences: lower Paleocene and Cuisian-Bartonian, and upper Oligocene-upper Aquitanian and lower Burdigalian, respectively. Pre-orogenic deposits are mainly intra-arenite and hybrid arenites made of a minor amount of siliciclastic detritus but with abundance of intrabasinal carbonate grains. The syn-orogenic sandstone suites are quartzolithic, having abundance of low-grade metamorphic and sedimentary lithic fragments. Sedimentary lithic fragments are derived from the Mesozoic successions of the Ghomaride-Maláguide Complex while metamorphic detritus is related to an unknow Internal Rif Zone basement that was exhumed starting from the late Oligocene and mainly early Miocene. Modal analyses of sandstone suites for the extrabasinal grains mainly indicate lower rank metamorphic and sedimentary source terranes of a recycled orogen. Major and trace elements coupled to the mineralogical composition of the mudrock samples indicate a provenance from felsic source area(s) with a minor but not negligible contribution from mafic rocks mainly in the syn-orogenic suites. Geochemical analyses (Al–Ti–Zr ternary plot) indicate minor reworking and recycling processes before the final deposition through prolonged processes of sedimentary transportation. The trends evident in both CIA and CIA’ diagrams indicate source areas characterized by moderate weathering in non-steady-state conditions with a weak change of weathering condition from the pre-orogenic to the syn-orogenic cycle. Deposition during the Paleocene and Eocene, took place in the southern continental margin of the Ghomaride-Malaguide domain as a carbonate ramp. Contrarily, sedimentation in the late Oligocene-late Aquitanian took place in wedge-top basins within the Ghomaride-Malaguide domain. These changes occurred during the Burdigalian, when back arc basins were developed in the Internal Betic-Rif Zone. The Cenozoic reconstructed record was contemporaneous of the structuring of the Circum-Mediterranean chains and the Ghomaride-Maláguide Complex played a key role in the geodynamic evolution of the Rif Cordillera, representing a key tectonic element of the western Mesomediterranean domains. Support from Ministero Italiano dell'Università e della Ricerca Scientifica to F. Perri and S. Critelli, is acknowledged. Research Project PID2020-114381 GB-I00 to M. Martín-Martín, F. Perri and S. Critelli, Spanish Ministry of Education and Science; Research Groups and Projects of the Generalitat Valenciana, Alicante University (CTMA-IGA) are also acknowledged.

Funding: Junta de Andalucia; European Regional Development Fund; grant numbers: AGORA P18-RT-3275, PAPEL B-RNM-301-UGR18. Programa Operativo FEDER-Andalucia 2014–2020 Project ref. 1263446; University of Jaén; CEACTEMA; grant number: POAIUJA 21/22. Junta de Andalucía (Andalusian Board); grant numbers: RNM-148, RNM-282, RNM-370. V.T.S. was supported by the FPU PhD grant (16/04038)., The Gibraltar Arc includes the Betic and Rif Cordilleras surrounding the Alboran Sea; it is formed at the northwest–southeast Eurasia–Nubia convergent plate boundary in the westernmost Mediterranean. Since 2006, the Campo de Dalias GNSS network has monitored active tectonic deformation of the most seismically active area on the north coast of the Alboran Sea. Our results show that the residual deformation rates with respect to Eurasia range from 1.7 to 3.0 mm/year; roughly homogenous west-southwestward displacements of the northern sites occur, while the southern sites evidence irregular displacements towards the west and northwest. This deformation pattern supports simultaneous east-northeast–west-southwest extension, accommodated by normal and oblique faults, and north-northwest–south-southeast shortening that develops east-northeast–west-southwest folds. Moreover, the GNSS results point to dextral creep of the main northwest–southeast Balanegra Fault. These GNNS results thus reveal, for the first time, present-day interaction of the roll-back tectonics of the Rif–Gibraltar–Betic slab in the western part of the Gibraltar Arc with the indentation tectonics affecting the eastern and southern areas, providing new insights for improving tectonic models of arcuate orogens., FPU 16/04038, University of Jaén POAIUJA 21/22, European Regional Development Fund 1263446, AGORA P18-RT-3275, PAPEL B-RNM-301-UGR18, Junta de Andalucía RNM-148, RNM-282, RNM-370

The Paleogene evolution of theNWmargin of the African Plate (Western External Rif Zone)was studied by means of multidisciplinary analyses of twenty-one stratigraphic logs, including tectofacies recognition, petro-mineralogical results, and thicknesses analysis. Four stratigraphic intervals were recognized separated by three unconformities coarsely aligned with the Cretaceous–Paleogene, Eocene–Oligocene and Oligocene–Miocene boundaries, respectively. Tectofacies appear from the late Ypresian being more frequents from the Oligocene as the tectonic activity increases. The petrology of detrital suites indicates recycled orogen-derived sediments, with quartz supplied from metamorphic rocks of the Atlas orogen and/or the African craton. On the basis ofMesozoic claymineral assemblages reported in the literature, the clay mineralogy of mudstones suggests upper Jurassic to upper Cretaceous terrains from the Internal Intrarif as the main source area of the Paleocene–Eocene successions, with sediment provenance reversion during the Oligocene and additional contribution of Paleocene to lower Eocene suites. The different displacement capability of the identified aluminic-magnesic claymineralogy enabled to deduce the relative proximity of the source area. These findings point out a complex sedimentary evolution characterized by a mixture of different lithotypes dating back to upper Jurassic. X-ray parameters helped to identify evidences of synsedimentary tectonics overprinting the inheritedmineralogy during some periods with weak burial diagenesis at most. During the Paleogene a foreland basin is formed mainly in theMesorif and Prerif sub-domains. This foredeep was represented by two ‘sub-geosynclines’ separated by a relative bulge located in the ExternalMesorif. The Internal Intrarif could represent the relative orogenic front, advancing on the External Intrarif. The Eocene forebulge was located in the Ridges Domain, while the Gharb Basin was the backbulge of the system. During the Oligocene the depocentral area migrated southward and a homogeneization of thicknesses took also place in thewholemargin. In this newconfiguration, the foredeep would be located in the External Mesorif (previously a relative bulge) while the Ridges Domain and the Gharb Basin continued to act as the systemforebulge and backbulge, respectively. A comparisonwith the Paleogene evolution of otherwestern Tethys externalmargins (Betic Chain, Tunisian Tell, SicilianMaghrebids, and Apennines) has revealed more similarities than differences. The effects of the Eo-Alpine tectonics are recognized everywhere even if they decrease both from N to S, and fromWto E in the different considered margins. The evolution of the compared margins shows a common pre-foredeed (Paleocene-Eocene) and beginning of foredeep (Oligocene) stages in the foreland basins., PID2020-114381GB-I00 research project (Spanish Ministry of Education and Science).

This paper provides an understanding of the sedimentary-tectonic evolution of the Cenozoic strata of the El Habt and Ouezzane Tectonic Units (Intrarif, External Rif) in Morocco. New data provide information about the depositional architecture and enable a correlation of the evolution of the External Rif in Morocco with that of the Betic Cordillera in Spain and the Tunisian Tell, which provides new insights for hydrocarbon exploration in the region regarding possible source, reservoir, and seal rocks. The reconstructed Cenozoic succession was bio-chronologically defined, and the major unconformities and stratigraphic gaps were identified. The presence of these unconformities allowed three main stratigraphic sequences to be defined by age: Danian p.p., early Ypresian–early Bartonian p.p., and the early Rupelian–early Serravallian p.p. Three secondary stratigraphic sequences in the former upper main sequence were also defined by age: early Rupelian–late Chattian p.p., Burdigalian p.p., and the Langhian–Serravallian p.p. The depositional setting evolved from deep basin during the Late Cretaceous–Paleocene to external platform-slope during the Eocene–Miocene. The Cenozoic sandstones contain metamorphic and sedimentary rock fragments derived from a recycled orogen source area. The clay mineralogy in the Cenozoic strata consists of associations of Ill+(I–S) ± Sme, Ill+(I–S) ± Sme+Kln and Ill+(I–S) ± Sme+- Kln+Chl. These associations indicate an initial unroofing in the Paleogene period, then in the Cretaceous period, and finally in the Late Jurassic period during the Eocene–Oligocene. This detritus was followed by variable amounts of a sedimentary mix of Paleogene to Late Jurassic terrains due to several phases of erosion and deposition partly related to syn-sedimentary tectonics during the Miocene. Equivalent features (similar types of sediments, tectofacies, gaps, and unroofing) were also recognized along the Betic Cordillera in Spain and Maghrebian Chain (Morocco and Tunisia) and interpreted as related to a pre-nappe tectonic activity of soft basement folding, which occurred during the Paleogene after the generalized tectonic inversion (from extension to compression) occurred in the Late Cretaceous. The Upper Cretaceous is considered to be the hydrocarbon source rock, while the fractured Eocene and the porous Oligo-Miocene suites are proposed as possible hydrocarbon reservoirs. The Cenozoic stratigraphic architecture and the nappe structure of the region could provide the necessary trap structures. This research was supported by Urbino University grants DiSPeA Ricerca Scientifica 2020 (to M. Tramontana), CGL2016–75679-P and PID2020–114381GB-I00, by the Spanish Ministry of Education (to M. Martín-Martín) and Science and Research Groups, and by the Generalitat Valenciana of Alicante University (CTMA-IGA).

The Eocene Peñicas (Almería) and Harania (Málaga) stratigraphic sections from the Malaguide Complex (Betic Cordillera, South Spain) belonging to the Mesomediterranean Microplate from the westernmost Tethys (about-30° N and 0°–5°W according to the Eocene coordinates) have been studied. The Eocene sections cover the Cuisian to middle Lutetian deposits, which show several lithofacies representing shallow marine platform realms. Based on the fossiliferous assemblage, texture and fabrics, eight microfacies related to inner to outer ramp settings were defined. In the inner ramp of the Harania section abundant colonial corals have been recognized. The Eocene deposits are arranged into a transgressive succession composed by three minor transgressive-regressive sedimentary cycles. The Eocene fossiliferous assemblage shows a mixture of photozoan (Larger Bentic Foraminifera –LBF–, green and red calcareous algae and corals) and heterotrophic (mollusks, echinoids, bryozoans, small benthic and planktic foraminifers) elements, suggesting euphotic to mesophotic conditions in oligo-mesotrophic marine warm-waters at low-middle latitudes. This assemblage indicates a transition from photozoan to heterozoan carbonates and in particular a shift towards outer marine ramp settings. During the Early Eocene, the widespread distribution of LBF leads in the Tethyan domains to disappearance or extreme reduction of coral constructions. Nevertheless, abundant corals associated to inner ramp realms have been observed in the Harania stratigraphic section indicating that corals could continue to develop in the westernmost Tethys at the transition to the Atlantic Ocean, in contrast with respect to other Tethyan sectors. Therefore, the Ypresian-Lutetian time-span is a transitional period for the global temperature during which corals locally survived only where optimal ecologic conditions occurred, preferably in marginal contexts, as it seems to have happened in the studied area. Research supported by: Research Project PID2020-114381GB-I00, Spanish Ministry of Education and Science; Research Groups and Projects of the Generalitat Valenciana, Alicante University (CTMA-IGA). Grants from University of Urbino to F. Guerrera.

This paper introduces a Python application for visualizing the 3D stratigraphic architecture of porous sedimentary media. The application uses the parameter granulometry deduced from borehole lithological records to create interactive 3D HTML models of essential stratigraphic elements. On the basis of the high density of boreholes and the subsequent geological knowledge gained during the last six decades, the Quaternary onshore Llobregat River Delta (LRD) in northeastern Spain was selected to show the application. The public granulometry dataset produced by the Water Authority of Catalonia from 433 boreholes in this strategic coastal groundwater body was clustered into the clay–silt, coarse sand, and gravel classes. Three interactive 3D HTML models were created. The first shows the location of the boreholes granulometry. The second includes the main gravel and coarse sand sedimentary bodies (lithosomes) associated with the identified three stratigraphic intervals, called lower (>50 m b.s.l.) in the distal LRD sector, middle (20–50 m b.s.l.) in the central LRD, and upper (, Spanish Government PID2020-114381GB-100, Generalitat Valenciana from the University of Alicante (CTMAIGA), Junta de Andalucia FQM-343 RNM-188

La red GNSS del Campo de Dalias monitoriza desde 2006 la deformación tectónica activa de la zona con mayor sismicidad del límite entre la Cordillera Bética y el Mar de Alborán. Las velocidades de deformación residuales calculadas con respecto a Eurasia oscilan entre 1,7 y 3,0 mm/año. Los desplazamientos son aproximadamente homogéneos hacia el OSO de las estaciones del norte, mientras que las estaciones del sur evidencian desplazamientos irregulares hacia el O y el NO. Este patrón de deformación indica el acortamiento NNO-SSE que desarrolla pliegues ENE-OSO simultáneo a la extensión ENE-OSO, acomodada por fallas normales y oblicuas. Además, los resultados de la red GNSS indican un salto dextro de la falla de Balanegra, con orientación NO-SE, que había sido considerada anteriormente como una falla normal. Las redes GNSS revelan, por primera vez, la interacción actual de la tectónica de roll-back asociada a la subducción Rif-Gibraltar-Bética en la parte occidental del Arco de Gibraltar y la tectónica de indentación que afecta a las zonas oriental y meridional del Mar de Alborán. Además, proporciona nuevos datos para los estudios de peligrosidad sísmica en esta región. The Campo de Dalias GNSS network monitors since 2006 the active tectonic deformation of the most seismic área on the boundary of the Alboran Sea and the Betic Cordillera. The residual deformation rates determined with respect to Eurasia range from 1.7 to 3.0 mm/yr. The displacements are roughly homogenous towards WSW of the northern sites while the southern sites evidence irregular displacements towards the W and NW. This deformation pattern supports simultaneous NNW-SSE shortening that develops ENE-WSW folds and ENE-WSW extension, accommodated by normal and oblique faults. Moreover, the GNSS results point to dextral kinematics of the main NW-SE Balanegra Fault, that was previously considered as a normal fault. These GNSS results thus reveal, for the first time, present-day interaction of the roll-back tectonics of the Rif-Gibraltar-Betics slab in the western part of the Gibraltar Arc with the indentation tectonics affecting the eastern and southern areas, providing new insights for seismic hazard studies in this region. Junta de Andalucía; FEDER: AGORA P18-RT-3275, PAPEL B-RNM-301-UGR18; Programa Operativo FEDER-Andalucía 2014–2020 1263446; Universidad de Jaén. CEACTEMA. POAIUJA 21/22, Junta de Andalucía. RNM-148, RNM-282, RNM-370; V.T.S. FPU (16/04038).

En Geología, la proyección ortográfica se emplea para representar realidades tridimensionales en entornos bidimensionales, como mapas o cortes geológicos. Las prácticas de proyección ortográfica que se imparten en el Grado de Geología suponen una gran dificultad para la mayor parte del alumnado, debido a la dificultad de visualizar la información tridimensional a partir de esquemas bidimensionales. Para paliar esta dificultad, hemos desarrollado una estrategia para mejorar las metodologías aplicadas al proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la proyección ortográfica, que ha consistido en elaborar una guía de apoyo aplicada a la resolución de problemas. La guía se fundamenta en una representación gráfica de los conceptos básicos de proyección ortográfica mediante bloques diagrama en perspectiva, facilitando el entendimiento de conceptos tridimensionales. La guía también consta de problemas resueltos paso a paso, organizados por temáticas y acompañados de ilustraciones de ayuda. Se ha diseñado una secuencia de actividades prácticas específicas para cada una de las asignaturas implicadas (Geología II y Geología Estructural I), acorde con su nivel. Tras su aplicación inicial, la guía ha tenido una recepción muy positiva por parte del alumnado, lo que ha supuesto una perceptible mejora en el desarrollo de las prácticas y en las evaluaciones. El presente trabajo ha contado con una ayuda del Programa de Redes de investigación en docencia universitaria del Instituto de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad de Alicante (convocatoria 2021-22). Ref.: 5612.

La Cordillera Bética Central se encuentra sometida actualmente a una extensión ENE-OSO. En este trabajo presentamos los resultados de una red GNSS consistente en seis estaciones distribuidas a lo largo de un perfil paralelo a esta extensión y perpendicular a las principales fallas activas. Los datos obtenidos indican que la extensión total en la Cordillera Bética Central es de 2.0±0.3 mm/año. Esta extensión se distribuye de forma heterogénea, concentrándose en dos zonas que coinciden con las cuencas de Granada y Guadix-Baza. Entre ambas zonas sometidas a extensión se sitúa una región donde la deformación es muy pequeña o nula. El campo de velocidades que hemos obtenido nos permite además cuantificar las siguientes tasas de deslizamiento de las principales fallas activas: falla de Baza entre 0.9±0.3 y 1.3±0.4 mm/año (asumiendo buzamientos de 45o y 60o respectivamente), falla de la Solana del Zamborino ~0.1 mm/año, sistema de fallas de Granada entre 1.3±0.6 y 1.8±0.6 mm/año (asumiendo buzamientos de 45o y 60o respectivamente). Proponemos que en el sector occidental de la cuenca de Granada podría existir una falla normal de bajo ángulo no aflorante que acomodaría 0.5±0.4 mm/año (asumiendo un buzamiento de 30o). The Central Betic Cordillera undergoes ENE-WSW extension. We present here GNSS data derived from a network involving six stations. These stations are distributed along a profile parallel to the extension direction and orthogonal to the main active faults. Our data indicate 2.0±0.3 mm/year of overall extension in the Central Betic Cordillera. Extension partitioning is heterogeneous, as deformation concentrates in the Granada and Guadix-Baza Basins. Between these two basins is located an area where extension is very small or non-significant. Our data also permit to quantify fault slip rates: 0.9±0.3 mm/yr and 1.3±0.4 mm/yr for Baza Fault; (assuming a dip of 45o y 60o, respectively); ~0.1 mm/yr for Solana del Zamborino Fault, and for Granada Faults System 1.3±0.6 and -1.8±0.6 mm/year (assuming a dip of 45o y 60o, respectively). We also hypothesize the existence of a non-outcropping low angle normal fault in the western sector with a slip rate of 0.5±0.4 mm/ year (assuming a dip of 30o). Este trabajo ha sido financiado por los proyectos de investigación RTI2018-100737-B-I00 y CGL2016-80687-R (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación), AICO/2021/196 (Generalitat Valenciana), G.I. RNM282 (Junta de Andalucía), POAIUJA 2021-2022 (Universidad de Jaén), Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucía 2014/20 - Ref. 1263446 y VIGROB053 (Universidad de Alicante).

En el SE de la Comunidad Valenciana se han producido diversos terremotos históricos de gran intensidad. Para algunos de estos terremotos, como los de Tavernes de la Valldigna de 1396, Alcoy de 1620 o la serie sísmica de Muro de 1644, la fuente sismogénica es ambigua. En este trabajo presentamos datos procedentes de estaciones continuas GNSS situadas en el SE de la Comunidad Valenciana. Estos datos nos muestran la existencia de dos principales dominios tectónicos: uno situado al S y dominado por un acortamiento NO-SE producido por la convergencia entre Nubia y Eurasia. El otro dominio, situado al E, está dominado por una extensión ENE-OSO. Esta extensión podría explicar la sismicidad histórica de la región. Sin embargo, en esta zona no se han descrito fallas normales aflorantes. Proponemos que esto pudiera deberse a un desacople parcial entre el basamento y la delgada cobertera sedimentaria. The eastern Valencian Community underwent significant historical earthquakes. The seismogenic source of some of these events is under discussion, as for the 1396 Tavernes de la Valldigna Earthquake, the 1620 Alcoy Earthquake, or the 1644 Muro Seismic Series. We present here continuous GNSS data from several stations located in the SE Valencian Community. These data show two major tectonic domains. A first domain, located to the S, dominated by NW-SE shortening. This shortening is related to Nubia-Eurasia convergence. The second domain, located to the E, is dominated by ENE-WSW extension. This extension could be responsible for the historical seismicity in this region. However, no outcropping normal faults have been previously described. We postulate that the lack of outcropping normal faults could be related to a partial decupling between the basement and the thin sedimentary cover. Este trabajo ha sido financiado por los proyectos de investigación RTI2018-100737-B-I00 y CGL2016-80687-R (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación), AICO/2021/196 (Generalitat Valenciana). También por los grupos de investigación VIGROB20-116, VIGROB20-184 y VIGROB053 (Universidad de Alicante), así como por el RNM282 (Junta de Andalucía), POAIUJA 202119-2022 (Universidad de Jaén), Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucía 2014/20 - Ref. 1263446. Este trabajo también ha sido financiado por el Institut Cartogràfic Valencià, por la Agencia Valenciana de Seguridad y Respuesta a las Emergencias (Generalitat Valenciana), por el Consorcio Provincial para el Servicio de Prevención y Extinción de Incendios y Salvamento de Alicante, por la Excelentísima Diputación Provincial de Castellón y por el Ayuntamiento de Almoradí.

This paper applies remote sensing techniques and 3D point cloud (3DPC) analysis to the study of historical quarries and the relationship between old quarry landscapes and the natural fracture systems of rock massifs. Ancient quarry landscapes present particular characteristics and different features from those of modern quarries. Consequently, specific considerations are needed when historical extractive places are studied. The proposed method is based on terrestrial 3D laser scanners and the structure from motion technique with remotely piloted aircraft systems. Additional specific fieldwork is required to identify and characterise quarry faces from old, blurry outcrops. A case study of the 18th century “Rambla Honda” quarries in La Romana (Alicante, SE Spain) is presented. The comparison between the fieldwork and 3DPC analysis enables the numbers and orientations of both (1) the discontinuity sets within the rock mass facilitating extraction and (2) the planes resulting from block extraction (traditional quarry faces) to be determined. The comparative analysis reveals how the stonecutters managed the extraction. The results show that structural and stratigraphic discontinuities act as planes of weakness for block extraction and determine the optimum orientation of the quarry face for minimising efforts and rock waste. The final quarry landscape is formed from the superposition of natural and artificial surfaces, but currently they appear eroded and partially covered by silting and plants. The proposed methodology contributes to distinguishing both natural and artificial discontinuities and to achieving a comprehensive knowledge of these cultural places. This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and EU FEDER under Project TEC2017-85244-C2-1-P, the University of Alicante (Vigrob-157 and GRE18-15), and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Grants PID2020-116896RB-C21 and PID2020-116896RB-C22 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).

[EN] The Baza and Galera faults are two active geologic structures located in the central area of the Betic Cordillera (Southern Spain). The goal of our research is to constrain the activity of this faults from high quality GPS measurements to obtain precise deformation rates. In 2008 a GPS survey – mode network was installed to monitor this area. In previous works, we presented a velocity field based on the analysis of some GPS campaigns. Here we show the new results computed from nine GPS campaigns in the timespan 2009-2018. The measurements were done in September 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018. The data process and analysis were performed in Precise Point Positioning by using GIPSYX 1.6 software. GIPSY is a GNSS-inferred positioning software developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Then, the new estimation of the crustal velocity field is computed from the IGb14 time series by SARI software. The model applied to the original time series, using weighted least squares, consists of an intercept, a site rate and an offset to account for an antenna change. The error term is composed of white noise and temporally correlated random error. The colored noise is described by a random-walk process. We have assumed a typical magnitude for this process of 1.0 mm/√yr. Finally, we discuss the implications of the new results for the tectonic setting and seismic hazard assessment of this key tectonic area of the Betic Cordillera., This work has been funded by Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucía 2014-2020 - call made by University of Jaen in 2018, Ref. 1263446, POAIUJA 2021/2022, CEACTEMA, and RNM148 and RNM282 research groups of Junta de Andalucía.

A partir de la Ley 2/2020 de la Generalitat Valenciana, el Institut Cartogràfic Valencià adquiere la responsabilidad de la creación y mantenimiento de la red sísmica de la Comunidad Valenciana. Dicha red se creará a partir de la ya existente Red Sísmica de la Universidad de Alicante (RSUA) y ampliará su cobertura espacial hasta cubrir todo el territorio de la Comunidad Valenciana. El objetivo de esta futura red, que se prevé plenamente operativa en el último trimestre de 2022, es servir de portal de información y concienciación del fenómeno sísmico en la comunidad, así como suministrar información científica útil para todos aquellos grupos de investigación interesados en la sismicidad y la tectónica activa en la Comunidad Valenciana. After the enact of Law 2/2020 of the Generalitat Valenciana, the Institut Cartogràfic Valencià acquires responsibility for the creation and maintenance of the seismic network of the Valencian Community. This network will be created from the already existing Seismic Network of the University of Alicante (RSUA) and will expand to cover the entire territory of the Valencian Community. The goal of this future network, which is expected to be fully operational in the last quarter of 2022, is to serve as a portal for information and awareness of the seismic phenomenon in the community, as well as to provide useful scientific information for all those research groups interested in seismicity and the active tectonics in the Valencian Community. Este trabajo ha sido parcialmente financiado por el Institut Cartogràfic Valencià, por la Agencia Valenciana de Seguridad y Respuesta a las Emergencias (Generalitat Valenciana), por el Consorcio Provincial para el Servicio de Prevención y Extinción de Incendios y Salvamento de Alicante, por la Excelentísima Diputación Provincial de Castellón y por el Ayuntamiento de Almoradí. Este trabajo también ha sido financiado por los proyectos de investigación RTI2018-100737-B-I00 (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación) y AICO/2021/196 (Generalitat Valenciana). También por los grupos de investigación VIGROB20-116, VIGROB20-184 y VIGROB053 (Universidad de Alicante).

The changing nature of detrital signatures in clastic wedges of the Circum-Mediterranean orogenic systems reflect the provenance relations from different source rocks of evolving geo-puzzle terranes, including ophiolite bearing, uplifted continental crust (both shallow to deep crust terranes), volcanic and sedimentary source rocks. We selected here sandstone suites directly occurring over the Mesomediterranean Micropaleoplate during the final stages of closure of the western-southern Tethyan realm. They are unconformably over the internal domains of the Circum-Mediterranean thrust belts, and include Oligocene-to-lower Miocene siliciclastic formations of the Betic Cordillera (As, Bosque, Río Pliego, El Niño, Ciudad Granada, Fuente-Espejos, Alozaina and Viñuela fms), Rif Chain (Fnideq and Sidi Abdeslam fms), and Calabrian terranes (Paludi, Pignolo and Stilo Capo d'Orlando fms). All these sandstone suites range from quartzolitic to quartzofeldspathic detrital modes reflecting close relations with their Paleozoic metasedimentary and plutonic source rocks and their related Mesozoic sedimentary covers. Marked differences have been recognized from western (Betic-Rif) to eastern (Calabria) portions in terms of detritic suites. Detrital suites of the Betic-Rif portions reflect a transition between a craton, transitional and recycled orogenic provenance type. Contrarily, detrital suites of the Calabria portions reflect their transition from transitional continental to basement uplift orogenic provenance reflecting deposition in wedge-top basins during final subduction of the MFB below the MM and the opening of the Mediterranean basin as a backarc. Support from Ministero Italiano dell'Università e della Ricerca Scientifica to S. Critelli, is acknowledged. Research Project PID2020-114381GB-I00 to M. Martín-Martín and S. Critelli, Spanish Ministry of Education and Science; Research Groups and Projects of the Generalitat Valenciana, Alicante University (CTMA-IGA) are also acknowledged.

In a previous paper, the authors implemented a machine learning k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm and Python libraries to create two 3D interactive models of the stratigraphic architecture of the Quaternary onshore Llobregat River Delta (NE Spain) for groundwater exploration purposes. The main limitation of this previous paper was its lack of routines for evaluating the confidence of the 3D models. Building from the previous paper, this paper refines the programming code and introduces an additional algorithm to evaluate the confidence of the KNN predictions. A variant of the Similarity Ratio method was used to quantify the KNN prediction confidence. This variant used weights that were inversely proportional to the distance between each grain-size class and the inferred point to work out a value that played the role of similarity. While the KNN algorithm and Python libraries demonstrated their efficacy for obtaining 3D models of the stratigraphic arrangement of sedimentary porous media, the KNN prediction confidence verified the certainty of the 3D models. In the Llobregat River Delta, the KNN prediction confidence at each prospecting depth was a function of the available data density at that depth. As expected, the KNN prediction confidence decreased according to the decreasing data density at lower depths. The obtained average-weighted confidence was in the 0.44-0.53 range for gravel bodies at prospecting depths in the 12.7-72.4 m b.s.l. range and was in the 0.42-0.55 range for coarse sand bodies at prospecting depths in the 4.6-83.9 m b.s.l. range. In a couple of cases, spurious average-weighted confidences of 0.29 in one gravel body and 0.30 in one coarse sand body were obtained. These figures were interpreted as the result of the quite different weights of neighbors from different grain-size classes at short distances. The KNN algorithm confidence has proven its suitability for identifying these anomalous results in the supposedly well-depurated grain-size database used in this study. The introduced KNN algorithm confidence quantifies the reliability of the 3D interactive models, which is a necessary stage to make decisions in economic and environmental geology. In the Llobregat River Delta, this quantification clearly improves groundwater exploration predictability., PID2020-114381GB-100 of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, 101086497 Horizon Europe Framework Programme HORIZON-CL6- 2022-GOVERNANCE-01-07, Research Groups and Projects of the Generalitat Valenciana from the University of Alicante (CTMA-IGA), Research Groups FQM-343 and RNM-188 of the Junta de Andalucía

This work was funded by the research project TASCUB (RTI2018- 100737-B-I00) of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the research group VIGROB053 (University of Alicante), and the research group RNM 325 of the Junta de Andalucía. Iván Medina Cascales was funded by Ph.D. contract FPU16/00202 of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.Wewould like to thank the editor Martin Stokes, and the reviewers Francisco Moral, Pablo G. Silva, and the anonymous reviewer, whose useful comments and suggestions greatly improved the manuscript., In this work, we prove the usefulness of morphometric analyses, typically applied to basin-border faults, to define the tectonic geomorphology of a slow-moving, intrabasinal structure: the Galera Fault (Guadix-Baza Basin, southern Spain). The Galera Fault is a 30 km-long, oblique-slip fault with major left-lateral and minor vertical slip components. Through geological and structural analyses, we define for the first time the detailed surface geometry of the fault, which is characterized by features typical of left-lateral strike-slip faults. The morphometric analysis indicates that a combination of slow slip rates and the high erodibility of the juxtaposed basin infill deposits favours a rapid landscape response to fault activity that erases many landscape effects related to active tectonics. This masking is more effective on features generated by strike-slip displacement, leaving only subtle evidence, such as local stream deflections and upstream widening of catchments. In contrast, geomorphic effects related to vertical displacement are better preserved, including the control of the geometry of the main rivers and morphological differences in the drainage network between the two fault blocks. On the upthrown fault block, streams are generally shorter and steeper and have greater valley incision, leading to the development of a bad land landscape. Moreover, the vertical deformation of a Middle Pleistocene glacis surface (ca. 90 m) demonstrates the important role of this slow-moving intrabasinal fault in the generation of relief in the Betic Cordillera during recent Quaternary time. Although the impact of this fault on relief building is very low in comparison with oblique-slip, basin-border faults in the mountain range, it has a key control on the Quaternary landscape evolution., TASCUB (RTI2018- 100737-B-I00) of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, VIGROB053 (University of Alicante), RNM 325 of the Junta de Andalucía, FPU16/00202 of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities

Two main groups of geological models presented over the last four decades on the palaeogeographic, paleotectonic and geodynamic eo-Alpine and neo-Alpine evolution of the central-western Mediterranean area were compared. The comparison was carried out mainly considering the main stratigraphic, sedimentological, petrographic, structural and plate tectonic constraints. Moreover, recent geophysical interpretations and reconstructions were also considered with an aim of presenting all the different results. The models can roughly be grouped into two main classes. First family considers the presence of the Mesozoic Tethyan Ocean, where a single oceanic basin is located between Africa and Europe and from which both eo-Alpine and neo-Alpine chains were generated during the Cretaceous to Miocene time span. Conversely, the other class considers the occurrence of at least two Tethyan oceanic branches (or with thinned continental crust) since the Jurassic, separated by one or more microcontinents. The pros and cons of both classes of models are presented. Progressive innovations and improvements to the two groups of models were proposed over the years. However, because the models are based on different data sets resulting from basic geological studies or obtained by means of other approaches, they often do not integrate easily. This caused interpretative difficulties and terminological uncertainties for their comparison, and completely different models were considered equivalent and, sometimes, the same terminology was used indifferently to identify different geological subjects. The main differences between the examined models concern the kinematic reconstructions and by hence in the palaeogeographic and paleotectonic interpretations. The discussion presented in this paper aims at contributing to clarify and update the state of knowledge on this controversial topic. This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (Research Project CGL2016-75679-P), the University of Urbino Carlo Bo (funds RISINT Tramontana Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate) (Grants to M. Tramontana and F. Guerrera), and the Alicante University (Research Project VIGROB-053).

Successive excavation of 13 trenches of different orientations reveals the complexity of a normal fault zone in Pliocene-Pleistocene unconsolidated sediments on a strand of the Baza Fault, central Betic Cordillera, south Spain. These trenches and the excavation floor are interpreted and integrated to reconstruct the 3D geometry and internal architecture of the fault zone. The structure consists of two main fault strands: an eastern one with a few hundred metres throw and a western one with at least 15 m throw. These strands interact and gradually merge to the south, bounding a main deformation zone narrowing from ∼7 to 1 m along strike. Fault-bounded rock bodies, clay and sand smears, and clay injections define the structure. These features are highly variable in 3D. In the northern part of the outcrop, deformation is localized around the main strands, brittle in the west and more ductile to the east. As the strands and their fault zones increasingly interact, fault throw, rock deformation and maturity of the structure increase. Mechanical stratigraphy also controls the style of deformation. A realistic representation of this 4D picture of fault deformation is critical for modelling fluid flow in shallow to possibly deep, faulted sedimentary reservoirs. This research was founded by research group VIGROB053 (University of Alicante).