Chronology, causes and progression of the Messinian salinity crisis.

Presents an astronomically calibrated chronology for the Mediterranean Messinian age based on an integrated high-resolution stratigraphy and tuning of sedimentary cycle patterns to variations in the Earth's orbital parameters. Onset of the Messinian salinity crisis; Isolation from the Atlantic Ocean; Argument in favor of a dominantly tectonic origin for the Messinian salinity crisis.