Παράκαμψη προς το κυρίως περιεχόμενο

Lower Cretaceous to Eocene calciturbidites and calcidebrites of the Ionian Zone, western Greece: insights into the factors controlling deposition

Authors
I. Vakalas, S. Kokkalas, S. Triantafyllidis, C.D. Athanassas, P. Konstantopoulos, C. Tzimaeas, H. Tsiglifi, I. Kampolis, S. Bellas, R. Perez-Martin, P. Hernandez-Jimenez, J.P. Pita-Gutierrez
Abstract

Submarine gravity flows on carbonate platform slopes lead to the deposition of calciturbidites and calcidebrites in adjacent deep-water basins. Under certain conditions, morphological highs can serve as sediment sources and influence sediment distribution. This study aimed to identify such gravity flow deposits within Lower Cretaceous–Eocene carbonate sequences in the Ionian Zone of western Greece and assess the factors affecting their deposition. Detailed lithostratigraphic analysis was performed in the Plataria and Elataria areas in the Epirus region, revealing intercalated mudstone facies with thick carbonate layers of packstones, grainstones, and floatstones. Textural analysis of thin sections from Elataria indicates debris flow deposition, marked by skeletal fragments and chert clasts in a calcareous matrix. Graded beds transitioning into planar and ripple cross-laminations suggest that debris flows evolved into turbidity currents. Facies distribution varied, with debritic facies commonly found near diapiric salt exposures, while turbiditic facies dominated in distal settings. During the Lower to Upper Cretaceous, paleo-topographic highs, amplified by salt uprise, provided clastic material for calciturbiditic deposits. In the Late Cretaceous to Early Eocene, increased sediment influx from carbonate platforms led to thick gravity flow successions. These deposits indicate a carbonate slope apron setting, with a decline in gravity flows by the Eocene, marking a shift from carbonate to clastic sedimentation. Regarding the reservoir types, diagenetic processes observed in the identified gravity flow intervals have significantly overprinted primary porosity in the calciturbiditic and calcidebritic layers, which are primarily considered fractured reservoirs.

Mediterranean Geoscience Reviews. 2025, 7

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