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Research Institute of Environmental Science and Management, School of Geography and Earth Resources, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
Department of Geology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
Carbonate ramps lying on the divide between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean basins are considered in the context of the facies that dominate their inner to outer ramp profiles. They developed during the final stages of Tethyan ocean closure. Consequently, the ramp successions accumulated within an increasingly microtidal regime. The ramp facies associations are typical of mid- to late Tertiary developments found throughout the old Tethyan belt. A detailed consideration is given to carbonate productivity and location of the carbonate factory, substrate stability, resedimentation mechanisms, and synsedimentary tectonics. Gravity sliding in mid-ramp situations is examined and its importance in maintaining ramp profile is considered. The relative importance of all processes and their bearing on sustainable ramp development in both current-facing and leeward situations is discussed.
