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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1999; v. 156; p. 81-108;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1999.156.01.06
© 1999 Geological Society of London

Western Mediterranean

Interaction between faulting, drainage and sedimentation in extensional hanging-wall syncline basins: example of the Oligocene Matelles basin (Gulf of Lion rifted margin, SE France)

A. Benedicto1, M. Séguret1 & P. Labaume2

1 Institut des Sciences de la Terre de l’Eau et de l’Espace, CNRS-Université Montpellier II, cc.60, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
2 Laboratoire de Géophysique Interne et Tectonophysique, CNRS-Université J. Fourier, BP53, 38041 Grenoble Cedex 9, France

A tectono-sedimentary model for hanging-wall syncline basins emphasizing the role of erosion in the basin architecture is proposed, based on the well-exposed Matelles basin. Detailed geological mapping is the base for the analysis of the extensional double ramp-flat Matelles fault system, hanging-wall deformation and relationships between faulting/drainage/sedimentation. Displacement of the hanging-wall above the fault resulted in the formation of (a) upper and lower rollovers associated with the upper and lower rampflat couples, (b) a hanging-wall ramp syncline above the lower ramp and (c) a half graben associated with the emergent ramp and upper flat couple. Only the hanging-wall ramp syncline and the lower rollover are preserved. Ramp syncline basin-fill architecture is characterized by progressive unconformity and faultward migration of the growth synclines ‘climbing up’ the monoclinal prerift strata corresponding to the ramp-side limb of the ramp syncline. Clast composition analysis of the synrift deposits indicates that sediments were mainly supplied from the hanging-wall flat, and allows to propose palinspastic reconstructions of the hanging wall in order to establish the palaeo-drainage system and its evolution. ‘Upper hanging-wall flat catchments’ and ‘lower rollover catchments’ are proposed as main features of the drainage system in extensional hanging-wall syncline basins.