Diques neptúnicos de edad cretácica en la Sierra de Quipar (Subbético externo, Prov. Murcia)

Abstract

The Sierra de Quipar forms part of the External Subbetic paleogeographic domain (Betic Cordillera). Its stratigraphic succesion during the middle- to upper Jurassic and the Berriasian corresponds to one of a pelagic swell. Neptunian dykes have been identified in the Berriasian pelagic limestones, beneath the contact with the limestone-marl rhythms of the lower Cretaceous. The pelagic marine infills of these dykes have been dated by are thought to have been generated in relation to submarine scarps caused by faulting during the Aptian. Later erosion which too k place during periods of relatively low sea-level, resulted in localised wearing away of the Miravetes Formation (Valanginian-Hauterivian) and the consequent exposure of the Berriasian rocks. These submarine scarps would have constituted bypassing areas. Dissolution begun in the cracks would have formed the dykes, which were then filled in by pelagic sediments during the middle- to upper Aptian and lower Albian. From the middle Albian onwards the irregular sea-bed was fossilised by the materials of the Represa Formation.