La Cuenca Vasco-Cantábricagénesis y evolución

Abstract

The Basque-Cantabrian Basin has undergone a long evolution process since Permian times. During these 250 Ma significant variations in the dominant tectonic regime (extension, transcurrence, compression), distance to the active plate boundary (rifting, passive margin, active margin), and underlying crust type (continental, transitional, hyperextended) have taken place. It is commonly accepted that the Basque-Cantabrian Basin is the result of a complex evolution process including different basin types that registered different changes related to the dominating tectonic conditions. On the basis of the prevailing stress states, two main deformational phases (extension and compression) have been described, including different stages reflecting relatively significant changes in the tectonic conditions. On the one hand, the extensive phase includes the following stages: Triassic rifting, inter-rifting, rifting of the Gulf of Biscay and passive continental margin development. On the other hand, during the compressive phase three stages have been identified: establishment of an active continental margin, generation of a foredeep basin evolving into a foreland basin and the development of intramontane basins.