Basin Research (2001) 13, 419433

Tectonic controls on the deposits of a foreland basin: resMinervois basin, an example from the Eocene Corbie France
n-Mart n,* J. Rey, F. J. Alcala-Garcia, J. Tosquella, J. Deramond, E. Lara-Corona, M. Mart F. Duranthon and P.-O. Antoine
*Departamento de Medio Ambiente y Ciencias de la Tierra, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, AP 99 E-03080 Alicante, Spain Laboratoire de Dynamique des Bassins Sedimentaires Paul-Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse cedex, (ER 1746), Universite France Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra, Faculdad de Ciencias, CSIC Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain Departament d'Estratigraa i Palaeontologia, Factultat de Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona, 08071 Barcelona, Spain es Museum d'Historie Naturelle de Toulouse, 32 alle Jules-Guesde, 31000 Toulouse, France

ABSTRACT

resMinervois foreland basin, southern France, there was a During the Eocene in the Corbie transition from marine carbonate to uviallacustrine sedimentation. This evolution took place in six depositional sequences, the rst controlled by a eustatic rise or exural downwarping, then following under compressive tectonic conditions. The second to the fourth sequences show marine to marshy, mainly carbonate sediments with a transgressiveregressive evolution, while the last two comprise terrigenous and carbonate continental sediments. The tectonic evolution is marked by blind fault-propagation folds which deformed the basin during the IlerdianCuisian. A paroxysmal compressive tectonic phase occurred at the Bartonian when the ancient blind thrusts started to emerge. A model for the evolution of the basin is presented, involving the northward propagation of structural culminations, which focused shallow water or emergent conditions, and structural lows in which deeper water sedimentation took place. The diachronous migration of these structural zones can be constrained from the high biostratigraphic resolution of the foreland basin ll.

I N TR O D U C T I O N The main features of deposits in a marine foreland basin (carbonateterrigenous balance, grain size of clastic supply, clay mineral composition, fossil record) are determined by global eustasy, the source area (nature, composition, climate) and local tectonics (topographic elevation, denudation rates) (Rey, 1983; Posamentier & Vail, 1988; Posamentier et al., 1988). The study of the vertical evolution, lateral changes of facies and geometry of the deposits over the passive boundary (outer, usually undeformed cratonic margin) of a basin reveals stratigraphic correlation elements that are valid at the basin scale. The present paper applies these principles to the resMinervois Eocene syntectonic deposits of the Corbie foreland basin (southern France: Fig. 1).
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resMinervois basin had During the Eocene the Corbie an EW orientation (Fig. 1). The margin located to the south, represented by the Massif de Mouthournet and related to the Pyrenees mountain belt, was an active boundary. While the northern margin, represented by the Montagne Noire in the French Massif Central, functioned mainly as a passive boundary. This basin is bounded on the west by the Aquitanian Basin and on the east by the Mediterranean Sea (Fig. 1). Passive as well as active boundaries are composed mainly of Hercynian rocks (see Ellenberger et al., 1987; Berger et al., 1990) and constitute the basement of the basin. Mesozoic rocks widely outcrop in the south-eastern part of this area, res Nappe. Eocene sedimentation belonging to the Corbie (Fig. 1) consists of continental deposits (lacustrine and uvial) with the only exception being the Ilerdian
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shallow marine sediments overlying mainly continental Palaeocene sediments (Massieux, 1973). Many previous studies have been conducted in this area: regional studies (Aloisi, 1967; Massieu, 1973; Plaziat, 1984; Ellenberger et al., 1987; Berger et al., 1990), biostratigraphic (Hottinger, 1962; Schaub, 1969; Marandat, 1987; Tambareau et al., 1994), tectonic (Ellenberger et al., 1987; Viallard, 1987; Genna, 1990; Gorini et al., 1991; Auverbuch et al., 1992; Deramond et al., 1993; Tambareau et al., 1995) and other rather local studies (Bousquet, 1979; Rey & Bousquet, 1981; nez, Mauduit, 1981; Plaziat, 1984; Pautal, 1985; Jime n-Mart n et al., 1997a,b). However, a 1987; Mart synthetic study has never before been undertaken. Therefore, the aim of the present paper is to synthesize the results of our interdisciplinary study, as well as published data in terms of tectonics, stratigraphy, biostratigraphy and mineralogy. This paper shows a resMinervois basin based basin evolution for the Corbie on the blind thrust-anticlinal synclinal model of Specht

et al. (1991) and proposes a model for the palaeogeography and geodynamic evolution during the Eocene. STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK The main tectonic features (Fig. 2) are, from south to res Nappe, the north, the Mouthournet Massif, the Corbie Talairan syncline, the Boucher anticline, the Montlaur syncline, the Alaric anticline, the Lezignan fault, the Minervois synclinorium with several thrust fault systems (Conilhac-Monbrun, Argens, Oupia, and Azillanet) and the Montagne Noire (craton). The general distribution of the tectonic structures corresponds well to those observed in foreland basins (DeCelles & Giles, 1996), with a series of anticlines and associated synclines migrating northwards. We can differentiate three tectonic units (Figs 1 and 2). The middle unit (Mouthoumet Unit), formed of Hercynian rocks (Mouthoumet Massif ), shows a subhorizontal thrust-fault contact over the lower unit

Fig. 2. Tectonic sketch from the study area and cross-sections indicated on the sketch map.

Fig. 1. A: Geographical and geological sketch with the location of study area. B: Geological map of the study area with location of cross-section of Figure 1C, and of Figs 3 and 4. 1, Hercynian Basement; 2, Mesozoic; 3, PalaeoceneIlerdian; 4, CuisianBartonian; 5, Miocene. C: Cross-sections located in Fig. 1B.
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(Foreland Basin Unit) that crops out in the southern part of the study area. The trace of the thrust contact is orientated N100E. The upper unit, the so-called res Nappe (Viallard, 1987), is formed by Mesozoic Corbie carbonate rocks forming a duplex system with several horses outcropping as klippes isolated by erosion. The decollement level is located in the Silurian for the rst unit and the Triassic for the second. Several fold and thrust structures can be recognized in the lower unit (Foreland Basin Unit: Figs 1 4). According to the nomenclature proposed by Boyer & Elliot (1982) and Suppe & Medwedeff (1990), these consist of asymmetric folds with one steep or overturned limb adjacent to thrust faults. A number of minor thrusts are associated with each asymmetric fold, producing progressive unconformities (Figs 3 and 4). The decollement levels of these thrust faults could be the Palaeozoic, as can be seen in the Alaric structure (Figs 1 and 2), although the thrust surfaces usually propagate through Palaeocene or Eocene sediment towards the craton (passive boundary). These foldfault systems occur in an array with a roughly N50E orientation, with the only exception being the Alaric anticline, which is orientated WE (Figs 1 and 2).

The passive boundary of the basin is represented to the south of the Montagne Noire. The craton in this area is composed of Hercynian rocks, with Palaeocene and Eocene sediments unconformably onlapping deformed basement. The Tertiary in this area is practically undeformed and is affected only by minor faults orientated NS. Two fault systems are recognized throughout the area (Figs 1 and 2). The main system is orientated N30 40E (locally N70E) and belongs to the Lezignan system, which consists of large displacement normal faults. The secondary system shows minor normal faults orientated NS to N10E (Ellenberger et al., 1987; Berger et al., 1990). SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY OF THE RESMINERVOIS EOCENE CORBIE After reviewing previous work, detailed mapping, stratigraphic and biostratigraphic (calcareous nannoplankton, larger foraminifera, vertebrates: see below) studies were carried out. These studies have allowed a subdivision of res and the Eocene stratigraphic record of the Corbie Minervois Basin into six depositional sequences. The sequence boundaries consist of erosive or gap surfaces

Fig. 3. Map of the BoucherAlaric area indicated in Fig. 1 and cross-section indicated on the map.

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Fig. 4. Map of the Oupia area indicated in Fig. 1 and cross-section indicated on the map.

with iron mineralization and levels of concentrated fauna, usually larger foraminifera. The time gaps are not long, with a duration of less than a biozone. Special attention was given to the vertical evolution and lateral changes of facies in the sedimentary successions. The sedimentary bodies (usually transgressive) and their relation to the basement (onlapping) were identied and several elements for stratigraphic correlation, valid at a basin scale, were found. The relative sea-level changes during this period in the marine succession from the area were evaluated. The geometry of sedimentary bodies from the whole basin was also studied, especially the relationships between the sedimentary bodies and the tectonic structures, such as between the anticlines and the inlling of the related synclines (blind thrustanticline-synclines of Specht et al., 1991). Good examples of such structures are represented by the Alaric (Figs 13) and Oupia areas (Figs 1, 2 and 4), displaying a trishear fold geometry. Several sections have been studied in the area in order to investigate the vertical evolution and lateral changes of facies. They are presented in Fig. 5. The First Depositional Sequence (S-1), expressed by the Basal Marine Limestone, appearing in the middle part of the basin, shows the same facies and constant thickness throughout the basin (2025 m). This level consists of alveoline- and oolith-rich foreshore limestones with high-energy sedimentary structures indicative of a shallow-water environment (Fig. 5). It is interpreted to be a transgressive unit formed during a drowning period, overlying Thanetian continental or, locally, marshy sediments (Ellenberger et al., 1987; Berger et al., 1990). The Second Depositional Sequence (S-2) consists of great variety of facies. At the bottom, increasing
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accommodation of the basin is evident, as can be seen in Fig. 5; in the margins and in the central part (Alaric area: Fig. 3), shallow marine alveoline- and nummuliterich sandy limestones from an internal platform are found, while the other parts of the basin reveal an external platform of shallow marly sedimentation (Lower Blue Marls). Upwards, siltymarly sedimentation from a shallow marine platform extended over the entire basin with the only exception of the Boucher and Roc de Gasque areas, in which solenomeris-rich rodolite limestones are found. At the passive boundary alveoline- and nummulite-rich limestones (internal platform) followed. Rodolite limestones are usually related to high-energy shallow marine conditions (Serra-Kiel et al., 1998; , 1998). In the Boucher and Roc de Tosquella & Samso Gasque areas (see Fig. 3) solenomeris rodolite-rich limestones are found in the anticline followed by a syncline with Lower Blue Marl sedimentation. On the fold limb, synsedimentary breccias related to erosion of emergent areas can be found. Considerable changes of thickness are recognized in the carbonates and marls (Lower Blue Marls) in the limb, and thrusting structures are synsedimentary, since they are sealed by younger sediments. This situation is interpreted as being related to synsedimentary blind tectonics with the presence of progressive unconformities during this period. The top of this depositional sequence is represented by the Lower Sandstone in the southern and central parts of the basin, fed mainly from the Hercynian basement. This unit is interpreted as regressive, related to progradation of proximal shallow marine platform environments and/or due to a sea-level fall. In the northern area (passive boundary: see Vallouviere section from Fontaine, 1984; Rey et al., 1986), internal platform limestones developed, in an upward deepening succession.
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Fig. 5. Stratigraphic columns of the studied area. Biostratigraphic (PS) and mineralogical (MS) samples are located.

The entire sequence is interpreted as having a transgressiveregressive evolution. The Third Depositional Sequence (S-3) is composed of shallow marly marine sediments (Middle Blue Marls) with Upper Sandstone present at the top of S-3 in the southern part of the basin (indicating progradation and/or another sea-level fall). These terrigenous sediments were probably derived from the erosion of emergent relief in the active margin, since this level is present only in the southern area of the basin (Fontaine, 1984). These sediments show recognizable progressive unconformities in the Alaric area (Fig. 3) where solenomeris-rich limestones are present. It can be interpreted as being related to blind thrusts developing during the sedimentation of the Middle Blue Marls in a similar way to that described in S-2 in the Boucher and Roc de Gasque areas. On the other hand, at the passive boundary, towards the top of S-3, accommodation strongly increased, as can be interpreted by the presence of external platform marls, followed by a progressive passage to an internal platform sandy sedimentation due to another sea-level fall and/or progradation of internal facies belts (Fontaine, 1984). The evolution of S-3 is also therefore interpreted as being a transgressiveregressive sequence. The Fourth Depositional Sequence (S- 4) represents the passage from shallow marine (Upper Blue Marls and
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Oyster Sandstones) to marshy marls (with potamides) to continental (lacustrine to uvial sediments: Maurou Conglomerate and Ventenac Limestones), related to another increase in the accommodation of the basin due to a relative sea-level rise. This was followed by a decrease in accommodation and the development of continental facies. These sediments show recognizable progressive unconformities in the Oupia area (Fig. 4), and can be interpreted in a similar way to that described in the previous depositional sequences for the Boucher, Roc de Gasque and Alaric areas. The palaeocurrents measured in the uvial sediments indicate the presence of the southern ancient source area and a new eastern source area with rounded carbonate conglomerates from the erosion of Mesozoic rocks (Mauduit, 1981). The above description indicates a new transgressive regressive evolution. The Fifth Depositional Sequence (S-5) consists of continental uvial conglomerate deposits (Assignan Molasse, Montlaur Molasse and the beginning of the Carcassonne Molasse) and some lacustrine calcareous deposits (Agel Marly limestones). During this period, sedimentation was absent in the Alaric area. Also, in the deposits of the Minervois Synclinorium, clasts from the southern area (Oupia) can be found, indicating erosion. Progressive unconformities related to blind thrusts can still be recognized in the Oupia area (Fig. 4).
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The Sixth Depositional Sequence (S-6) shows continental conglomerate uvial deposits (Aigne Molasse and Carcassonne Molasse). In this period, erosion of the previous emergent relief took place, with deposition restricted to local subsident areas. Emergent thrusts throughout the basin as the most important feature of S-6. NEW BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC DATA Biostratigraphic data from the area have been reported in several papers: Plaziat (1984), Massieux (1973), Bousquet (1979), Mauduit (1981), Rey & Bousquet (1981), Pautal nez (1987), Marandat (1987), Cubaynes et al. (1985), Jime (1990) and Tambareau et al. (1989, 1991). According to Mauduit (1981) and references therein, on the basis of charophytes a late Ilerdian to Cuisian age was proposed for the marine Eocene from the Minervois area. Nevertheless, an early to middle Ilerdian age, by mean of ostracodes, bivalves and charophytes, was proposed for the same area by Tambareau et al. (1989, 1991). In the res area, an early to late Ilerdian age was proposed, Corbie using larger foraminifera and calcareous nannoplankton, by Bousquet (1979), Rey and Bousquet (1981), Pautal nez (1987) and Cubaynes et al. (1990). In view (1985), Jime of these reports, our biostratigraphic studies seek to solve this correlation problem by means of calcareous nannoplankton, larger foraminifera and vertebrates. Calcareous nannoplankton data Two sections were studied in the Minervois Synclinorium: Fontcouverte (Fig. 2) and at Argens (Fig. 5). The siltymarly sediments provided the following fossil associations (sample locations are presented in Fig. 5): 1 LowerMiddle Blue Marls dated at the bottom as late early Ilerdian (samples PS9 and 10, PS1113): NP10 Martini (1971) Zone, by the presence of Tribrachiatus orthostylus and Sphenolithus anarrhopus. 2 LowerMiddle Blue Marls at the top as late basal early late Ilerdian (sample PS14): NP1011 Zone without further precision, by the presence of S. primus and T. orthostylus, and by the absence of S. anarrhopus. 3 Upper Blue Marls as late Ilerdian (samples PS1719, PS2123): NP1112 Zone, by the presence of T. orthostylus, S. primus and Discoaster kupperi. Larger foraminifera data Several sections with larger foraminifera were studied throughout the basin (Caunettes, Fontcouverte, Argens, Minerve: Figs 2 and 4), providing the following fossil associations (samples are located in Fig. 5): 1 Alveoline- and Nummulite-rich limestones (samples PS2429) at the bottom as late early Ilerdian, Zone SBZ 6 (Serra-Kiel et al., 1998) by the presence of Assilina aff prisca and Assilina tectosaga.
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2 Lower Sandstone at the bottom (sample PS1) as early middle Ilerdian (SBZ 7) by the presence of Nummulites aff exilis and A. aff prisca. 3 Lower Sandstone at the top (sample PS2) as late middle Ilerdian (SBZ 8) by the presence of Nummulites atacicus, N. gl. laxiformis, N. praelucasi, N. gl. latior, N. exilis, Assilina leymeriei and Assilina coustougensis. 4 Middle Blue Marls (samples PS35) as late middle Ilerdian (SBZ 8) by the presence of V. atacicus, N. globulus laxiformis, N. exilis, N. robustiformis, N. spirectypus, A. leymeriei and A. coustougensis. 5 Upper Sandstone (samples PS15 and 16, PS67) as late middle Ilerdian (SBZ 8) by the presence of N. aff increscens, N. soerensergensis, N. exilis, A. leymeriei and A. ammonea ammonea. 6 Upper Blue Marls (sample PS20) as late Ilerdian (SBZ 9) by the presence N. increscens and A. postmomeroli.

Vertebrates A new site of vertebrates was discovered from the Carcassonne Molasse in the Alaric area (sample PS8) 1500 m east of Comigne at a site called Mourel des Condes, 100 m above the base of the molasse, in which an upper right molar from Lophiodon tapirotherium was found. This species extends from MP11 to MP15 (Lutetian to early middle Bartonian) in western Europe (Marandat, 1987). Nevertheless, in southern France ra, 1991), this species is restricted (Duranthon & Cape to the early middle Bartonian (MP1415 Zone of vertebrates: BiochroM'97, 1997). During the same period in the southern Pyrenees Basin the same facies can be found during the Ilerdian, since the marine conditions extended into the middle Eocene, followed by molasse from late Eocene on (Serra-Kiel , 1998). Therefore the et al., 1998; Tosquella & Samso above biostratigraphic data agree well with those presented for the southern Pyrenees Basin for the Ilerdian period by Serra-Kiel et al. (1998) and Tosquella & Samso (1998). On the basis of the above biostratigraphic data, Fig. 6 shows the sequence stratigraphy and relative sea-level resMinervois Basin for this period, changes of the Corbie and correlates with the NP, MP and SW biozones, and absolute ages. The First Depositional Sequence is early Ilerdian in age (SBZ 5: Serra-Kiel et al., 1998); the Second Depositional Sequence is late early Ilerdian to partially late middle Ilerdian in age (SBZ 6 to lower SW 8); the Third Depositional Sequence is mainly late middle Ilerdian in age (SBZ 8 and partially 9); the Fourth Depositional Sequence can be assigned to the late Ilerdian early Cuisian (SBZ 9 and 10); the Fifth Depositional Sequence is late Cusian in age (SBZ 11); and nally after a gap that affects at least the entire Lutetian (Marandat, 1987), the Sixth Depositional Sequence must be Bartonian in age.
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MINERALOGICAL DATA The marine marly sediments Ilerdian) of several sections re, Caunettes, Montlaur and Fontcouverte) were (Lairie studied mineralogically for spatial and temporal informa res tion on the mineralogical evolution in the Corbie Minervois basin in order to determine the inuence and kind of source area, the local tectonic processes and

relative sea-level changes. Bulk and clay mineralogy (Fig. 7) were determined using a Phillips PW-1710 diffractometer, with an automatic slit, CuKa radiation and 2 minx1 scanning rate from 2 to 60u 2h. The orientated aggregates were treated with ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulphoxide and heated to 550 uC. The reecting powers of Biscaye (1965) and Barahona ndez (1974) were used for the mineral Ferna

resMinervois area. Correlation with NP, MP, Fig. 6. Sequence stratigraphy and relative sea-level change of the Corbie SBZ and absolute ages is shown.

Fig. 7. Bulk and clay mineralogy, and sea-level curve.

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quantication. A curve (Fig. 7) of relative sea-level changes is presented by the smectite+kaolinite/illite ratio. This curve enables us to recognize the previously dened depositional sequences and their vertical evolution at the Caunettes, Montlaur and Fontcouverte sections. The First Depositional Sequence could suggest a relative sea-level rise, while the other depositional sequences indicate a relative sea-level rise, rst, followed by a relative sea-level fall. The bulk mineralogy was represented by quartz, calcite and occasionally, at the top, dolomite, while the clay mineralogy consisted of illite, kaolinite and illite/smectite mixed layers. Higher averages of quartz and illite (detrital mineralogical indicators) were present in the southern part of the basin. Meanwhile, in the vertical succession from the subsidence areas (Caunettes, Montlaur and Fontcouverte), these minerals occurred at the top of the marine depositional sequences (second, third and fourth) as lateral equivalents of the sandy levels (Fig. 7) in good n-Mart n et al. (1997a). This fact, accordance with Mart also present in the relative sea-level curve proposed, is consistent with a progradation of a proximal detrital environment related to decreasing accommodation in the basin. Calcite decreased towards the top of each depositional sequence and in a general way towards the top of the entire succession, when the detrital indicator minerals increased. Two mineralogical domains can be inferred: to the south (Caunettes and Montlaur) a domain with the IS+ chlorite minority mineral assemblage, and to the north (Fontcouverte) with the I/S+vermiculite minority mineral assemblage. Also, to the south the presence of detrital clay minerals, such as chlorite and illite, was discerned, while, to the north, the presence of typical pedogenic clay minerals such as vermiculite and kaolinite, and degradation indicator clay minerals from basic crystalline basement such as talc were found (Fig. 7). These facts suggest a division of the basin with a possible emergent palaeogeographical bafe in the Alaric area close to the top of the succession. At the third and fourth depositional sequences of both series the presence of high averages of neoformed dolomite appear (Fig. 7), indicating restricted conditions.

make it possible, after a tentative palinpastic reconstruction, to propose the palaeogeography of each sechron, as shown in Fig. 9. The First Sechron This sechron, early Ilerdian (SBZ 5) in age, is characterized by a relative sea-level rise indicated by the upwardly deepening succession that affected the central part of the basin (Fig. 5) and the clay mineral analysis (Fig. 7). This suggests that a shallow sea occupied the area previously occupied by mainly continental Palaeocene strata (Fig. 9A). For this period, major tectonic changes cannot be inferred because a carbonate platform covered the entire marine area without major palaeogeographical or subsidence changes, since the facies recognized indicate a constant widespread shoreface-like environment. A stable tectonic environment with a general sea-level rise could well explain the transgressive facies observed throughout the basin. The Second Sechron This sechron, belonging to the middle Ilerdian (SBZ 6, 7 and partially 8), is characterized by a relative sea-level rise followed by a relative sea-level fall. It is indicated by the sedimentary evolution (Fig. 6) and by the clay-mineral assemblages (Fig. 7). In the basin, different areas display different sedimentation characteristics: shallow-water areas of sedimentation with platform carbonates, solenomeris reef biostromes, and deep-water deposits represented by siltymarly sediments. The distribution of the shallow-water and deep-water deposits in the basin indicates the disposition of the different tectonic structures (Figs 8 and 9). The deep-water deposits (subsidence areas) are located in the synclines (Talairan syncline) and the carbonates with reef biostromes (uplifting areas) are situated in the anticlines (Boucher anticline). This suggests that the basin, at the same time, had an active boundary in the south related to the rising Pyrenean range, acting as a wedge top (DeCelles & Giles, 1996) propagating northwards with a tectonic front located in the Boucher anticline. On the other hand, the passive boundary of Minervois underwent an upward deepening evolution (Vallouviere) with onlapping stratigraphic geometries (Minerve), while in the southern part of the basin, at the end of this period, terrigenous sediment (Lower Sandstones) was fed from the southern margin (palaeo-Pyrenees area) due to progradation of proximal environments. The Third Sechron This sechron is dated as late middle Ilerdian (top of SBZ 8 and partially 9). During this period (Fig. 6) a new relative sea-level rise is evident at the bottom by the upward deepening evolution (Vallouviere), by the
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G EO D Y N A M I C A N D P A L A E O G EO G R A P H I C A L E V O L U T I O N : SUBSIDENCE ANALYSIS By structural, stratigraphic, biostratigraphic and mineralogical studies, we can show the subsidence evolution of the basin during the Eocene, sechron by sechron. Each sechron (maximum period of a depositional sequence; see Mitchum et al., 1977; Bates & Jackson, 1987; Vera, 1994) is represented by stratigraphic columns with scaled thicknesses for different areas throughout the basin (Fig. 8), making it easy to identify the location of the subsiding and uplifting areas. Moreover, the data presented above
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Fig. 8. Sechron by sechron, breakdown of stratigraphic development of the foreland basin.

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Fig. 9. Palaeogeographical and geodynamic evolution. A, The First Sechron; B, The Second Sechron; C, The Third Sechron; D, The Fourth Sechron; E, The Fifth Sechron; F, The Sixth Sechron.

onlapping geometry (Minerve) and by the clay-mineral assemblage (Fig. 7). The basin morphology changed due to tectonic movements, as can be deduced from the great variety of facies. In this period the passive boundary underwent the same sedimentation as described above. Using the same methodology as before, some uplift and subsidence areas
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were identied, corresponding to the Boucher anticline, the Montlaur syncline and, in an incipient way, the Alaric anticline (Figs 8 and 9). At the end of this period, basin accommodation decreased and detrital deposits prograded in the southern part of the basin. This leads us to believe that the main source area was still located to the south (palaeo-Pyrenees area).
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The Fourth Sechron This sechron, belonging to the late Ilerdian early Cuisian (SBZ 9 and 10), corresponds to another relative sea-level rise, evidenced by a strong increase in accommodation at the passive boundary. This was a period with stronger tectonic activity, and a new palaeogeography can be distinguished (Figs 8 and 9). The active areas changed their position northwards, and the uplifting areas are represented by the Alaric Anticline, while the area of subsidence moved to the Minervois Synclinorium. Terrigenous sedimentation extended throughout the basin and a new carbonate source area can be found for the rst time to the east, where Mesozoic carbonates were eroded. This fact, together with the current location of the res Nappe in this position (mainly Mesozoic Corbie carbonate lithology), leads us tentatively to locate the emplacement of this nappe in this sechron, as the source area for those sediments. At the end of this period the accommodation decreased and the sedimentation became marshy, and nally, molasse-like continental (uvial and lacustrine). The Fifth Sechron The data provided above imply a late Cuisian age (SBZ 11) for this sechron. The sedimentation became continental and tectonically controlled (Figs 8 and 9). The subsidence area was the northern part of the Minervois Synclinorium, while the uplifting area was located to the south of the same synclinorium contemporaneous with a strong episode of erosion. The Boucher and Alaric areas were still present as uplifted areas and the source areas were the same as in the previous sechron. The Sixth Sechron This sechron (Figs 8 and 9) follows a gap comprising at least the entire Lutetian, and is dated as Bartonian, according to our vertebrate data. At this time thrusts became emergent, related to present-day anticlines, and affected the molasse sediments. The uplifting area must have been located to the north (Azillanet thrust), close to the passive boundary of the basin. In addition, sedimentation was discontinuous and molasse-like continental while the source areas remained the same. At this time the basin was lled by continental deposits. DISCUSSION Although relative sea-level changes, evident in the Eocene resMinervois palaeogeographical evolution of the Corbie Basin, as can be interpreted from the passive boundary (Minervois) study, could be related to eustatic changes, variation in basin morphology and depocentres must be related to tectonic processes (Tambareau et al., 1995). Projecting all the structures onto the same cross-section,
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we have interpreted the basin evolution, as shown in Fig. 10, dening three kinds of depositional sequences in resMinervois Basin. the evolution of the Eocene Corbie Eustatic or exural sequence This sequence, represented in the study area by the First Sequence (early Ilerdian in age), shows a relative sea-level rise without tectonic interference dating the initiation of the foreland basin. It is characterized by monotonous carbonate lithologies without vertical changes of facies represented in the central part of the basin. Its thickness is approximately constant throughout the basin at about 20 m. Marine carbonate tectonic sequence Examples from this kind of sequence can be found in the Second, Third and Fourth Sequences. During each of these sequences a relative sea-level rise occurred at the bottom, followed by relative sea-level falls at the top. At the same time, blind thrusts propagated from the active to the passive boundary (Fig. 10). Variation in the basin morphology during the Ilerdian and Cuisian may be related to these blind thrusts. We propose that a major blind thrust may appear and generate the main uplifting area and, basinwards, a main subsidence area (Figs 8 and 10). Secondary uplifting and subsiding areas may also be present, related to secondary blind thrusts in a more internal position and/or in a more external position with respect to the main blind thrust (see Figs 8 and 10). From sequence to sequence, the main uplifting and subsiding areas shift towards an external position (Figs 8 and 10). The main uplifting and subsiding areas are located, respectively, at Mouthoumet (active boundary) and the Talairan syncline during the Second Sechron. During this period the Boucher anticline and the Montlaur syncline areas were, respectively, external secondary uplifting and subsiding areas. However, the new location of the main uplifting and subsiding areas during the Third Sechron were at Boucher anticline and Montlaur syncline, respectively. At this time the previous main uplifting (Mouthoumet) and subsiding areas (Talairan syncline) became internal secondary uplifting and subsiding areas. This represents a great variety of sedimentary realms with a generally transgressive evolution, at the bottom, and regressive evolution, to the top. Terrigenous continental tectonic sequence The Fifth and Sixth Sequences are examples of sequences in which sedimentation is controlled only by tectonics (Fig. 9). A molasse continental sedimentation (uvial and lacustrine) was dominated by conglomerate deposits. This sedimentation, markedly discontinuous in space and time, is related to main and secondary subsidence areas as well as sources from the basin margin and emergent areas in
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Fig. 10. Synthetic basin evolution: Flexural or Eustatic Sequence, Marine Carbonate Tectonic Sequence and Terrigenous Continental Tectonic Sequence.

the basin (such as the Boucher and Alaric anticlines). At this time, the main blind thrust was close to the passive boundary of the basin. The main thrust became emergent and the ancient blind thrusts were reactivated and also became supercial, producing a paroxysmal tectonic phase. Subsequently, the post-tectonic phase allowed sedimentation to unconformably overlie the older tectonic structures. CONCLUSION resMinervois basin shows three phases: the The Corbie rst is characterized by transgressive shallow marine
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conditions related to a eustatic sea-level rise or to regional exural subsidence. The second phase shows a transgressive marine sedimentary evolution displaying regressive phases with a tectonic interference controlled by blind thrusts. The third phase developed under continental (discontinuous, in space and time, uvial and lacustrine realms) conditions with emergent thrusts in a structurally partitioned basin. The evolution of the basin was therefore initiated as a broad, regional depression. It was followed by the south to north propagation of structural culminations related to blind thrusts. This propagation history is recorded in the evolution of areas of uplift and subsidence and their
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resMinervois region sedimentary facies. The Corbie therefore preserves excellent examples of wedge-top and thrust-front deposition in an active foreland basin. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research was supported by the DGICYT Research Projects PB96-14310 and BTE2000-0299 and the Junta de Antalucia Research Group RNM-208. We are indebted to Dr David Nesbitt for revising the English version of the text. We are also pleased to thank Drs P. A. Allen, M. Marzo, G. Nichols and T. Simo for helpful comments on the manuscript. REFERENCES
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