--> Mesozoic Transgressive/Regressive Facies Cycles of the Paris Basin and their Origin, by T. Jacquin, V. Goggin, Cnrs, P. Ch. de Graciansky, G. Rusciadelli, and P. R. Vail; #90986 (1994).

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Abstract: Mesozoic Transgressive/Regressive Facies Cycles of the Paris Basin and their Origin

Thierry Jacquin, V. Goggin, Cnrs, P. Ch. de Graciansky, G. Rusciadelli, P. R. Vail

The Paris basin is an intracratonic basin that developed between the Tethyan and the Atlantic passive margins. Two types of stratigraphic cycles

of large time-scale (>3 m.y.) are recognizable within the stratigraphic record. They are called first-order (>50 m.y.), and second-order transgressive/regressive cycles (3 to 5O m.y.).

Four first-order cycles have been recognized. They are bounded by regional onlap surfaces that are induced by a major downward shift of coastal onlap. These major downward shifts result from the reorganization of lithospheric plates, and are associated with thermal events in the lithosphere. They are recognized on burial-history analysis by uplifts separating different concave upward long-term basin subsidence curves. The oldest cycle commences with the Scythian and extends up to the Norian/Rhaetian boundary. The second cycle extends from the Rhaetian up to the Aalenian. The third cycle ranges from uppermost Aalenian to upper Berriasian. The last cycle extends from the Valanginian to the Upper Cretaceous.

Fourteen second-order cycles have been recognized. This study concerns the pre-chalk series, thus only the first eleven cycles are presented on NW-SE and NE-SW regional cross-sections and isopach maps. These cycles represent stages in basin evolution that modulate the first-order thermal long-term basin subsidence. They appear to be controlled by changes in the intraplate stresses in relation with the Tethyan and Atlantic riftings. The episodes of block faulting (including extensional and compressional tectonics) are coeval with second-order regressions. These tectonic features cause large variations in the sediment thickness and in the paleogeography. Each active tectonic episode has been followed either by regional subsidence, or by long-term eustatic rise which causes the transgres ive phases and more homogeneous depositional environments.

The stratigraphic signature of the second-order cycles varies depending on the position within the Tethyan and Atlantic rifting stages, and on the type and amount of sediments supplied to the basin.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994