Professional Documents
Culture Documents
MALLORCA ISLAND:GEOMORPHOLOGICAL
EVOLUTION AND NEOTECTONICS.
P.G. Silva; J.L. Goy; C. Zazo; J. Jimnez; J. Forns; A.Cabero; T. Bardaj; R. Mateos;
F.M. Gonzlez Hernndez; Cl. Hillaire-Marce and Bassam, G.
P. G. Silva (1), J. L. Goy (2), C. Zazo (3), J. Gimnez (4), J. Forns (5), A.Cabero (3), T. Bardaj (6), R.
Mateos (7) , F. M. Gonzlez Hernndez (2) Hillaire-Marcel, Cl. (8) and Bassam, G. (8);
(1)
Depto. Geologa, Universidad de Salamanca, Escuela Politcnica Superior de vila. 05003-Avila (Spain)
pgsilva@usal.es Telfono: 920353500; Fax: 920353501
(2)
Depto. Geologa, Universidad de Salamanca, Fac. Ciencias. 37008- Salamanca (Spain).
(3)
Depto. Geologa, Museo Nac. CC. Naturales (CSIC), Gutirrez Abascal, 2. 28006-Madrid (Spain).
(4)
D. G. Recursos Hdrics, Conselleria Medi Ambient, Gov. Illes Balears, Via Asima 4, 1er-der,, 07009, Palma de
Mallorca.
(5)
Dept. Cinces de la Terra, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. Valldemosa km7.5, 07071, Palma de Mallorca, (Spain)
(6)
Depto. Geologa, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alcal de Henares, Madrid (Spain).
(7)
Instituto Geolgico y Minero de Espaa (IGME). Ciudad de Quertaro s/n, 07071, Palma de Mallorca (Spain).
(8)
Universit du Qubec Montral, GEOTOP-UQAM, Montreal, QC, Canada H3C 3P8
The island constitutes the most important emerged segment of the so-called Balearic Promontory,
which constitutes the North-eastern prolongation of the external zones of the Betic Cordillera
(East Spain) into the Mediterranean sea (Fontbot et al., 1990). This orogenic promontory consists
of Paleozoic to Middle Miocene materials deformed in a thrust and fold system during the Late
OligoceneMiddle Miocene (Fallot, 1922; Sabat et al., 1988 and Gelabert et al., 1992). Seismic
reflection profiles show that the Alpine thrust front is located NW of the Balearic Promontory
constituting the southern margin of the so-called Valencia Through (Sbat et al., 1995). The
promontory constitutes a main continental shelf segmented in two zones, Ibiza-Formentera to the
South and Mallorca-Menorca to the North. This second one is relatively narrow (ca. 17 km mean)
and shallow (ca 90 m depth) with a mean shelf-break at 139 m depth (Acosta et al., 2003). To the
south, the promontory shelf terminates in the so-called Emile Baudot Scarp. This is a NE-SW
linear scarp of ca. 380 km length that develops from 200 to 800 m in its shallowest part, to more
than 2000 m depth at its base. This scarp has a tectonic origin, corresponding to an old fault scarp
that suffered extensive erosion during the Mediterranean Messinian crisis (Acosta et al., 2003). In
detail the ESCI Profile data indicate that the Emile Baudot Scarp is a crustal extensional fracture
that separates the Balearic continental crust from the thinned oceanic crust of the Argelian Basin
(Sbat et al., 1995).
The overall structure of the island comprises a set of NE-SW trending basin and ranges developed
during a period of tectonic extension active since at least the Late Miocene (Alvaro, 1987,
Benedicto et al., 1993). Three main ranges can be distinguished from NW to SE: Tramuntana
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
Range, Central Ranges the Llevant Ranges. These ranges are Neogene horsts structures,
composed mainly of carbonate deposits varying in age from Carboniferous to Middle Miocene
(but mainly Mesozoic materials), that have an Alpine internal compressional structure. Thus,
positive reliefs are segments of the Alpine thrust and fold belt that were built up in addition to
folds by a pile of thrust sheets not bigger than a few kilometres long but hundreds of meters thick
during the Paleogene-Lower Miocene Betic nappe emplacement (Gelabert et al, 1992; Sbat et al.,
1988).
Africa 0 300 km
Alpine ranges
Neogene oceanic crust
Sller ge Lluc
an Alcud ia
Valldemosa R Sa Pobla Basin
a
n
ta
.
BY F
n
u Inca
m Art
es
Basin
ra
T
ng
F
SN
F
SJ
Ra
Andratx
P MF
Manacor
Palma Ra
F
nt
SA
Basin F nd
a
va
N E
Ll e
F
CM
Santany
Plio-Quaternary Campo s
Basin
Upper Miocene-Pliocene 0 10 20 kms
Pre-Alpine Basement
Figure 1. Major geological features of Mallorca Island, showing neotectonic faults controlling the relief . Inset Map of the
Iberian peninsula showing the relationships among the Balearic Promontory with the Betic Cordillera, Valencia Through
(VTh) and the Emile Baudot Scarp (EBs) PMF: Palma Fault; BYF: Bunyola Fault; ENF: Enderrocat Fault; SNF: Sencelles
Fault; SAF. Sineu-Algaida fault; SJF: Sant Joan Fault; CMF: Campos Fault. Dotted lines are suspect fault traces
In contrast, the basins responds to half-grabens developed along the detached horizons of ancient
NE-SW thrust planes, driven by a nearly radial extensional stress field active until Quaternary
times (Alvaro et al., 1984; Benedicto et al., 1993, Cspedes et al., 2001, Gimnez et al., 2002).
The most important set of basins are developed at the toe of the Tramuntana range, generating a
2
P. Silva et al.
Neogene-Quaternary sedimentary through of more than 80 km length, 10-6 km wide and more
than 0.7 km deep, limited to the SE by the main NE-SW normal fault of the island, the Sencelles
Fault (Benedicto et al., 1993; Silva et al., 2001). Within this through are actually assembled the
Quaternary sedimentary basins of Palma, Inca, and Alcudia (Fig.1). These basins, interconnected
until Mio-Pliocene times, are actually separated by well-developed intervening antiform-like
reliefs. This is the case of the Marratxi-Sta. Eugenia antiforms separating the Palma (SW) from
the Inca Basins (Silva et al., 1997). The Sta. Magdalena relief, separating the latter from the
Alcuday Bay (NE), can also be related to a Neogene antiform relief, but it can be also described
as a relict isolated relief, densely affected by karstification.
Actually the Inca Basin is the only completely terrestrial one, large alluvial fan systems develop
from the toe of the Tramuntana range (NW) to the southern facing scarp of the Sencelles Fault.
Gravels, silt and clays topped by well-developed red soils and calcrete crusts are the common
sedimentary material within the Inca Basin. Older alluvial fan deposits outcrop at the southern
part of the basin. These are backtilted giving place to the development of smooth intervening
reliefs between the main alluvial plains and the Sencelles fault scarp. Alluvial fan deposits are
also common in the adjacent Palma and the Alcudia Basins. However these basins are connected
with the sea, there well-developed Pleistocene to Holocene littoral deposits are recorded. Aeolian
and beach materials are commonly assembled in beach-barrier complexes closing the
aforementioned bays developed since the Late Pleistocene. Moreover, staircased beach deposits
interbedded with cemented aeolian sands ribbon the southern sectors of these basins, especially in
the Palma Bay case. This kind of littoral morphosedimentary assemblage is also characteristic all
along the South coast of the island. Other Neogene basins are developed between the Central and
Llevant ranges. The most important one is the Campos Basin, which has a more moderate
sedimentary filling of 300 m thick, and also opens towards the sea. In their littoral zone is
characteristic the development of large active dune systems.
The north-western littoral slope of the Tramutana Range is characterised by an energetic relief
related to the abrupt topographic elevation change that occurs in between the 5 km distance that
separates the highest points of Mallorca (Puig Major: 1400 m) from the sea (Fig. 2). This
topographic feature together with a probable recent uplift facilitates gorging and mass wasting
processes over a deeply karstified substratum. Large-scale landsliding occur at the littoral slopes
of Tramuntana involving the mobilisation of rock volumes over 200x106 m3 (Mateos, 2001;
Gelabert et al., 2003). However the case, uplift of the Tramuntana range probably has determined
the backwards gravitatory collapse of the rest of the island along the basal thrust plane, working
from Miocene times as a low-angle horizon of detachment. Thus, central and eastern part of the
island is characterized by normal faulting, basin formation, karstification and limited coastal
uplift. The topographic elevation is lower than in the North, an the more elevated point of the
Llevant Ranges stands at 516 m above the sea-level (Fig. 2).
Due to the mainly carbonatic nature of almost all the Mallorca materials, karstic landforms are
characteristic all around the island. Littoral caves (Gins, 1995, Vesica, et al., 2000), uplifted
notches, and partially inundated karstic canyons (named Calas), are common features in the
eastern and southern parts of the Island (Fig. 2). The speleothem analysis of the eastern coast
littoral caves has demonstrated a Quaternary uplift of Llevant ranges of c.a. 1.5 m during the last
85000 years (Forns et al., 2002). Presently, aeolian sedimentation, karstification and mass
wasting are the dominant active processes sculpting the geomorphology of the island.
3
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
2 40 3 3 2 0
Fo rmentor Cape
4 0
Sa
Calobra
es
es
ta Sta. Maria
un Sineu
ang
g
an
am 39 40
Tr
lR
tR
Palma
ra
van
Algaida
nt
Mana cor
Ce
L le
Ran da
Palma Felanitx
Bay
Altimetry (m)
0- 100
100-200 (1) Santany
200-500. Campos 39 20
(2)
500-1000 Bay
> 1000.
(3)
900
600
Llevant R anges
300 Central Ranges
Inca Basin
Inca Basin Campos Basin
0 sea-level
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Kms
Figure 2. Topography and relief of the Mallorca Island illustrating major geomorphological features. Inset pluviometric
map. 1. Ancient swamped areas (albuferas); 2. main karstic canyons of the island (North: Gorges; South: Calas); 3.
Location of main littoral caves of the island.
1.1. Neotectonics.
The best developed tectonic landforms are in a large-scale view the Tramuntana Range Mountain
front and the aforementioned tectonic extensional through in which the main basins of the island
are located. Most of the extensional structures of the island run in a main NE-SW orientation.
Among them the main structure is the Sencelles Fault, along which a well defined bedrock fault
scarp is developed on Plio-Quaternary calcarenites, and oldest Miocene deposits (Pomar et al.,
1983; Sim and Ramn, 1986). This structure, facing to the NW, constitutes the southern border
of the Inca Basin been active since the last 19 Myr. Geophysical data indicate that this fault holds
an accumulated throw of about 750 m (Benedicto et al., 1993; Gelabert, 1998; Silva et al., 2001).
Other relevant NE-SW extensional faults are the Enderrocat fault (Gonzalez Hernndez et al.,
2001), the Sineu-Algaida Fault (Del Olmo y Alvaro, 1984; Sbat et al., 1988), as well as others
with poor geomorphological expression in the Alcudia Bay and Campos Bay sectors (Fig.1).
NNE-SSW faults are also relevant, but the main one is the so-called Palma Fault (Fig.1).
However, also some reverse faulting features have been reported in relation to the complex
antiform reliefs separating the Inca Basin from the Palma and the Alcudia Bays (Benedicto et al.,
4
P. Silva et al.
1993; Silva et al., 1997; 1999; Gimnez, 2003). Most of the Neogene faults are still active, since
they can be related to recent-historical seismicity (Imax = VIII MSK, 1851 Palma Earthquake)
and geothermal anomalies such as thermal springs and wells (Fig.1).
The most complete sequence of staircased Quaternary marine terraces is recorded in the Palma
Basin. In a Northwest-Southeast transect (Son Pelat Nou- East Casa Branca) marine levels occur
between +60m to +15m asl (above the mean sea-level). A tentative chronology based on faunal
content and marine-terrestrial deposits relationship suggests an Early Pleistocene age for the two
marine terraces at +60m and +45m; and a middle Pleistocene age for marine terraces located at
+38m, +25m and +15m. Towards the coast, the only marine deposits that can be observed are
those from the upper Pleistocene (Last Interglacial- OIS 5) outcropping at Campo de Tiro site,
probably linked to the genesis of a subsiding area where a lagoonal environment was developed
since the Late Pleistocene (Goy et al., 1997). The most outstanding feature is that OIS 5e records
three highstands centered at ca 135 (one) and 117 (two) ka. In addition, a high marine level is
associated to OIS5c/5a (at ca 100 ka) is also recorded (Zazo et al., 1993). Phreatic overgrowths on
speleothems of various littoral caves along the eastern coast of the island also record sea levels
highstands during OIS 9 or older, 7 (ca 231 ka), 5e (ca. 130 to 112-119 ka), 5c (ca 107 ka) and 5a
(ca. 83 ka) (Vesica et al., 2004). Terrestrial, aeolian deposits and soils were extensively developed
during OIS 4 and 2 (Rose et al., 1999).
In summary, the most important environmental consequences are recorded during the transit from
warmer to colder climates, when soils are eroded, littoral sands are available for aeolian transport,
and rivers become effective erosive agents inland (Rose et al., 1999). Moreover, no relevant data
are available to asses the position of sea-level since intervening tectonic movements along major
extensional faults dislocated the height of marine terraces at different points of the island.
2. 1ST Day: The Palma Basin and Southern littoral of Mallorca. Coastal geomorphology
littoral karst and sea levels changes.
This first journey will be devoted to the analysis of coastal geomorphology of the SW sector of
the Mallorca Island. We will explore the different landform assemblages linked to low coastal
zones and cliffy coast separated by transverse faults. The last part of the journey in the southern
coast of the island we will visit relevant aeolian landforms and sediments as well as typical littoral
karst landforms, such as Calas (inundated karstic canyons), and evidences of paleokarst.
5
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
2.2. Stop 1.2 Campo de Tiro (A). Central part of the littoral zone of Palma Basin
Goy, J. L.; Zazo, C.; Hillaire-Marcel, CI.; Cabero A.; Bardaj, T.; Bassam, G.; Silva, P.G.;
Gonzlez-Hernndez, F. M.
Campo de Tiro was considered to be the type-section for Tyrrhenian marine levels (i.e. Strombus
bubonius bearing unit, after Issel, 1914, definition) of the Balearic Islands (Butzer and Cuerda,
1962; Cuerda , 1989), and many papers are devoted to the chronology of these deposits (Stearns
and Thurber, 1965, 1967; Hearty et al. 1986; Hillaire-Marcel et al. 1996). Given that Tyrrhenian
term has not a chronological meaning but must be considered only as a biozone, we will refer here
following oxygen isotopic stages chronology.
The whole sequence is exposed along the modern rocky shoreline, and has been synthesized in
figure 3. In brief, the sequence consists on four Last Interglacial marine units (OIS 5), separated
either by reddish terrestrial deposits or erosional surfaces that overlie older Pleistocene terrestrial
deposits. Stops 1.2 and 1.3 will give a detailed view of two different parts of the sequence.This
Stop allow us to have an insight of the disposition of the Last Interglacial marine units with regard
to the underlying deposits. The site is located at the mouth of a small gully.From bottom to top we
can observe: Cemented dunes of the Penultimate Glaciation (Riss dune, after Cuerda 1989).
Reddish clayey-silty deposits including clasts of the underlying aeolian units; red-clay paleosoil
well developed; and finally, over an erosional surface, there are alluvial deposits composed by
silty- medium grain sand with abundant bioclasts, land snails and micrite cement.
The older last interglacial units develops on top of the former units in an offlapping disposition
(Figs. 4 and 5), reaching a height of +3m amsl, and consists on a 3 to 5 m thick complex
cemented biocalcarenites with crossbedding structure, that contains a typical Senegalese fauna.
Figure 3. Campo de Tiro Section. (A) Stop 1.2: pre-Last Interglacial Units; (B) Stop 1.3: Last Interglacial marine sequence
6
P. Silva et al.
Figure 4. Campo de Tiro. Last Interglacial Marine Units (circled numbers) and Th Age (U-series measurements, Hillaire-
Marcel et al. 1996)
Units 1 and 2 (+3m amsl), consist on foreshore deposits composed by cemented pebble-rich
fossiliferous calcarenites, separated by a discontinuous thin red silt layer with angular clasts (Fig.
5). The preserved cement is composed by sparite with a vadose fabric. There are abundant species
of the Senegalese warm fauna (Brachidontes senegalensis, Hyotissa hyotis, Cardita senegalensis,
Polinices lacteus, Naticarius turtoni, Cantharus viverratus, Conus testudinarius) including
Strombus bubonius (Cuerda, 1989). According to the results of 34 U-series measurements by
TIMS, carried out by Hillaire-Marcel et al., (1996), this two units belong to the Last Interglacial
(OIS 5e), with ages of 135 ka for the lower unit and 117 ka for the upper one. Previous
chronological analyses based on allo/isoleucine and Th/U measurements (alpha) carried out by
Hearty et al., (1986) and Hearty (1987) assign these units to aminozone E.
Unit 3 (+2.5m amsl.) laterally cuts the previous units, and it is a well cemented marine
conglomerate with large sub-rounded blocks reworked from units 1 and 2, embedded in a reddish
clayey-silty matrix with micrite cement; deposited in beach settings (foreshore to shoreface). With
regard to the faunal content, this unit shows an abrupt change in the faunal assemblage, marked
by the disappearance of Strombus bubonius and part of the Senegalese fauna. This unit was dated
initially by Stearns and Thurber (1965) that gave an age of ca. 75 ka. However Hillaire Marcel et
al.(1996) assign it the same age of the unit 2 (117 ka, end of OIS 5e). Hearty (1987) assign this
7
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
unit also to aminozone E but suggesting the possibility that may be younger (OIS 5c or 5a). The
lithologic nature of this unit, together with the faunal content, suggests an intensification of
storms and a change in SST (some how cooler) by the end of OIS 5e. The occurrence of two
different highstands (Unit 2 and Unit 3) with the same age (117 ka) also points to rapid sea-level
change and instability at the end of this isotopic substage.
Unit 4 (+1m amsl) consists on a finely laminated sandstone layer which grades upwards into a
conglomerate, with smaller clasts than unit 3, from which it is separated by an erosional surface.
Faunal content shows an assemblage similar to the present day one, with very poor warm
Senegalese fauna, but abundant Acar plicata (species not found in the Holocene of Mallorca;
Cuerda, 1989) and without Strombus. The chronologic Th/U data (Hillaire Marcel et al.1996)
gave a scatter of ages around 100 ka, assigned therefore this unit to OIS 5a or 5c
2.3.1. Considerations
Stratigraphic, sedimentological, chronological and faunal data confirm the existence of three
highstands (units 1, 2 and 3) during OISs 5e with very similar sea level position, and with
lowstand phases recorded in between by terrestrial deposits or erosional surfaces. It is worthy to
remark the important change in littoral dynamics recorded by unit 3, with disappearance of most
Senegalese fauna, particularly S .bubonius, and evident higher energy conditions related to
stronger wave action. An independent highstand takes place after OISs 5e (Unit 4) characterized
by the disappearance of Senegalese fauna, but prior to the Holocene as evidenced by the
presence of Acar plicata, possibly during OISs 5c or 5a.
Unit 1 (Figs. 6 and 7) is at +10m amsl, and it consists on a thin layer (less than 0.5 m thick) of
well cemented conglomerate with marine bioclasts developed in top of an abrasion platform,
where Cuerda (1989) and Cuerda and Sacars (1992) reported the occurrence of Senegalese fauna
8
P. Silva et al.
in Cap Orenol (+11.5m amsl) with Strombus bubonius, Cantharus viverratus and Barbita plicata.
This fauna was dated as 125 10 ka by Stearns and Thurber (1967) and later by Hearty (1987)
that include it in aminozone G (~300 ka).
Figure 6. Marine units and terrestrial deposits in Son Ver-Nou-Cala Blava, and Cap Orenol sites.
Unit 2 (+6.5m amsl) includes a well-cemented (sparite cement due to the dissolution of some
bioclast in meteoric environment) sandstone and reddish silt filling a notch related to a poorly
developed abrasion platform (Figs. 6 and 7). Climbing dunes probably related to the lowstand
facies subsequent to the highstand covers it. The faunal assemblage is similar to that found today
in the Mediterranean. Stearns and Thurber (1965) dated this unit as 250 ka using U-series
measurements.
Unit 3 (+4m amsl) is represented by a thin marine conglomerate associated to a continuous notch.
Figure 7. Son Ver Nou- Cala Blava Marine Units (circled numbers) and aeolian deposits.
9
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
Units 4, 5 and 6 form a staircase cut into the lower part of the older sequence (Fig. 8), and they
can be correlated to units 1, 2 and 3 of Campo de Tiro by their similar faunal assemblage and
facies. Nevertheless in this section Units 4 and 5 are separated by an erosional surface, instead of
terrestrial deposits as in Campo de Tiro, probably due to the differences in the geomorphological
setting.
Figure 8. Son Ver Nou-Cala Blava Marine Units (circled numbers) and aeolian deposits.
Chronology of these units can then be stated by correlation with Campo de Tiro section, where
larger number of U-series data are available (Zazo et al., 2003). This correlation is supported also
by U-series measurements (TIMS) in unit 5 that yielded an age of 113 2.5 ka, ascribing then
these three more recent units at Cala Blava (Unit 4, 5 and 6) to the OISS 5e (Zazo et al., 2003).
Regarding to the older units, the chronological assignment has been somehow misleading up to
now. Firstly, the presence of Senegalese fauna in Unit 1 (+10m amsl), and the dating by Stearn
and Thurber (1967) as 125 10 ka, led Cuerda (1989) and Cuerda and Sacars (1992) to assume a
last Interglacial age for this unit. Nevertheless, this assumption does not fit at all with the location
of this site in the downthrow block of Enderrocat fault, mostly, having this last interglacial unit at
+2,5-3 m amsl at Campo de Tiro, also in the downthrow block. On the other hand, aminoacid
racemization carried out by Hearty (1987) on this terrace, included this unit in aminozone G, that
is older than 300ka, while Stearns and Thurber (1965) dated unit 2 as 250 ka using U-series
measurements.
2.4.1. Considerations
All these data led to consider Unit 1, 2 and 3 older than the Last Interglacial. This assumption has
an enormous paleoenvironmental consequence, since it points to the presence of warm
10
P. Silva et al.
Senegalese fauna, including Strombus bubonius, in the Mediterranean Sea prior to the two last
interglacials suggesting the arrival of this fauna to the Mediterranean as early as OIS 9 or even
OIS 11 (Zazo et al., 2003). This assumption agrees with the presence of Strombus bubonius in
OIS 7 deposits in other privileged localities of the western Mediteranean such as La Marina
(Alicante, SE Spain) and Loma del Viento (Almera, SE Spain) cases (Zazo et al., 2003).
2.5. Stop 1.5. sEstret des Temps : Late Pleistocene cliff-front dunes: Morphology, architecture
and related sedimentary structures.
Forns J.J.
The Late Pleistocene cliff-front aeolian deposits constitute wind-borne marine carbonate sand
trapped in front of a prominent cliff that runs along the southeast coast of Mallorca near the
village of Santany. These deposits form part of the Pleistocene succession that are well
represented in southern Mallorca (Butzer, 1975), occurring on top of the Upper Miocene Reefal
Unit and/or the Santany Limestone Formation (Pomar et al., 1985). This succession are
composed (Butzer, 1975) by sedimentary cycles related to Pleistocene glacial-eustatic sea-level
variations, each composed of marine (beach deposits) and continental (carbonate aeolianites and
colluvial deposits). The aeolianites were assumed to have formed during glacial periods
characterized by low sea level and strong winds. The aeolian deposits present at sEstret des
Temps (Cala Figuera) corresponds to an impressive example of a topographically controlled
aeolian accumulation. Owing to the occurrence of small abandoned quarries, the 3D architecture
of the sediments can be studied in detail (Clemmensen et al., 1997, 2001). Topographically
controlled aeolian accumulations are common features in coastal areas (Pye and Tsoar, 1990;
Livingstone and Warren, 1996). Aeolian accumulation related with the cliff (cliff-front aeolian
accumulations) comprises echo and climbing dunes and sand ramps (Livingstone and Warren,
1996; Lancaster and Tchakerian, 1996). The information preserved in the sedimentary structures
or internal structure at SEstret deposits allows the interpretation about the genesis of echo and
related climbing dunes.
Figure 9. Sedimentary architecture of the Late Pleistocene cliff-front dune at sEstret des Temps.
11
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
The dune evolution can be divided into three growth stages (early, intermediate and late) each
having a characteristic morphology and sedimentary architecture (Clemmensen et al., 1997,
2001). The early stage (Fig. 10) comprises sediments lying between 1.5 and 0.9 d/h (d = distance
from the cliff; h = cliff height) with H/h-values (H = dune height) of 0.34. The dune profile is
typically rounded and the brinkline is not to well defined but becomes sharply defined towards the
cliff. Stoo the stoss-side deposits increases the slope angle towards the cliff dipping 12-25; the
strata flatten towards the crestal zone. The lee-side deposits dip 20-26. The intermediate-stage of
the dune comprises sediments lying between 0.9 and 0.6 d/h with H/h values of 0.46. Dunes stoss-
side deposits dip at 20-26 and lee side deposits dip at 22-26. The dune profile is typically
slightly asymmetric. In cross section the dune brinkline varies from sharp-crested to rounded, and
at some intervals the associated internal structures of the crest resemble the zig-zag structures of
Rubin (1987). The late-stage of dune accumulation presents H/h-values up to 0.88 and the
accumulation lies between 0.6 d/h and the cliff. The dune stoss-side dip around 25 and the lee-
side deposits dip up to 30. The dune profile is weakly asymmetric and the angle of climb is
supercritical (may reach 50). The dune brinkline is most commonly sharp-crested and the related
brinkline deposits show little architectural complexity. In agreement with Clemmensen et al.
(1997) all these genetically related dune sediments are termed cliff-front dune deposits to stress
the importance of topography in controlling the aeolian accumulations.
12
P. Silva et al.
Figure 10. Idealized stratigraphy and growth stages of the cliff-front dune (modified of Clemmensen et al., 1997).
Colluvial-ramp deposits
This deposits consists of red matrix-supported breccias, matrix consisting of silt-rich carbonate
sand with some terrigenous material. Clasts correspond to Miocene calcarenites or lithified
aeolian sediment. Depositional packages slope away from the cliff and typically thicken
downslope. They lie at the foot of the fossil sea cliff or drape underlying aeolian deposits and
slope away from the cliff. They have a sharp and mostly erosional contact with underlying aeolian
deposits, and a gradational to sharp contact with overlying aeolian deposits. Root casts are
common at the upper contacts. They correspond to intense periods of rainfall with the reworking
of aeolian sand, soil products and rock-fall material on ramp during debris flow events.
Sand-ramp deposits
These deposits form 1-3 m thick sheet-like packages of aeolian sand that overlie stratified cliff-
front dune and colluvial deposits. Climbing sand ramp deposits at sEstret des Temps develop as
sand sheet that slope away from the fossil sea-cliff with angles between 20 and 30. They are
composed of fine to coarse-grained carbonate sand with some terrigenous material. They present
wind-ripple lamination, Myotragus tracks and root casts and, seaward sloping, even, parallel
13
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
lamination. They represent the trapping of the carbonate sand on a ramp developed in front of the
cliff of the material transported by the southeastern winds.
Ascending-dune deposits
These deposits correspond to the uppermost part of the cliff-front accumulations. They are formed
by fine to coarse-grained carbonate sand, showing wind-ripple and sandflow lamination. They
present thick (1-2 m) sets of large-scale landward dipping cross-stratification. The deposits of this
unit record two closely related events of ascending-dune formation on the colluvial ramp. They
primarily developed at places where the colluvial ramp was significantly lower than the cliff. The
dunes were relatively small and present sinuous-crested bedforms due to the influence of the
vegetation.
In sEstret des Temps quarry, the tracks can be observed in all the aeolian units. Their distribution
is more frequent in the basal cliff-front dune deposits, where tracks are abundant in the crestal
zone deposits, common in the stoss-side deposits and rare in the lee-side deposits. There are
thousands of laminae in the lithified aeolianites that have been tracked by Myotragus balearicus.
The extensive sections, parallel and perpendicular to the bedding, provided by the quarry allow
seeing them in vertical as well as in horizontal sections. The sediment disturbance caused by the
trace maker involves both plastic deformation and microtectonic rupture in the form of
microfaults and microthrusts (Fig. 11).
2.6. Stop 1.6 (optional). Punta des Savinar: Karst collapse phenomena in the Upper Miocene and
their role in coastal morphology
Forns, J. J.
During the Late Miocene, reef-rimmed carbonate platforms fringed many of the islands and
margins of the Mediterranean basin. In all the islands of the Balearics, carbonate platforms
prograded, in some cases, more than 20 km away from its basement in the core of the island
(Pomar, 1991). Cliff sections near Santany in the SE of the island provides near continuous cross
sections parallel to the reef-rimmed margin. Several facies occur within these late Tortonian-
Messinian carbonates (the Reef Unit). These limestone rocks were transformed to dolomite with
the movement of Mg-rich fluids causing dolomitization on the marginal carbonate platforms
during the Messinian salinity crises with the evaporite formation in the Mediterranean Sea. This
major event is represented in the Santany area stratigraphy by an irregular (mostly karstic)
14
P. Silva et al.
unconformity cutting into the upper Miocene platform that is overlaid by another carbonate unit
called Terminal Complex (Santany Limestones), Messinian in age, and characterised by shallow
marine carbonate platform deposits with sand bars (oolitic sand shoals), mangrove swamps and
stromatolitic facies.
Figure 11. Perpendicular sections of tracks and trackway of Myotragus balearicus at sEstret des Temps.
15
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
features (Fig. 12). These bedding-parallel hollows are associated with setting subsidence of
materials towards underlying voids developed in the Reef Unit. Chimney-like voids appear to be
located below the depressions and indicate vertical migration of the plastic layers as well as
subsidence of broken blocks and slabs from more the resistant beds. Breccia formation processes
are related to solution cavity collapses resembling to those occurring in other karstic
environments. The types of breccias observed are dependent on both genetic processes and
features of the host rock. Although there are several breccia types, the most common are those
collapse breccias, which were formed by rock fall and by rock infilling. Interparticle voids coated,
in different degrees, by calcium carbonate cement with several growth episodes are common in
the breccias.
16
P. Silva et al.
All this kind of features can be observed at different heights above the present sea level. The
responsible of these phenomena are the Pleistocene glacio-esutatic sea-level oscillation, as well as
the tectonic tilting that affect the eastern coast of Mallorca (Forns et al., 2002).
3. 2ND Day. The Tramuntana Range: Landslides and karstic landforms their role in the
relief and recent activity.
This second journey will be dedicated to explore the geomorphology of the Serra de Tramuntana,
the major range of the island. Recent, historical, giant and Quaternary landslide events are
recorded in the different slopes of the range. In addition, during the journey we will have the
opportunity of observe the more outstanding exokarstic features sculpting the mountain including
large karren slopes, doline fields, and giant karstic gorges (Fig. 13).
The Tramuntana mountain range is constituted of carbonates deposited during the Mesozoic,
together with Lower Cenozoic detritic-carbonatic materials. The only non carbonatic materials are
Lower Triasic red sandstone (Bundsandstein), Upper Triasic gypsum and clays (Keuper), and
small outcrops of subvolcanic rocks. Taking into account the outcropping materials, the
Tramuntana mountain range can be divided into a northern zone (Soller-Formentor) where hard
Liasic carbonates are dominant, forming high cliffs, and a southern sector (Soller-Andratx), where
the presence of soft materials determines a more gentle relief. On the other hand, the alpine
geologic structure of Tramuntana mountain range of Majorca, consisting of a NW vergent
imbricated system of thrust faults formed during Lower Miocene times, determines the existence
of a south-eastern smooth face and a north-western abrupt face (Fig. 1). Tramuntana is
characterised by a Mediterranean climate, where intense rainfall episodes are common. Moreover,
the important topographic differences determine a great variability in mean annual temperature
and rainfall (Fig. 2). Thus, in the highest zone of the central sector (Lluc) mean annual
precipitation reaches 1200 mm, and at the South-western sector (Andratx), average rainfall does
not exceed 400 mm per year.
17
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
gypsums (Fig. 14). The impermeable character of the Keuper facies and the sediment
characteristics of the Quaternary colluvial materials are the intrinsic causes of those chronic
complex movements. On the other hand, intense rainfall episodes are extrinsic causes, thus all the
registered mass movements have occurred after a rainfall episode. The convergence of these three
factors (Colluvial Quaternary sediments over the Keuper clays, and intense rainfall episodes) can
be observed in other zones of the Tramuntana range, and in each case we find complex soil
movements associated with them.
0 3 6 Km Sa Calobra 2.2
50 0 m G
Sa Costera F
E
N Blitx 2.3 Lluc
D
Puig Major
H
0m
10 0
2.1
Fornalutx L
C
Sller
50 0 m
B
2.42.5 Selva
Dei K
0m M
1 00 0 m Biniarroi
m 50 J
5 00 I
Valldemossa A
Inca
m Son
0
20
N Ramis
Figure 13. Route-map of the Tramuntana range showing the most outstanding gravitational, karstic and fluvio-karstic
features to be visited during day 2. (A) Vall dOrient and Gorge of Cova Negra; (B) Biniarrix Gorge; (C) Coma de Son
Torrella; (D) sEsquetjar de Moncaire; (E) es Clots Carbons; (F) es Castellots; (G) ses Olles / es Pixarells; (H) Puig de
Masanella; (I) Elbow of Capture of Torrent de Masanella; (J) Linear reliefs of Lloseta Inca; (K) Coma Rotja; (L) Coma
Grande; (M) Son Grau; (N) site of reverse faulting within the Inca Basin (Son ramis; optional stop). Modified from Forns
et al., (1995).
18
P. Silva et al.
SE-NW
Quaternary Fornalutx
Creek
100 m
Upper
Triassic
Keuper
500 m
Figure 15. Oblique aerial images of Blitx translational wedge rock slide.
19
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
300
Cala 12 81
Castell 0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Kms
Figure 16. NE-SW topographic cross section of the Tramuntana range along its littoral slope extracted from the SGE
Digital model of Spain. Shaded circles enhance the paleomorphology of ancient v-shaped fluvial valleys North of Soller.
Dotted line indicates the envelope surface of the ancient base level of v-shaped valleys throughout the Tramuntana range
prior to active gorging.
The torrent de Pareis and its prolongation to the confluence with the Gorg Blau and Torrent the
Lluc (SEntreforc), about 3 km upstream from the sea, constitutes the most outstanding and
touristic fluvio-karstic gorge of the island. The vertical walls of the gorge can reach 250 m and its
width rarely surpasses 20 m wide. Along the gorge, multiple overhanged walls, cavities and caves
remember its initial karstic origin. The littoral outlet of the gorge, called Sa Calobra (Fig. 17) is
actually closed by a gravel beach-ridge a +3 m asl leading the generation of a recent backbarrier
20
P. Silva et al.
Figure 17. View of the littoral outlet of the Torrent de Pareis (Sa Calobra).
In the SE sector of the island minor gorging also occur. Shallow karstic canyons furrow the
tabular Miocene deposits (reef carbonates) conforming the named Calas. These calas rarely
surpass 40 metres height. They are related to the extensive littoral karst of the SE coast of the
island and surely most of them to littoral cave-development and collapse. In spite of all the
information on endokarstic and paleokarstic features of this sector of the island (i.e. Gins and
Gins, 1995, Forns et al., 1995; Vesica, et al., 2000), gorge or cala development has not been
subject of a deep study. Nevertheless Gimnez et al, 2002 indicates that due to the fact that there
is a great correlation between the orientation of the fractures that affect the upper Miocene reef
deposits and the drainage and coast orientation, most of the calas and gorges of these part of
Mallorca must be related to Mio-Pliocene fracturation. However gorge development in the
Tramuntana range somewhat resemble the impressive gorges developed in the southern coast of
Crete, where are related to major normal faulting or gravitatinal collapse in intense karstified
coast over the forearc zone of the Aegean subduction zone (Fassoulas, 2001). Keeping in mind
the great difference between tectonic contexts of Crete and Mallorca, the northern coast of
Mallorca also is over a major compressional thrust zone, the Betic Cordillera thrust front, south to
the Valencia Through (Fig. 1) and large gravitational landsliding involving minimum
displacements of 150 125 metres occurred during the Late Miocene-Pliocene times (Mateos
Ruz, 2001; Gelabert et al., 2003)
3.3. Stop 2.3: Panoramic view of the Torrent de Pareis from Escora.
Silva, P.G; Gimnez, J. Goy, J.L., Zazo, C. Bardaj, T., Cabero, A.,
From this panoramic viewpoint there is an excellent view over the headwater zone of the Pareis
Gorge, in the confluence zone of the torrents of Lluc (NE) and Gorg Blau (SW) called the
sEntreforc. This is characterized by the occurrence of subvertical valley walls affected by
subvertical karrens. The Gorg Blau constitutes the fluviokarstic outlet of the ancient Tectonic
andkarstic depression actually occupied by the Gorg Blau Dam (Fig. 13).
21
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
Also from this point it is possible to observe some of the most interesting exokarstic features of
the Tramuntana range. Among them karren fields and dolines are the most developed ones. In this
zone they mainly develops on the karstic surfaces at 400-600 m above the sea-level in which are
incised the main karstic gorges. From this point are particularly spectacular the Els Castellots
karranfield and the Clot dinferm dolines, both located at the SW slope of the Torrent de Pareis
(Fig. 13), and developed on intensely karstified Lower Jurassic limestones (Gins and Gins,
1995). Many of the karrenfield features (pinachels, flutes, etc.) ressembles tropical karst features,
but as a whole the karrenfields of Tramuntana display the typical features of a mountain karst
with a clear altitudinal zonation (Gins and Gins 1995). Although karstic and paleokarstic
features are widely developed in the Tramuntana range from its initial emergence, between the
late Cretaceous and the early Paleogene (Forns et al., 1995), the present assemblage of karstic
landforms within the landscape of the NW slope of the Tramuntana range should start during the
Late Miocene or Early Pliocene times.
1721 Spring N
Plio-Quaternary
Springs
Biniarroi
Creeks
Lobes
Holes
Sta Llucia
Church
Mobilised areas
1943
1813
1721
Ancient? Ancient Scarps 1721 scarp 0 100 200 m
Figure 18. Geomorphologic sketch of Biniarroi valley. The probable areas of the historic landslides are also shown.
22
P. Silva et al.
Figure 19. Digital elevation model of the Biniarroi valley. 1721 landslide is also indicated.
23
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
3.5. Stop2.5: Panoramic view of the Inca Basin from the Tramuntana Range.
Silva, P.G. Goy, J.L., Zazo, Gimnez, J., Bardaj, T., Cabero, A.
From Santa Lucia Church, located at the top of Mancor de la Vall village, is also possible to
examine the overall geomorphology of the northern border of the Inca Basin. The basin is a half-
graben feed from the north by relevant alluvial fan systems such as Solleric and Rafal Garcs,
nowadays dissected throughout their length. To the South-west the Cova Negra fan (Sta. Maria
del Cam) is also dissected and its feeder channel goes towards the Palma Basin throughout the
antiform of Marratx. To the East the ancient fan of Inca is actually abandoned and beheaded.
Their ancient feeder channel, the present NW-SE trending Torrent of Masanella, was subject of
fluvial capture by NE-SW trending drainage of the Alcudia Basin (Torrent the Bger). From this
point we can observe the large-scale elbow of capture formed by the aforementioned process of
fluvial piracy. The ancient apex of the Inca fan was totally eroded. Actually, anomalous linear
relieves on deformed cretacic and paleogene materials behead the ancient fan system and it is no
rejected the participation of faulting in the beheading process, although the characterization as
faults of the linear relief is problematic. Whatever the case the distal part of the Inca fan is tilted
towards the Tramuntana Range (Silva et al., 2001) and apparent reverse faulting affects their
deposits at mid fan locations (Gimnez, 2003). If time enough after this stop we can optionally
visit faulting features at Son Ramis.
24
P. Silva et al.
1 8
2 9
3 10
4 11
5 12
Myotragus b. site 6 13
7 14
Solleri c Gorge
(Karstic Canyon)
S encelles
Landslide of
Son Morei
Sag-pond of
Son Perics
Rock Salient
of Puig Segu
Binial
Torrent de Solleric
Ponded
area
Sta. Eugenia
Antiform
Marratx
Antiform
1851 PME
Macroseis mal
location
El Portol
Figure 20. Schematic strip-map of the Sencelles Fault, showing its more prominent recent features For location see Fig. 1.
1- Pre and Syntectonic materials (pre-Serravallian); 2- Post-tectonic pre-pliocene materials (Serravallian to Messinian); 3-
Plio-Quaternary materials (Fm. St. Jordi); 4- Quaternary dolines and ponded areas; 5- Pleistocene alluvial materials; 6-
Late Pleistocene to Holocene valley fillings; 7- Late Pleistocene to Holocene Alluvial fans; 8- Colluviums; 9- Drainage
network; 10- Karstic Canyons; 11- Normal fault scarps; 12- Normal fault degraded scarps and erosive scarpments. A:
Location of the Portl Doline (Stop 3.1) B. Location of the fault trenching zone on the Sencelles fault (Stop 3.2).
25
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
4.1. Stop 3.1. The Prtol Doline: reverse faulting and surface features.
Silva, P.G.; Goy, J. L.; Zazo, C.; Gonzlez-Hernndez, F. M.; Cabero A.; Bardaj, T.
The Portol Doline is located between the NW-SE trending antiforms of Marratx and Sta.
Eugenia at the borderland zone of the Palma and Inca basins (Figs.1 and 20). Aside the
controversial origin of these complex antiform structures (see stop 3.3), the Quaternary
sedimentary filling of the doline record reverse surface faulting (Goy et al., 1991; Silva et al.,
1999; 2001) evidenced in the walls of an ancient quarry located in the southern sector of the
doline. The present-day doline has a mean diameter of 0.4 km and it is inset in a major polje
depression elongated in a NW-SE orientation and, developed on the Pliocene calcarenitic
substratum. Doline filling (>20 m) is comprised by a sequence of six different fine-grained distal
alluvial inputs separated by reddish and/or brown paleosoils holding well-developed gley features
in thick Bt clayey horizons (0.2-0.6 m) at the uppermost part of each unit (Fig. 21). The
occurrence of basal gravel lags in the different alluvial inputs, eroding and disrupting the
underlying Bt horizons, is also common. The basal deposits of the doline sequence are constituted
by a thick unit (>5 m) of red sticky clays (terra rossa) which directly rest on the upper Pliocene
littoral calcarenites. The paleomagnetic analysis of the sedimentary sequence throw a constant
normal polarity for all the units (Brunhes epoch < 0.78 Ma) indicating that main faulting events
took place during or after the Midle Pleistocene (Goy et al., 1991, Silva et al., 1999). The entire
Quaternary sequence is tilted 25- 20o SE, and truncated by a thin unconformable alluvial veneer,
constituting the present ground surface. This supports a recent and weakly developed brown soil,
which is also dislocated by the fault (Fig. 21).
Protruded Fault scarp Fault plane hy pothet ical pro longat ion
Dama ged fence
Contorted tree
0
0 5m De ep wea thered
bas al calc arenite s
Figure 21. Block-diagram showing main deformational features displayed at the Portol doline reverse fault and stereoplot
(lower hemisphere projection) of structural elements used for the determination of the intervening main stress axis. In
white the palustrine guide level. Scaled grey strata represent the different alluvial inputs involved in the doline filling.
Reverse faulting is highlighted by the offset of a singular calcareous palustrine level, of 0.4-0.6 m
thick (Fig. 3.2). Fault throw measured from this guide-level is of 2.56 m. The fault strikes in an
N140-130oE trend, and dips between 55 to 23o SW. The palustrine guide-level is strongly
disrupted in the upthrusted block, displaying a deformational style similar to those showed by
fold-limb faults or coseismic low-angle pressure ridges (Fig. 3.2). In particular, ground surface
deformation can be described as a protruded scarp facing to the NE and ranging 0.88-0.20 m
26
P. Silva et al.
height (Silva et al., 1999). The scarp is partially buried. An colluvial wedge of 27o mean slope
connects both fault blocks. This includes large calcarenitic blocks (40x20 cm) from an ancient
stone fence severely damaged on the fault line. The fault scarp crest strikes in an N158-163oE
orientation and dies out 197 m away from the quarry, however trigonometric estimations predicts
a total scarp length of ca. 535 m. The contrasting values of displacement showed by fault throw
(2.56m) and the present surface faulting ground dislocation (0.88 m), seem to indicate the
occurrence of at least two different events. The first during the Middle-Late Pleistocene and the
second one during presumably historic times. Damaged stone fences, stone-blocks including in
the colluvial wedge and contorted and tilted (40) ancient tree-trunks let to relate this ground
deformations with the 1851 Mallorca Earthquake (VIII MSK) as suggested by Silva et al. (1999).
In any case, this anomalous compressional feature can not be considered as true surface faulting,
but as a secondary or sympathetic surface faulting (INQUA Scale, 2005). This was probably
triggered by the occurrence of subsidiary near surface roll-over processes along the major
extensional faults bordering the south margin of the polje-depression or simply by karstic ground
failure promoted by seismic shaking.
Cementery
Plio-Quaternary
Sta. Eugenia
Ca lcarenites
PM Co lluvial wed ge
3
PM 2
Valley-floo r
deposits
-L1
PM 1
PM
-L
4
1
VLF
PM
-3
5
PM
2 -L
VLF-1
VLF
2
-2
VL
+
Dd 1
F-4
Seismic Re fraction
Line s (P M)
Electromagnetic A BM
Profiles (VLF)
Trench site
Tracks
0 50 100 150m
Fences
Figure 22. Topographic map of the surveyed zone at the Sta. Eugenia Bedrock fault scarp showing the geology and the
fault trenching site (Stop 3.2). Geophysical survey-lines are also displayed and labelled. For location see Fig. 3.
4.2. Stop 3.2. The Sencelles fault scarp: geomorphology and trenching.
Silva, P.G.; Goy, J. L.; Zazo, C.; Jimnez, J.; Gonzlez-Hernndez, F. M.; Cabero A.; Bardaj, T.
The SW termination of the Sencelles Fault is in this zone featured by a NE-SW bedrock fault
scarp of c.a. 7 km length and 12 m (maximum) height facing to the NNW (Fig. 20). This fault is
27
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
the main extensional structure of the island from the last 19 Ma. Geological and
geomorphological evidence proves its activity until early Pliocene and Pleistocene times and has
been tentatively related to the 1851 Palma Earthquake in which macroseismal area we are located.
The scarp, developed on Plio-Pleistocene strongly cemented littoral deposits, constitutes the
southern border of the Quaternary Inca Basin. In this point scarp height diminish from 3,15 m in
the East to they eventual die-out near the cementery of Sta.Eugenia. After a detailed topographic
(1:10.000 Mapping and 25cm DEM production), geophysical (geoelectrical, seismic refraction
and geomagnetic profiling) and geomorphological analysis (Fig. 22) this point was selected for
fault trenching (Silva et al., 2000, 2001, 2004).
The trench was only excavated in the soft-sedimentary record of hangingwall of the fault (Fig.
23). The Quaternary materials are mainly constituted by massive grey clayey marls. They
constitute a massive plastic body adjacent to the fault plane in which different sedimentary
markers (i.e. intraclast detritic levels, apparent paleosoils and mottling horizons) delineated an
overall anticline that absorbed most of the deformation in the hangingwall. The north limb of this
fold is eroded by a rectilinear scarp of 1.4 m height carved in the clayey-marls on which
channelled torrential deposits are assembled recording no apparent deformations. Only adjacent
to the bedrock fault scarp in the fault-through (2.6 m width) generated by the flanking anticline
two successive colluvial wedges are overlapped, coating the last 0.95m of the buried fault scarp.
Nevertheless, the upper 1.05 m remained exposed as the free-face of the scarp. The upper
colluvial wedge is clearly post-1851 event. It contains large blocks of adjacent stone fences built-
up over the bedrock fault scarp and inset artificial-trenches embedding post c.a. 1950 car-oil
cans. Concluding, from the excavated trench is impossible to define any event horizon, but the
two onlaped colluvial wedges may indicate repeated fault scarp reactivations. In any case none
surface rupture evidence, and the debris slope of the present scarp may develop by fence collapse
triggered by ground shacking. Similar colluvial wedges, containing large fence-blocks, have been
described in neighbour fault scarps located in the macroseismal zone of the 1855 Palma
Earthquake (see Figs. 1 and 19).
28
Stone Fence
STA. EUGENIA TRENCH 1 (East Wall N150E)
September 2002.
Bedrock
NE Fault-scarp
(G)Ertoil Level SW
(F ) Artificial Trench Fillings (Post-1950 AD)
(early 20th Century)
A A
C
B B
Bedrock
(Not Excavated)
C C
D
D 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 meters
A: Plastic M arly Clays of mass ive structure . Color: gradding from dark gr een (5Y 3/4) in the ba se to pale green (5Y 7/3) at top. It displays a diffuse gley mottl ing (10YR 6/6) affectin g to the whole outcro p. Levels A0 and A1
represent w eak soil horizons cha racterised by the development of root-traces and adense and inte n se red mottling(5YR 4/6) of 10-20 mm of diameter. In A1 mottl ing is denser and drakner giving pla ce to a generalised
red
P. Silva et al.
colourin g (1 0YR 6/7). Soils horizo ns draw an antiform-l ike structure subparal lel to the main fault . Several fissures and slickenslide planes disp lay convex geometries striking N55-65E a nd dipping a maximu m of 65SE.
+
B: Plastic Marly Clays(B ) with interbedded level of intraclasts (B ) and/or nodules of indurated marls. Materials are sim ilar to Unit A (same m ottling but intense colour (5Y 6/2). Clasts h ave 10-30 mm diame ter(medium)
with
maximun size of 45mm, they display subrounded geomoetry, sometimes have el liptical geometry orien ted to the starta dippi ng.This intraclastic level shows a severe distortion, displaying an assymetric fold in the intersection
point C13-D-13 of the grid. The vertical limb of the fold fits to the convex slickenside surface separating units A and B.
Figure 23. Log of the East-wall of the Sencelles Fault trench at Sta. Eugenia
C . Sandy marls (C1) and sands with Ostre as sp.(C ). The entire unit occupie s a little through of appatrent erosive nature adjace nt to the fault plane. Thesematerials are affected by an intense carbonation which decreases
from
the base to the top of the unit. Carbonate nodules are common. The sandy marls (C ) gr ade laterally to the yellow calcarenit es of U nit C . These materia ls are coarse-medium grain calcarenites w hich contain numerou
s subrounded
clast of recristallyzed calcarenites, ostrea fragm ents as well as oversized (60x40 cm) subrounded bloulders of calcarenites of the Plio -Quaternary substratum (O). These materi als are afected and included in the fa ult
gouge. This unit
is inte rpreted as a littoral colluvial-wedge (C ) gr ading laterally to a narrow littoral sag-pond (C ) of Early Pleistoce ne age. It constitutes the last evidence of li ttoral sedimentation a long the fault zone. The intense secondary carbonation
affecting this unit indicates a relative long period of no-sedimentatio n and fault activity.
D
D. Sands, gravels and boulders(D ) and sandy silts (D ) . Unit D1 constiutes a channel fill-gravel bar body comprised by redish sugangula r to subrounded gravels of 2 to 30 cm diam eter with numerous os trea fr agments. Gravels lithology
D (Pliocene and Miocene recristallyzed and bioclastic calcarenites) indicate a so uth provenance of th e materials (i.e. Sta.E ugenia Antiform). The occurrence of oversi zed (110x50 cm) boul ders evidence the tor rential nature of this
deposit. This un it pass laterally and vertically to the sandy silts of Unit D2, wich c onstitutes a channel fill deposit in cluding n umerous interbedded gravel-lags.In the ce lls A9 and B9 is comm on the occurrence of reworked and deeply
weathered marls of Unit A. All these m aterials are affected by na intense recarbo nation, which increase s upwards leading the development of typ ical chalky horizon in cells A7, A8 and A9. All this unit is interpreted
as an channel-fill
of torrential nature running parallel to the fault trace, but car ved in the noth limb of the antiform-like stru cture developed in Unit A.
E. Boulders, gravels and clays (E ) gradding laterally to clays with gravels (E ). The Entire unit constitutes a colluvia l wedg e of angular and weathered bould ers of the Pliocene susbtratum (Unit O)which also
in cludes reworked
ostrea fragments. In t he proximal cells A15 to A8 gravels and bould ers are clast-sup ported with sizes ranging from 2 to 5 cm diameter. In the distal cells A7 to A1 the clayely sand matrix is dom inant, gravels range from 1 to 2 cm
d iameter and are matr ix-supported. There a re any evidence of faulting in this colluvia l w edge, but its deposit could be induced by fa ult reactivation durin g the Late Pleistocene-Holocene.
G. Boulders and Clays. Upper Colluvial wedge. This unit conta ins very angula r blocks and boulders (30x20 cm) of the substratum and from an anciente stone fe nce(deep yellow) built on the adjacent fault scarp. The
lower lim it of this unit is very
irregular due to man excavations during the first half o f the 20th Century as indicated by the associated inset trenches ( F) and the occurrence of post c.a. 1950 car -oil cans (Ertoil). This unit is interpreted as a man-i
nduced colluvial wedge.
O. Plio-Quate rnary Calcarenites ( Fm. St. Jordi) . This m aterials constitute th e donwthrow wall of th e fault and the subastratum on which the b edrock fault scarp is developed. The Fault gouge was partially excaveted during the trench analysis.
Is constituted by recristallyzed calcar enit es including many fragments of Ostrea sp. with subvertical o rientatio. The maximmun width is of 45 cm a nd th e minimum one is 15 cm. This fault go uge affects and includes
materia ls belongi ng to Unit C
(the littoral colluv ial wedge).
29
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
Marratx Antiform
North Limb Stop 3.3 Tramuntana Range
P
Qf 1
P
Sta. Maria P
n
Qf1 2 si
a
B
c a
3 3 In
Qf2 2 Portol Doline
Stop 3.1
P P 1
Pa Qf3
lma P
Ba
sin Roll-over
3 P 3
lateral Ramp
Son Sardina Fault 3
Sencelles Fault
Figure 24. Block-diagram showing the most relevant geomorphological features, present stage of dissection and inferred
subsurface structuration of the Marratx antiform. 1: Cretaceous; 2: Oligocene; 3: Miocene deposits; P: Pliocene and Plio-
Pleistocene deposits. Qf: Pleistocene alluvial fans sequence; Qd: Early Pleistocene aeolian sediments.
From the geomorphologic point of view the Marratx antiform can be classified as a gentle open
jurassic relief with an internal type oval depression type clus or ojiva. Within the depression
only develop low cuesta and mesa-type reliefs sculpted on the upper clacarenites and isolated
Jurassic olistholites. The antiform is drained by a transverse NE-SW stream (torrent de Cova
Negra Ses Mates), initially considered as an antecedent drainage related to the Quaternary
development of an anticline (Grimal Gelabert and Rodrguez Perea et al., 1994). However
different features indicate that the present transverse drainage was established by the capture of
the ancient axial channel of the former Cova Nera fan developed within the Inca Basin (Fig. 24)
by headward erosion along an ancient stream directed towards de Palma Basin (Silva et al., 1997).
In fact, the drainage pattern within the antiform core displays the typical dendritic pattern of an
erosive headwater zone, and the transverse drainage generates a large alluvial fan system
sedimentation testifying the erosion of the antiform core (Fig. 3.3). First alluvial fan deposits
assemble the lithological spectrum outcropping within the antiform, whilst the younger deposits
mainly include clast belonging to the Jurassic and Triassic materials of the Tramuntana Range.
The capture process should occur during one of the Late Pleistocene sea-level lowstands,
probably that one related to the Last Glacial Maximum (18 ka BP). Submarine canyons of 12 m
depth (actually filled) attributed to this period (Diaz del Ro et al., 1993) dissected the Palma Bay.
30
P. Silva et al.
Figure 25. Geological cross-section of the Marratx Antiform from the NW (1) to SE (3). Symbols and labels as in figure
3.5.
Acknwoledgements
Spanish Projects BTE 2002-1691, BTE 2002-1065 and REN2001-3378; INQUA Commission on
Coastal and Marine Processes, and Palaeosismicity Subcommission; IGU Coastal Systems
Commission; and IGCP 495.
31
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
References
Acosta, J. Canals, M., Lpez-Martnez, J., Muoz, Bols, O. (1996). La vegetaci de les Illes Balears.
A., Herranz, P. Urgeles, R. Palomo, C. and Comunitats de plantes. Institut dEstudis Catalans.
Casamor, J.L. (2003). The Balearic Promontory CXIV Secci de Cincies Biolgiques. 267 pp.
geomorphology (western Mediterranean):
morphostructure and active processes. Butzer, K.W. (1975). Pleistocene littoral-
Geomorphology, 49, 177-204. sedimentary cycles of the Mediterranean Basin:
A Mallorquin view. In: After the
Alcover, J.A. (2004). Disentangling the Balearic Austrolopithecines (K.W. Butzer and G. Isaac
first settlement isues. Endins, 26, 143-156. eds.) Mouton Press. The Hague.
Alcover, J.A., Moy-Sol, S. and Pons, J. (1981). Butzer, K. W. and Cuerda, J. (1962) Coastal
Les quimeres del passat. Els vertebrats fssils stratigraphy of southern Mallorca and its
del Plio-Quaternari de les Balears i Pitises. implications for the Pleistocene chronology of
Ciutat de Mallorca. Mon. Cientfica. Editorial the Mediterranean Sea. J. Geol., 70,398-416.
Moll, 1, pp. 1-260.
Cspedes, A, Gimnez, J and Sbat, F (2001).
Alcover, J.A., Prez-Obiol, R., Yll, E.I. and Bover, Caracterizacin del campo de esfuerzos
P. (1999). The diet of Myotragus balearicus Bate negenos en Mallorca mediante el anlisis de
1909 (Artiodactyla, : Caprinae), an extinct bovid poblaciones de fallas. Geogaceta, 30, 199-202.
from the Balearic Islands : evidence from
coprolites. Biological Jornal of the Linnnean Clemmensen, L.B., Forns, J.J. and Rodrguez-
Society, 66, 57-74. Perea, A. (1997). Morphology and architecture
of a late Pleistocene cliff-front dune, Mallorca,
Alvaro, M. (1987). La tectnica de cabalgamientos Western Mediterranean. Terra Nova, 9, 251-254.
de la Sierra Norte de Mallorca (islas Baleares).
Bol. Geol. y Min., 98: 34-41. Clemmensen, L.B., Lisborg, T., Forns J.J. and
Bromley, R.G. (2001). Cliff-front aeolian and
Alvaro, M., Barnolas, A., Del Olmo, P., Ramrez del colluvial deposits, Mallorca, Western
Pozo, J., Sim, A. (1984). El Negeno de Mediterranean : a record of climatic and
Mallorca: Caracterizacin sedimentolgica y environmental change during the last glacial
bioestratigrfica. Bol. Geol. y Min., 95: 3-25. period. Bulletin of the Geological Society of
Denmark, 48, 217-232.
Balaguer, P. and Forns, J.J. 2003. Processos
erosius als penya-segats costaners del surest de Cuerda, J. (1989). Los Tiempos Cuaternarios de
Mallorca (Illes Balears, Mediterrnia las Baleares. Dir. Gral. Cultura, Conselleria de
Occidental): dades preliminars. Boll. Soc. Hist. Cultura, Educaci i Esports, Govern Balear.
Nat Balears, 46: 37-50. Mallorca, 305 pp.
Barn, A., and Gonzlez Casanovas, C. (1984). Cuerda, J. and Sacars, J. (1992) El Quaternari al
Distribucin espacial del Mio-Plioceno en la isla Migjorn de Mallorca. Dir. Gral. Cultura,
de Mallorca. Actas I Cong. Geol. Esp., Segovia, 1: Conselleria de Cultura, Educaci i Esports,
137-148. Govern Balear. Mallorca, 130 pp.
Benedicto, A., Ramos, E., Casas, A. Sabat, E. and Darder, B. (1924). Desprendimiento de tierras en
Barn, A. (1993). Evolucin tectosedimentaria de Fornalutx. Majorica. Vida, Arte, 13. Diciembre
la cubeta negena de Inca (Mallorca). Rev. Soc. 1924. 3-6
Geol. Espaa, 6: 167-176.
32
P. Silva et al.
Daz del Ro, V., Somoza, L., Goy, J.L., Zazo, C., Gelabert, B. (1998). La Estructura Geolgica de la
Rey, J., Hernndez Molina, J., Mateu, G. (1993). Mitad Occidental de la Isla de Mallorca. Tesis
Estudio fisiogrfico de las bahas de Palma y Doctoral. I.T.G.E. Coleccin Memorias. 129 p.
Alcudia (Mallorca, Espaa). Bol. Geol. y Min.,
158: 123-149. Gelabert, B., Sabat, E., Rodriguez-Perea, A. (1992).
A estructural outline of the Serra de Tramuntana
Fassoulas, C.G. (2004). Field guide to the Geology of Mallorca (Balearic Islands). Tectonophysics,
of Crete. Natural History Museum of Crete, 203: 167-183.
Publ., 104p, 3rd Ed, Heraklio (Greece).
Gelabert, B., Forns, J.J. and Gmez-Pujol, L.
Fiol Mateu, G.(2002). Mancor, Massanella, (2003). Geomorphological characteristics and
Biniarroi, Biniatzent: Notcies histriques 1601- slope processes associated with different basins:
1800. Ed. Ajuntament de Mancor de la Vall. Mallorca (Western Mediterranean).
Geomorphology, 52, 253 268.
Fontbot, J.M., Guimer, J., Roca, E., Sabat, F.,
Santanach, P., Fernndez-Ortigosa, F. (1990). The Gimnez, J. (2003). Nuevos datos sobre la actividad
Cenozoic evolution of Valencia trough (Western post-Negena en la Isla de Mallorca. Geogaceta,
Mediterranean). Rev. Soc. Geol. Esp., 3: 249-259. 33, 79-82.
Forns, J.J (1999). Karst collapse phenomena in Gimnez, J., Forns, J.J. and Gelabert B. (2002).
the Upper Miocene of Mallorca (Balearic Anlisis de la fracturacin de los materiales
Islands, Western Mediterranean). Acta calcreos negenos de la costa sudoriental de
Geologica Hungarica, 42, 2, 237-250. Mallorca. Geogaceta, 31, 91-96.
Forns, J.J., Bromley, R.G., Clemmensen, L.B. and Gimnez, J. and Mateos, R.M. (2002). Analysis of
Rodrguez-Perea, A. (2002). Tracks and the Biniarroi (Mallorca) complex landslide.
trackways of Myotragus balearicus Bate Procedings of the 4th EGS Plinius Conference on
(Artiodactyla, Caprinae) in Pleistocene Mediterranean Storms.
aeolianites from Mallorca (Balearic Islands,
Western Mediterranean). Palaeogeography, Gins, J. (1995). Mallorcas endokarst: The
Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 180, 277- Speleogenethic mechanisms. In : Karst and Caves
313. in Mallorca (A. Gins and J. Gins, Eds.). Edins,
203, 71-86, Plama de Mallorca (Spain).
Forns, J.J., Balaguer, P., Gelabert, B. and Gmez-
Pujol, L. (2005).Pleistocene formation, Gins, A. and Gins, J. (1995). The exokarstic
evolution, retreat rates and processes in a landforms of Mallorca island. In: Karst and Caves
carbonate coastal cliff (Mallorca Is., Western in Mallorca (A. Gins and J. Gins, Eds.). Edins,
Mediterranean). Journal of Coastal Research, in 20(3), 56-70, Plama de Mallorca (Spain).
press.
Gonzlez Hernndez, F.M., Goy, J.L., Zazo, C. and
Forns, J.J., Gelabert, B., Gins, A., Gins, J., Silva, P.G. (2001). Tectnica Cuaternaria en la
Tuccimei, P. and Vesica, P. 2002. Phreatic Baha de Palma (Isla de Mallorca): Anlisis
overgrowths on speleothems: a useful tool in Geomorfolgico y Neotectnico de la Falla de
structural geology in littoral karstic landscapes. Enderrocat. Actas V Reunin Cuaternario Ibrico,
The example of eastern Mallorca (Balearic Lisboa (Portugal) ,41-44.
Islands). Geodinamica Acta, 15: 113-125.
Gonzlez Hernndez F.M., Goy, J.L., Zazo, C. and
Forns, J.J., Gins, A., Gins, J. and Rodrguez Silva, P.G. (2001). Actividad elica cambios del
Perea, A. (1995). Paleokarst in Mallorca. In: Nivel del Mar durante los ltimos 170.000 aos
Karst and Caves in Mallorca (A. Gins and J. (litoral de Mallorca, Islas Baleares). Cuaternario y
Gins, Eds.). Edins, 20(3), 113-124, Plama de Geomorfologa, 15 (3-4), 67-75.
Mallorca (Spain).
33
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
Goy, J.L., Zazo, C., Mrner, N.A. (1991). Reverse Mateos Ruiz, R.M. (2001). Los movimientos de
fault in continental sedimentary deposits on ladera en la Sierra de Tramuntana (Mallorca).
Mallorca. Abstract Vol., XIII Int. INQUA Caracterizacin geomecnica y anlisis de
Congress, Beijing (China). peligrosidad. Unpublished PhD Thesis,
Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid.
Goy, J.L., Zazo, C. and Cuerda, J. (1997). 299 p
Evolucin de las reas margino-litorales de la
Costa de Mallorca (I. Baleares) durante el Mateos, R.M. (2002). Slope movements in the
ltimo y Presente Interglacial Nivel del mar Majorca Island (Spain). Hazard Analysis.
Holoceno y clima. Bol. Geol. Min. 108, 127 Instability, Planning and Management. Seeking
135. Sustainable Solutions to Ground Movements
Problems. International Conference on
Goy, J.L., Hillaire-Marcel, C., Zazo, C. and Instability-Planning and Management. Ventnor,
Cuerda, J. (1993). The Last Interglacial in the UK. Mayo 2002. 339-346.
Baleares Islands: Morphosedimentary record and
neotectonic implications. INQUA Mediterr. Mezcua, J. and Martnez Solares, J.M (1983).
Black Sea Shorelines Subc. Newsl. 15, pp. 23 Sismicidad del rea Ibero-mogreb. Presidencia
25. del Gobierno, Instituto Geogrfico Nacional,
Publicacin 203.
Guijarro, A. (1986). Contribucin a la
bioclimatologa de Baleares. Ph D. Thesis Nielsen, K.A., Clemmensen, L.B. and Forns, J.J.
Universitat de les illes Baleares, 253pp. (2004). Middle Pleistocene magnetostratigraphy
(unpublished). and susceptibility stratigraphy: data from a
carbonate aeolian system, Mallorca, Western
Hearty, P.J., Miller, G.H., Stearns, Ch.E. and Mediterranean. Quaternary Science Review, 23,
Szabo, B.J. (1986). Aminostratigraphy of 1733-1756.
Quaternary shorelines in the Mediterranean
basin. Geological Society of America Bulletin,
Pomar, L. (1991). Reef geometries, erosion
97, 850-858.
surfaces and high-frequency sea-level changes,
Upper Miocene reef complex, Mallorca, Spain.
Hearty, P.J., Hollin, J.T. and Dumas, B. (1987). Sedimentology, 38, 243-269.
Geochronology of Pleistocene littoral deposits
on the Alicante and Almeria coasts of Spain.
Pomar, L., Marzo, M. and Barn, A. (1983). El
Trabajos sobre el Negeno-Cuaternario, 10, 95-
Terciario de Mallorca. In: L. Pomar, A. Orador,
107.
J.J. Forns, A. Rodrguez-Perea (eds.). El
Terciario de las Baleares (Mallorca-Menorca).
Hillaire-Marcel, C., Gariepy, C., Ghaleb, B., Goy, Inst. Est. Balericos, Palma de Mallorca, 21-45.
J.L., Zazo, C. and Cuerda, J. (1996). U-series
measurements in Tyrrhenian deposits from
Pomar, L., Forns, J.J. and Rodrguez-Perea, A.
Mallorca. Further evidence for two last
(1985). Reef and shallow carbonate facies of the
interglacials high sea-levels in the Balearic
Upper Miocene of Mallorca. IAS 6th European
Islands. Quaternary Science Review, 15, 5362.
Regional Meeting, Excursion Guidebook, 494-
518.
Lancaster, N. and Tchakerian, V.P. (1996).
Geomorpholog and sediments of sand ramps in
Pye, K. and Tsoar,H. (1990). Aeolian Sand and
the Mojave desert. Geomorphology, 17, 151-
Sand Dunes. Unwin Hyman, London.
165.
Rose, J., Meng, X. and Watson, C. (1999).
Livingstone, I. and Warren, A. (1996). Aeolian
Palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental
geomorphology. An Introduction. Addison
responses in the western Mediterranean over the
Wesley Longman, Essex.
34
P. Silva et al.
last 140 ka: evidence from Mallorca, Spain. J. Internarional Geological Congress, Firenze
Geol. Soc. London 150, pp. 435448. (Italy).
Rubin, D. (1987). Cross-bedding, Bedforms and Stearns, Ch. and Thurber, D. (1965). 230Th/234U
Paleocurrents. SEPM Concepts in dates of late Pleistocene marine fossils from the
Sedimentology and Paleontology. SEPM, Tulsa, Mediterranean and Moroccan littorals.
OK. Cuaternaria, 7, 29-41.
Sabat, F., Muoz, J.A. and Santanach, P. (1988). Stearns, Ch. and Thurber, D. (1967). 230Th/234U
Transversal and oblique structures at the serres de dates of late Pleistocene marine fossils from the
Llevant thrust belt (Mallorca Island). Geol. Mediterranean and Moroccan littorals. Prog.
Rundsch., 77(2): 529-538. Oceanog. 4, 293-305.
Sabat, F., Roca, E., Muoz, J.A., Vergs, J., Vesica, P.L., Tuccimei, P., Turi, B., Forns, J.J.,
Santanach, P., Sans, M., Massana, E., Estvez, A., Gins, A. and Gins, J. (2000). Late Pleistocene
and Santiesteban, C. (1995). Extension and paleoclimates and sea-level changes in the
compression in the evolution of the eastern Mediterranean as inferred from stable isotope
margin of Iberia: the ESCI-Valencia Trough and U-Series studies of overgrowths on
seismic profile. In P. Santanach (ed.). ECSCI spelothems, Mallorca, Spain. Quaternary
Estudios Ssmicos de la Corteza Ibrica. Rev. Soc. Science Review., 19, 865-879.
Geol. Espaa, 8 (4): 431-448.
Zazo, C., Goy, J.L., Dabrio, C.J., Bardaj, T.,
Silva, P.G. Gonzlez-Hernndez, F.M., Goy, J.L. Hillaire-Marcel, C., Ghaleb, B., Gonzlez-
and Zazo, C. (1997). Origen y desmantelamiento Delgado, J.A. and Soler, V. (2003). Pleistocene
del Antiforme Plio-Cuaternario de Marratx raised marine terraces of the Spanish
(Mallorca, Espaa). Geogaceta, 22 : 143-147. Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts: record of
coastal uplift, sea-level highstands and climate
Silva, P.G. Gonzlez-Hernndez, F.M., Goy, J.L., changes. Marine Geology, 194, 103-133.
Zazo, C. and Mrner (1999). Quaternary reverse
surface faulting in Mallorca Island (Baleares, Zazo, C., Goy, J.L., Bardaj, T., Gonzlez-Delgado,
Spain). Geogaceta, 26: 99-102. J.A., Hillaire-Marcel, CI., Dabrio, C.J., Lario, J.,
Civis, J., Luque, L., Ghaleb, B., Borja, F., Silva,
Silva. P.G., Carrasco, P., Gonzlez Hernndez, P.G., Gonzlez-Hernndez, F., Soler, V. and
F.M., Goy, J.L., Zazo, C., Luque, L., Santos, G., Gillot, P.Y. (2004). El efecto de los ciclos
Delgado, M. and Poza. (2000). Prospeccin climticos en las variaciones del nivel del mar.
geofsica de la Falla de Sencelles (Mallorca, In: Miscelnea en homenaje a Emiliano Aguirre.
Espaa): Una metodologa preliminar para la Volumen I. Geologa. Museo Arqueolgico
realizacin de trincheras de falla. Geotemas, 1: Regional, Nmero 4, Alcal de Henares, 157-
167.
Silva. P.G., Gonzlez Hernndez, F.M., Goy, J.L.
and Zazo C. and Carrasco, P. (2001).
Paleoseismicity and historical seismicity in the
Mallorca Island (Baleares, Spain): A preliminary
approach. Acta Geolgical Hispnica, 36, 245-
266.
35
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
ROAD LOG:
37
Mallorca Island: Geomorphological evolution and neotectonics
Mates valley To the East you can observe in the cut-slope of the railway the
northen flank of the so-called Marratx Antiform (Stop 3.3).
36- 59 km. (23 km) Return back to Sta Maria del Cam and take motorway PM27 direction
Palma. Reaching Palma detour to motorway PM20 and then immediately take
PM19 following the signs to the airport (direction Santany). Take exit 7 to Can
Pastilla. Lunch stop at the Palma Beach. In the afternoon we will take a flight to
Barcelona or Zaragoza. In the first case transfer from Barcelona to Zaragoza will be
in coach (307 km about 2h 50 m).
* Depending of the available time (flight hour) nearest points of the Sencelles fault (Son Sant Joan or
Son Arrosa) scarp or reverse faulting sites (Son Ramis) within the Inca Basin could be visited. These
points are located immediately to the East of Sta. Eugnia following the road PM302 or local paths.
Z arago za
Zaragoza
NA Sta. C
Banyalbufar
N TA Maria
A rt
U 3.3 Se ncelles
AM C
ES
TR 3.1 3.2
NG
Sta. Sineu
And rat x 1.1 Eugenia
RA
Manacor
1.2
Palma 1.3
Mallor ca
T
1.4 RANDA
AN
PALMA BAY
EV
Llucm ajor
F elan tix
LL
38