Aptian Relative Sea-level History of the Northern Maestrat Basin, E Iberia

Two stages of forced regression of relative sea-level can be recognized in the Aptian carbonate sedimentary succession of the northern Maestrat Basin (E Iberia). The first forced regressive episode occurred during the late Early Aptian and is distinguished by the presence of platform-detached bioclastic shoreface wedges, which display hydrodynamic sedimentary structures. The second phase of forced regression has a Late Aptian age and is characterized by an erosional incision, which cuts platform carbonates down to about 90 meters. This incision is filled by peritidal marls and carbonates that were deposited during the following transgression. The relative sea-level changes recognized had a glacio-eustatic magnitude and have been recognized in other basins worldwide.