Tectonic geomorphology of an active slow-moving, intrabasinal fault: The Galera Fault (Guadix-Baza Basin, central Betic Cordillera, southern Spain)

Medina-Cascales, Iván; García-Tortosa, Francisco J.; Martı́n-Rojas, Iván; Pérez-Peña, Jose Vicente; Alfaro, P.

doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2021.107941

Cited by 12 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 120 publications

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“…Seismic reflection data suggest that the Baza Fault, the main active structure in this area, becomes listric with depth (Haberland et al., 2017), but no further constraints of the deep structure in this area are available. In map view, the Baza Fault is geometrically and kinematically linked to the strike‐slip Galera Fault (Figure 2) (Alfaro et al., 2021; Medina‐Cascales et al., 2021), but no interaction with preexisting intrabasement faults is observed.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Nevertheless, in this convergence setting of the Eurasian‐Nubia plates, the Central Sector of the Betic Cordillera is characterized by active NE‒SW extension (Figure 1). Studies on active tectonics describe NW‒SE active normal faults in the Granada and Guadix‐Baza Basins (Alfaro et al., 2001, 2008, 2021; Castro et al., 2018; Galindo‐Zaldívar et al., 1999; Gil et al., 2002; Medina‐Cascales et al., 2020, 2021; Rodriguez‐Fernandez & Sanz de Galdeano, 2006; Ruiz et al., 2003; Sanz de Galdeano & López‐Garrido, 1999; Sanz de Galdeano et al., 2012, 2020; and many others) (Figure 2). This extension is further confirmed by seismic studies, as seismic moment tensors are compatible with NE‒SW regional extension (Galindo‐Zaldívar et al., 1999; Herráiz et al., 2000; Palano et al., 2015; Stich et al., 2006, 2007) (Figure 1).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Insights of Active Extension Within a Collisional Orogen From GNSS (Central Betic Cordillera, S Spain)

et al. 2023

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The coexistence of shortening and extensional tectonic regimes is a common feature in orogenic belts. The westernmost end of the Western Mediterranean is an area undergoing shortening related to the 5 mm/yr NNW‒SSE convergence of the Nubia and Eurasia Plates. In this region, the Central Betic Cordillera shows a regional ENE‒WSW extension. Here, we present GNSS‐derived geodetic data along a 170 km‐long transect orthogonal to the main active normal faults of the Central Betic Cordillera. Our data indicate that the total extension rate along the Central Betic Cordillera is 2.0 ± 0.3 mm/yr. Extension is accommodated in the eastern (0.8 ± 0.3 mm/yr in the Guadix‐Baza Basin) and western (1.3 ± 0.3 mm/yr in the Granada Basin) parts of the Central Betic Cordillera, while no extension is recorded in the central part of the study area. Moreover, our data permit us to quantify, for the first time, short‐term fault slip rates of the Granada Fault System, which is one of the main seismogenic sources of the Iberian Peninsula. We deduce a fault slip rate of ∼1.3 ± 0.3 mm/yr for the whole Granada Basin, with 0.9 ± 0.3 mm/yr being accommodated in the Granada Fault System and 0.4 ± 0.3 mm/yr being accommodated in the southwestern sector of the Granada Basin, where no active faults have been previously described at the surface. The heterogeneous extension in the Central Betic Cordillera could be accommodated by shallow high‐angle normal faults that merge with a detachment at depth. Part of the active extension could be derived from gravitational instability because of underlying over‐thickened crust.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insights of Active Extension Within a Collisional Orogen From GNSS (Central Betic Cordillera, S Spain)

et al. 2023

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“…The Galera fault is a left‐lateral reverse fault that extends NE‐SW for ca 30 km. Paleoseismological research on the fault has found evidence of 3–7 events since 24,000 BCE (Medina‐Cascales, 2021; Medina‐Cascales et al., 2021).…”

Section: Geological Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To the west of the El Alquián system, there is the East Gador normal fault system (ca 5 km wide), also striking NW‐SE, cutting across the Gador Range for ca 20 km until dipping in the sea (Pedrera, 2012). Finally ca 60 km north of the Almeria area, in the Baza basin, there is the Galera fault (Medina‐Cascales, 2021; Medina‐Cascales et al., 2021). This feature locates ca 10 km east of the Northern tip of the Baza fault striking nearly perpendicular to it.…”

Section: Geological Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The Baza fault shows two distinct sections, the town of Baza is located approximately in the middle. The Northern section strikes NNW‐SSE for ca 20 km bounding with the neighboring Guadix basin, while the Southern section extends NW‐SE for ca 15 km, controlling the border with the Baza Range and conforming a 5–7 km wide fault zone in which 13 different strands have been recognized (Medina‐Cascales, 2021).…”

Section: Geological Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploring the Connection of XVI‐Century Major Historical Earthquakes in the Eastern Betic Cordillera, Spain: Insights From Viscoelastic Relaxation of the Lithosphere

Yazdi,

García‐Mayordomo,

Álvarez‐Gómez

et al. 2023

Tectonics

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Understanding the crustal fault interaction and connection between earthquakes in areas with slow tectonic deformation, such as Betic Cordillera (South Spain), is challenging. When seismic rates are low and large destructive earthquakes happen less frequently, it is necessary to resort to historical or paleoseismic records. This study investigates the postseismic viscoelastic relaxation mechanism as a potential explanation for the occurrence of three historical earthquakes (IEMSVIII‐IX) in the Eastern Betic Shear Zone during the XVI‐century, all of which occurred within a span of 13 years: 1518 Vera Mw6.2, 1522 Alhama de Almeria Mw6.5, and 1531 Baza Mw6.2 associated with the Palomares, Carboneras, and Baza faults, respectively. The results strongly suggest a sequential stress‐triggering connection between the three events. The northern NS‐oriented section of the Baza fault is found to have experienced a larger positive ΔCFS and, indeed, more prone to rupture in 1531. The study also examines whether the cumulative ΔCFS had influenced the occurrence of further significant earthquakes (≥Mw6.0) in the region. A triggering connection between the cascade and the 1658 Almeria Mw6.2 earthquake is suggested, whereas no indications of similar linkage to the 1674 Lorca Mw6.0 or the 1804 Dalias Mw6.4 events are found. The stress triggering impact of the cascade over nearby active faults is noteworthy. It is expected that this analysis could have future applications for studying other important historical events, and improving seismic hazard analysis in complex fault settings of the Betic Cordillera.

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Unveiling the potential of karst vadose deposits in constraining Quaternary tectonic subsidence

Ballesteros,

Pérez‐Mejías,

Moreno

et al. 2024

Earth Surf Processes Landf

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In carbonate coastlines, karst studies have traditionally focused on reconstructing Quaternary coastal uplift and sea level oscillations. However, their potential for investigating coastal subsidence remains unexplored in regions with limited sedimentary records and scientific monitoring. In line with this, our study delved into the utility of karst research for deciphering the Quaternary evolution of the Granada coast in southern Spain—a shoreline marked by a conspicuous scarcity of records and information regarding recent tectonic movements. The current labelling data and the absence of evidence for uplift led to the hypothesis that the Granada coast may be susceptible to subsidence, though this conjecture remained unconfirmed. While submerged marine terraces were clearly identified, they were previously interpreted as consequences of sea‐level oscillations. Our multidisciplinary approach integrated karst vadose features, biostratigraphy, and the dating of 22 speleothems to address the potential uplifting or subsiding dynamics of the Granada coast. The findings indicated that the Granada coast experienced emersion between 3.5/2.4 Ma and 650 ka ago. Notably, this uplift predated similar occurrences in neighbouring coastal regions to the W and E, which occurred within the last 200–180 ka. These disparities in timing cannot be solely attributed to sea‐level fluctuations, suggesting the involvement of the tectonic activity during the Quaternary. The tectonic likely led to the emergence of the Granada coast and its karstification, followed by subsidence. Furthermore, we identified the extensional faults that caused the coastal subsidence, previously documented in studies conducted in nearby regions. However, until now, their specific impact on the Granada coast had not been comprehensively stated. In summary, our research introduces a novel application of classical karst investigations in the understanding coastal subsidence and the extensional active tectonic. By comparing vadose cave ages with established chronologies in adjacent coastal areas, this approach sheds light on the complex tectonic evolution of coastal regions.

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Tectonic geomorphology of an active slow-moving, intrabasinal fault: The Galera Fault (Guadix-Baza Basin, central Betic Cordillera, southern Spain)

Cited by 12 publications

References 120 publications

Insights of Active Extension Within a Collisional Orogen From GNSS (Central Betic Cordillera, S Spain)

Insights of Active Extension Within a Collisional Orogen From GNSS (Central Betic Cordillera, S Spain)

Exploring the Connection of XVI‐Century Major Historical Earthquakes in the Eastern Betic Cordillera, Spain: Insights From Viscoelastic Relaxation of the Lithosphere

Unveiling the potential of karst vadose deposits in constraining Quaternary tectonic subsidence

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