Palynostratigraphy of the Middle Triassic (Anisian) Eslida Formation, SE Iberian Ranges, Spain

Abstract

The Triassic record in the SE Iberian Ranges starts with two tecto-sedimentary units of continental origin in Buntsandstein facies: and Cañizar and Eslida Formations. The Eslida Formation always lies conformably on top of the Cañizar Formation and it grades upwards into overlying coastal mud flats, traditionally assigned to the Röt facies. In the past, accurate dating of the Eslida Formation was problematic because of its continental character, absence of datable fossil remains, and lithological similarities with Middle–Upper Permian rocks. Macroflora and fossilised vertebrate footprints in the Eslida Formation indicate an Anisian age (Middle Triassic). In this work, we date the Eslida Formation on the basis of a palynological assemblage. The precise dating of the Eslida Formation is essential in order to establish stratigraphical correlations with other units in the Iberian Ranges and to obtain palaeogeographical considerations on the rapid subsidence represented by the sedimentary record of this unit in the new NNE–SSE Middle Triassic rift developed in eastern Iberia.