Overview
The radiolarite sequence of the middle Subbetic (Betic cordillera, southern Spain) is composed of three main lithologies: radiolarite, siliceous mudstone and marl, and pelagic limestone with radio larians. Virtually all transitional lithologies among the three listed exist. Clay minerals, calcite, and hematite make up the radiolarite impurities. Smectite, illite, and locally kaolinite are the clay minerals present, smectite always being most abundant. No radiolarite bed with more than 85% silica has been found; the total SiO2 content ranges from 61 to 85%. Frequently the compact appearance of the radiolarite results from a high carbonate content. The ratios Si/Si + Al + Fe + Ca, Si/Si + Al + Fe, and Al/Al + Fe + Mn are calculated and used to compare the beds of couplets in rhythmic sequences and to obtain the relative distance of sections from their terrigenous source. These three chemical indices do not give consistent results. Fe enrichment of radiolarite relative to siliceous mudstone is probably related to the low mean sedimentation rate of these sequences from the Subbetic (3.5 mm/1,000 y). Pelagic settling in a basin with irregular bottom topography and with areas topographically protected from sediment input is proposed for deposition of these deposits. Productivity cycles and terrigenous dilution gave rise locally to rhythmically bedded sequences, usually composed of radiolarite mudstone alternations. Locally, contour and distal dilute turbidity currents reworked and deposited the sediment, and gave rise to thin sequences of layered sedimentary rocks and to laminated beds. Deposition above a relatively shallow CCD is deduced, and a water depth shallower than previously thought is suggested for these deposits, which are considered as the deepest water deposits of the Betic External Zones.
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Ruiz-Ortiz, P.A., Bustillo, M.A., Molina, J.M. (1989). Radiolarite Sequences of the Subbetic, Betic Cordillera, Southern Spain. In: Hein, J.R., Obradović, J. (eds) Siliceous Deposits of the Tethys and Pacific Regions. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3494-4_8
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