REACTIVATED JOINTS AND RECENT ACTIVE FAULTS IN THE CAMP O DE DALIAS (BETIC CORDILLERAS, SOUTHERN SPAIN)

Abstract

The Campo de Dalias is an emerged zone located at the northern boundary of the Alboran Sea. The Neogene-Quaternary sediments of the Campo de Dalias are deformed by E-W open folds that also uplift Sierra de Gador. Field studies reveal the existence of severa! joint sets with trends comprised between Nl70°E and N120°E, characterized by an ENE-WSW horizontal extension and NNW-SSE compression in Pliocene and Pleistocene times. The best represented faults in the regi on are the Holocene transtensional faults with dextral and sinistrai com­ponents. Their trends range between Nl 70°E and N120°E and are compatible with a stress field with ENE-WSW extension. These faults are formed by the reactivation of previous joints and are active at present, determining the coastline, like the Balanegra fault zone.