Palaeoenvironments and Quaternary foraminifera in the Elx coastal lagoon (Alicante, Spain)

摘要: Abstract During the Quaternary, different palaeoenvironments characterised Elx coastal lagoon (‘Albufera d'Elx’) located in easternmost sector of Betic Ranges (SE Spain). Micropalaeontological and sedimentological analysis three drilled cores allowed characterization sedimentary environments, including alluvial, restricted lagoon, with marine connection, shoreface, foreshore, backshore, swamp, washover fan, back-barrier flat. A model evolution this region during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 7 is proposed, based on chronostratigraphic correlation between cores. Up to six transgressive episodes can be recognised, mostly represented by calcareous sandstones deposited sub-environments littoral zone. Holocene shoreface beds comprise unconsolidated sands. The occurrence planktonic foraminifera at depths than 18 m indicates existence Pliocene beneath Quaternary deposits. data demonstrate that systems have existed area SE Spain since least Middle Pleistocene.