New insights into the lithostratigraphy and paleogeography of the Messinian Kasterlee Formation from the analysis of a temporary outcrop

Jasper Verhaegen, Lander Frederickx, Marco Schiltz

Research outputpeer-review

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that the Kasterlee Formation occurs as far south as the hilltops of Heist-op-den-Berg and Beerzel in the south of the province of Antwerp. In fragmentary outcrops on these hills, a clear threefold subdivision can be recognized. In the current study, a large temporary outcrop on the Heist-op-den-Berg hill was studied, providing a unique view into the small-scale vertical and lateral variations in the Kasterlee Formation. Based on field observations, grain size analyses and mineralogy, the characteristics of the three units could be clearly defined. Cone penetration test logs show that these units can also be traced further north in the basin. As the three units can be easily identified based on the parameters provided in this paper and as they occur over a wide area, it is proposed to introduce them as formal members of the clayey Kasterlee unit. The observations made in this outcrop also allowed to refine the paleogeographic model of the Kasterlee Formation, with deposition of sand-clay alternations in restricted lagoons, separated from the marine environment by a coastal barrier, during an overall regression. Coastal barrier deposits are found in the south and northwest, but in the northeast only deposition in restricted lagoons occurred.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-11
Number of pages11
JournalGeologica Belgica
Volume23
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Stratigraphy

Cite this