New onshore/offshore evidence of the Messinian Erosion Surface from key areas: The Ibiza-Balearic Promontory and the Orosei-Eastern Sardinian margin

A significant sea-level drop during the Messinian Salinity Crisis, previously debated, is confirmed by new onshore and offshore evidence from Ibiza (Balearic Promontory) and Orosei (Eastern Sardinian margin). The study reveals a widespread erosional surface linked to subaerial conditions, marked by continentalization events, indicating a regression phase correlated across both regions. Unlike prior research focused on evaporite basins or incised canyons, this work examines small drainage systems and interfluve areas, providing novel insights into the Messinian erosion's extent and depth variability. The findings support a scenario of at least one major low-stand sea level during the crisis, with disconnected evaporite subbasins at varying depths.

Maillard, A., Gaullier, V., Lézin, C., Chanier, F., Odonne, F., & Lofi, J. (2020). New onshore/offshore evidence of the Messinian Erosion Surface from key areas: The Ibiza-Balearic Promontory and the Orosei-Eastern Sardinian margin. BSGF - Earth Sciences Bulletin, 191, 9. https://doi.org/10.1051/bsgf/2020007