The Pelagian Sea east of Tunisia: Bioclastic deposition under temperate climate

Abstract

Sediments of the Pelagian Sea, east of Tunisia, are essentially carbonates with small clastic contribution. The grain distribution is variable and the sediment is more often a very fine ooze. However, these micrites are predominantly bioclastic. The sediment production is due to carbonate algae and the usual submarine meadows fauna association. These meadows are composed of phanerogams and/or algae (Caulerpae, Vidaliae). The distribution of sediment productive organisms is dependent on the sedimentary landscape. The fauna is characterised by a high percentage of endemic species. Recent arrivals coming from the Indian Ocean by means of the Suez Canal are: Pinctada radiata and, to a lesser degree, the foraminifer Amphistegina madagascariensis. Protected against any terrigenous input, the Pelagian Sea remains a sedimentary model for past carbonate platforms, in particular Jurassic and Cretaceous times. © 1981.