An Early Triassic evolving erg system (Iberian Chain, NE Spain): palaeoclimate implications

Abstract

The Triassic Buntsandstein facies in the north-eastern Iberian Chain (central eastern Spain), previously considered to be fluvial in origin, is shown to contain an evolving erg system. The preserved erg accumulation comprises a succession that represents the transition from a wadi belt via inner erg-margin to a central-erg system. This study supports Early Triassic (Olenekian) palaeoclimate models for Western Europe, which predict (extremely) arid conditions for Iberia. The two main easterly and southerly palaeowind directions are in accordance with data from other Triassic dune fields in Europe and corroborate the influence of monsoonal circulation, which affected precipitation in the Variscan Massif to the south and west.