Condensación: significados y aplicaciones al análisis de cuencas

Abstract

The meaning of stratigraphic condensation, condensed deposits and taphonomic condensation concepts, among other, requires the distinction of a new concept for which we propose the term sedimentary condensation. For such a concept should be understood the process of formation of rock bodies thinner than other of equivalent time interval due to a lower sedimentation velocity. Sedimentary condensation generates condensed sediments whether fossiliferous or noto The highest condensation degree of the stratigraphic levels and the highest degree of heterochrony of the mixed fossil assemblages cannot be used as an indicator of low sedimentation velocity anymore. The temporal interval of formation corresponding to sorne condensed assemblages is wider than the temporal interval of formation of the corresponding stratigraphic interval on which they are included. The lack of distinction between stratigraphic, sedimentary and taphonomic condensation conducted to misinterpretations in basin analysis. The sedimentary and stratigraphic condensation processes can be frequent in oceanic environments, but the stratigraphic condensation processes without sedimentary condensation are also common in shallow epicontinental platforms. The concepts of sedimentary and stratigraphic condensation are useful to analyze and to compare respectively differences between sedimentation rates and sedimentation velocities, as well as their variations according to the sedimentary dynamic of the basins.