FLUVIAL STYLES AND PRODUCTS OF THE LOURINHÃ FORMATION (LUSITANIAN BASIN, PORTUGAL):
RESPONSES TO UP-, MID- AND DOWNSTREAM CONTROLS AND
RESULTING MULTISCALE CONNECTIVITY PATTERNS

Leaders: Allard W. Martinius (Equinor ASA, Trondheim, Norway; Technical University of Delft, NDL), Hemmo A. Abels (Technical University of Delft, The Netherlands), Andrew M. Taylor (Skolithos Ltd, Stockport, UK)

Description: The Late Kimmeridgian to Early Tithonian Lourinhã Formation was deposited in the Lusitanian Basin and can be accessed in several exposed rift sub-basins on the coast of Portugal. This excursion will focus on the Consolaçao sub-basin were the 800m thick succession has four distinct members, which reflect changes in salt-influenced tectonic as well as climatic controls. Resulting base level changes have impacted river morphologies, palaeosol characteristics and stratigraphic architecture. This all took place under a paleoclimatic regime of a seasonally wet winters and dry summers. Coeval to this low lying coastal plain, there are large brackish to marine coastal bay deposits with a distinctive shelly and trace fossil fauna forming marker beds. The main distributary channels, some of which can be traced from the bay back into the coastal plain, record a spectrum of tidal-influence. It is this area that first reported tidal modulation and fossil tidal bore deposits in the Jurassic. Dramatic changes in fluvial style occur in the upper part of the stratigraphy with the introduction of coarse-grained braided channels. Finally, due to excellent preservation of bone material within channels, bays and palaeosols, it is rightly famous for its vertebrate fossil fauna including dinosaurs and eggs. 

Logistics/recommendations: The participants will have to book by themselves their flights to Lisbon airport and the transfer to Riva del Garda. In the field, we suggest bringing sunscreen, a wide hat, a rainproof jacket, and appropriate shoes for walking along the coast.

The price includes:

  • Coach for the entire trip

  • Accommodation with breakfast in a shared room | 28.06.23-02.07.23

  • 28.06.23 Buffet dinner at hotel

  • 29.06.23 Dinner at a local restaurant

  • 3x packed lunch

The price does not include:

  • Flight tickets

  • Cancellation insurance

Dates: 28th of June – 2nd of July

Participants (min., max.): 15 min - 20 max

Cost: 810€