Sedimentology (2004) 51, 675–697 doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3091.2004.00642.

Facies and basin architecture of the Late Carboniferous

Salvan-Dorénaz continental basin (Western Alps,
Switzerland/France)
NICOLA CAPUZZO and ANDREAS WETZEL
Geologisch-Paläontologisches Institut, Universität Basel, Bernoullistrasse 32, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
(E-mail: [email protected])

ABSTRACT

The Salvan-Dorénaz Basin formed during the Late Palaeozoic within the
Aiguilles-Rouges crystalline basement (Western Alps) as an asymmetric,
intramontane graben elongated in a NE–SW direction and bounded by active
faults. At least 1700 m of fluvial, alluvial fan and volcanic deposits provide
evidence for a strong tectonic influence on deposition with long-term, average
subsidence rates of > 0Æ2 mm yr)1. The early basin fill was associated with
coarse-grained alluvial fans that were dominated by braided channels (unit I).
These issued from the south-western margin of the basin. The fans then
retreated to a marginal position and were overlain by muddy floodplain
deposits of an anastomosed fluvial system (unit II) that drained towards the
NE. Deposition of thick muds resulted from a reduction in the axial fluvial
gradient caused by accelerated tectonic subsidence. Overlying sand-rich
meandering river deposits (unit III) document a reversal in the drainage
direction from the NE to the SW caused by synsedimentary tectonism,
reflecting large-scale topographic reorganization in this part of the Variscides
with subsidence now preferentially in the W and SW and uplift in the E and
NE. Coarse-grained alluvial fan deposits (unit IV) repeatedly prograded into,
and retreated from, the basin as documented by coarsening-upward cycles tens
of metres thick reflecting smaller scale tectonic cycles. Volcanism was active
throughout the evolution of the basin, and U/Pb isotopic dating of the volcanic
deposits restricts the time of basin development to the Late Carboniferous
(308–295 Ma). 40Ar/39Ar ages of detrital white mica indicate rapid tectonic
movements and exhumation of the nearby basement. In unit I, youngest ages
are close to that of the host sediment, but the age spectrum is wide. In unit II,
high subsidence and/or sedimentation rates coincide with very narrow age
spectra, indicating small, homogeneous catchment areas. In unit III, age
spectra became wider again and indicate growing catchment areas.
Keywords Basin-fill history, Carboniferous, drainage reversal, fluvial sedi-
ments, intramontane basin, strike-slip tectonics, western Alps.

INTRODUCTION the final consolidation of the Variscan orogen

ceased (Franke, 1989; Ziegler, 1990), and the post-
The continental Salvan-Dorénaz Basin (Fig. 1) orogenic readjustment of the overthickened crust
belongs to a group of several tens of basins that led to rapid exhumation (Ménard & Molnar, 1988)
developed between the Appalachians and the and attendant crustal extension (e.g. Dewey, 1988;
Urals during the Late Carboniferous (see compila- Ziegler & Stampfli, 2001 and references therein).
tions by Arthaud & Matte, 1977; Ménard & Molnar, Furthermore, the anticlockwise translation of
1988; Ziegler, 1990; von Raumer, 1998). At that northern Africa relative to Europe is thought to
time, the compressive regional stresses relating to have initiated crustal-scale dextral strike-slip

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists 675
676 N. Capuzzo and A. Wetzel

basement rocks, displays striking similarities that

suggest a major control by regional geodynamic
processes.
A marked regional unconformity commonly
occurs on top of the Variscan post-orogenic
sediments; Henk (1992) placed it within the
lowermost Triassic, whereas Dittrich (1996)
reinterpreted it to be between the Lower and
Upper Permian, by analogy with other basins in
central Europe (e.g. Laubscher, 1986). This
unconformity was thought to be associated with
initial rifting stages within the Alpine domain
that ultimately led to continental breakup and the
opening of the Tethys (e.g. Ziegler, 1990; Cassinis
et al., 1992).
The late to post-orogenic Variscan evolution can
be summarized as regional exhumation, accom-
panied by intense tectonic subsidence in intra-
montane basins that were filled with thick clastic
Fig. 1. Late Carboniferous–Early Permian palaeogeo- continental deposits, and widespread intrusive
graphic reconstruction of the western parts of the Var- and extrusive magmatism of both mantle and
iscan orogen (after Ziegler, 1990). A black star marks
crustal derivation (von Raumer & Neubauer, 1993;
the approximate location of the Salvan-Dorénaz Basin.
Cortesogno et al., 1998; Bussy et al., 2000).
The Salvan-Dorénaz Basin is a well-exposed
zones that transected the Variscides (Arthaud & example of one of the Variscan basins. Exposed
Matte, 1977; Fig. 1). Within the Variscan orogen, today as a SSW–NNE striking elongate belt
bimodal volcanism occurred along deep crustal extending for about 25 km, it provides in some
fractures induced by Late Carboniferous deforma- parts excellent, nearly three-dimensional expo-
tion (Bonin et al., 1993; Schaltegger & Corfu, 1995; sures, which are worthy of careful analysis. It is
Cortesogno et al., 1998). High-relief areas deliv- the purpose of this paper to assess the origin of
ered mainly crystalline and metamorphic clasts to the basin from its fill. Facies associations and
adjacent basins recording rapid exhumation of architectural elements are the key to deciphering
the basement (Dobmeier & von Raumer, 1995; the tectonic evolution of the basin and the
Capuzzo et al., 2003). Orogenic sediment was contemporaneous palaeogeographic and climatic
trapped in numerous local, rapidly subsiding changes within it and the hinterland sediment
basins, most of which extend parallel to the source areas. This information, in combination
SW–NE Variscan tectonic strike (e.g. Ziegler, with additional isotopic data (Capuzzo & Bussy,
1990; Cassinis et al., 1992; Krainer, 1993). There 2000, 2001; Capuzzo et al., 2003), provides
is an ongoing debate as to whether some of these insights into the tectono-magmatic and sedimen-
basins in the Variscan internides are of strike-slip tary evolution of the area. This is important for a
or rift origin (e.g. Schäfer, 1986; Henk, 1993; better understanding of the wider evolution of
Ziegler & Stampfli, 2001). other Late Palaeozoic basins within the internal
The intramontane basins rest on orogenically Variscan domain.
deformed and erosionally truncated basement as,
for example, in the southern Alps (Cassinis et al.,
1992), the external massifs in the central (Franks, REGIONAL GEOLOGICAL SETTING
1968; Schaltegger & Corfu, 1995) and the western
Alps (Dobmeier & von Raumer, 1995; Niklaus & Upper Carboniferous deposits fill the Salvan-
Wetzel, 1996). The Saar–Nahe Basin of southern Dorénaz Basin, a narrow trough within the base-
Germany, in contrast, rests on undeformed ment of the Aiguilles-Rouges and Arpille Massifs
and unmetamorphosed strata (Schäfer, 1986; (Fig. 2). They belong to the so-called external
Stollhofen & Stanistreet, 1994). The structural crystalline massifs of the French and Swiss Alps
and sedimentological evolution of these conti- and represent updomed or thrusted basement
nental sedimentary basins, although widely dis- units of the internal Variscides cropping out as
tributed and separated by highs consisting of antiforms beneath Mesozoic cover (von Raumer,

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
 Fill of a Late Carboniferous continental basin (Western Alps) 677

Fig. 2. Location map of the Late

Carboniferous Salvan-Dorénaz
Basin and geological map of the
Aiguilles-Rouges Massif (modified
after Brändlein et al., 1994). Circled
numbers indicate the location of
outcrops shown in later figures;
U/Pb ages are after Bussy et al.
(2000) and Capuzzo & Bussy (2000);
MZ refers to the north-western
bounding fault zone delimiting the
basin. Geographical co-ordinates
refer to Swiss map co-ordinates.

1998). They consist of a complex assemblage of

The Salvan-Dorénaz Basin
tectonic units comprising polymetamorphic,
amphibolite facies metamorphic rocks and gra- The Salvan-Dorénaz Basin displays an asymmet-
nitic plutons separated by major, steeply dipping ric graben geometry after tectonic restoration
faults or mylonitic zones (von Raumer et al., (Pilloud, 1991), as also indicated by the position
1999). Two periods of Late Palaeozoic volcano- of marker beds within the basin fill (Fig. 3). After
sedimentary deposition are known from the restoration for folding, the sedimentary succes-
Aiguilles-Rouges Massif. The first is of Early sion is up to 1Æ7 km thick along the north-western
Carboniferous age and occurs in the south of the side of the basin and thins to the south-east. The
massif, and the second comprises Upper Carbon- basin fill can be subdivided into a local basal
iferous continental deposits of the Salvan-Dor- volcanic unit, overlain by four mainly siliciclastic
énaz and Pormenaz basins (Lox & Bellière, 1993; sedimentary units, which include tuff or volcani-
Dobmeier & von Raumer, 1995; Niklaus & Wetzel, clastic layers (Fig. 3). The basin is separated from
1996; Fig. 2). During the Early and Late Carbon- basement rocks of the Aiguilles-Rouges Massif
iferous, intense, bimodal magmatism occurred in and the Vallorcine granite by a steep, SE-dipping
the Aiguilles-Rouges Massif at deeper crustal to (unnamed) mylonitic zone (MZ in Fig. 2). This
subvolcanic levels (Bonin et al., 1993; Bussy fault was active during the Late Carboniferous as
et al., 2000) and is represented by syntectonic a right-lateral strike-slip, transtensional fault
intrusions of the Vallorcine (Brändlein et al., (Brändlein et al., 1994). Furthermore, other stee-
1994) and Montenvers (Morard, 1998) granites, ply dipping N–S to NE–SW oriented faults
and by the Fully granodiorite (Bovay, 1988), all of located near the basin margins seem to have
which formed along SSW- to NNE-trending, affected the structural evolution of, and the
dextral transtensional shear zones. sedimentary facies within, the basin (Pilloud,

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
678 N. Capuzzo and A. Wetzel

Fig. 3. Geological map (A) and multiple cross-sections (B) of the northern part of the Salvan-Dorénaz Basin
(modified after Pilloud, 1991) displaying the four lithostratigraphical units constituting the basin fill. The geometry
of the unit IV deposits in map view suggests right-lateral displacement during their accumulation (as do structural
data, see text). A thinning of the deposits is evidenced by the relative position of marker beds (distinctive sandstone
layers, volcaniclastic deposits). The complex syncline structure formed during Alpine deformation. U/Pb ages of
synsedimentary volcanic deposits are after Capuzzo & Bussy (2000).

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697

 Fill of a Late Carboniferous continental basin (Western Alps) 679

1991; Niklaus & Wetzel, 1996). Unfortunately, profiles and photomosaics of laterally continuous
Late Variscan structures have been overprinted by outcrops and are summarized in Table 3. Differ-
Alpine compression. Pilloud (1991) and entiation of alluvial fan deposits from those of
Badertscher & Burkhard (1998) reported two fluvial origin rely on characteristics described by
Alpine deformation phases, both in the brittle– Ridgway & DeCelles (1993) and to some extent by
ductile transition, which resulted in today’s Blair & McPherson (1994a). Additionally, palaeo-
complex synclinal structure of the basin (Fig. 3), flow directions and the spatial relationships
with SW- to NE-striking fold axes plunging between lithofacies were used. Palaeocurrent
generally 15–20 towards the NE. Thus, increas- directions were measured from unidirectional
ingly deeper parts of the basin are exposed to the sedimentary structures such as cross-stratified
south-west. The illite crystallinity of the Upper sandstone, asymmetrical ripples, imbricated peb-
Carboniferous sedimentary rocks indicates that bles in conglomerates and flute marks. Palaeocur-
Alpine events reached low metamorphic grades rent data were subsequently restored for tectonic
(Pilloud, 1991; Frey et al., 1999). tilt and folding according to the methods
A low-angle regional unconformity between the described by Graham (1988). The restored data
Upper Carboniferous and onlapping shallow- appear to be reliable as palaeoflow is approxi-
marine Triassic deposits implies moderate inver- mately parallel to the basin axis, as known from
sion and subsequent erosion of the basin fill other, less deformed Permo-Carboniferous basins
(Pilloud, 1991; Badertscher & Burkhard, 1998). (e.g. Schäfer, 1986; Plint & Browne, 1994).
Therefore, the original Salvan-Dorénaz Basin fill To elucidate the relationship between basin fill
was probably only partially preserved before and source area tectonics, 40Ar/39Ar geochronol-
Alpine deformation. ogy on muscovites was carried out. Six samples of
The age of the basin fill was first determined individual granitic and gneissic boulders,
from palaeofloral associations, and later by 8–120 cm in diameter, were selected from the
isotopic dating. Macrofloral determinations indi- basal part of the basin fill for 40Ar/39Ar geochro-
cate a late Westphalian (C–D) age at the base of nology (for details, see Capuzzo et al., 2003). In
the succession and Stephanian ages higher in the addition, eight bulk sediment samples containing
stratigraphy (Jongmans, 1960). However, the low abundant detrital white mica were sampled from
stratigraphic resolution afforded by palaeofloral fresh and well-cemented conglomerates and
associations around the Carboniferous–Permian sandstones at different stratigraphic levels.
boundary casts doubt on the accuracy of these Generally, the muscovite 40Ar/39Ar isotopic
ages, because mixed associations commonly clock records the time of cooling through a
occur (Broutin et al., 1986 and references there- blocking temperature of  375 ± 50 C (Steiger &
in). U-Pb radiometric age determinations on Jäger, 1977; McDougall & Harrison, 1999 and
zircons from synsedimentary volcanic deposits references therein). Very small grains (< 100 lm),
constrain the basin fill to the Late Carboniferous however, can be of diagenetic origin and may
(Capuzzo & Bussy, 2000), with ages of 308 ± 3 Ma provide misleading results (for details, see, e.g.
for basal dacitic flows and 295 ± 3 Ma for a tuff Frank & Stettler, 1979; Simon, 1990). In order to
layer from the upper levels of unit II (Fig. 3). minimize the risk of dating diagenetic musco-
vites, only grains > 0Æ25 mm were used for
40
Ar/39Ar age determinations. Ages and errors
MATERIALS AND METHODS were calculated according to the method of
McDougall & Harrison (1999) and the decay
This study of the Salvan-Dorénaz Basin includes constants reported by Steiger & Jäger (1977).
detailed mapping of lithofacies, architectural
elements and their bounding surfaces and analy-
sis of palaeocurrent directions in what is an LITHOSTRATIGRAPHY
exclusively continental fill. Miall’s (1996) litho-
facies codes were used for the standardized Based on grain-size analysis and facies assem-
classification of the sedimentary deposits. The blages, four lithostratigraphical units were
general characteristics and interpretation of the defined in the Salvan-Dorénaz Basin by Niklaus
facies are summarized in Tables 1 and 2. Archi- & Wetzel (1996): greyish sandstones, conglomer-
tectural elements (Miall, 1996) and their bound- ates and pebbly mudstones (unit I), ribbon-like
ing surfaces, including their lateral variability, sandstone bodies within black mudstones (unit
were derived from interpretation of outcrop II), laterally continuous sandstones alternating

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
680 N. Capuzzo and A. Wetzel
Table 1. Facies codes (modified after Miall, 1996), description and classification of lithofacies recognized in the
Salvan-Dorénaz Basin.

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697

 Fill of a Late Carboniferous continental basin (Western Alps) 681
Table 2. Lithofacies associations of the Salvan-Dorénaz basin fill.

Characteristics/
Lithologic Facies Facies depositional Interpreted depositional
unit association code Facies – short description processes environment
Unit I IA Gmm Gravel, matrix-supported, massive Sediment gravity Upper to middle part
Gcm Gravel, clast-supported, massive flow deposits of ‘wet’ alluvial fan
IB Gt Gravel, trough cross-stratified Organized Stream-reworked middle
Gh Gravel, horizontally bedded conglomerates part of ‘wet’ alluvial fan
Gp Gravel, planar cross-stratified
IC Fm Massive mudstone Local mud Stream-reworked,
Fl Mudstone with silt/sand laminae accumulations outer part of
St Sand, trough cross-stratified ‘wet’ alluvial fan
Sh Sand, horizontally stratified Sandy bedforms
Sp Sand, planar-stratified in channels
Sm Sand, massive
Unit II IIA P Calcrete Dark overbank Muddy floodplain
Fr Incipient soil mudstones with
Fm Massive mudstone (incipient) soils
Fl Mudstone with silt/sand laminae and
C Coal locally coal (swamp)
IIB St Sand, trough cross-stratified Packages of sandstone Channel sandstone
Sp Sand, planar-stratified bodies, fining-upward (anastomosed river)
Gt Gravel, trough cross-stratified above basal lag
Gh Gravel, horizontally bedded
Unit III IIIA Sr Sand, ripple-laminated Laterally continuous Channel sandstone
St Sand, trough cross-stratified fining-upward (meandering river)
Sh Sand, horizontally stratified multistorey
Ss Sandstone with scoured base sandstone bodies
Gp Gravel, trough cross-stratified
IIIB Fr Incipient soil Dark mudstones Floodplain with
Fm Massive mudstone with lenticular crevasse splays
Fl Mudstone with silt/sand laminae sandstones
Unit IV IVA Gmm Gravel, matrix-supported, massive Sediment gravity Proximal (semi)arid
Gcm Gravel, clast-supported, massive flow deposits alluvial fan
IVB Gh Gravel, horizontally bedded Flash-flood Middle (semi)arid
Sm Sand, massive deposits alluvial fan
IVC Fl Mudstone with silt/sand laminae Sheetflood and Distal (semi)arid
Sm Sand, massive mudflow deposits alluvial fan
Sh Sand, horizontally stratified

with mudstones (unit III) and red beds compris- Unit I reaches 300–350 m in thickness adjacent to
ing mudstones, sandstones and breccias (unit IV). the western boundary fault and thins to the south-
Their lithology and sedimentological interpreta- east. Its contact with the Aiguilles-Rouges base-
tion are reported below. Facies associations and ment was overprinted by intense Alpine tecton-
architectural elements characteristic for each unit ism. Along the north-western side of the basin,
are summarized in Tables 2 and 3. Comparison of the greyish deposits of unit I (containing mainly
their textural and sedimentological features with rounded clasts) are overlain by reddish sedimen-
modern and ancient equivalents provide the basis tary rocks of unit IV with predominantly
for interpreting the depositional environments. angular clasts. Three lithofacies associations are
recognized in unit I (Table 2).
Unit I: greyish conglomerates, sandstones
Description
and pebbly mudstones
Facies association IA comprises texturally imma-
Unit I consists of coarse-grained conglomerates ture and extremely coarse (3–120 cm diameter),
composed mainly of metamorphic and magmatic matrix- to clast-supported polymictic conglo-
igneous debris and coarse feldspathic sandstones. merates (facies Gmm and Gcm; Fig. 4) in the

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
682 N. Capuzzo and A. Wetzel
Table 3. Architectural elements encountered in the Salvan-Dorénaz basin.

Occurrence
Architectural elements Geometry Facies in unit
SG Sediment gravity flows Lobe- or sheet-like Gmm, Gcm I, IV
interbedded with GB
GB Gravel bedform Lens or blanket, usually tabular bodies Gh, Gt, Gp I, IV
SB Sandy bedform Lens, sheet or blanket occurs as Ss, Sh, Sp, St, Sr I, IV
channel fill, crevasse splays or minor bars
DA Downstream accretion Lens resting on flat channelled base Sm, Ss, Sh, St, Sp, I, IV
macroform with convex-up internal erosion St, Sr
CH Channel sandstone Concave-up erosive base, often Gh, Gp, Gt, Sm, Ss, II, III
fining upward; scale and Sh, St, Sr
shape highly variable
LA Lateral accretion Wedge-, sheet- or lobe-like characterized Gm, Gp, Gt, Ss, Sh, II, III
macroform by internal lateral accretion Sp, St, Sr
CR Crevasse channel Ribbon up to a few 100s of Ss, Sp, St, Sr II, III
metres wide, up to 4 m deep
CS Crevasse splay Lensoid, km wide, up to 4 m thick Ss, Sp, St, Sr, Fl II, III
FF Overbank fines Sheet up to many km in lateral Fm, Fl, Fr, P II, III
extent, up to 10s of metres thick

Facies association IB consists of normally gra-

ded, clast-supported conglomerates interbedded
with lenses and wedges of sandstone (Gh, Gp and
Gt lithofacies). Individual gravel bodies are
0Æ5–2Æ5 m thick and several tens of metres wide.
Thick multistorey beds with internal erosional
surfaces are common.
Facies association IC includes massive,
coarse-grained pebbly sandstones (Sm), planar
to trough cross-stratified sandstones (Sp and St)
and horizontally stratified sandstones (Sh).
Individual beds are 0Æ1–2 m thick and show
extreme lateral variability. Distinctive down-
Fig. 4. Texturally immature and coarse matrix-sup- stream accretionary macroforms (element DA)
ported conglomerate (facies Gmm) from the proximal are interbedded with gravel bars and sandy
part of the basal alluvial fan unit I, next to the western bedforms (Fig. 5). They consist of coarse,
faulted margin of the Salvan-Dorénaz Basin (Le Chate- upward-fining sandstones; basal lags contain
lard area, Switzerland, located on Fig. 2). Poor sorting abundant black mudstone intraclasts. Beds have
and angular to subangular clast roundness imply
proximity to the source area. The hammer is about
tabular to lenticular geometries and are 0Æ5–2 m
40 cm long. thick. Internally, they show well-developed
steep planar cross-stratification. Within these
south-western part of the basin. Individual beds deposits, Calamites trunks up to 2 m in length
vary in thickness from 0Æ5 to 3Æ5 m, and amalga- and 30 cm in diameter occur (Jongmans, 1960).
mated beds with total thicknesses of several Fine-grained sandstones (facies Sm), micaceous
metres are common. Internally, the conglomerates (facies Fl) and massive mudstone (facies Fm)
are massive or show crude normal to inverse with abundant plant remains occur subordi-
grading. Individual beds usually have a slightly nately in unit I. Palaeoflow is to the SE,
erosive base and commonly fill pre-existing relief. although measurements vary considerably
In continuous outcrops, they show lobate outlines (Fig. 6A).
about 25–30 m wide in sections transverse to flow Dacitic subaerial lava flows, 50–70 m thick
direction. Sediment gravity-flow deposits (ele- (facies Vf), associated with monomict autoclastic
ment SG), more organized conglomerates (ele- volcanic breccias (facies Va) occur locally along
ment GB) and sandstones (element SB) are the western base of the sedimentary succession
recognized (Table 3). (Fig. 3; Capuzzo & Bussy, 2000).

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
 Fill of a Late Carboniferous continental basin (Western Alps) 683

Fig. 5. Photomosaic and interpretation of a distal

part of alluvial fans (unit I) at the quarry of Dorénaz C
(Switzerland, located on Fig. 2). Downstream accre-
tionary macroforms (DA), sandy bedforms (SA) and
gravel bars (GB) are typical of braided rivers. Although
limited in thickness, the arrangement of macroforms
and architectural elements suggests control by auto-
cyclic avulsion of braided channels. Palaeoflow direc-
tion is shown schematically.

Interpretation
Unit I displays the characteristics of alluvial fan
deposits. Disorganized textures with boulders in
the middle–upper parts of debris flows (elements
SG) suggest that dispersive and plastic buoyant
forces supported boulders during rapid downfan
movement of high-density flows (Costa, 1988).
Fig. 6. Rose diagrams of palaeoflow directions in the
These mass flows probably resulted from gravita-
sediments of the Salvan-Dorénaz Basin. Arrows
tional failure of colluvium after episodes of pre- indicate mean values. (A) Unit I; (B) Unit II; (C)
cipitation when water saturation reduced the Unit III.
sediment shear strength (e.g. Costa, 1988). There-
fore, sediment gravity flows (element SG) may

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
684 N. Capuzzo and A. Wetzel

indicate steep slopes in the catchment area of Description

the fan because the main bedrock types such as Facies association IIA forms > 60% of unit II. It
granites and gneisses are known not to be suscept- consists of dark mudstones and siltstones with
ible to debris-flow generation (e.g. Attewell & minor current ripple structures (facies Fl), with
Farmer, 1976). Fluvial channels 1–3 m deep, numerous plant remains (facies Fm). Massive
ascribed to braided rivers (elements GB), domin- mudstones and organic-rich shales (element FF)
ate proximal areas along the south-western side of form 3–100 cm thick laterally persistent beds.
the basin. Interbedding of SG elements with gravel Locally incipient palaeosols (facies Fr) with root
bars (GB) and sandy bedforms (SB) points to structures occur. The mudstones are interbedded
partial reworking of debris flows by high-energy with 10–200 cm thick sandstones. The sand-
shallow streams or even sheetfloods (e.g. Wells & stones are massive and coarse grained (facies
Harvey, 1987; Ridgway & DeCelles, 1993). High- Sm), planar or trough cross-stratified (facies Sp
energy stream deposits with typical traction and St), horizontally stratified (facies Sh) or
current sedimentary structures (elements GB, DA contain small-scale ripple structures (facies Sr).
and SB; Fig. 5) characterize middle to outer parts Beds form ribbon-shaped bodies, a few tens of
of the alluvial fan system. These facies associa- metres in length and < 2 m thick (element CR,
tions are typical of a shifting network of bedload- Fig. 8A), or < 0Æ5 m thick, laterally persistent
dominated, unstable and unconfined, shallow layers (element CS, Fig. 9). These deposits inter-
braided alluvial fan distributaries (‘Scott type’ of finger with mudstones and form packages several
Miall, 1977; Boothroyd & Nummedal, 1978). tens of metres thick that are laterally continuous
Lenses of medium to fine sediments accumulated for several hundred metres. In the lower part of
at low-water stages within abandoned channels. unit II along the north-western side of the basin,
Locally, thick mudstones accumulated away from thick, rhythmically interbedded, finely lamin-
the channels. Associated floras indicate that mud ated, black mudstones occur locally (Fig. 10).
accumulated on the vegetated areas of the fan. Sandstone layers and coal seams are intercalated
In general, unit I documents a downstream (facies C; Ancienne Mine and Mine de Méreune;
gradation of transport mechanisms from mass flow Fig. 3). This lithofacies has a sheet-like geometry
to traction current processes, typical of braided with a lateral extent of several hundred metres
outwash streams (e.g. Blair & McPherson, 1994b). and forms 40–50 m thick intervals. Within the
Palaeocurrent analyses in unit I show an average mudstones, Pilloud (1991) reported two (40 and
flow direction to the SE, obliquely to the trough 80 cm thick) lenses of limestone containing
axis, and therefore indicate that the feeder chan- freshwater ostracods and vertebrate debris. In
nels of the fan system entered the basin mainly the upper part of unit II, laterally continuous
from its north-western boundary. An increase in calcrete horizons (facies P) occur repeatedly.
sand content to the SE supports this deduction. They occupy intervals up to 15 m thick and
Local dacitic flows and autobrecciated volcanic represent stratigraphic markers (Figs 3 and 8B).
products at the faulted north-western base of the Facies association IIB is characterized by about
basin document subaerial volcanism during the 5 m thick sandstone bodies (element CH) that
initial stages of basin formation (Capuzzo & show a width/depth ratio of about 15–20. They
Bussy, 2000). usually occur as isolated bodies with convex
bases and steep sides within dark mudstones
(Fig. 9). The lower bounding surfaces are ero-
Unit II: ribbon-like sandstone bodies
sional, whereas the upper boundary may be
with dark mudstones
erosional or gradational into fine-grained deposits
Unit II mainly consists of dark mudstones, up (element FF) or crevasse sandstones (CS element).
to 650–700 m thick. The boundary with the The sandstone bodies comprise a complex, amal-
underlying unit I is fairly sharp, whereas the gamated, multistorey fill. They consist of con-
transition to the overlying unit III is gradual; glomeratic basal lags (facies Gh and Gt) that fine
the amount of sand increases upsection where upwards into Sp and St lithofacies (Fig. 11).
sandstone layers also become laterally more con- Abundant mudstone clasts (Fig. 12) occur in the
tinuous (Fig. 7). Along the north-western side of conglomeratic basal lags. Palaeoflow varies relat-
the basin, the fine-grained sedimentary rocks of ively little and was towards the NE (Fig. 6B).
unit II interfinger with reddish deposits belonging Numerous volcaniclastic layers including pyr-
to unit IV (Fig. 3; Pilloud, 1991). Unit II compri- oclastic falls (facies Vt and Vc) occur within unit
ses two main lithofacies associations (Table 2).

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
 Fill of a Late Carboniferous continental basin (Western Alps) 685

Fig. 7. Photomosaic and interpretation of the upper levels in the northern part of the Salvan-Dorénaz Basin at the
Montagne de Fully (Switzerland, located on Fig. 2), showing the gradual transition from the mud-dominated unit II
to the sand-dominated unit III (black arrows). Only the main CH and LA architectural elements are shown. White
bars indicate fining- and thinning-upward cycles described in the text.

Fig. 8. (A) Ribbon-shaped sandstones from a minor crevasse channel (CR element) interbedded with crevasse splay
sandstones (element CS) and overbank fine-grained sediments (element FF). From the upper part of the mud-dominated
unit II, Montagne de Fully area (Switzerland). (B) Calcrete palaeosol with carbonate nodules (dark spots) formed within
a mudstone layer (unit II) during pedogenesis (Montagne de Fully area, Switzerland). The hammer is about 40 cm long.

II. Light grey ash tuffs with mantle bed- layers are 50–160 cm thick and are mixed
ding show high lateral persistency, form- with detrital components (Capuzzo & Bussy,
ing layers 5–70 cm thick. Other volcaniclastic 2000).

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
686 N. Capuzzo and A. Wetzel

Fig. 9. Photomosaic and interpretation of mud-dominated anastomosed river deposits (unit II) at Montagne de Fully
(Switzerland); CH architectural elements show characteristic low width/depth ratios and steep banks cut into fine-
grained sediments. CR and CS sandstones represent overbank deposits interbedded with fine-grained floodplain
deposits (FF elements).

Interpretation plain (e.g. Platt & Wright, 1992), where carbonates

The internal geometry and the low width/depth were precipitated by bacteria and ostracods and
ratio of isolated sandstone bodies (CH elements) by temperature differences between lake and
bounded by fine-grained deposits indicate only tributary waters (Toutin-Morin, 1985). This facies
minor lateral channel migration (Figs 9 and 11). association suggests a high accommodation rate
They experienced alternating scouring and bed- and humid conditions.
load transport and deposition. The surrounding The well-developed calcrete horizons are typi-
mudstones (element FF) interbedded with small cal of alkaline soils and formed when evapotran-
sandstone bodies represent overbank sedimenta- spiration exceeded precipitation for most of the
tion (e.g. Smith et al., 1989). The small sandstone year (Retallack, 1990). Calcretes therefore suggest
bodies (elements CS and CR) represent crevasse semi-arid conditions and/or increased seasonali-
splays and minor crevasse channels. Abundant ty, and their maturity and thickness (up to 15 m)
plant fragments (facies Fm) and numerous root suggest a time span of several thousand years or
structures (facies Fr) indicate incipient palaeosol more for their formation (Marriott & Wright,
formation on vegetated areas of the floodplain. 1993).
The finely laminated, organic-rich mudstones Architectural elements and lithofacies associa-
formed in lakes and ponds, probably as local sags tions of unit II suggest deposition on a rapidly
in the vicinity of the main faults. Freshwater aggrading floodplain that was transected by a
limestones point to temporary lakes on the flood- network of low-gradient, shoestring-like fluvial

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
 Fill of a Late Carboniferous continental basin (Western Alps) 687

Fig. 10. Rhythmically interbedded, laminated dark

mudstone and fine-grained siltstones deposited in a
shallow lacustrine environment, representing marginal
facies of unit II (Fontaine a Moı̈se area, Switzerland,
located on Fig. 2).

Fig. 11. Interpretation of an outcrop from the anasto-

channels separated by interfluves of vegetated mosed river deposits (unit II) formed by thick multi-
islands and wetlands. Therefore, an anastomosed storey sandstones with erosional surfaces occurring at
the base and in between (Montagne de Fully area,
river system is inferred (e.g. Smith & Smith, 1980;
Switzerland). They are highlighted by conglomeratic
Miall, 1996); lateral channel migration is limited, basal lags with numerous mudstone intraclasts. CH
and crevassing represents an important process to elements show fining upward and relatively steep
compensate for channel aggradation (e.g. Smith banks cut into fine-grained sediments.
et al., 1989). Synsedimentary volcanism, possibly
from distant extrabasinal volcanoes, is indicated
by numerous volcaniclastic layers. Some of these
still preserve the characteristics of airborne
material; they are very fine grained, show lateral
continuity, mantle bedding and have delicate
planar lamination. Others were reworked by
water, and these consist of mixed volcaniclastic
and detrital grains (Capuzzo & Bussy, 2000).

Unit III: laterally continuous sandstones

alternating with mudstones
Unit III crops out in the north-eastern part of the
basin and reaches a thickness of at least 300– Fig. 12. Conglomeratic basal lag (facies Gh) from the
350 m (Fig. 3). The boundary with the underlying base of an anastomosed fluvial channel (unit II) with
unit II is gradual, whereas the upper boundary is abundant dark mudstone intraclasts resulting from
erosional and marked by a low-angle unconform- erosion of cohesive channel banks (Montagne de Fully
ity above which Lower Triassic deposits are area, Switzerland).
preserved. Unit III interfingers with reddish
rocks of unit IV towards the NW side of the Description
basin (Fig. 3). Unit III comprises two lithofacies Facies association IIIA is typical of unit III and
associations (Table 2). comprises multistorey sandstones characterized

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
688 N. Capuzzo and A. Wetzel

by large-scale, inclined internal surfaces. These persistent, 15–20 m thick, fining-upward

are classified as LA elements. They are up to 3 m packages (Fig. 7). Towards the top of the unit,
thick and have erosional bases and gradational root structures and incipient caliche nodules
upper boundaries (Fig. 13). Typically, basal lags become increasingly common, and occasionally
of crudely bedded conglomerates and pebbly tuffs or reddish sediments of unit IV occur.
sandstones (facies Gp and Ss) are overlain by Palaeoflow varies, but was on average towards
fining- and thinning-upward, horizontally and the SW (Fig. 6C).
trough cross-bedded sandstones (facies Sh and St)
and ripple cross-laminated sandstones (facies Sr). Interpretation
In addition, amalgamated sandstones with indi- Multistorey sandstones (LA, CH elements) are
vidual graded beds < 3 m thick form CH elements. interpreted as the deposits of a meandering river
Laterally, they are continuous, and their width/ and are ascribed to high-sinuosity, relatively
depth ratio is usually > 30 (Fig. 7). The facies narrow channels typical of sand-rich meandering
association resembles that of unit II (see above). rivers (model 6 of Miall, 1996). Their thickness of
Facies association IIIB is made up of dark < 3 m approximates the bankfull depth of the
mudstones forming layers usually < 1 m thick channel. The lateral persistence of the channel-
(element FF). They often contain fine sand (facies lized sandstones suggests high rates of lateral
Fl and Fm), plant remains and root structures channel migration, and the lateral accretion
(facies Fr) and incipient carbonate nodules (facies surfaces (LA) document the lateral growth of
P). Normally graded, < 0Æ5 m thick sandstones are point bars (e.g. Miall, 1996).
interbedded with mudstones. They have tabular The interbedded dark mudstones (FF) and thin
to ribbon geometries (element CS). Some < 1Æ5 m sandstones (CS) represent floodplain sedimenta-
thick, scoop-shaped sands also occur (element tion (e.g. Brakenridge, 1988). Incipient carbonate
CR). Sandstones and mudstones form locally nodules suggest pedogenic modification in an at

Fig. 13. Photograph and interpretation of sandy meandering river deposits (unit III) at the Montagne de Fully
(Switzerland). LA and CH architectural elements show high width/depth ratio and erosional lower bounding sur-
faces. Lateral accretion surfaces separate different increments of sand deposition. Two fining- and thinning-upward
cycles are indicated by arrows.

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697

 Fill of a Late Carboniferous continental basin (Western Alps) 689

least seasonally dry environment (Retallack, (Fig. 3). Furthermore, a gradual, right-lateral dis-
1990) that supported significant vegetation. placement of the position of these prograding
Sandy crevasse splay lobes and minor crevasse packages occurs from the base to the top of unit
channels (CS and CR) formed during flood stages IV as is evident from the geological map (Fig. 3A)
(e.g. Plint, 1983). and palaeoflow indicators; on average, the palaeo-
The relatively large amount of overbank fines, flow changed from SE directed within the basal
the low interconnectedness of channellized bod- packages to SW directed within the upper pack-
ies and laterally accreted sandstones (CH and LA; ages. Unit IV is composed of three different lithof-
Figs 7 and 13) point to a high accommodation rate acies associations (Table 2).
(e.g. Alexander & Leeder, 1987) or to low avulsion
frequency (Heller & Paola, 1996) within the Description
aggrading floodplain. Palaeoflow directions in Facies association IVA occurs in the NW of unit
unit III are the reverse of those in the underlying IV. Poorly sorted, coarse-grained, matrix- to clast-
unit and point to a complete reorganization of the supported, massive to inversely graded polymic-
drainage system. Volcaniclastic and tuff layers, tic conglomerates and breccias dominate (facies
again, indicate active, but distant synsedimentary Gmm and Gcm, Fig. 14A). They form 0Æ5–1Æ5 m
volcanism (Capuzzo & Bussy, 2000). thick beds, tens of metres wide, with slightly
erosional, scoop-shaped bases. These beds are
commonly vertically amalgamated and form up to
Unit IV: red beds comprising breccias,
10 m thick packages.
sandstones and mudstones
Facies association IVB is found in the central
Unit IV consists of coarse conglomerates and part of unit IV and consists of massive to crudely
breccias that typically have a reddish matrix. The stratified conglomeratic to pebbly sandstones
lower boundary of unit IV is marked by a change in (facies Gh to Sm), which are interbedded with
the sediment colour from dark grey (unit I) to massive to stratified lensoid to sheet-shaped
reddish (unit IV). Unit IV displays a wedge-shaped sandstones and pebbly siltstones (facies Sm, Sh
geometry with a preserved maximum thickness of and Fl, Fig. 14B). Individual beds have erosional
700 m along the north-western side of the basin. bases and are up to a few metres thick.
Subordinately, reddish sediments also occur in the Facies association IVC crops out in the central
eastern and central parts of the basin (Fig. 3). Unit and eastern part of unit IV and is formed by
IV is arranged in at least five prograding, wedge- reddish mudstones and sandstones (facies Fl, Sm,
shaped, coarsening-upward packages, each tens of Sh), occasionally containing coarse clasts
metres thick, which thin out to the SE and inter- (< 1Æ5 cm in diameter). The mudstones (facies
finger distally at different levels with units II and III Fl) show sheet- to ribbon-like geometry, tabular to

Fig. 14. (A) Texturally immature and poorly sorted polymict breccias/conglomerates (facies Gh) from the proximal
parts of the unit IV alluvial fan system. Angular to subangular clasts are mainly composed of metamorphic, crys-
talline and volcanic rocks within a sandy and silty reddish matrix (pencil for scale is about 20 cm long). (B)
Texturally immature and massive to crudely stratified coarse-grained conglomeratic layers (facies Gh) interbedded
with lensoid pebbly siltstone (facies Sm) showing intense reddish colours; from alluvial fan deposits outcropping
along the western side of the Salvan-Dorénaz Basin (unit IV). Stratigraphic top is towards the left; scale is about
40 cm long.

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697

690 N. Capuzzo and A. Wetzel

irregular bases and massive bedding. Beds are tional information about the sedimentary systems
normally < 1 m thick. The sandstones (facies Sm of the Salvan-Dorénaz Basin. The isotopic analy-
and Sh) are discontinuous, sheet-like to lenticu- ses are reported in detail by Capuzzo et al. (2003);
lar, up to 1Æ5 m thick and show irregular to here, the data are shown in their stratigraphic
slightly erosional bases. They are massive to position within the basin fill (Fig. 15).
normally graded and horizontal and/or less Close to the base of the basin fill within unit I,
commonly ripple laminated. boulders derived from the crystalline basement
provide an age of 312–301 Ma, which is close to
Interpretation that of the basal subaerial volcanic flow
Unit IV clearly documents a decrease in sediment (308 ± 3 Ma). Higher in the unit I succession,
grain size from the western to the central part of the age spectrum of detrital material widens. The
the basin over a distance of 1Æ5–2 km (Fig. 3). The age of the oldest detritus increases up to 327 Ma,
lithofacies displays the characteristics of alluvial but very young detritus also occurs. With the
fan deposits (e.g. Blair & McPherson, 1994a and inferred change to the anastomosed river systems
references therein). Texturally immature, coarse (unit II), the age spectrum of detrital mica
conglomerates and breccias dominate proximal becomes very narrow and younger: multigrain
areas of the fan (facies association 1), close to the analyses provided ages of 301, 303 and
north-western boundary fault of the basin. Gmm 301–304 Ma respectively. Towards the top of
and Gcm facies are typical of sediment gravity- the succession, in the meandering river deposits
flow deposits resulting from instability of collu- (unit III), measurements again display an increas-
vium in the catchment area of the fan (e.g. ingly broad age range and a tendency to older ages
Costa, 1988; Table 1). Gh and Sh facies dominate upsection (Fig. 15).
the middle part of the fan (facies association The age of the crystalline boulders at the base of
2) and document episodic, unconfined, unit I indicates that basin formation and exhu-
sediment-charged flash floods that expanded mation of basement units occurred almost syn-
and dissipated as they moved downfan (e.g.
Hogg, 1982; Table 1). They were partly reworked
by flows in shallow distributary channels (facies
Sm and Fl) that formed between the lobes of
sheetflood deposits. The association of Sm, Sh
and Fl facies (Table 1) that interfinger with the
basinal floodplain deposits of units II and III
represents the distal fringe of the fan formed by
interbedded sheetflows and mudflows (e.g. Blair
& McPherson, 1994a). The coarse grain size of the
fan deposits points to steep relief in the catch-
ment areas and in the inner part of the fan.
Sediment discharge was discontinuous, probably
resulting from episodic and intense precipitation
suggesting a seasonal climate. The reddish colour
of unit IV sediments is indicative of oxidizing
conditions above the groundwater table (e.g.
Turner, 1980) and, hence, points to a deep water
table occurring in alluvial fans formed in warm to
hot climates with prolonged dry seasons. The
change in the sediment colour of the alluvial fan Fig. 15. Stratigraphic position of 39Ar/40Ar geochro-
systems from unit I to unit IV may therefore nology data carried out on 45 white mica samples
reflect a climatic change from more humid separated from boulders and detrital sediments of the
towards more arid depositional environments. Salvan-Dorénaz Basin (1multigrain analyses: several
grains were measured at the same time; 2single-grain
analyses: several grains were measured one after
another, then the average value was calculated; for
DETRITAL MICA AGES details, see Capuzzo et al., 2003). Compared with the
U/Pb age of the basin fill (308 ± 3 Ma at the base and
The ages of white mica separated from both 295 ± 3 Ma at the top), the white mica ages indicate
boulders and detrital sediments provide addi- rapid cooling and exposure of basement rocks.

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697

 Fill of a Late Carboniferous continental basin (Western Alps) 691

chronously. Capuzzo & Bussy (2000) inferred relief within the catchment areas. Intense physi-
wrench tectonics that led to the exposure of the cal weathering produced abundant detritus
basement and concomitant subsidence of the mainly derived from metamorphic and igneous
basin as a possible explanation. The widening of rocks (Sublet, 1962). Unit I suggests deposition in
the detrital age spectrum to older ages upsection an intramontane setting. Debris flows dominate
in unit I is interpreted as reflecting growing the proximal areas of the alluvial fan systems
catchment areas. As there is no overall younging close to the footwall slope, whereas the distal
trend in the ages, tributaries in the catchment area parts are characterized by braided distributary
probably did not incise deeply into the basement channels (Fig. 16A). Avulsion of braided chan-
rocks as higher levels of the crust would display nels (Fig. 5) and their stacking was probably
older white mica ages than deeper ones. Within largely controlled autocyclically (DeCelles et al.,
the anastomosed river deposits (unit II), the micas 1991). Climate indicators, such as rich floras and
reveal a narrow age spectrum; they are interpreted dark coloured, hydromorphic palaeosols, point to
as being delivered from a homogeneous, very a humid, seasonal climate.
restricted source implying a reduction in the After the initial phase of basin formation (unit
catchment areas. In this context, the inferred I), subsidence continued at a lower rate, and
right-lateral movements along the basin boundary sourceward incision of the tributaries led to
faults (see above) might have played an important enlargement of the catchment areas, as indicated
role; probably new catchment areas developed by the increasing age of detrital white micas.
and old ones were cut off. In addition, tectonism However, the tributaries did not incise deeper
led to exhumation and induced incision of tribu- into the basement as the age of the youngest
taries. These processes resulted in flushing of the detritus remains constant, suggesting a marked
basin with a restricted population of young white decrease in exhumation and/or denudation rates
mica. In unit III, a widening of the age spectrum at that time.
of detrital white micas and older ages again The depositional environment then changed
reflects an increase in the catchment areas and when mud-dominated floodplain deposits (unit
the probable capture of other catchment areas II) started to accumulate. The fine-grained alluvial
because of the drainage reversal. plain sediments imply a swampy environment
with anastomosed, sand-filled channels
(Fig. 16B). They display palaeoflow to the NE
TECTONO-SEDIMENTARY EVOLUTION and indicate axial drainage. Anastomosed chan-
nels are typical of rapidly aggrading, vegetated
When the Salvan-Dorénaz Basin initially formed floodplains within low-gradient fluvial valleys
at the end of the Westphalian, episodic tectonic (Smith & Smith, 1980). Rapid subsidence led to
movements occurred along transtensional, the reduction in valley slope and flow compe-
NE–SW to NNE–SSW trending faults bordering tence and promoted the accumulation of vertical
the north-western margin of the basin. There, rather than lateral accretion deposits (Smith &
dacitic subaerial flows provided an age of Smith, 1980; Kirschbaum & McCabe, 1992). In
308 ± 3 Ma (Capuzzo & Bussy, 2000). At the same addition to accelerated basin subsidence, the
time, granites and subvolcanic dikes intruded narrow age spectrum of detrital white mica points
syntectonically into the Aiguilles-Rouges base- to restricted, homogeneous source areas. Further-
ment at shallow depths (about 5 km depth as more, the tributaries incised deeper into the
calculated by Bussy et al., 2000). The conglomer- basement as the ages of the detrital muscovites
ates at the base of the basin contain boulders are close to that of the host sediments. Enhanced
eroded from these intrusions (312–301 Ma subsidence and incision of tributaries probably
40
Ar/39Ar muscovite ages; Capuzzo et al., 2003) resulted from wrench tectonics as the alluvial fan
and, hence, indicate rapid uplift and denudation system (unit IV) was dextrally displaced at that
in the catchment areas, at least at a rate of time. Such tectonic movements might have led to
1 mm yr)1 (Capuzzo & Bussy, 2000). the cut off of the sediment supply from the
The mainly coarse clastics of the basal unit I of previous catchment areas and in turn to the
the Salvan-Dorénaz Basin were dispersed from capture of new ones.
the north-western margin by an alluvial fan Palaeosols point to restricted areas of slow
system, the deposits of which wedge out to the sedimentation for considerable time spans, in the
SE. The coarse grain size indicates high transport range of one thousand to several thousands of
competence of the tributaries and, hence, a steep years (e.g. Marriott & Wright, 1993). In addition,

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
692 N. Capuzzo and A. Wetzel

Fig. 16. Schematic block diagrams representing depositional environments during the evolution of the Late Car-
boniferous Salvan-Dorénaz Basin. (A) Formation of the basin induced by asymmetric subsidence along north-
western bounding faults, which also favoured the emplacement of basal dacitic flows and controlled the deposition
of unit I alluvial fans derived from western source areas. (B) Deposition of the mud-dominated unit II and estab-
lishment of an anastomosed river system with axial drainage to the NE; this change was possibly induced by
increased differential tectonic subsidence within the basin. (C) Deposition of the sand-dominated unit II by a
meandering river system formed in a relatively steep fluvial valley presenting a reversal of its axial drainage towards
the SW. Schematically, in (B) and (C), prograding and retreating cycles of alluvial fans (unit IV) and their right-lateral
displacement through time are illustrated.

their preservation characterizes an aggrading, differential subsidence leading to the formation of

poorly erosive depositional area, as do the shallow, temporary lakes (e.g. Djarar et al., 1996;
preserved primary structured ash-fall deposits. Stollhofen, 1998).
Asymmetric subsidence is indicated by shallow- In the upper part of unit II, laterally persistent,
lacustrine and peat-swamp deposits restricted to thick, caliche-bearing palaeosols indicate
the north-western side of the basin. As in other decreasing floodplain aggradation rates. A
Mid-European Late Carboniferous continental decrease in aggradation rates may reflect a period
basins, the spatial association of localized ‘black of tectonic quiescence. Climatically, caliche-
shales’ and coals with fault zones is ascribed to bearing palaeosols suggest a semi-arid, seasonal

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
 Fill of a Late Carboniferous continental basin (Western Alps) 693

climate (Kraus, 1987; Retallack, 1990). The red reversals reflect uplift at one side and base-level
staining of the conglomerates and breccias depos- fall at the opposite side of the basin. Similarly,
ited along the north-western margin of the basin the Salvan-Dorénaz Basin initially drained to the
points to the onset of a climatic change during NE and, after the anastomosed river/lacustrine
early unit II. Hydromorphic palaeosols that pre- phase – reflecting zero inclination – palaeoflow
vailed during unit I changed to well-drained red was to the SW. Several Late Palaeozoic basins, in
soils indicating a warm at least seasonally dry Germany (e.g. Schäfer, 1986) and western Canada
climate (e.g. Schwarzbach, 1974). This change (e.g. Plint & Browne, 1994), document reversal of
corresponds to the Late Carboniferous–Early Per- the axial drainage and associated modification of
mian climate scenario in the European Variscides the sedimentation patterns. They have been in-
(Scotese & McKerrow, 1990). Within the equator- terpreted as basin readjustment to changes in in-
ial belt, the warm and humid climate tended to trabasinal subsidence rates (e.g. Saar-Nahe Basin;
increasing seasonality and aridity towards the Schäfer, 1986). The large-scale tilt scenario, as
Carboniferous–Permian boundary (Besly, 1987; outlined by Ollier (1995), however, is a reason-
Glover & Powell, 1996). The regional climatic able alternative because of the long-term stability
zones, however, were also modified by elevation of the palaeoflow directions not only in the
within the Variscan mountain belt (e.g. Becq- Salvan-Dorénaz Basin, but also in other Late
Giraudon & Van den Driessche, 1994). Palaeozoic basins in central Europe (e.g. Schäfer,
The anastomosed river deposits of unit II 1986; Cassinis et al., 1992; Krainer, 1993).
change gradually to meandering river deposits
An alluvial fan system (unit IV) repeatedly
(unit III) and reflect the readjustment of the fluvial
prograded from, and retreated to, the western
system to an increasing valley gradient and
basin margin, a common feature in numerous
decreasing accommodation rate (e.g. Schumm,
tectonically controlled basins (e.g. Heward, 1978;
1993; Fig. 16C). Autocyclic avulsion of channels
Schäfer, 1986; Leeder & Gawthorpe, 1987). These
favoured the dispersal of sands across the flood-
cycles coarsen upwards and resemble in thick-
plain by migration and crevassing.
ness and estimated duration the tectonic
The reversal in palaeoflow from NE (unit II) to
cyclothems described by Blair & Bilodeau
SW (unit III) may be attributed to two possibilit-
(1988). Although similar scale cycles can result
ies:
from autocyclic processes (e.g. Fraser & DeCelles,
1 In areas of strike-slip tectonics, en echelon 1992), the studied cycles are believed to reflect
basins can display drainage reversals when the tectonic processes because of the palaeosols
stress field changes. The Rhinegraben and the within the basin. When part of a basin subsides
Bressegraben, for instance, are tectonically linked more rapidly, the slope of the valley floor and,
by a ‘transfer’ zone (e.g. Giamboni et al., 2004). thus, the river competence decreases favouring
During the Pliocene, differential uplift in the deposition of fine-grained sediments (e.g. Smith &
southern Rhinegraben and coeval subsidence Smith, 1980). A river reacts immediately to a
along the strike-slip ‘transfer’ zone forced the change in the valley gradient, whereas catchment
palaeo-Aare-Rhine to flow to the SW. During this areas lag behind because the ‘new generated’
period, the southern Rhinegraben drained to the potential energy is slowly being transferred by
south, but drainage was to the north both before headward incision towards the catchment. When
and after activity on the transfer zone (Petit et al., erosion in the catchment area is intensified,
1996; Villinger, 1998). Another well-documented coarse clastics are delivered to the basin. Simi-
reversal and reorganization of drainage patterns larly, Paola et al. (1992) showed by quantitative
during the evolution of transtensional and strike- experiments that basinward progradation of grav-
slip basins has been reported from central Asia els occurs when subsidence decreases, whereas
(e.g. Vincent & Allen, 1999; see also Ménard & gravels are trapped next to the basin margin when
Molnar, 1988). subsidence accelerates. The sedimentary cycles
2 Large-scale tilting can induce headward observed along the western side of the Salvan-
erosion of valleys and capture of rivers draining Dorénaz Basin match these models; mud at the
in the opposite direction (e.g. Ollier, 1995). In base of a cycle documents enhanced differential
another Late Palaeozoic basin, Plint & Browne subsidence of the basin, and the overlying pro-
(1994) described a ‘zero inclination phase’ grading and coarsening-upward alluvial fan sedi-
characterized by lacustrine deposits that separ- ments then result from the response of the
ated two opposing drainage directions. Such flow catchment area to relief generation.

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697

694 N. Capuzzo and A. Wetzel

The alluvial fan deposits at the western side of determined in other Late Palaeozoic continental
the basin provide additional information about grabens and strike-slip basins in western Europe.
the tectonic processes along the basin boundaries. 3 Four lithostratigraphical units represented by
The NE displacement of the unit IV alluvial fan braided fan, anastomosed and meandering river
system indicates gradual right-lateral movements and alluvial fan deposits accumulated in
of depositional areas in the footwall relative to response to episodic changes in intrabasinal
their elevated sediment source areas located in subsidence, topography in the catchment areas,
the hangingwall (Fig. 16B and C). Similar shin- regional tectonic setting and climate. Coarse-
gled fans caused by strike-slip movements have grained clastics that accumulated on braided fans
been reported from other Late Palaeozoic basins were delivered from the north-western side of the
in central Europe (e.g. Saar-Nahe Basin; Schäfer, basin. They indicate high relief within the
1986) and from numerous transtensional contin- catchment area, steep slopes within the basin and
ental basins elsewhere (e.g. Crowell, 1974; Biddle high sediment supply relative to subsidence
& Christie-Blick, 1985). Strike-slip features are so during the initial phase of basin filling. Enhanced
common in the Late Palaeozoic of Europe that subsidence of the basin led to the retreat of the fan
Arthaud & Matte (1977) postulated a system of systems, and dark, fine-grained sediments accu-
shear zones affecting the area between the Urals mulated on a low-gradient floodplain dissected
and the Appalachians. by anastomosed channels flowing towards the
The basin was filled during 16 My approxi- NE. Overlying deposits of a meandering river
mately as synsedimentary volcanics were radio- system document a reversal of the drainage
metrically dated between 308 ± 3 Ma and towards the SW. This reversal in palaeoflow
295 ± 3 Ma (extrapolated to 292 ± 3 Ma at the probably reflects a general rearrangement of the
top of the basin fill; Capuzzo & Bussy, 2000). palaeotopography as a result of tectonic uplift in
Conservative decompaction of the sediments the E–NE and preferential subsidence in the
would result in an initial thickness of 3500 m. W–SW. Alluvial fan deposits continued to accu-
Based on these data, a long-term average subsi- mulate along the NW margin of the basin and are
dence rate of about 0Æ2–0Æ3 mm yr)1 is implied. arranged in coarsening-upward packages that
This value indicates relatively fast subsidence probably resulted from phases of enhanced basin
typical of tectonically controlled strike-slip subsidence.
basins (e.g. Nilsen & Sylvester, 1995). These rates 4 The concentration of lacustrine, palustrine
match the values calculated for other Late and alluvial fan deposits along the western side of
Palaeozoic continental basins such as the the basin may reflect the location of the basin’s
Saar-Nahe Basin (e.g. Schäfer & Korsch, 1998) master fault. The lateral shift of alluvial fan
and the Collio Basin (Schaltegger & Brack, 1999). deposits (unit IV) reflects right-lateral displace-
ments relative to the catchment areas, suggesting
active dextral movements associated with NE–
CONCLUSIONS SW faults during infilling of the basin.
5 39Ar/40Ar chronometry of white mica records
1 The Late Carboniferous (Westphalian to only a short time difference between the age
Stephanian) Salvan-Dorénaz Basin was an asym- derived from subaerially cooled volcanics at the
metric graben bounded by transtensional crustal- base of the basin and that of the overlying sedi-
scale faults and filled with continental sediments. mentary detritus. This indicates the rapid
Variscan wrench tectonics led to the formation of removal of > 5 km of the upper crust before basin
this orogen-parallel basin and induced rapid formation by either erosional or tectonic unroof-
exhumation of metamorphic and very young ing. Then, the catchment areas grew, but did not
magmatic basement, which acted as sediment result in significant unroofing during the fan (unit
source areas. I) or meandering river phase (unit III) of depos-
2 Active, bimodal volcanism overlapped with ition. In between, when an anastomosed river was
deposition and was favoured by deep-seated active (unit III), the catchment became reduced to
faults in a transtensive tectonic regime. U/Pb a small, homogeneous area probably induced by
isotopic dates of volcanic deposits constrain the (wrench) tectonics.
basin fill to the Late Carboniferous (between 6 Caliche-bearing palaeosols within the flood-
308 ± 3 Ma and 295 ± 3 Ma), and indicate high, plain sediments and red beds on the alluvial fan
long-term subsidence rates of the order of suggest increasing aridity and/or seasonality
> 0Æ2 mm yr)1. These rates are similar to those during the Stephanian.

2004 International Association of Sedimentologists, Sedimentology, 51, 675–697
 Fill of a Late Carboniferous continental basin (Western Alps) 695

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