North-Pyrenean foreland basin evolution during Palaeogene times (Adour basin): stratigraphic constraints.

The study of 50 wells correlated according to the principles of High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy, shows that the Adour basin is filled during two main steps. (1) The Palaeocene is characterised by aggradational carbonate platforms, passing southward to turbiditic sedimentation. During this initiation stage, the carbonate production balances accommodation space creation. (2) The Ypresian-Priabonian is characterised by large progradational deltaic systems, migrating westward. During this stage, siliciclastic supply was higher than accommodation space creation. This basin is interpreted during Palaeocene to Middle Eocene as a compressional basin due to lithospheric buckling. The foreland history starts during the Upper Eocene to Oligocene. (C) 2001 Academie des sciences / Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.