The Zafarraya Polje is an endorheic tectonic basin (about 20 km2) located in the external zone of the Betic Cordillera. The nature and age of the basin infill is poorly known.
To elucidate the processes and the timing of sedimentary infill in order to test its suitability as an archive of climate change, a series of vibracorings were conducted down to 15 m below surface during two field campaigns in March and October 2010. In addition, electrical resistivity measurements and ground penetrating radar were carried out at the coring locations and along transects through the polje.
The C-cluster team was supported by two groups of Bachelor and Master students from RWTH Aachen University. In the field, sediments were sampled from open cores or using liner pipes. The samples are being analysed for magnetic susceptibility, geochemical composition and grain size distribution in the laboratory. Also, physical dating by Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) on samples taken from liner cores is being conducted and AMS radiocarbon datings are on the way.
The Zafarraya polje, a tectonic basin of the Betic Cordillera. | Photo: Nicole Höbig |