Le Miocène du bassin de Vence (Alpes-Maritimes, France) : stratigraphie et paléogéographie

The lower part of the Miocene of Vence (Alpes-Maritimes, France), was formerly described as Burdigalian on the basis of the macrofauna and Aquitanian on the basis of the microfauna. A new field survey and palaeontological revision show that the series begins by an Aquitanian molasse recovered by Aquitanian blue marls. These sediments were deposited by an Aquitanian sea, coming from the northern Italy (Padan basin). Subsequently the area was folded, emerged and partly eroded. Then, the upper Burdigalian limestones were deposited by a sea coming from the west. The series ends by Tortonian marine conglomerates.