Late Pliocene‐early Pleistocene Athalassa Formation, north central Cyprus: carbonate sand bodies in a shallow seaway between two emerging landmasses

The late Pliocene‐early Pleistocene Athalassa Formation accumulated within the Neogene Mesaoria basin of northern Cyprus, bordered by two subdued, but rising, landmasses, the Kyrenia Range to the north and the Troodos ophiolitic massif to the south. In the eastern part of the basin, the formation is dominated by cross‐stratified bioclastic‐rich sandstones interpreted as shallow‐marine, carbonate sand bodies. The sediments are described in terms of six calcarenite facies and subfacies and one sandstone fades. Palaeocurrent analysis indicates that the carbonate sand bodies formed near the southern margin of the Kyrenia landmass and then migrated southwards across a shallow‐marine platform. The driving force is believed to have been storms, generated by strong winds. Such winds during the late Pliocene‐early Quaternary were probably stronger than today in this area. Other factors influencing deposition of the formation include minor tectonic instability, and probable eustatic sea‐level changes. Study of the Athalassa Formation thus provides insights into late Pliocene‐Pleistocene palaeoenvironments in the easternmost Mediterranean.