Lithostratigraphy and structure of the Macael marbles (Betic zone, Spain)

A complex stack of tectonic imbricates is mapped and studied in the Nevado-Filábride Complex of the Macael-Cóbdar area of the Sierra de los Filabres. The lithostratigraphy and geological structure are unravelled, documenting key outcrops in the heavily quarried area that is famous for its pure white marble. Four principal successive stages of deformation are recognized, based on careful field work. Initial SW-verging folding and thrusting was followed by extensional, top-to-the-NW shearing. Late N-verging folding and thrusting is also prominent. The resulting lithostratigraphic and tectonic subdivision is compared with some of the previous investigations in the area, which span over 6 decades. The findings assert the importance of using detailed local field data and the difficulty to apply a simple stratigraphic or tectonic model for this part of the Betic Zone.