Definition of new Pliocene, Pleistocene and Holocene lithostratigraphic units in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea (shallow offshore)

Abstract

Exploration of Pliocene, Pleistocene and Holocene deposits in of the Croatian Northern Adriatic and Southern Dalmatia (coastline) offshore is presented in this paper. It was a way to describe the existing lithostratigraphic units in Croatian Po River sediments and to determine such units in the depositional area of Neretva River. Both systems have been influenced by sea-level fluctuations during the Quaternary, resulting in significantly decreased sea depths and increased subaerial exposure during glacial periods, especially in the Northern Adriatic. In the Croatian part of Po Depression, two new formations were mentioned – Istria (Pliocene) and Ivana (Pleistocene, Holocene). Three new lithostratigraphic members were described within Ivana Formation, namely Anamarija, Katarina and Izabela. Further south, in the Southern Dalmatia shallow offshore, Pliocene, Pleistocene and Holocene deposits were named the new Neretva Channel Formation. This formation was further divided into Neretva Sands (sometimes equivalent for entire formation) and the (Quaternary) Mali Ston Bay Member. No typical Pliocene lithotype has yet been recognised.

Keywords

• lithostratigraphy
• Pliocene
• Pleistocene
• Holocene
• Adriatic
• Croatia