Stratigraphy, palynology and organic geochemistry of the Devonian-Mississippian metasedimentary Albergaria-a-Velha Unit (Porto-Tomar shear zone, W Portugal)

The Albergaria-a-Velha Unit is one of several tectonostratigraphic out-of-sequence units of the metamorphic belt associated with the Porto-Tomar shear zone (Ossa-Morena Zone, W Portugal). It is composed of considerably deformed - very low grade - metasediments, namely shales, siltstones and rare fine sandstones. In this work we present new sedimentological and biostratigraphical data that suggest the Albergaria-a-Velha Unit was deposited from the (?)early Frasnian to the Serpukhovian in a distal marine environment, where turbiditic and basinal sedimentation prevailed. Palynofacies analysis and lithological data point to a gradual increase of terrestrial input, suggesting a prograding system. Detrital framework data is indicative of a stable cratonic sediment source area composed of low grade metamorphic rocks. The timing of the onset of the Porto-Tomar shear zone activity and consequently its influence on the sedimentation of this unit is discussed. Organic petrology and geochemistry data indicate that the Albergaria-a-Velha Unit is within the dry gas window in terms of hydrocarbon generation ranges.