CALCAREOUS SLOPE DEPOSITS OF THE AQUITAIN E BASIN, FRANCE - STRATIGRAPHICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL-DISTRIBUTION OF FACIES

The organization (slope gradient, sedimentary features, fabrics, textu re and stratigraphy) and the geomorphological context of 28 calcareous slope deposits from the Aquitaine region, France, have been studied. The deposits are classified according to three main criterion which ar e the abundance of matrix, the granulometry of the coarse fraction and the characters of the stratification. A comparison with data from pre sent periglacial slope processes shows that their deposition was ruled either by individual particles sedimentation or mass movements like s olifluction, debris flows and grain flows. The analysis of their strat igraphy and their geographical occurrence makes it possible to underst and the respective role of lithology, geomorphology and climate on the ir deposition.