TERNARY RECORD OF CLIMATIC AND EUSTATIC C YCLES ON MODERN MARGINS OF THE NORTH-MEDITERRANEAN BASIN

Studies of Quaternary deposits on shelves lead us to propose simplifie d stratigraphic models, far from the global models, whose cyclic patte rn is reduced to a regressive unit built up during a relative sea leve l fall (cooling period). Analysis of neighbouring areas of the Gulf of Lions show a more complex pattern. In the Languedoc area, the stratig raphic model shows the record of falling stage, maximum lowstand, earl y and late sea level rises. These attributes evolve laterally towards the Rhone-Est and Ampurdan areas, into a simple model. Thus, Quaternar y models are relevant to the global models and represent depending upo n area, end members associated with the interaction of local factors a nd global factors. (C) Academie des sciences/Elsevier, Paris.