The Vazzio Oligocene conglomeratic formation (Ajaccio, Corsica). A record of Late Chattian synrift continental deposits in the western Mediterranean

Evidence of Oligocene deposits was for the first time described in Corsica (near Ajaccio) within the Vazzio Formation. The succession is composed of a continental sedimentary sequence, mainly conglomerate, with a thickness of 250 to 300 m. Such conglomerates were deposited in torrential and lacustri ne environments. Pollinic association and mammal data date the formation fr om Late Oligocene age (MP 29). The Vazzio Oligocene formation was deposited in a half-graben upon Hercynian granites. Within the Corsica-Sardinia bloc k, the Vazzio Formation can be considered as an equivalent of the Ussana Fo rmation of Sardinia. A Late-Oligocene palaeogeographic reconstruction is at tempted, prior to the rotation of the Corsica-Sardinia block. ((C) Academie des sciences / Elsevier, Paris.).