The Messinian and Pliocene stratigraphic record in the Garruchal section (Bajo Segura Basin) has been
divided into three allostratigraphic units, whose timing were established through combined calcareous
nannoplankton biostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy. The T-MI Unit (late Tortonian – Messinian) recorded
the pre-evaporitic marine sedimentation (pre-Messinian salinity crisis deposits). This Unit is limited at the
top by the intra-Messinian unconformity, representing a subaerial erosive phase related to a first major
sea-level fall. The MII Unit (late Messinian) is characterized by lagoonal sedimentation, related to the socalled
Lago Mare episode of the Mediterranean. At the top of this MII Unit is located the end-Messinian
unconformity, caused by a second major sea-level fall. Over this unconformity lies the P Unit (early Pliocene),
represented by marine deposit which marks a transgression, and the subsequent final of the Messinian
salinity crisis