Origin of the Cretaceous olistostromes in the Oman mountains (Sultanate of Oman): Evidence from clay minerals

Mid- to Late Cretaceous olistostrome generation ensued sequentially, linked to progressive southwest-directed thrusting of the Semail Ophiolite towards and over Arabia – at first in the northeastern part of the oceanic Hawasina Basin (Umar Sub-Basin) and then in its southwestern part (Hamrat Duru-Sub-Basin). Thrusting steepened slopes, causing seismic tremors, which destabilized slope sediments and triggering olistostrome formation. Ophiolite thrusting over Arabia created the Aruma Foreland Basin. Olistostrome formation in the foredeep ensued last and on the flank of the uplifting forebulge.