The hill of Mirabeau corresponds to a large anticlinal fold (arched). This fold is cut by the Durance River into a narrow gorge, which provides a spectacular view of the internal structure of the fold on the right bank.
Location: Mirabeau (84)
Site type: Remarkable geological formation, Remarkable relief
Parking: Available
This large anticline is asymmetrical, tilted towards the northeast. Erosion has attacked its core to reach the marly layers of the Upper Jurassic, which are the oldest rocks in the Luberon Regional Park. Its flanks are composed of massive terminal Jurassic limestones. On its eastern flank, at the level of the bridge, the limestone layers are tilted vertically.
The Durance River has cut through the fold perpendicular to its axis, a feature known as a “clue” or “cluse.” This resulted from a major geological event, the “Messinian salinity crisis,” which occurred between 5.8 and 5.3 million years ago when the Strait of Gibraltar closed. This event led to the desiccation of the Mediterranean Sea and the deepening of the entire hydrographic network in the surrounding lands. Rivers such as the Nile and the Rhône, as well as the Durance, carved their substrates into gorges and canyons.
Schéma d’un anticlinal
© Georges Bronner
— Getting to the Mirabeau anticline
The best viewpoint of the syncline is on the left bank of the Durance River. Park in the parking area on the right bank before the bridge and cross the bridge on foot.
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Photo du bandeau : Anticlinal de Mirabeau depuis la rive gauche de la Durance © Hervé Vincent
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Photo du bandeau : © Prénom Nom