| Algarve Basin | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 36°48′N 8°00′W / 36.8°N 8.0°W |
| Etymology | Algarve |
| Region | Algarve |
| Country | Portugal |
| Characteristics | |
| On/Offshore | Onshore/offshore |
| Geology | |
| Basin type | Extensional |
| Age | Mesozoic |
The Algarve Basin is a Mesozoic sedimentary basin located in southernmost Portugal, extending southwards offshore. It was formed during the Late Triassic by rifting associated with the first stage of the break-up of the Pangaea supercontinent. The basin fill consists of two main sequences that represent the two main phases of rifting: Later Triassic to Early Jurassic and Middle Jurassic to Cenomanian. The basin was inverted during the Alpine orogeny in the Cenozoic.[1]