Birth and tectono-sedimentary evolution of the Tertiary Piedmont Basin (NW Italy)

The Tertiary Piedmont Basin (TPB), located at the Alps-Apennines junction, is a polyhistory basin representing a key area for the comprehension of the complex evolution of Alps-Apennines junction. An updated litho- and biostratigraphy of the southern part of the basin fill is presented, together with a reconstruction of the stratal architecture, main sedimentologic features, tectonic-driven sequential organization, and main unconformities. Selected units having more appeal for the sedimentology and stratal organization, and/or role played in the geologic evolution of the study area, are described in more detail, mainly with reference to measured sections. The geological evolution is viewed in both regional and supra-regional contexts.