Structural and paleostress analysis of the Tortonian sedimentary cover of the Lorca basin (eastern Betics), shows the existence of alternating extensional and convergent tectonics during this period. With ENE/ WSW-oriented Tortonian folds being cut and tilted by upper Tortonian normal faults with NW/SE to SW/ NE tectonic transport, which define a paleostress tensor indicative of radial-extension. These faults were later folded during further uppermost-Tortonian to Messinian convergence