Kinematic Evolution Model of Fault-Related Anticline based on the Study of the Striated Pebbles of the Related Growth-Strata: A Case Study of the Es Satah Anticline in Southern Tunisian Atlas,Tunisia

Geotectonics - Through several stations on the forelimb of the Es Satah anticline belonging to Gafsa basin part of the southern Tunisian Atlas, an analysis of the striations encountered on the...     

Modeling of Mrihla anticline (Central Tunisian Atlas), combination fault propagation fold and halokenitic model

The modeling study on the Mrihla anticline was carried out using two techniques, i.e., excess area law and balanced cross section. The results show that this structure is likely affected by at least two compressive phases. The interpretation of surface (bedding dips, thickness, lithology, etc.) and subsurface (seismic lines) data along the cross section indicates that the Mrihla structure has a shortening of about 525 m that is evolved above a detachment layer formed by gypsum Triassic formation. The top of this layer is situated at a depth of about 3,890 m from the top of the Aptian dolomitic level, known in Central Tunisian Atlas as Serdj Formation. The kinematic of the investigated structure is a combination of two deformation models. The first is the halokenitic model, defined by the flowing of Triassic ductile material upward toward the surface through the deep Mrihla fault, which is parallel to Mrihla anticline. The second is the fault propagation fold model, characterized by thin-skin deformation mechanics in relation with the movement of the Mrihla fault.     

The Laalam (Algeria) damaging landslide triggered by a moderate earthquake (M<Subscript>w</Subscript> = 5.2)

On March 20th, 2006, a moderate earthquake (M_w = 5.2) struck the Laalam (NE-Algeria). The damage was centred in the Laalam village where four deaths, 68 injured and more than 40 housing units destroyed making dozens of peoples homeless. Damage and casualties are directly related to an earthquake-induced landslide occurred at 10 km far from the epicenter (ISC relocation). The landslide rupture, mapped by using a ground based survey, is striking NE-SW along a 1-km length rupture with a 45 cm of lateral displacement. The rupture plan is dipping 40° at the surface and showing horizontal striations. A 75 cm of pre-2006 lateral displacement is also observed indicating a repetitive behaviour of the landslide. The last time where the landslide was activated extends back to 1974 following another moderate earthquake. This landslide reminds us the high level hazard of induced ground failures due slope instabilities in mountainous zones of seismically active areas.     

Tectonique quaternaire et plis de rampe dans le golfe d'Hammamet (offshore tunisien)

The Jriba trough is an Upper Miocene graben located within the Tunisian offshore Gulf of Hammamet area, east of the Atlas front. This distensive structure suffered a compressive event during the Early Quaternary (Villafranchian). The Jriba structure was previously interpreted as ‘flower structure’, which possibly complicated by halokinetics movements. A new analysis of a set of seismic lines crossing the Jriba trough allows us to propose a new tectonic model where the Villafranchian deformation is characterized by (1) occurrence of a decollement level cutting Messinian to Pliocene layers; and (2) the growth of fault-related folds (fault-propagation fold). The NE–SW Miocene, inherited normal faults, locate the position of the ramps and folds whereas the NW–SE inherited normal faults are reactivated as tear faults. These NW–SE tear faults define various domains of different shortening values (one kilometre at maximum). To cite this article: M. Ben Romdhane et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).     

Seismic Imaging of Collapsed-Anticline Diapirs in Central Tunisia

Geotectonics - Central Tunisia is characterized by major fault systems, being ornamented by salt diapirs of the Late Triassic evaporite-rich interval. Salt movement began in the Late Triassic and...     

Mesozoic paleostress evolution in the Saharian platform (southern Tunisia)

Abstract

A detailed analysis of brittle deformations in the Saharian platform of southern Tunisia is based on studies of fault-slip data sets and joint sets. It allows reconstruction of the Mesozoic paleostress evolution. During the Permo-Triassic, N-S extensions occurred with high late Permian subsidence rates. During the Norian, strike-slip movements reactivated former normal faults. During the Jurassic and the Cretaceous a succession of extensional events was characterized by : (1) a N-S extension which dominated from late Triassic to early Aptian. We relate this extension to the Africa-Eurasia divergence; (2) a ENE-WSW extension during the Cenomanian. We relate this extension to the opening of «he African basins ; (3) a NE-SW Senonian extension that continued during the Cenozoic in the Jeffara and in the Gabes Gulf, during the further evolution of the northern African margin. The various compressional trends recorded in the platform are attributed to Cenozoic events.