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Geometry and structural evolution of Lorbeus diapir, northwestern Tunisia: polyphase diapirism of the North African inverted passive margin

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Abstract

Detailed geologic mapping, structural analysis, field cross-sections, new dating based on planktonic foraminifera, in addition to gravity signature of Lorbeus diapir, are used to characterize polyphase salt diapirism. This study highlights the role of inherited faulting, which controls and influences the piercement efficiency and the style and geometry of the diapir; and also the localization of evaporite early ascent displaying diapiric growth during extension. Salt was extruded along the graben axis developed within extensional regional early Cretaceous tectonic associated with the North African passive margin evolution. Geologic data highlight reactive diapirism during Albian time (most extreme extension period) and passive diapirism during the late Cretaceous post-rift stage. Northeastern Maghreb salt province gives evidences that contractional deformations are not associated with significant diapirism. During shortening, the initial major graben deforms as complex anticlines where diapirs are squeezed and pinched from their feeding.

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Acknowledgments

We are indebted to Pr. Mohamed Ben Youssef for dating lots of Cretaceous samples. Amara Masrouhi thanks the Aix-Marseille University, through the both programs of visiting Professor (2011–2013) and OT-Med Program (2012–2013) for founding its last visits in Cerege. Amara Masrouhi thanks as well the IFC (Institut Français de cooperation) through SSHN program (2011 and 2013). We are indebted to François Roure and Jean-Paul Callot for their thoughtful reviews of the manuscript. We are grateful to Wolf-Christian Dullo, Editor in Chief of International Journal of Earth Sciences. This paper is a contribution to the Labex OT-Med (no. ANR-11-LABX-0061) funded by the «Investissements d’Avenir» program of the French National Research Agency through the A*MIDEX project (no. ANR-11-IDEX-0001-02).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geo-Resources Laboratory, Centre de Recherches et des Technologies des Eaux de Borj Cedria, B.P. 273, 8020, Soliman, Tunisia

    Amara Masrouhi

  2. CNRS, CEREGE UM 34, Aix-Marseille Université, 13545, Aix en Provence, France

    Amara Masrouhi & Olivier Bellier

  3. Hans Ramberg Tectonic Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden

    Hemin Koyi

Authors
  1. Amara Masrouhi
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  2. Olivier Bellier
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  3. Hemin Koyi
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Correspondence to Amara Masrouhi.

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Masrouhi, A., Bellier, O. & Koyi, H. Geometry and structural evolution of Lorbeus diapir, northwestern Tunisia: polyphase diapirism of the North African inverted passive margin. Int J Earth Sci (Geol Rundsch) 103, 881–900 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-013-0992-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-013-0992-3

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