Interplay of positive structural inversion and salt tectonics: The case study of the central Algerian margin, Western Mediterranean

Abstract

Convergence between African and European plates generates compressional strain, primarily concentrated along the northern African margin. This is testified on the Algerian margin by numerous earthquakes (e.g. Bougrine et al., 2019) and by the presence of active folds and thrusts. Multi-channel seismic reflection profiles from the MARADJA I survey reveal north-verging thrusts rooted below the Messinian units, and the geometries of the Messinian salt structures. This study examines the characteristics of salt tectonics offshore Algiers and Dellys, focusing on the effect of the positive structural inversion of the former passive margin on geometries, timing, and mechanisms of salt deformation. The interpretation of seismic reflection and multi-beam bathymetric data of the MARADJA I survey, along with its comparison with analogue models, allowed us to reconstruct the salt tectonics processes on the margin and to identify the predominant role of a plateau uplift on salt deformation. Early and ubiquitous salt deformation by downbuilding was followed by a major phase of plateau uplift (end of Messinian Crisis), leading to westward gravity gliding and a slowdown of the salt deformation above the plateau. Km-tall salt structures were developed and thick minibasins deposited. Salt tectonics is nowadays active only where the relationship between salt and overburden thickness is favorable.