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

Abstract

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.