Abstract
Tectonic inheritance is a concept proved by the importance of tectonic phase’s variation during time. It is related toreactivation in compression of old normal faults. In our study we will focus on Gafsa basin that is an example ofintracratonic chain. The tectonic data confirm that it is affected by several tectonics phases; they began with Triassicdistension continuing to Cretaceous and followed by resumption in compression according to NW-SE direction duringalpine phase. Structural reliefs observed in Gafsa Basin are interpreted according to the “fault related fold” theory, byusing the model of ‘fault propagation fold’. The applications of this model will show a decollement level within theTriassic series. In addition, an important deformation will be identified while approaching to faults. The data elaboratefrom field confirm the role of these faults in the interpretation of tectonic heritage and development of intracratonicchains in Gafsa Basin.
Highlights
In Tunisia this front affected the southern Tunisian Atlas by the two faults of Gafsa and El Mich
The genesis of structures in this area was interpreted by several authors, that Zargouni (1985) who considered us echelons folds that deep seated in craton structures
This study is interested in determining the installation mode of the intracratonic chains in Gafsa Basin referring to the construction of balanced cross section
Summary
The Gafsa basin is constituted with anticlines separated by tabular field. Outtani (1985) and Ahmadi (2006) proved that those folds are related to the emergence of major strike-slip fault or tear-fault affecting only the coverage, but will reactivate the inheritance structures (Figure 2). The juxtaposition of the two largest chains in Gafsa Basin, that of Orbata and Bouhedma, form a tectonic corner named the ‘Orbata-Bouhedma junction’. The aim of this contribution is to interpret different tectonics events affecting Cretaceous series in Orbata-Bouhedma junction and set up a model of their installation in order to prove the importance of reactivation in compression of old normal faults
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