Modélisation magnétotellurique de la structure géologique profonde de l’unité granulitique de l’In Ouzzal (Hoggar occidental)

Abstract

Magnetotelluric modeling of the deep geologic structure of In Ouzzal Granulitic Unit (western Hoggar). The In Ouzzal Granulitic Unit (IOGU) or In Ouzzal Terrane (IOT) is an Archaean block belonging to the Hoggar terrane mosaic. It has been reworked during the Eburnean and is characterized by ultrahigh temperature metamorphism of the structures, which are likely to be old dome and basin structures. The aim of this study, based on a survey of 12 magnetotelluric (MT) soundings, was to characterize the IOGU deep lateral boundaries and to see if it is possible to reconstruct some of these old dome and basin structures after their transformation by metamorphism and deformation. MT data analysis and modeling show that IOGU boundaries extend downwards, at least down to the crust’s basement, and may represent suture zones. Inside the terrane, the MT observations do not allow separation between dome and basin structures, because these features are severely stretched. However, the main MT transverse response feature is a deeply rooted great accident, which may be interpreted as a major fault that separates IOGU into two compartments.