Neotectonic Deformation Model of the Northern Algeria from Paleomagnetic Data: Preliminary Results from Northwestern Areas

Abstract

Previous paleomagnetic studies, performed in central North-Algeria (Chelif and Mitidja basins) on Neogene formations, pointed out some tectonic clockwise rotations of large blocks, sometimes of large amplitudes. Narrow zones represent also important shear zones with strong rotations. The preliminary results of a new paleomagnetic study undertaken in Northwestern Algeria (Ain Temouchent–Ghazaouet area) suggest the presence of clockwise block-rotations of lower magnitude. That confirms that the northern Algeria is organized as tectonic blocks, accommodating by transpression and blocks rotations, the Africa-Eurasia convergence. A gradient of “deformation” appears from the NNE to the SSW, i.e. from the Mitidja basin affected by strong rotations to Ain Temouchent–Ghazaouet area where the rotations are limited.