Premium
Tectonic Inversion and Geomorphic Evolution of the Algerian Margin Since Messinian Times: Insights From New Onshore/Offshore Analog Modeling Experiments
Author(s) -
Strzerzynski Pierre,
Dominguez Stéphane,
Boudiaf Azzedine,
Déverchère Jacques
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
tectonics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.465
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1944-9194
pISSN - 0278-7407
DOI - 10.1029/2020tc006369
Subject(s) - geology , tectonics , inversion (geology) , sedimentary rock , accretionary wedge , subduction , neogene , geomorphology , continental margin , submarine pipeline , seismology , sedimentary basin , beach morphodynamics , paleontology , mass wasting , sediment transport , structural basin , sediment , oceanography
Tectonic inversion of passive margins is a common but poorly documented process preceding subduction inception. We perform here a comprehensive land‐sea experimental modeling of this key process by reproducing the morphotectonic and sedimentary evolution of the central Algerian margin over the last 6 Myr. Our approach is based on scaled analog models integrating interactions between crustal shortening and surface processes, including erosion, water transport, sedimentation, gravitational instabilities, and base‐level changes. A challenge was to simulate the effects of the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC) through a major sea‐level oscillation and halite deposition. By using realistic boundary conditions, adapted analog material, and robust, first‐order parameters for physiography setups, we successfully reproduce the morphotectonic domains and the time‐dependent geometrical relationships between fluvio‐deltaic sedimentary systems, erosional surfaces, and thrust faults as observed since Messinian times. Our results highlight (1) the key role played by the MSC sea‐level oscillation on an ultra‐fast building, destruction and re‐sedimentation of fans and deltas from the upper slope to the abyssal plain; (2) the development of a large popup structure subparallel to the coastline, with progressive strain migration from the backthrust on land toward a frontal thrust of opposite vergence at mid‐slope and the margin toe; and (3) the importance of lateral changes in initial wedge shape and strain distribution for determining the non‐cylindrical geometry of the margin and progradation of piggy‐back basins during tectonic inversion. Our results support that the central Algerian margin is witnessing the early building of an accretionary wedge combining thin‐skinned and thick‐skinned tectonic styles.