Tunisia: A mature case example of structural extrusion

Abstract

Neotectonics is revealed by numerous approaches such as a new re-interpretation and homogeneisation of the geological data set, earthquakes, field work studies and detailed numerical geomorphic analyses of the topography. Tunisia appear to be a case example for this kind of studies as it is affected by both active tectonics highlighted by few minor earthquakes and present numerous associated faults and folds. We develop first herein basic key geomorphic processing deduced from the bibliography and new indicators developed throughout this study, processed numerically through home made geodatabase, that lead us to propose a new structural scheme of extrusion revisiting the Tunisian neotectonic setting (Deffontaines et al. 2008, Postdam GFZ). We then update the Tunisian geological mapping by improving it with the high resolution existing Digital Terrain Model and remote sensing images. Fieldwork studies lead us to better solve mapping anomalies. At least we used numerous published existing seismic profiles that validate our model. We then propose herein an eastern extrusion model of Central Tunisia due to the northward migration of African plate toward Eurasia since mid cretaceous due to the Tethys inversion.