Block Rotation Tectonic Model in Northern Algeria inferred from Paleomagnetic Investigations

The present-day crustal deformation in the North African area is mainly driven by the NW-SE to NNW–SSE convergence (4 – 5 mm/yr) between the African and Eurasian plates (Fig. 1- [1]; [2]; [3]). This convergence is accommodated over a wide deformation zone (the Tellian Atlas) implying the existence of significant seismic activity. This domain represents the southern part of the Alpine ranges at the boundary between the African and Eurasian plates. It is characterized by E-W to NE-SW trending folds and thrust belt and is composed by an "external zone" with Mesozoic to Tertiary rocks and an "internal zone" consisting of a thrust stack of metamorphic complexes and Mesozoic calcareous and flysch. Overlying these previous series, Neogene to Quaternary sediments fill the intramountainous basins, limited by E–W and NE–SW faults as evidenced (from East to West) in the “Constantine” basin, the “Soummam” basin, the “Mitidja” basin, the “Chelif” basin and the “Mleta” basin [4]; [5]; [6]. Few studies were dedicated to these faults ([7]; [8]; [9]), consequently the timing and amount of displacement along these faults, as well as their relationship with the Neogene basin development, are still a matter of debate.