Synsedimentary folding process and transtensive tectonic during Late Miocene to Quaternary in northeastern Tunisia: case of Mateur-Menzel Bourguiba region

The following paper presents an integrated approach of field observations and surface and subsurface data to precisely determine the geodynamic evolution during the Late Miocene of Mateur and Menzel Bourguiba region (northeastern Tunisia). Alternation between compressive and transtensive regime has been generated as a consequence of relative bringing of Africa and Eurasia plates. The first compressive regime controlled the Late Miocene M1 which edified folds and reverse faults. The second one during Late Miocene M2 was transtensive and remobilized E-W right lateral strike slip deep faults which generated the eastern Mateur distensional zone as a NW-SE releasing bend. The last compressive phase during Messinian and Pliocene-Early Quaternary has reactivated the E-W deep faults as right lateral strike slip movement with reverse component, the NE-SW faults were acted with reverse movement and the folding was accentuated. In this study, no deformation is observed affecting Middle Quaternary-actual series, but the compressive regime continues until the present according to the evidence existing in other regions of Tunisia.