Contractional salt deformation in a recently inverted basin: Miocene to current salt deformation within the central Algerian basin

Field analogues illustrating the early stage of deformation shortening structures in salt-bearing orogenic fold-and-thrust belts are not yet well illustrated literature. The relatively young Messinian salt Algerian basin could represent a good case example such systems. Basin is deep-water Miocene back-arc including layer mobile evaporites up to 2 km thick. was deposited an already inverted basin, after its extensive stage. Its inversion initiated Tortonian, with N-NW induced by north-westward motion African plate. In this study, we use new 2D multichannel seismic data identify, classify and map throughout central re-assess structural style. We interpret contractional tectonic structures, as buckle folds, squeezed diapirs related sheets evidence regional thick-skinned episodes. conclude that horizontal displacement loading has driven within since deposition. also show spatial variations style Basin, both along- down-dip. demonstrate initial shortening-related late focussed along margin later shifted outward toward Balearic Plio-Quaternary. shifting front interpreted be result thickening strengthening overburden. second peak may have reactivated faults Emile-Baudot escarpment deformation. observe variation intensity from SW NE, which due variable applied or pre-shortening distribution salt.