South Tethyan passive margin paleoslope orientation inferred from soft-sediment deformation and fault kinematic analysis: a case study from the Cretaceous of Borj Cedria area, Tunisia

The Cretaceous outcrops of Borj Cedria-Bou Kournine area belongs to the NE-trending Atlas system northern Tunisia. This exposes sub-meridian folds associated with numerous N- NW-trending major fault systems. study together previous surveys reveals that this N-trending folding is believed be related inversion Jurassic and Early pre-existing zones generated in response late compressive deformations. In addition, provides evidence soft-sediment deformations by good exposures Cretaceous-aged slump sheets. Slump are usually several meso-scale syn-sedimentary normal faulting frequent reworked blocs occasional conglomeratic horizons. All these features indicate sedimentation on irregular seafloor topography. aim present investigate applying techniques reconstruct contemporaneous slope gradient which has triggered Moreover, brittle deformation quantified using kinematic analysis lithostratigraphic correlation structures. Considerable thickness variations deposits interpreted as controlled activities. Likewise, typifies a regional pure extension trends NNW during Barremain, NNE Albian, probably NW Cenomanian time. Based analysis, inferred sub-marine paleoslope have northward dipping Barremian NNE-dipping Albian On light over-mentioned interpretations, it highly syn-depositional faults intra basin growth faulting. These systems seem Southern Tethyan expansion rifted continental passive margin.