Geodynamics of the France Southeast Basin

• DOI: 10.2113/gssgfbull.181.6.477
• Publication Date: 2011-01-05T22:21:01Z
• Authors: Xavier Le Pichon; Claude Rangin; Youri Hamon; Nicolas Loget; Jin Ying Lin; Louis Andreani; Nicolas Flotte
• Keywords: geodynamics; Basement; Back-stripping

Abstract We investigate the geodynamics of Southeast Basin with help maps basement and major sedimentary horizons based on available seismic reflection profiles drill holes. also present a study seismicity along Middle Durance fault. The activity SE cannot be attributed to Africa/Eurasia shortening since spatial geodesy demonstrates that there is no significant motion Corsica-Sardinia respect Eurasia gravitational collapse Alps has characterized last few millions years. Our this 140 by 200 km Triassic basin been essentially undeformed its formation, most probably because hardening cooling lithosphere after 50% thinning during distension. regional are thus dominated interaction rigid unit surrounding zones active deformation. 12 thick Mesozoic sediment cover includes at base an up 4 mostly evaporitic layer hot consequently highly fluid. decoupled from basement. As result, does not have enough strength produce reliefs exceeding about 500 750 m. That deformation affecting results tectonics confirmed fact in only affects cover. Based our mapping structure basin, we propose simple mechanism accounting for Neogene formation higher first resulted north Diois-Baronnies elevated top Jurassic areas south west. There was passage brittle-ductile decollement within Diois-Baronnies. This consequent elevation finally induced southward Lure mountain Miocene. absorbed Luberon Trévaresse mountains south. To east fault, large there, related absorption itself. west Salon-Cavaillon other hand, gravity induces NNE extension near Mont Ventoux. When considering area, it important distinguish between western panel, fault affected very slow gliding cover, north; central panel S increasing south; intrabasement through strike-slip thrust faults.