Author(s)

Soulef Amamria^1*, Mohamed Sadok Bensalem², Mohamed Ghanmi¹, Fouad Zargouni¹

¹University of Sciences of Tunisia, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
²Faculty of Sciences of Gabes, University of Gabes, Erriadh City, Tunisia.

One of the principal parameters to study the tectonics deformation is the relation between the shortening axis and the direction of preexistent principal fault. It is important to verify this parameter in the belts structures. The aim of this contribution is to check this notion in the Atlassic structures, especially in the southern limit of Tunisian Atlas: Gafsa fault. The strain partitioning model proposed in the interpretation of geodynamics of Gafsa chains suggests the coexistence of thrusting and strike-slip faults during the same tectonics phase. The application of this model requires a particular geometry between the shortening axis and the direction of fault, and indeed the obliquity of preexistent faults by the reported shortening axis interprets us a transpressive context. The slickenside examination shows the coexistence of thrusting and strike-slip faults. The application of model of strain partitioning requires a decollement level which is confirmed in the Gafsa basin by the upper level of Triassic series. These parameters confirm a particular relation thin and thick-skinned and the maximum of deformation is cover, although the basement structures permeate simple passive transport of the deformation along the Triassic decollement level. These problems confirm the assumption of the evolution of the shortening axis during geological events and especially the rotation of Africa and Eurasia.

Strain Partitioning, Gafsa Chains, Triassic Decollement Level, Thin and Tick Skinned

Amamria, S. , Bensalem, M. , Ghanmi, M. and Zargouni, F. (2015) The Controlling of Deformation Basing on Strain Partitioning Model: Case Study to Gafsa Basin (Southern Tunisian Atlas). Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 3, 22-30. doi: 10.4236/gep.2015.31004.