Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Transpressive Tectonics Evidence in the Epicentral Area of the Modern Earthquake in Constantine Area of Algerian Eastern Tell Atlas: New Insights from Rhumel Valley

  • Published:
Geotectonics Aims and scope

Abstract

The neotectonic processes are crucial for identification of active faults in a seismic unstable area. The Aїn Smara active fault runs along the Middle Rhumel Valley located in Constantine area of Algerian Eastern Tell Atlas mountain chain and it emerges in the south‒western part of the epicentral zone of the earthquake occurred on October 27, 1985 (Mw = 5.8) within a corridor displaying morphological features and deformed Pliocene‒Quaternary layers, which are the consequence of transpressive tectonic regime. In our study the morpho-tectonic and structural research supported by the fieldwork, was performed. The thick fault gouge indicating simple shear deformation, fault breccias and minor faults affecting the Pliocene limestone and Quaternary alluvial terraces, were found. The active fault splits into northern and southern segments. The northern segment corresponds to the El Aria Fault that ruptured during the earthquake in 1985 and the southern segment with the studied Aĭn Smara Fault. Our research showed the significant extent of the active fault and including its parameters for improved seismic hazard assessment of the Constantine area.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 6.
Fig. 7.
Fig. 8.
Fig. 9.

Similar content being viewed by others

REFERENCES

  1. M. O. Aite, Analyse de la Microfracturation et Paléocontraintes dans le Néogéne Post-Nappe de Gande Kabylie (Algérie), PhD Thesis (Univ. Maine, France, 1994) (in French).

  2. M. O. Aite and J. P. Gélard, “Distension néogene post-collisionnelle sur le transect de Grande Kabylie (Algérie),” Bull. Soc. Géol. France 168, 423–436 (1997) (in French).

    Google Scholar 

  3. J. Angelier, “Sur l’alternance Mio-Plio-Quaternaire de mouvements extensifs et compressifs en Egée orientale: l'île de Samos, Grèce,” C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Sér. D 283, 463–466 (1979) (in French).

  4. A. Aoudia, F. Vaccari, P. Suhadolc, and M. Meghraoui, “Seismogenic potential and earthquake hazard assessment in the Tell Atlas of Algeria,” J. Seismol. 4, 79‒98 (2000).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. S. Aourari, D. Machane, H. Haddoum, S. Sedrati, N. Sidi Said, and D. Ait Benamar, “Neotectonic analysis of an Alpine strike slip fault zone, Constantine region, Eastern Algeria,” in The Structural Geology Contribution to the Africa-Eurasia Geology: Basement and Reservoir Structure, Ore Mineralisation and Tectonic Modelling, Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation. Proceedings of the 1st Springer Conference of the Arabian Journal of Geosciences (CAJG-1), Tunisia 2018 (IEREK Interdisciplinary Series for Sustainable Development (Springer Int. Publ., Tunis, Tunisia, 2019), pp. 279‒284.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01455-1_61

  6. Y. Aris, Étude Tectonique et Microtectonique des Séries Jurassiques à Plio- Quaternaires du Constantinois central (Algérie Nord Orientale) Caractérisation des Différentes Phases de Déformations, PhD Thesis (Univ. Nancy-I, France, 1994) (in French).

  7. Y. Aris, P. E. Coiffait, and M. Giraud, “Characterisation of Mesozoic‒Cenozoic deformations and palaeostress fields in the Central Constantinois, northeast Algeria,” J. Tectonophys. 290, 59‒85 (1998).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. J. M. Auzende, J. Bonnin, and J. L. Olivet, “La marge nord-africaine considérée comme marge active,” Bull. Soc. Gél. France XVII, 486‒495 (1975) (in French).

    Google Scholar 

  9. J. M. Auzende and J. L. Olivet, “Les donnees de la cinematique des plaques et l’evolution du domaine mediterranéen occidental,” in E.G.S. Meeting, Vienna (Rapport CNEXO, 1979), pp. 49‒58 (in French).

    Google Scholar 

  10. A. Ayadi and M. Bezzeghoud “Seismicity of Algeria from 1365 to 2013: Maximum Observed Intensity Map (MOI-2014),” Seismol. Res. Lett. 86 (1), 236‒244 (2015).https://doi.org/10.1785/0220140075

  11. E. Baroux, N. Béthoux, and O. Bellier, “Analyses of the stress field in southeastern France from earthquake focal mechanisms,” Geophys. J. Int. 145, 336‒348 (2001).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. D. Belhaï, O. Merle, and A. Saadallah, “Transpression dextre à I’Eocene superieur dans la Chrone des Maghrebides (massif du Chenoua, Algérie),” C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris 310, 795‒800 (1990) (in French).

    Google Scholar 

  13. C. Benabbas, “Apport de la morpho-géologie dans la connaissance de la néotectonique et du risque sismique dans la région de Constantine,” Bull. Sci. Géogr. 14, 14‒18 (2004) (in French).

    Google Scholar 

  14. C. Benabbas, Evolution Mio‒Plio‒Quaternaire des Bassins Continentaux de l’Algérie Nord Orientale: Apport de la Photogéologie et Analyse Morphostructurale, PhD Thesis (Univ. Frères Mentouri, Constantine, Algeria. 2006).

  15. L. Benedetti, R. Finkel, D. Papanastassiou, G. King, R. Armijo, F. Ryerson, D. Farber, and F. Flerit, “Post glacial slip history of the Sparta fault (Greece) determined by 36Cl cosmogenic dating: Evidence for non periodic earthquakes,” Geophys. Res. Lett. 29 (8), 87-1‒87-4 (2002)

  16. L. Benedetti, P. Tapponnier, C. P. King-Geoffrey, B. Meyer-Bertrand, and I. Manighetti, “Growth folding and active thrusting in the Montello region, Veneto, Northern Italy”, J. Geophys. 105 (B1), 739–766 (2000).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. A. Benfedda, A. Serkhane, Y. Bouhadad, N. Slimani, M. Abbouda, and H. Bourenane, “The main events of the July–August 2020 Mila (NE Algeria) seismic sequence and the triggered landslides,” J. Afr. Earth Sci. 14, 1‒15 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-08301-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. H. Benhallou, Les Catastrophes Séismiques de la Région d’Echeliff dans le contexte de la Séismicité Historique de l’Algérie, PhD Thesis (USTHB, Algiers, Algeria, 1985) (in French).

  19. D. Benouar, “An earthquake catalogue for the Maghreb region 20°‒38° N, 10° W‒12° E for the period 1900–1990,” Ann. Geophys. 37, 511–528 (1994).

    Google Scholar 

  20. J. L. Blès, A. Colleau, J. Fourniguet, P. Godefroy, N. Lenôtre, B. Sauret, P. Combes, J. Y. Dubié, and P. Vaskou, “Proposal for classification of fault activity in an intraplate collision setting: Definitions and examples”, Tectonophysics 194, 279–293 (1991).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. A. Boudiaf, Étude Sismotectonique de la Région d’Alger et de Kabylie (Algérie): Utilisation des Modèles Numériques de Terrains (MNT) et de la Télédétection pour la Reconnaissance des Structures Tectoniques Actives; Contribution à l'Évaluation de l'Aléa Sismique, PhD Thesis (Univ. Languedoc, Montpellier, France, 1996).

  22. A. Boudiaf, H. Philip, A. Coutelle A, and J. F. Ritz, “Evidence of a major quaternary thrust fault in southern Kabylie (Algeria),” Geodynam. Acta 12, 71–80 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  23. A. Boudiaf, J. F. Ritz, and H. Philip, “Drainage diversions as evidence of propagating active faults: Example of the El Asnam and Thenia faults, Algeria,” Terra Nova 10, 236–244 (1998).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. M. S. Boughacha, M. Ouyed, M. A. Ayadi, and H. Benhallou, “Seismicity and seismic hazard mapping of northern Algeria: Map of Maximum Calculated Intensities (MCI),” J. Seismol. 8 (1), 1‒10 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOSE.0000009513.11031.43

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. A Bougrine, A. K. Yelles-Chaouche, and E. Calais, “Active deformation in Algeria from continuous GPS measurements,” Geophys. J. Int. 217, 572–588 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggz035

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. A. Bounif, Étude Sismotectonique en Algérie du Nord: Contribution à l’étude d’un Tronçon de la Chaîne Tellienne à Partir des Répliques du Séisme de Constantine du 27 Octobre 1985, PhD Thesis (Univ. Algiers (USTHB), Algiers, Algeria, 1990).

  27. A. Bounif and C. Dorbathe, “Three dimensional velocity structure and relocated aftershocks for the1985 Constantine, Algeria (M s = 5.9) earthquake,” Ann. Geophys. 41 (1), 93‒103 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  28. A. Bounif, H. Haessler, and M. Meghraoui, “The Constantine (Northeast Algeria) earthquake of October 27, 1985: Surface ruptures and aftershocks study,” Earth Planet Sci. Lett. 85, 451‒460 (1987).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. J. P. Bouillin, “Le bassin maghrébin une ancienne limite entre l’Europe et l’Afrique à l’Ouest des Alpes,” Bull. Soc. Géol. France 8 (II), 547‒558 (1986).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. L. Chihi, Les Fossés Néogènes et Quaternaires de la Tunisie et de la Mer Pélagienne. Étude Structurale et Leur Signification dans le Cadre de la Géodynamique de la Méditerranée, PhD Thesis (Univ. Tunis II, Tunis, Tunisia, 1995) (in French).

  31. P. E. Coiffait, Un Bassin Post-Nappe dans son Cadre Structural l’Exemple du Bassin de Constantine (Algérie Nord Orientale), PhD Thesis (Univ. Nancy-I, Nancy, France, 1992) (in French).

  32. A. Coutelle, “Origine des bassins de la Méditerranée occidentale,” in Actes du 128e Congrès National des Sociétés Historiques et Scientifiques “Relations, Échanges et Coopération en Méditerranée” (Bastia, Paris, 2003), pp. 17‒29 (in French).

  33. A. Coutelle, Etude Geologique du Sud-Est de la Grande Kaby Jie et des Babors d’Akbou, PhD Thesis (Univ. Brest, France, 1982) (in French).

  34. E. M. Cushing, O. Bellier, S. Nechtschein, M. Sébrier, A. Lomax, P. H. Volant, P. Dervin, P. Guignard, and L. Bove, “A multidisciplinary study of a slow-slipping fault for seismic hazard assessment: The example of the Middle Durance Fault (SE France),” Geophys. J. Int. 172 (38), 1163‒1178 (2008).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. B. Delacou, C. Sue, J. D. Champagnac J. D., and M. Burkhard, “Present-day geodynamics in the bend of the western and central Alps as constrained by earthquake analysis,” Geophys. J. Int. 158, 753–774 (2004).https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246X.2004.02320x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. B. Delcaillau, E. Laville, M. Amhrar, M. Namous, O. Dugué, and K. Pedoja, “Quaternary evolution of the Marrakech High Atlas and morphotectonic evidences of the Tizi N’Test fault activity,” Morocco Geomorphol. 118, 262–279 (2010).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. C. DeMets, R. G. Gordon, D. F. Argus, and S. Stein, “Current plate motions”, Geophys. J. Int. 101, 425‒478 (1990).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. C. DeMets, G. Iaffaldano, and S. Merkouriev, “High-resolution Neogene and Quaternary estimates of Nubia–Eurasia–North America plate motion,” Geophys. J. Int. 203, 416–427 (2015).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. M. M. Derder, B. Henry, S. Maouche, B. Bayou, M. Amenna, J. Besse, M. Bessedik, D. Belhai, and M. Ayache, “Transpressive tectonics along a major E‒W crustal structure on the Algerian continental margin: Blocks rotations revealed by a paleomagnetic analysis M.E.M.,” J. Tectonophys. 593, 183–192 (2013).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. A. Deschamps, M. Bezzeghoud, and A. Bounif, “Seismological study of the Constantine (Algeria) earthquake (27 October 1985),” in Seismotectonics and Seismic Risk of the Ibero-Maghrebian Region Seismicity (Publ. Inst. Geogr. Nac. Madrid, Spain, 1991, Vol. 8), pp. 163‒173.

    Google Scholar 

  41. J. F. Dewey, “Extensional collapse of orogens,” Tectonics 7, 1123–1139 (1988).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. J. F. Dewey, M. L. Helman, E. Torco, D. H. W. Hutton, and S. D. Knott, “Kinematics of the Western Mediterranean,” in Alpine Tectonics, Ed. by M. P. Coward, D. Dietrich, and R. G. Park (Spec. Publ.—Geol. Soc. London, 1989), pp. 265–283.

    Google Scholar 

  43. J. F. Dewey, R. E. Holdsworth, and R. A. Strachan, “Transpression and transtension zones,” Spec. Publ.—Geol. Soc. London, 135, 1‒14 (1998).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. A. Domzig, Déformation Active et Récente, et Structuration Tectono-Sédimentaire de la Marge Sous-Marine Algérienne, PhD Thesis (Univ. Bretagne, Brest, France, 2006) (in French).

  45. A. Domzig, A. K. Yelles-Chaouche, C. Le Roy, J. Déverchère, J. P. Bouillin, R. Bracène, B. L. Mercier, P. Le Roya, E. Calais, E. A. Kherroubi, V. Gaullier, B. Savoye, and H. Pauc, “Searching for the Africa–Eurasia Miocene boundary offshore western Algeria (MARADJA’03 cruise),” Geodynam., C.R. Geosci. 338 (1–2), 80‒91 (2006).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. M. Durand-Delga, “La Méditerranée occidentale: Étapes de sa genèse et problèmes structuraux liés à celle-ci,” Soc. Geol. France 10, 203–224 (1980) (in French).

    Google Scholar 

  47. M. El Azzouzi, H. Bellon, A. Coutelle, and J. P. Réhault, “Miocene magmatism and tectonics within the Peri-Alboran orogen (Western Mediterranean),” J. Geodynam. 77, 171‒185 (2014).https://doi.org/10.1016/jjog.2014.02.00626

  48. M. El Robrini, Évolution Morphostructurale de la Marge Algérienne Occidentale (Méditerranée Occidentale): Influence de la Néotectonique et de la Sédimentation, PhD Thesis (Univ. Paris-VI, France, 1986).

  49. D. Frizon de Lamotte, C. Raulin, N. Mouchot, J. C. Wrobel-Daveau, C. Blanpied, and J. C. Ringenbach, “The southernmost margin of the Tethys realm during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic: Initial geometry and timing of the inversion processes,” J. Tectonics 30, TC3002 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1029/2010TC002691

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. D. Frizon de Lamotte, B. Saint Bezar, R. Bracène, and E. Mercier, “The two main steps of the Atlas building and geodynamics of the western Mediterranean,” Tectonics 19, 740‒761 (2000).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. V. Gaullier and D. Graindorge, “Recent and active deformation pattern off the easternmost Algerian margin, Western Mediterranean Sea: New evidence for contractional tectonic reactivation,” Mar. Geol. 261 (1–4) 17‒32 (2009).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. B. Gelabert, F. Sabat, and A. R. Perea, “A new proposal for the late Cenozoic geodynamic evolution of the western Mediterranean,” Terra Nova 14, 93–100 (2002).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. M. G. N. Espurt, A. Masrouhi, O. Bellier, and E. A. Amari, “Style of Atlassic tectonic deformation and geodynamic evolution of the southern Tethyan margin, Tunisia,” Mar. Petrol. Geol. 66, 801–816 (2015).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Groupe de Recherche Neotectonique de l’Arc de Gibraltar (GRNAG), “L’histoire tectonique recente (Tortonien à Quaternaire) de l’arc de Gibraltar et des bordures de la mer d’Alboran,” Bull. Soc. Geol. France XIX (3), Pt. 7, 575‒614 (1977).

  55. P. Guardia, Géodynamique de la Marge Alpine du Continent Africain d’Après l’Étude de l’Oranie Nord-Occidentale, PhD Thesis (Univ. Nice, France, 1975) (in French).

  56. M. A. Guemache, Évolution Géodynamique des Bassins Sismogènes de l’Algérois (Algérie) [Ressource Textuelle, Sauf Manuscrits]: Approche Pluridisciplinaire (Méthodes Géologiques et Géophysiques), Ph.D Thesis (Univ. Algiers (USTHB), Algiers, Algeria, 2010) (in French).

  57. R. Guiraud, “Sur la Néotectonique des régions ouest–constantinoises,” Bull. Soc. Géol. France XIX (3), Pt. 7, 645‒650 (1977) (in French).

    Google Scholar 

  58. M. Hamdache, “Seismic hazard assessment for the main seismogenic zones in North Algeria,” Pure Appl. Geophys. 152 (2), 281–314 (1998).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. M. Hamdache, J. A. Peláez José, A. Talbi, and C. López Casado, “A Unifed Catalog of Main Earthquakes for Northern Algeria from a.d. 856 to 2008,” Seismol. Res. Lett. 81 (5), 732‒739 (2010). http://doi.org/10. 1785/gssrl.81.5.732

  60. A. Harbi, S. Maouche, and A. Ayadi, “Neotectonics and associate seismicity in the Eastern Tellian Atlas of Algeria,” J. Seismol. 3 (1), 95‒104 (1999).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. A. Harbi, A. Peresan, and G. F. Panza, “Seismicity of Eastern Algeria: A revised and extended earthquake catalogue,” Nat. Hazards 54 (3), 725‒747 (2010).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. J. A. Jackson, “Reactivation of basement faults and crustal shortening in orogenic belts,” Nature 283 (5745), 343‒346 (1980).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. L. Jolivet and C. Faccenna, “Mediterranean extension and the Africa–Eurasia collision,” Tectonics 19, 1095–1106 (2000).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. A. Kherroubi, J. Déverchère, A. Yelles, B. Mercier de Lépinay, A. Domzig, A. Cattaneo, R. Bracène, V. Gaullier, and D. Graindorge, “Recent and active deformation pattern off the easternmost Algerian margin, Western Mediterranean Sea: New evidence for contractional tectonic reactivation,” Mar. Geol. 261 (1–4), 17‒32 (2009).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. B. Le Goff, D. Bertil, A. Lemoine, and M. Terrier, Systèmes de Failles de Serenne et de la Haute Durance (Hautes-Alpes): Évaluation de l’Aléa Sismique (BRGM, France, Rapp. BRGM-Fr-RP-57659, 2009) (in French).

  66. D. Machane, Fracturation Néotectonique dans les Kabylies, Potentiel Sismique des Failles Actives et Effets Géologiques Induits, PhD Thesis (Univ. Algiers (USTHB), Algiers, Algeria, 2009) (in French).

  67. M. N. Machette, “Active, capable, and potentially active- and paleoseismic perspective faults,” J. Geodynam. 29, 387‒392 (2000).https://doi.org/10.1016/S0264-3707(99)00060-5

  68. Y. Mahdjoub and O. Merle, “Cinematique des déformations tertiaires dans Ie massif de Petite Kabylie (Algérie orientale),” Bull. Soc. Géol. France VI (4), 629‒634 (1990) (in French). https://doi.org/10.2113/gssgfbull.VI.4.629

  69. S. Maouche, A. Abtout, N. E. Merabet, T. Aïfa, A. Lamali, B. Bouyahiaoui, S. Bougchiche, and M. Ayache, “Tectonic and hydrothermal activities in Debagh, Guelma basin (Algeria),” J. Geol. Res. 75, 1‒13 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/409475

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. J. J. Martnez-Diaz and J. L. Hernandez-Enrile, “Neotectonics and morphotectonics of the Southern Almera region (Betic Cordillera‒Spain) kinematic implications,” Int. J. Earth Sci. 93, 189–206 (2004).https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-003-0379-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  71. A. Mauffret, Structural Analysis of the Algerian Basin (EGS‒AGU‒EUG Joint Assembly, Nice, France. 2003. Vol. 264, EAE03-A05295, TS36–1WE2O-010).

  72. A. Mauffret, M. El-Robrini, and M. Gennesseaux, “Indice de la compression récente en mer Méditerranée: un bassin losangique sur la marge algérienne,” Bul. Soc. Geol. France III (6), 1195–1206 (1987) (in French).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. A. Mauffret, D. Frizon de Lamotte, S. Lallemant, C. Gorini, and A. Maillard, “E–W opening of the Algerian Basin (Western Mediterranean),” Terra Nova 16, 257–264 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3121.2004.00559x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  74. M. Meghraoui, Géologie des Zones Sismiques du Nord de l’Algérie: Paléosismologie, Tectonique Active et Synthèse Sismotectonique, PhD Thesis (Univ. Paris-VI, 1988) (in French).

  75. M. Meghraoui, A. Cisternas, and H. Philip, “Seismotectonics of the lower chelif basin: Structural background of the El Asnam (Algeria) earthquake,” Tectonics 5 (6), 809‒836 (1986).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  76. M. Meghraoui, J. L. Morel, J. Andrieux, and M. Dahmani, “Neotectonique de la chaîne Tello-Rifaine et de la Mer d’Alboran: une zone complexe de convergence continent continent,” Bull. Soc. Géol. France 167 (8), Pt. I, 143‒159 (1996) (in French).

    Google Scholar 

  77. M. Meghraoui and S. Pondrelli, “Active faulting and transpression tectonics along the plate boundary in North Africa,” Ann. Geophys. 55 (5), 955‒967 (2012). https://doi.org/955-967/10.4401/ag-4970

  78. Y. Mohammedi, H. Djellit, A. Yelles-Chaouche, M. Hamidatou, and N. Hallal, “New evidence of active faulting along the Aïn Smara fault in the Constantine province (North East Algeria),” in The Structural Geology Contribution to the Africa-Eurasia Geology: Basement and Reservoir Structure, Ore Mineralisation and Tectonic Modelling, Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation. Proceedings of the 1st Springer Conference of the Arabian Journal of Geosciences (CAJG-1), Tunisia 2018 (Springer Int. Publ., Tunisia, 2019), pp. 271‒273. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01455-1_59

  79. J. L. Morel, Évolution Récente de l’Orogène Rifain et de Son Avant-pays Depuis la Fin de la Mise en Place des Nappes (Rif, Maroc), PhD Thesis (Univ. Paris, France, 1987) (in French).

  80. J. L. Morel, E. M. Zouine, J. Andrieux, and A. Faure-Muret, Neogene and Quaternary deformation of the northern High Atlas border [Morocco]: Role of the basement and structural consequences,” J. Afr. Earth Sci. 30 (1), 119‒131 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-5362(00)00011-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  81. C. P. Mortgat and H. C. Shah, Seismic Hazard Analysis of Algeria (John A. Blume Earthquake Engineering Center, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Stanford Univ., California, USA, 1978).

  82. J. M. Noquet, “Present-day kinematics of the Mediterranean: A comprehensive overview of GPS results,” Tectonophysics 579, 220‒242 (2012).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  83. F. Oussadou, L. Dorbath, C Dorbath, M. A. Bounif, and H. Benhallou, “The Constantine (Algeria) seismic sequence of 27 October1985: A new rupture model from aftershock relocation, focal mechanisms and stress tensors,” J. Seismol. 17 (2), 207–222 (2012).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  84. J. Peláez Montilla, M. Hamdache, and C. L. Casado, “Seismic hazard in Northern Algeria using spatially smoothed seismicity. Results for peak ground acceleration,” Tectonophysics 372, 105–119 (2003).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  85. D. Pflanz, C. Gaedicke, R. Freitag, M. Krbetschek, N. Tsukanov, and B. Baranov, “Neotectonics and recent uplift at Kamchatka and Aleutian arc junction, Kamchatka Cape area, NE Russia,” Int. J. Earth Sci. 102, 903–916 (2013).https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-012-0830-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  86. H. Philip, “Plio‒Quaternary evolution of stress field in Mediterranean zones of subduction and collision,” Ann. Geophys. 3, 301‒320 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  87. A. Rabaute and N. Chamot-Rooke, “ Active inversion tectonics from Algiers to Sicily,” in On Significant Applications of Geophysical Methods. Proceedings of the 1st Springer Conference of the Arabian Journal of Geosciences (CAJG-1), Tunisia 2018 (Springer Int. Publ., 2019), pp. 249–251.

  88. J. G. Ramsay and M. Huber, “The techniques of Modern Structural Geology,” in Folds and Fractures (Acad., London, UK, 1987. Vol. 2), pp. 309–700.

    Google Scholar 

  89. J. F. Ritz, “Tectonique récente et sismotectonique des Alpes du sud: Analyse en termes de contraintes,” Bull. Assoc. Quat. France 3, 111–124 (1992) (in French).

    Google Scholar 

  90. J. F. Ritz, Évolution du Champ de Contraintes dans les Alpes du sud Depuis la fin de l’Oligocène. Implications Sismotectoniques, PhD Thesis (Univ. Montpellier-II, France, 1991) (in French).

  91. A. Saadallah, D. Belhaï, H. Djellit, and N. Seddik, “Dextral strike-slip fault motion along the internal-external Maghrebides boundary and formation of a flower structure in the Calcareous Range, Djurdjura massif (Algeria),” Geodinam. Acta 9 (4), 177‒188 (1996).https://doi.org/10.1080/09853111.1996.11105285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  92. N. Saoudi, Pliocène et Pleistocène Inférieur et Moyen du Sahel d’Alger (ENAL, Algiers, Algeria, 1989) (in French).

    Google Scholar 

  93. E. Serpelloni, G. Vannucci, S. Pondrelli, A. Argnani, G. Casula, M. Anzidei, P. Baldi, and P. Gasperini, “Kinematics of the Western Africa‒Eurasia plate boundary from focal mechanisms and GPS data,” Geophys. J. Int. 169 (3), 1180–1200 (2007).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  94. D. B. Slemmons and R. McKinney, Definition of Active Fault (U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station Soil and Pavements Lab., USA, Nevada, 1977, Final Rep. Miscellan, pap. S-77-8).

  95. A. Soumaya, N. Ben Ayed, M. Rajabi, M. Meghraoui, D. Delvaux, A. Kadri, M. Ziegler, S. Maouche, and A. Braham, “Active faulting geometry and stress pattern near complex strike-slip systems along the Maghreb region: Constraints on active onvergence in the Western Mediterranean,” Tectonics 37, 3148–3173 (2018).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  96. C. Sue, B. Delacou, J. D. Champagnac, C. Allanic, P. Tricart, and M. Burkhard, “Extensional neotectonics around the bend of the Western central Alps: An overview,” Int. J. Earth Sci. 96, 1101‒1129 (2007).https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-007-0181-3

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  97. M. Terrier, “Étude et classification des failles potentiellement actives de la région Provence-Alpes Côte d’Azur (France) implications sur l’évaluation de l’aléa sismique,” in Archéosismicité et Tsunamis, IXes Rencontres du Groupe APS, 6–8 Décembre 2010 (Cagnes-sur-Mer, France, 2012), pp. 37‒55 (in French).

    Google Scholar 

  98. M. Terrier, O. Serrano and F. Hanot, “Reassessment of the structural framework of western Provence (France): Consequence on the regional seismotectonic model,” Geodynam. Acta 21 (5), 231‒238 (2008).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  99. M. Terrier and T. Winter, Nouvelles dDonnées sur le Système de Failles la Fare–Eguilles, Implication Enterme d’aléa Sismique pour la Région PACA (Secteur de l’Étang de Berre, Lambesc, Aix-en-Provence) (Rapport BRGM-RP-55233-France, 2006) (in French).

  100. USGS EROS Archive–Digital Elevation–Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) 1 Arc-Second Global (Digital Object Identifier).https://doi.org/10.5066/F7PR7TFT

  101. J. M. Vila, La Chaîne Alpine d’Algérie Orientale et des Confins Algéro-Tunisiens, PhD Thesis (Univ. Paris-VI, France, 1980) (in French).

  102. D. L. Wells and K. J. Coppersmith, “New empirical relationships among magnitude, rupture length, rupture width and surface displacements,” Bull. Seism. Soc. Am. 84, 974‒1002 (1994).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  103. W. Wildi, “La chaine tello-rifaine (Algerie, Maroc, Tunisie): Structure, stratigraphie et evolution du Trias au Miocene,” Rev. Géol. Dynam. Géogr. Phys., France 24, 201‒297 (1983) (in French).

  104. Woodward Cycle Consultants, “Microzonage sismique de la région de Ech Chelif,” (Lausane, Swizerland, WCC, Techn. Rep. V1, Photogeol. Sect., 1984) (in French).

  105. M. Wyss, Estimating maximum expectable magnitude of earthquakes from fault dimension,” Geology 7, 336‒340 (1979).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  106. A. K. Yelles-Chaouche, I. Abacha, O. Boulahia, C. Aidi, A. Chami, A. Belheouane, S. T. Rahmani, and K. Roubeche, “The 13 July 2019 M w = 50 Jijel Earthquake, Northern Algeria: An indicator of active deformation along the eastern Algerian margin,” J. Afr. Earth Sci. 177 (19), 104149 (2021).https://doi.org/10.1016/j.Jafrearsci.2021.104149

  107. A. Yelles-Chaouche, A. Boudiaf, H. Djellit, and R. Bracene, “Active tectonics in northern Algeria,” C. R. Geosci. 338 (1–2), 126–139 (2006).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  108. DEM. https:// earthexplorer.usgs.gov (Accessed July, 2023).

  109. GIS. https://du8h850wz9371.cloudfront.net/product-downloads/mapinfopro/2021/MapInfoPro_2021_ build183.zip (Accessed November 17, 2022).

  110. ISC Bulletin: Catalog of historical seismicity (1900–1922). http://www.isc.ac.uk/iscbulletin/search/catalogue/ (Accessed July, 2023).

  111. SRTM data (Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Centre (LP DAAC)). http://lpdaac.usgs.gov (Accessed July, 2023).

  112. ISC (International Seismological Centre). Catalog for the period 2009 to 2022. https:// www.isc.ac.uk (Accessed July, 2023).

  113. GCMT (Harvard). https://www.globalcmt. org/CMTsearch.html (Accessed, 2023).

  114. GEBCO (General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans), GEBCO Gridded Bathymetry Data Download. http://download.gebco.net (Accessed July, 2023).

  115. Shuttle Radar Topography Missions (SRTM1) Data with 1 Arc-Second Resolution. https:// www.usgs. gov/centerseros/sciences/usgs-eros-archive-digital-elevation-shuttle-radar-topography-mission-srtm-1 (Accessed July, 2023).

  116. Geological Maps with Explanatory Note at Scale Map 1 : 50 000 of El Aria, Constantine, Oued Athmania (Service of Geological Map of Algeria–SONATRACH, 1977). https://www.sonatrach.co.uk/activities/ (Accessed July, 2023).

  117. Geological Map at Scale Map: 1.200.000, J.M. Vila (1977). Service of Geological map of Algeria –SONATRACH, (1977). https://www.sonatrach.co.uk/activities/ (Accessed July, 2023).

Download references

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We acknowledge the General Directorate of Scientific Research and Technological Development (MERS/DGRSDT) (Algiers, Algeria), the National Centre of Research Applied for Earthquake Engineering (CGS) (Algiers, Algeria) and Geology Department belongs to Institute of Architecture and Earth Sciences of the University of Ferhat Abbes 1-Sétif (UFAS-1) (Sétif, Algeria) for the support of our research.

We are sincerely grateful to Christoph Grützner (Friedrich Schiller University, Jena Germany), Maouche Said (Astronomy Research Center Astrophysics and Geophysics, Algiers, Algeria), Benfedda Amar (Center of Research Applied for Earthquake Engineering, Algiers, Algeria) for their constructive discussions. We warmly thank our colleague Kheiri Ahmed (Center of Research Applied for Earthquake Engineering, Constantine, Algeria) for consultations. We are thankful to anonymous reviewers for useful comments and extend our gratitude to editor M.N. Shoupletsova (Geological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia) for careful editing.

Funding

This work was supported by Center of Research Applied for Earthquake Engineering (CGS) (Algiers, Algeria) as part of Research project.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ferhat Abbas University (UFAS1)—Institute of Earth Sciences and Architecture, El Bez Sétif, P.O. 19137, Algeria

    S. Aourari, N. Sidi Said & D. Ait Benamar

  2. National Centre of Research Applied for Earthquake Engineering (CGS), Kaddour Rahim Hussein-Dey Algiers, P.O. 252, Algeria

    S. Aourari, D. Machane, A. Benhamouche, H. Moulouel, S. Sadrati, N. Sidi Said & D. Ait Benamar

  3. Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests, General Directorate of Geology, Quebec, GC G1H6R1, P.O. 5700, Canada

    M. Guemache

  4. University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumeddiene (USTB), Faculty Earth Sciences (FSTGAT), Bab Ezzouar Algiers, P.O.32, Algeria

    H. Haddoum

Authors
  1. S. Aourari
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. D. Machane
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. M. Guemache
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. H. Haddoum
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. A. Benhamouche
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. H. Moulouel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. S. Sadrati
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. N. Sidi Said
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. D. Ait Benamar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. Aourari.

Ethics declarations

The authors of this work declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note.

Pleiades Publishing remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Aourari, S., Machane, D., Guemache, M. et al. Transpressive Tectonics Evidence in the Epicentral Area of the Modern Earthquake in Constantine Area of Algerian Eastern Tell Atlas: New Insights from Rhumel Valley. Geotecton. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0016852124700067

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0016852124700067

Keywords:

Search

Navigation