In the BATHOLITHSonland seismic project, a refraction - wide-angle reflection survey was shot in 2009 across the Coast Mountains and Interior Plateau of central British Columbia. Part of the seismic profile crossed the Nechako Basin, a Jurassic-Cretaceous basin with potential for hydrocarbons within sedimentary rocks that underlie widespread volcanics. Along this 205-km-long line segment, eight explosive shots averaging 750 kg were fired and recorded on 980 seismometers. Forward and inverse modelling of the traveltime data were conducted with two independent methods: ray-tracing based modelling of first and secondary arrivals, and a higher resolution wavefront-based first-arrival seismic tomography. Gravity modelling was utilized as a means of evaluating the density structure corresponding to the final velocity model. Material with velocities less than 5.0 km/s is interpreted as sedimentary rocks of the Nechako Basin, while velocities from 5.0-6.0 km/s may correspond to interlayered sediments and volcanics. The greatest thickness of sedimentary rocks in the basin is found in the central 110 km of the profile. Two sub-basins were identified in this region, with widths of 20-50 km and maximum sedimentary depths of 2.5 km and 3.3 km. Such features are well-defined in the velocity model, since resolution tests indicate that features with widths greater than ~13 km are reliable. Beneath the sedimentary rocks, seismic velocities increase more slowly with depth – from 6.0 km/s just below the basin to 6.3 km/s at ~17 km depth, and then to 6.8-7.0 km/s at the base of the crust. The Moho is interpreted at a depth of 33.5-35 km along the profile, and mantle velocities are high at 8.05-8.10 km/s.

Esta pesquisa está baseada na execução de duas linhas de refração sísmica profunda de 300 km de extensão (L1-Porangatu e L2-Cavalcante) atravessando de oeste para leste o setor central da Província Tocantins, utilizando em cada linha 120 sismógrafos digitais e explosões com tempo controlado e cargas entre 500 e 1000 kg de explosivos a cada 50 km; foram utilizados receptores GPS para o controle da hora e das coordenadas geográficas dos pontos de registro e de explosões. Esse tipo de experimento, com essas condições é pioneiro no Brasil. Os dados deste experimento, considerados de boa qualidade, permitiram, inicialmente, a elaboração de modelos 1D, para cada tiro, utilizando o programa TTInvers. Estes modelos foram relacionados sucessivamente para representar camadas com características semelhantes em um modelo preliminar para modelagem em 2D, que foi realizada com o programa MacRay. Os modelos 2D obtidos representam o resultado final da distribuição de velocidades sísmicas da crosta sob essas linhas. Estes resultados mostram a crosta sob o setor central da Província Tocantins com espessura variando entre 36 e 43 km, cujos parâmetros estão correlacionados com as principais estruturas geológicas existentes na superfície. Os valores médios de VP e da razão VP/VS na Província Tocantins variam em torno de 6,5 km/s e 1,74, respectivamente, com exceção da faixa de dobras e empurrões cujos valores são 6,3 km/s e 1,73. Sob o Cráton São Francisco esses valores são 6,8 km/s e 1,74. Existem indícios de ter ocorrido uma dupla subducção na Província Tocantins, na porção oriental, com o Cráton São Francisco subduzindo para oeste (em | 760 Ma) e na porção ocidental, com o Cráton Amazônico subduzindo para leste (em | 620 Ma). O modelo gravimétrico, obtido neste trabalho em função do modelo sísmico, se ajusta adequadamente com os dados gravimétricos observados, utilizando densidades teóricas ligeiramente modificadas, dentro dos limites permitidos pela função utilizada para calcular essas densidades com base nos valores de VP deste trabalho. As densidades do manto adotadas para a modelagem levaram em conta as idades Paleoproterozóica, sob o Cráton SãoFrancisco menos denso (3,31 g/cm3) e com maior VP (8,26 km/s), e Neoprotorozóica, sob a Província Tocantins, mais densa (3,34 g/cm3) e com menor VP (8,07 km/s). / This research is based on an execution of two lines of deep seismic refraction of 300 km of extension (L1-Porangatu and L2-Cavalcante), crossing over central sector of Tocantins Province from west to east by using, in each line, 120 digital seismographs and explosions with controlled time and explosive charges between 500 and 1,000 kg in each 50 km; GPS receivers were employed in order to control the time and geographical coordinates from recording and shot points. This kind of experiment under these explained conditions is pioneer in Brazil. Initially experiment data, which have been considered of good quality, allowed the elaboration of 1D models, using TTInvers program. Successive models were related to represent layers with similar characteristics in a preliminary model aiming of modelling in 2D, accomplished with MacRay program. Obtained 2D models represent the final result of seismic velocity distribution from crust beneath L1 and L2 lines. Results show crust under central section of Tocantins Province with thickness varying from 36 to 43 km, and whose parameters are correlated to main geological structures existents in surface. VP as well as VP/VS ratio mean values vary about 6.5 km/s and 1.74, respectively, with the exception of fold-and-thrust belt, whose values are 6.3 km/s and 1.73. Those values reach 6.8 km/s and 1.74 beneath São Francisco craton. There are indicia of double subduction occurred in the eastern portion of Tocantins Province with São Francisco Cráton subducting to west (in | 760 Ma), as well as in the western portion, with Amazon Cráton subducting to east (in | 620 Ma). The gravimetric model, obtained in this work in terms of seismic model, adequately adjusts with observed gravimetric data by using theoretical densities slightly modified, within limits allowed by the function employed to calculating the densities based on VP values achieved from this work. Adopted mantle densities to modelling took in consideration Paleoproterozoic age, beneath São Francisco Cráton, less dense (3.31 g/cm3), and with higher VP (8.26 km/s), as well as Neoproterozoic one, beneath Tocantins Province, denser (3.34 g/cm3), and with lower VP (8.07 km/s).

L'inversion des marges passives apparaît comme le premier stade vers l'initiation de nouvelles zones de subduction. Cette étape cruciale dans la tectonique des plaques soulève néanmoins encore de nombreuses questions. L'étude des marges actuellement réactivées en compression apparaît ainsi comme essentielle pour mieux comprendre ce processus. Ces marges sont peu nombreuses, situées dans des contextes géodynamiques variés, et les facteurs déterminant leur évolution mal contraints. Située au nord de l'Afrique, la marge algérienne fait partie de ces rares exemples potentiels à travers le monde. L'évolution de cette marge formée au Miocène en contexte d'arrière-arc s'intègre dans le puzzle complexe de l'histoire de la Méditerranée occidentale. Elle est depuis quelques millions d'années réactivée en compression dans le cadre de la convergence lente entre les plaques européenne et africaine, générant un potentiel sismogène fort au nord de l'Algérie. La relative jeunesse du bassin algérien, la charge sédimentaire, les forces aux limites compressives, constituent des conditions favorables à la formation d'une future subduction. A la suite des travaux menés depuis une dizaine d'années, les principales lacunes de connaissances identifiées portent sur (1) la structuration profonde du bassin algérien et de sa marge sud (type de marge, nature du socle,dimension et nature de la transition océan-continent, style et distribution de la déformation compressive), et (2) l'histoire de l'évolution cinématique et géodynamique du bassin, ce qui limite à l'heure actuelle une analyse approfondie des modalités d'inversion de cette marge. L'étude menée se focalise sur la marge centre-algérienne, dans le secteur de Tipaza (à l'ouest d'Alger), un endroit clé pour la compréhension des mécanismes d'ouverture du bassin algérien. Le traitement et l'analyse de nouvelles données de sismique profonde grand-angle et multitraces acquises dans le cadre du projet franco-algérien SPIRAL (Sismique Profonde et Investigations Régionales en Algérie, 2009) ont notamment permis de déterminer la structure crustale du bassin algérien et de sa marge sud, ainsi que la structuration pseudo-3D d'une structure spécifique au secteur d'étude constituée par le haut topographique sous-marin de Khayr-al-Din. L'analyse de la structure profonde de la marge indique un certain nombre de structures héritées de son évolution complexe : (1) une croûte de nature continentale de plus de 15 km d'épaisseur sur le haut de marge (banc de Khayr-al-Din), (2)une croûte fine de nature océanique de 5-6 km d'épaisseur dans le bassin incluant des vitesses légèrement élevées à sa base (7,2 km/s - 7,3 km/s), (3) des similitudes avec des marges formées dans des contextes de déformation transformante, (4) un approfondissement progressif de l'ensemble de la pile sédimentaire et l'épaississement des sédiments Plio-Quaternaire, depuis le bassin profond distal vers le pied de marge,coïncidant avec (5) une flexuration à grande longueur d'onde du socle. Les résultats obtenus apportent de nouvelles contraintes sur (1) la géométrie et la nature de la marge et du bassin, (2) l'évolution de la marge,suggérant une histoire multiphasée comprenant un stade de rifting et/ou d'accrétion océanique, suivi d'un épisode de déformation coulissante tardive liée à la migration du bloc Alboran vers l'ouest, et d'une reprise en compression distribuée du bassin profond au haut de la marge au Plio-Quaternaire; (3) les modalités de réactivation qui se traduisent par des chevauchements aveugles néoformés à pendages sud, notamment au pied du banc de Khayr-al-Din, suggérant un soulèvement du banc de 0,2 mm/an à 0,75 mm/an au Plio-Quaternaire et un début d'écaillage crustal. / The inversion of passive margins appears to be one of the first steps towards the initiation of new subduction zones. This crucial step in plate tectonics nevertheless still raises many questions. The study of margins currently reactivated by compressional tectonics is thus essential to better understand this process. These margins are uncommon, located in different geodynamic settings, and the factors determining their evolution are poorly constrained. The Algerian margin, located in North Africa, is one of handful of modern examples worldwide. The evolution of this margin, rifted during the Miocene, in a back-arc setting, is part ofthe complex puzzle of the western Mediterranean. Since a few million years, the margin has suffered inversion and compression in the framework of slow on going convergence between the European and African plates. This convergence generates moderate to strong earthquakes in North Algeria. The relatively young age of the Algerian basin, the large sediment load, and the compressive forces, constitute favorable conditions to the formation of a future subduction zone. Studies from the past ten years indicate, that themain unresolved questions are related to (1) the deep structure of the Algerian basin and its southern margin (the type of margin, the nature of the basement, the dimension and nature of the ocean-continent transition, the style and the distribution of the compressional deformation), and (2) the history of the kinematic and geodynamic evolution of the basin. All of these unknowns have prevented a complete and thorough analysis of modalities of the Algerian margin inversion. This study focuses on the Central Algerian margin, in the area of Tipaza (West of Algiers), a key region to understand the mechanism of the opening of the Algerian basin. Processing and analysis of a deep wide-angle and multichannel seismic new data set acquired in the context of the French-Algerian project SPIRAL (Sismique profonde et Investigation Régionales en Algérie, 2009)have enabled us to determine the crustal structure of the Algerian basin and its southern continental margin,as well as the pseudo-3D structure of a specific feature in the study area: the submarine topographic highformed by the Khayr-al-Din bank. The analysis of the deep structure of the margin reveals features inherited from its complex evolution: (1) a crust of continental nature of more than 15 km thick at the upper margin(Khayr-al-Din Bank), (2) a thin crust of oceanic nature, 5-6 thick in the deep basin, including slightly high velocities at its base (7.2 km/s - 7.3 km/s), (3) similarities with margins formed in context of transform deformation, (4) a progressive deepening of the whole sedimentary cover and the thickening of the Plio-Quaternary sediments, from the distal deep basin towards the margin foot, coeval with (5) a long wavelengthflexuration of the basement in the basin. Results from this study provide new constraints on (1) the geometryand nature of the margin and the basin, (2) the evolution of the margin, suggesting a multiphased history including a stage of rifting and/or oceanic spreading, a transcurrent episode due to the westward migration of the Alboran block, and a diffuse Plio-Quaternary compressional reactivation distributed from the deep basinto the upper margin; (3) the mechanisms of the reactivation marked by newly formed south-dipping blind-thrusts, especially at the foot of the Khayr-al-Din bank, and suggesting a Plio-Quaternary uplift of the bankof 0.2 mm/y to 0.75 mm/y and the early stages of imbricate thrusting of crustal scales.

La marge NE Américaine est une des marges les mieux étudiées au monde, elle a fait l’objet de plusieurs études géophysiques. En comparaison, la marge africaine reste peu étudiée car uniquement deux campagnes océanographiques y ont été menées : la campagne Sismar (2001) au large de la Meseta et la campagne Dakhla (2002) au large du Sahara. La structure profonde de la marge canadienne est connue grâce aux profils de sismique grand-angle SMART-1, 2 et 3. Le premier objectif du projet MIRROR était d’acquérir des profils combinant sismique grand-angle et sismique réflexion sur un segment homologue au profil SMART-1. La comparaison entre les segments homologues de ces deux marges ayant pour but de mieux comprendre le mode d’ouverture de l'océan Atlantique Central. Une comparaison entre les modèles Sismar, Dakhla et Mirror montre que la croûte continentale est plus épaisse au nord et s'amincit vers le sud. La largeur de la zone de transition est plus étroite au sud et les profils Sismar sont localisés sur un bassin sédimentaire posé sur une croûte continentale très amincie. La comparaison avec la marge homologue montre que l'épaisseur, la structure de la croûte continentale et la zone d'amincissement sont très semblables. Par contre, il existe une zone de manteau exhumé et serpentinisé sur le profil Canadien qui n'a pas d’homologue sur la marge africaine. De plus, l'épaisseur de la croûte océanique est différente avec 8 km sur la côte africaine et seulement 3-4 km sur la marge canadienne. Plusieurs hypothèses ont été proposées pour expliquer cette différence (a) une différence d’âge entre les deux croûtes (b) un épaississement lié au passage du point chaud des Canaries (c) une accrétion asymétrique. / The NE American margin represents one of the best studied margins in the world, it was the subject of several scientific programs. In comparison, the conjugate NW African margin remains fairly unknown, only two deep seismic cruises were acquired: the SISMAR cruise (2001) offshore the Meseta and the DAKHLA cruise (2002) offshore the Sahara. The deep structure of the Canadian margin is known due to the SMART wide-angle seismic profiles 1, 2 and 3. The first objective of the MIRROR project was to acquire combined wide-angle and deep reflection seismic data offshore a segment conjugate to the SMART-1 profile. The comparison between the homologous segments of these two margins aimed to better understand the opening mechanism of the Central Atlantic Ocean. A comparison between Sismar, Dakhla and Mirror models shows that the continental crust is thicker in the north and thins toward the south. The width of the transition zone is narrower south and Sismar profiles are located on a sedimentary basin placed on a very thinned continental crust. Comparing the Mirror profile with that of the Canadian conjugate margin (Smart 1) shows that the thickness, the structure of the continental crust and the thinning is very similar. However, zones of exhumed and serpentinized mantle were imaged along the Canadian profile that have no conjugate on the African margin. Moreover, the thickness of the oceanic crust is variable with 8 km on the African side and only 3-4 km on the Canadian margin. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this difference (a) an age difference between the two types of crust (b) thickening associated with the passage of the Canary hotspot (c) an asymmetric accretion or (d) an accretion at slow to ultra-slow speading centers.

Esta pesquisa está baseada na execução de duas linhas de refração sísmica profunda de 300 km de extensão (L1-Porangatu e L2-Cavalcante) atravessando de oeste para leste o setor central da Província Tocantins, utilizando em cada linha 120 sismógrafos digitais e explosões com tempo controlado e cargas entre 500 e 1000 kg de explosivos a cada 50 km; foram utilizados receptores GPS para o controle da hora e das coordenadas geográficas dos pontos de registro e de explosões. Esse tipo de experimento, com essas condições é pioneiro no Brasil. Os dados deste experimento, considerados de boa qualidade, permitiram, inicialmente, a elaboração de modelos 1D, para cada tiro, utilizando o programa TTInvers. Estes modelos foram relacionados sucessivamente para representar camadas com características semelhantes em um modelo preliminar para modelagem em 2D, que foi realizada com o programa MacRay. Os modelos 2D obtidos representam o resultado final da distribuição de velocidades sísmicas da crosta sob essas linhas. Estes resultados mostram a crosta sob o setor central da Província Tocantins com espessura variando entre 36 e 43 km, cujos parâmetros estão correlacionados com as principais estruturas geológicas existentes na superfície. Os valores médios de VP e da razão VP/VS na Província Tocantins variam em torno de 6,5 km/s e 1,74, respectivamente, com exceção da faixa de dobras e empurrões cujos valores são 6,3 km/s e 1,73. Sob o Cráton São Francisco esses valores são 6,8 km/s e 1,74. Existem indícios de ter ocorrido uma dupla subducção na Província Tocantins, na porção oriental, com o Cráton São Francisco subduzindo para oeste (em | 760 Ma) e na porção ocidental, com o Cráton Amazônico subduzindo para leste (em | 620 Ma). O modelo gravimétrico, obtido neste trabalho em função do modelo sísmico, se ajusta adequadamente com os dados gravimétricos observados, utilizando densidades teóricas ligeiramente modificadas, dentro dos limites permitidos pela função utilizada para calcular essas densidades com base nos valores de VP deste trabalho. As densidades do manto adotadas para a modelagem levaram em conta as idades Paleoproterozóica, sob o Cráton SãoFrancisco menos denso (3,31 g/cm3) e com maior VP (8,26 km/s), e Neoprotorozóica, sob a Província Tocantins, mais densa (3,34 g/cm3) e com menor VP (8,07 km/s). / This research is based on an execution of two lines of deep seismic refraction of 300 km of extension (L1-Porangatu and L2-Cavalcante), crossing over central sector of Tocantins Province from west to east by using, in each line, 120 digital seismographs and explosions with controlled time and explosive charges between 500 and 1,000 kg in each 50 km; GPS receivers were employed in order to control the time and geographical coordinates from recording and shot points. This kind of experiment under these explained conditions is pioneer in Brazil. Initially experiment data, which have been considered of good quality, allowed the elaboration of 1D models, using TTInvers program. Successive models were related to represent layers with similar characteristics in a preliminary model aiming of modelling in 2D, accomplished with MacRay program. Obtained 2D models represent the final result of seismic velocity distribution from crust beneath L1 and L2 lines. Results show crust under central section of Tocantins Province with thickness varying from 36 to 43 km, and whose parameters are correlated to main geological structures existents in surface. VP as well as VP/VS ratio mean values vary about 6.5 km/s and 1.74, respectively, with the exception of fold-and-thrust belt, whose values are 6.3 km/s and 1.73. Those values reach 6.8 km/s and 1.74 beneath São Francisco craton. There are indicia of double subduction occurred in the eastern portion of Tocantins Province with São Francisco Cráton subducting to west (in | 760 Ma), as well as in the western portion, with Amazon Cráton subducting to east (in | 620 Ma). The gravimetric model, obtained in this work in terms of seismic model, adequately adjusts with observed gravimetric data by using theoretical densities slightly modified, within limits allowed by the function employed to calculating the densities based on VP values achieved from this work. Adopted mantle densities to modelling took in consideration Paleoproterozoic age, beneath São Francisco Cráton, less dense (3.31 g/cm3), and with higher VP (8.26 km/s), as well as Neoproterozoic one, beneath Tocantins Province, denser (3.34 g/cm3), and with lower VP (8.07 km/s).

Cette thèse a été conduite dans le cadre du programme de coopération de recherche Algéro-française SPIRAL (Sismique Profonde et Investigations Régionales du Nord de l’Algérie). Ce projet vise à étudier la structure profonde de la marge algérienne par une approche combinée des techniques sismiques ; grand-angle et multi-canal. Le domaine couvert par la présente étude se concentre dans la région de Jijel dans la marge algérienne orientale. L’objectif principal de notre thèse est d'améliorer en profondeur l'imagerie de la marge algérienne en utilisant une combinaison de données sismiques grand-angle (OBS, sismomètres de fond de l'océan) et multi-canal (MCS). Le but de cette thèse est d'apporter de nouvelles connaissances pour répondre à quelques questions sur la nature de la croûte terrestre, la zone de transition continentale-océanique, la présence du sel messénien, sa distribution et sa relation entre les formations sédimentaires superficielles et les structures crustales. Dans cette étude, notre approche est une inversion jointe des enregistrements grand-angle et des données sismiques multi-canal. Nous avons conduit une série de tomographie des premières arrivées, une inversion jointe des arrivées réfractées et réfléchies ainsi qu’une modélisation gravimétrique. Etant donné que la solution du problème inverse n’est pas unique, deux programmes de tomographie ont été utilisés sur les mêmes données pour la même région d’étude à savoir : FAST (First Arrival Seismic Tomography) et Tomo2D. La tomographie a été suivie par une inversion jointe des arrivées réfractées et réfléchies suivant une approche basée sur la combinaison de la migration en profondeur « Kirchhoff » avant sommation (PSDM) des données de sismique réflexion multi-canal (MCS) et la modélisation directe des enregistrements grand-angle sur le fonds marin (OBS). Afin de vérifier la consistance du modèle de la vitesse avec les données gravimétriques, l’anomalie à l'air libre a été modélisée. Les résultats de l’imagerie conduite dans ce travail montrent la structure de la marge, la croûte continentale, la zone de transition continent-océan et la croûte océanique de la Méditerranée. La structure du modèle confirme les études antérieures basées sur des données bathymétriques, gravimétriques et magnétiques. Cette structure montre essentiellement : - un plateau continental étroit et pente continentale une très raide.- l’Expulsion du sel vers le nord impliquant la formation de diapirs au-dessus du flanc nord du bassin (plaine abyssale).- L’approfondissement et l’épaississement des séquences sédimentaires (bassin sédimentaire) près de la marge algérienne. Le modèle de vitesses obtenu et l’épaisseur des différentes unités structurales formant ce modèle apportent des arguments quantitatifs pour enrichir la connaissance de cette partie de la Méditerranée occidentale. Les couches sédimentaires dans le bassin montrent des vitesses sismiques allant de 1,9 km / s à 3,8 km / s. Les formations messéniennes ont été modélisées en utilisant une vitesse située entre 3,7 km / s à 3,8 km / s. La croûte continentale s’amincit sur une bande étroite de la marge dont la distance est d'environ 15 km. La vitesse de la croûte océanique dans cette région présente deux couches distinctes : l’une caractérisée par des vitesses variant de 4,7 km / s à 6.1 et l’autre de 6.2 à 7.1 km / s. La vitesse du manteau supérieur quant à elle a été modélisée par 7,9 km / s. / This thesis has been conducted within the framework of the Algerian-French research cooperation program SPIRAL (Sismique Profonde et Investigations Régionales du Nord de l’Algérie). This project aims to study the deep structure of the Algerian margin. The area covered by this study focuses in the region of Jijel in eastern Algerian margin.The main objective of our thesis is to improve depth imaging of the Algerian margin using a combined approach of seismic techniques; wide-angle and multi- channel seismic data. The purpose of this thesis is to bring new knowledge to answer some questions about the nature of the crust, the area of continental -oceanic transition, the presence of Messinian salt, its distribution and relationship between surface sedimentary formations and crustal structures.This study presents the results of a deep seismic survey across the north Algerian margin, based on the combination of 2D multi-channel and wide-angle seismic data simultaneously recorded by 41 ocean bottom seismometers deployed along a North-South line extending 180 km off Jijel into the Algerian offshore basin, and 25 land stations deployed along a 100 km-long line, cutting through the Lesser Kabylia and the Tellian thrust-belt.In this study, our approach is a joint inversion of wide-angle seismic recordings (OBS, ocean bottom seismometers) and multi- channel seismic data (MCS). We conducted a series of first arrivals tomography, a joint inversion of reflected and refracted arrivals and gravity modelling. Since the solution of the inverse problem is not unique, two tomography programs were applied using the same data for the same study area; FAST (First Arrival Seismic Tomography) and Tomo2D. Tomography was followed by a joint inversion of reflected and refracted arrivals following an approach based on the combination of Kirchhoff prestack depth migration (PSDM) for MCS data and forward modelling of OBS. To check the consistency of the velocity model with gravity data, the free air anomaly was modeled.The final model obtained using forward modelling of the wide-angle data and pre-stack depth migration of the seismic reflection data provides an unprecedented view of the sedimentary and crustal structure of the margin. The sedimentary layers in the Algerian basin are 3.75 km thick to the north and up to 4.5 to 5 km thick at the foot of the margin. They are characterised by seismic velocities from 1.9 km/s to 3.8 km/s. Messinian salt formations are about 1 km thick in the study area, and are modelled and imaged using a velocity between 3.7 km/s to 3.8 km/s. The crust in the deep sea basin is about 4.5 km thick and of oceanic origin, presenting two distinct layers with a high gradient upper crust (4.7 km/s - 6.1 km) and a low gradient lower crust (6.2 km/s - 7.1 km/s). The upper mantle velocity is constrained to 7.9 km/s. The ocean-continent transition zone is very narrow between 15 km to 20 km wide. The continental crust reaches 25 km thickness as imaged from the most landward station and thins to 5 km over a less than 70 km distance. The continental crust presents steep and asymmetric upper and lower crustal geometry, possibly due to either asymmetric rifting of the margin, an underplated body, or flow of lower crustal material towards the ocean basin. Present-time deformation, as imaged from 3 additional seismic profiles, is characterized by an interplay of gravity-driven mobile-salt creep and active thrusting at the foot of the tectonically inverted Algerian margin.