Structural evolution of the superimposed Provençal and Subalpine fold-thrust belts (SE France)

Highlighting how crustal shortening is accommodated in space and time fold-thrust belts a major issue for understanding the long-term tectonic evolution of orogenic systems. In this study, we combine surface subsurface data to build 150 km-long sequentially restored balanced cross-section across two superimposed foreland southeastern France: upper Cretaceous-Eocene Provençal belt Oligocene-Neogene Subalpine belt. These are composed inverted Paleozoic-Mesozoic basins with Mesozoic halokinetic structures, basement thrusts, cover thrusts-nappes detached Triassic evaporites. The multiphase growth has been constrained along studied by syn-orogenic deposits kinematic indicators thrusting. pre-orogenic palinspastic reconstruction Late Santonian shows large uplift zone center section (Durance Valensole highs), which led separation Beausset basin (South Provence basin) south from Barles-Digne (Vocontian north. propagated ~NNE-ward up folds Barles area during Latest Eocene times. Shortening value reaches 38 km mainly inversion South basin-Durance high. ~SW-ward Mediterranean coast Oligocene-Miocene Quaternary It 35 consumed thick Digne basin. thrust wedge characterized distributed thrusts reworking numerous structures inherited Variscan Permian-Mesozoic rifts. This structural style might have favored development confined basins, as Arc Rians basins. contrast, vertical stacking Nappe triangle controlled flexure lack evaporites high probably explains that was not transferred into domain. Consequently, then shortenings more deeply induce reactivation faults external zones. also strongly influenced location contractional deformation. study highlights inheritances styles extensional subsequent belts.