Gravity driven deformation controlled by the migration of the delta front: The Plio-Pleistocene of the Eastern Niger Delta

► We determined the 3D evolution of the gravity driven deformation of the Eastern Niger Delta for the last 4 Myr. ► We show that the greater the upslope extension, the greater the downslope compression, both in time and in space. ► The differential load related to the continental slope is the driving mechanism of the gravity driven deformation. ► We show that the pressure gradient associated with the slope break of the delta front localized the extensional domain. ► We show that the greater the sedimentary supply, the greater the extension amount and rates, both in time and in space.