3D structural modelling of small-deformations in poly-phase faults pattern. Application to the Mid-Cretaceous Durance uplift, Provence (SE France)

The angular unconformity was due to a 5° fault-induced tilting of the Lower Cretaceous and underlying layers, which implied a 3° erosion wedge and a differential erosion of ∼140 m over 4 km in the Valanginian and Hauterivian layers. Bauxites were deposited during the time interval between Early and Late Cretaceous. The restored geometry suggests that the bauxite was preserved in topographic steps aligned parallel to the strike (∼NÑW-SSE) of the Lower Cretaceous. This strike is due to tilting synchronous with normal faults.