The variscan front and the midi fault between the channel and the meuse river
Abstract
The ECORS seismic profile allows a new insight into the deep geology of northern France. Various geological data, such as ancient coal mines, surface mapping and boreholes, are used to interpret the seismic profile. A new cross-section, directly superimposed on the ECORS seismic profile (Cambrai-Dreux), is compared with a previous one, drawn along the Meuse River through the Ardenne Massif. The cylindrism and length-balancing hypotheses are discussed by comparing the two cross-sections. The main geological results are: (a) the emplacement of the Dinant Nappe is later than most of its internal deformation; and (b) major folding and thrusting give an approximate 30-35% shortening, without taking into account the internal deformation (minor folding and cleavage) and the unknown net translation vector of the Dinant Nappe (50 km at least, possibly 150 km).
- Publication:
-
Journal of Structural Geology
- Pub Date:
- 1987
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0191-8141(87)90122-2
- Bibcode:
- 1987JSG.....9..473R