Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006

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Journal of African Earth Sciences

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jafrearsci

Mineralogy and trace elements variation of subsurface cretaceous basalts in

the Eastern Tunisian margin and the Pelagic Sea: New data and
geodynamic implication
Hanene Matoussi Kort a, *, Néjia Laridhi Ouazaa a, Mahmoud Dlala b, Samia Kassaa Larabi a
a
Mineral Resources, Geosciences, Energy and Environmental Laboratory (L.G.R.M.E.E.), Campus University Farhat Hachad, University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of
Sciences, Tunis, Tunisia
b
Geology Department, Campus University Farhat Hachad, University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences, Tunis, Tunisia

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T -

Keywords: Eastern Margin of Tunisia and the Pelagic Sea were affected by four magmatic events during the Cretaceous.
Magmatism During these events, the products are mainly interbedded basalts, numerous mafic sills and dykes, volcanic
Clinopyroxene breccias and pyroclastic products. Petrography, mineralogy and geochemistry studies prove two lineages of
Trace elements
basalts: basalts with tholeiitic affinity and alkali basalts. Electronic microprobe studies of clinopyroxene prove an
Mantle source
Geodynamic implication
anorogenic context of this magmatism. We used variable distribution of incompatible trace element ratios, such
as Th/Ta, Th/Tb, or Th/Hf. These elements are characterized by distinct mantle composition source and different
partial melting trends. These data suggest that the magma of tholeiitic affinity basalt is originated within the
enriched mantle (EM1), moderate impoverishment in light rare-earth elements (LREE). The mantle source of
alkali basalt is compositionally transitional between the high-U/Pb mantle (HIMU) and enriched mantle (EM2).
The tectonic history of the area combined to the new mineralogical and geochemical investigations of subsurface
cretaceous basalts will contribute significantly to place this magmatism in its Mediterranean context. Tectonic
models are proposed to explain the geodynamic and the tecto-magmatic history of the studied area during
Cretaceous.

1. Introduction mantle source is not still known. In this work, special attention is given
to basalts, which is why based on petrographic, new mineralogical and
Since the Late Triassic to present, the North African margin has geochemical data this paper: (i) gives new mineral composition data of
known a complicated tectonic activity, having a close relationship with these basalts and more details for their characterization; (ii) try to
the plate kinematics (Guiraud, 1998; Bouaziz et al., 2002; Boughdiri identify their parental magma; (iii) discusses its geodynamic implication
et al., 2007; Frizon de Lamotte et al., 2009, 2011; Masrouhi, et Koyi, by giving tectonic models.
2012; Naji et al., 2018). Tunisian Eastern Margin consists of Gulf of
Hammamet in the North, the Gulf of Gabes in the South. This foreland 2. Geological setting and magmatic overview
domain represents a deep structuring and a variable sedimentary deposit
(Bajanik, 1971; Ellouze, 1984; Memmi, 1989; Troudi, 1988). Numerous Eastern Tunisia (onshore and offshore) is a part of North African
publications were interested in the study of the subsurface cretaceous margin. It’s limited by the North-South Axis to the West and by the
magmatism in Eastern Tunisian margin (Elloy, 1981; Rossy, 1988; Lar­ maritime border to the East. It’s considered as a transition zone between
idhi Ouazaa, 1994; Matoussi Kort, 2008; Matoussi Kort et al., 2008, the structured Atlas domain in northern and Pelagian Sea and central-
2009; 2015). This magmatic product which was recorded at different west part of Tunisia (Rouvier, 1977). Many authors (Haller, 1983;
cretaceous lithostratigraphic levels, is composed by lava flows, intrusion Touati, 1985; Gabtni et al., 2011) attributed this zone to a young conti­
and pyroclastic materials which recorded at different cretaceous lith­ nental margin, contemporary a Mesozoic and Cenozoic age formations.
ostratigraphic intervals. These authors present magmatic rocks but their Eastern Tunisia knew fissural polyphased magmatism. This study was

* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: [email protected] (H. Matoussi Kort).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2020.104006
Received 30 May 2019; Received in revised form 18 April 2020; Accepted 7 September 2020
Available online 10 September 2020
1464-343X/Published by Elsevier Ltd.
H. Matoussi Kort et al. Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006

made based on cutting and cores samples with systematic subsurface data 3. Analytical techniques
enclosed in oil/gas borehole reports (Fig. 1). Tectonic events-oriented
EW, NS and N140 influenced magmatic emissions in the study area, in Cutting and core sampling of the different subsurface magmatic
fact this magmatic activity is characterized by four igneous events (Fig. 2) rocks were carefully made, washed in distilled water, and then dried at
(Laridhi Ouazaa, 1994; Laridhi Ouazaa and Bédir, 2004; Matoussi Kort, 50 ◦ C temperature. To remove any contamination by a sedimentary
2008; Matoussi Kort et al., 2008, 2009, 2015): facies particle we used a binocular microscope. Representative samples
are used to prepare thin sections while paying attention to calcite ves­
- First event: It’s a minor Neocomian magmatic event, showing trans­ icles. Many measures were obtained for the mineralogical analysis of
formed basalts, constituted of albite, chlorite, interstitial silica, car­ basalts by Electronic microprobe. Only the fresh; not altered samples
bonates, hematite, and chloritised pyroclasts, titanite, all cemented by were selected; containing phenocrysts of clinopyroxenes, olivines and
a sparite. These basalts are founded in (ALF1, KA1) and (KE1); plagioclases. This analysis was made by Electronic microprobe CAME­
- Second event: An Aptian–Albian-Vraconian event, which material­ BAX model SX 50 at the University of Paris VI (France), using an oper­
ized by basaltic lavas with microlitic texture. Rare olivine, clino­ ating voltage of 15 KV, a beam current of 10 nA, variable spot size and 5s
pyroxenes, plagioclases and magnetite. These rocks are recut by the net acquisition time. Instrumental neutron activation analyses (INAA) at
following oil boreholes (ISIS3, JAR1, ALO1, MAL1, and MAH1). the Commisariat de l’Energie Atomique (CEA, Saclay, France) were used
- Third event: (Cenomanian–Turonian), this magmatic event seems to to do the trace element concentrations of the selected samples.
be the most important during Cretaceous period. The microlitic Powdered sample (100–150 mg) were wrapped in aluminium foils, put
basalt is composed by plagioclase, clinopyroxene phenocrysts, into a Cd container, and irradied under an epithermal neutron flux (2.2
olivine and opaques. These basaltic levels are in (JAR1, TEF1, MKR3, × 1014n cm2 sec− 1 (OSIRIS nuclear reactor)). For isotopes with short
MKR1, KR, JHA1, CN2, EF1, SS1, RHE4, ZHR1, ZAW1, ELH1, half-lives (2–67 h), the counting has been done after ≈ 8 d and after ≈
MLQ101, MKR5 and RHE4); - Fourth event: A Senonian event con­ 30 d for those with half-lives to several months. The interval of detection
sisting of microdoleritic and microlitic basalts, composed by olivine, for the various trace elements is ranged from 0.5 ppb (Ta) to 1.5 ppm
clinopyroxene and plagioclase. This event is founded in (ASHE1, (Zr), with (errors ˂3.5%) on the basis on repeated analysis of the
AHR1, RHE4, KT1, ALO1, KK1, MKR1, SKR1, MSL1 and RHE4). geochemical standard BEN.

The collected cretaceous igneous rock samples from Tunisian eastern

margin and Pelagic Sea are presented below (Fig. 3).

Fig. 1. Structural map of Eastern Tunisian (Ben Ferjani et al., 1990) modified by (Bédir, 1995; Dlala, 1995). Dark figures indicate Oil/Gas wells that crosscut
magmatic intervals studied by Laridhi Ouazaa (1994) and Matoussi Kort (2008). Miskar 1 (MKR1), Jarrafa 1 (JAR1), Sidi Abdellah 1 (SA1), Zohra 1 (ZHR1), M’Sella
1 (MSL1), Miskar 5 (MKR5), Rhemoura 1 (RHE1), Rhemoura 2 (RHE 2), Rhemoura 3 (RHE 3), Rhemoura 4 (RHE 4), Ketatna (KET1), M’lequart 101 (MLQ101),
Barrani 1 (BA1), TrabelFaid 1 (TEF1), El Hadadja (ELH1), Zlama Ouest 1 (ZAW1), El Jem 1 (EJM1), Djebiniana 1 (DJB1), Amin 1 (AM1), Ashtart Est 1 (ASHE1),
Zitouna 1 (ZIT1), Mahdia 1 (MAH1), Mahdia Est 1 (MAHE1), Ktitir 1 (KT1), Jugurtha 1 (JHA1), Chorbane 1 (CN1), Chorbane 2 (CN2), Enfidha 1 (EF1), Alouane 1
(ALO1), Magrouba 1 (MAG 1), Sainte Juliette 1 (SJ1), Sidi El Krafi 1 (SKR1), GRE Gremda, Kerknah (KK1); El Hadadja (ELH1); Ashtart Est 1 (ASHE1).

2
H. Matoussi Kort et al. Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006

Fig. 2. Selected borehole logs – A: Jarrafa 1 (JAR 1); B: M’sella 1 (MSL1); C: Trab El Faied 1 (TEF1); D: Miskar 3 (MKR 3); E: Ktitir 1 (KT1); F: El Hdadja 1 (ELH1);
Ashtart Est 1 (ASHE1).

4. Results study of the basalts petrogenesis.

Olivine: Olivine of basalts from Senonian event founded in ASHE1 oil
4.1. Mineral compositions drilling varies from Fo77 to Fo67 (Fo = molar Mg × 100/(Mg + Fe))
(Fig. 4). Minor elements such as Ca and Mn are stables with decreasing
Cretaceous subsurface magmatic materiel is varied but, in this paper, forsterite.
an important interest is given to basalts that are contemporary to the Clinopyroxenes: Clinopyroxene is the most important phenocryst
sedimentation. Detailed mineralogical and geochemical analyses of phase in the cretaceous basalts (Tab le1). The clinopyroxenes of the
these basalts were performed with a view to better characterizing them. second event basalts reach augite compositions with Mg# [atomic Mg/
In fact, polarizing microscope study of basalts was completed by elec­ Mg + Fe] in the range of 0.79 and Al2O3 and TiO2 contents up to 1.45%
tronic microprobe analysis. A particular attention was carried in the and 2.90% respectively. The Cr2O3 contents are ranged between 0.09
study of clinopyroxenes because these minerals have a big interest in the and 0.98%. In the basalts of the third event, the composition of

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H. Matoussi Kort et al. Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006

Fig. 3. Polarizing microscope photos: A-MSL1

(2192m) microdoleritic basalt with clinopyroxenes
(Cpx.), plagioclase (Plg.). B- JAR1 (2783m) doleritic
basalt characterized by olivine (Ol.), plagioclase
(plg.) and clinopyroxenes (Cpx.). C- JAR1 (3261m).
D- TEF1 (2221m) Subophitic intrusion with clino­
pyroxenes (Cpx.) and plagioclases (Plg.). E− MKR6
(4936.5m) Microdoleritic intrusion characterized by
clinopyroxenes (Cpx.) and plagioclases (Plg.). F-
ELH1 (3261m) Pyroclastic products with flattened
vesicle and volcanic glass (witness of explosive
volcanism).

Fig. 4. Olivine compositions expressed as mol.% forsterite.

clinopyroxene range from diopside [Mg# 0.947], Al2O3 and TiO2 are essentially sodic (Na2O 13%; CaO 0.22% and K2O 0.03%) As for ASH1
1.92% and 0.01% respectively to augite [Mg# 0.731], Al2O3 (1.62%), (3960 m) this feldspathoid is sodic with 12% of Na2O; 0.6% CaO and
TiO2 (0.83%) and Cr2O3 (0.21%). Concerning the fourth event, clino­ 0.04% of K2O.
pyroxenes are diopside-augite [Mg# 0.77–0.69], Al2O3 (1.46–3.42%), Opaque’s minerals: Opaque’s minerals appear with mega-crystals;
TiO2 (1.05–1.61) and Cr2O3 (0–0.67) (Fig. 5). In the Ti vs. Ca + Na di­ whose composition is variable. It’s about magnetite with low concen­
agram, the Cpx of the basalts of second magmatic event plot in the field tration in MnO (0.13%–0.05%); titaniferous magnetite and ilmenite
of tholeiitic affinity basalt. Those of the third episode are located in the with TiO2 concentrations range from 49 to 52% and MnO from 2% to
tholeiitic and alkali basalts; however, the Cpx, which are situated in the 1%respectively. Based on mineralogical data we were able to distinguish
alkali basalt field, characterizes the fourth event. Simultaneous increase two lineages of basalts with distinct mineral parageneses for the
of Ca, Na and Ti reflects the alkali character of these clinopyroxenes. The magmatic events described previously. (1) Alkali basalts characterized
Ti + Cr vs Ca diagram shows anorogenic context of the studied basalts by the presence of olivine, the absence of orthopyroxene, the alkaline
(Fig. 6 A, B). nature of clinopyroxenes (TiO2 1.52–2.99%), analcime with sodic, sodi-
Feldspars: Plagioclase in the subsurface cretaceous basalts (Fig. 7) has calcic or even calcic composition and plagioclase (An42–An64). (2)
a composition variable from labradorite to albite. In fact, the second Tholeiitic affinity basalts showing two types of clinopyroxene (diopside
event plagioclase ranges in composition from labradorite (An63 Or1 and augite), with titanium contents (0.59%–1.08%), iron–titanium ox­
Ab36) to andesine (An41 Or2 Ab57). The third event is characterized by ides (Ti–magnetite) and plagioclases are characterized by small varia­
plagioclase varying between labradorite (An 65 Or 1 Ab 34) and albite tions in composition (An59 to An44).
(An 1 Or 0 Ab 99). In the fourth event feldspar phenocrysts range from
labradorite (An 63 Or 2 Ab 35) to andesine (An 42 Or 4 Ab 54). 4.2. Trace elements geochemistry of cretaceous basalts
Feldspathoid: Analcime is the main feldspathoid of studied basalts.
This xenomorph mineral appears in interstitial space, generally clear. In Table 2 gives new trace elements values of subsurface cretaceous
JAR1 (2696 m), the composition is sodic (Na2O 13%; CaO 1%; and K2O basalts. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns of these basalts are shown in
0%, or sodi-calcic (Na2O 9%; CaO 5% and K2O 0%) also calcic (Na2O Fig. (8). For three magmatic episodes, most basaltic rocks show euro­
2%; CaO 18% and K2O 2%) For JHA1 (4290 m) the analcime is pium positive anomaly due to cumulative effect of feldspars. The

4
 Table 1
Clinopyroxene compositions of selected samples from subsurface cretaceous basalts.

H. Matoussi Kort et al.

Sample JAR13290m JAR13290m JAR13290m ZHR1 ZHR1 ZHR1 MKR3 MKR3 MKR3 JAR12862m JAR12862m JAR12862m JHA14290m JHA14290m
1 2 3 2730m 2730m 2730m 3860m 3860m 3860m 1 2 3 1 2
1 2 3 1 2 3

SiO2 52.31 53.25 51.71 52.86 54.81 51.62 51.14 51.22 50.80 55.30 52.40 48.70 49.57 49.50
TiO2 1.00 0.9 1.25 0.82 0.03 0.56 0.83 0.79 0.99 0.01 0.83 1.68 1.64 1.58
Al2O3 1.38 1.58 2.87 2.86 0.94 2.01 1.62 1.58 1.93 1.92 3.01 5.71 4.04 2.75
Fe2O3
FeO 8.92 7.65 7.77 9.54 4.52 23.64 11.39 10.08 8.44 1.60 4.68 5.65 7.70 9.19
MnO 0.18 0.18 0.19 0.22 0.24 0.59 0.33 0.22 0.18 0.12 0.11 0.11 0.17 0.33
MgO 16.63 16.5 15.68 16.40 16.21 18.75 17.40 16.99 15.90 16.80 15.83 14.29 14.53 12.60
CaO 19.41 19.98 20.48 19.26 21.49 4.37 15.39 16.70 19.21 21.57 22.63 22.57 22.32 22.22
Na2O 0.22 0.25 0.31 0.30 1.15 0.09 0.23 0.22 0.24 1.31 0.39 0.43 0.40 0.59
Cr2O3 0.13 0.41 0.63 0.25 0.46 0.00 0.21 0.21 0.50 1.36 0.69 0.67 0.04 0.04
NiO 0.01 0.05 0.03 0.02 0.14 0.00 0.08 0.03 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.02 0.02 0.03
Total 100.19 100.75 100.92 102.53 99.99 101.05 98.62 98.16 98.19 100.03 100.57 99.91 100.43 98.83
Si 1.93 1.95 1.90 1.912 2.002 1.928 1.928 1.935 1.919 2.00 1.91 1.80 1.83 1.886
Ti 0.03 0.02 0.03 0.022 0.001 0.016 0.023 0.023 0.028 0.00 0.02 0.05 0.046 0.045
Al 0.06 0.07 0.12 0.122 0.041 0.086 0.072 0.070 0.086 0.08 0.13 0.25 0.177 0.123
Fe2 0.28 0.23 0.24 0.289 0.138 0.738 0.359 0.322 0.267 0.05 0.14 0.17 0.239 0.293
Mn 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.07 0.007 0.019 0.010 0.007 0.006 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.005 0.011
Mg 0.91 0.90 0.86 0.884 0.883 1.044 0.978 0.956 0.895 0.90 0.86 0.79 0.805 0.716
Ca 0.77 0.78 0.80 0.746 0.841 1.175 0.622 0.676 0.778 0.83 0.88 0.90 0.889 0.907
Na 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.021 0.081 0.006 0.017 0.016 0.018 0.09 0.03 0.03 0.029 0.043
Cr 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.007 0.013 0.000 0.006 0.006 0.015 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.001 0.001
Ni 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.001 0.004 0.000 0.002 0.001 0.000 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.001
WO 39.21 40.85 42.35 38.75 45.00 8.86 31.57 34.46 39.97 46.70 46.85 48.38 45.84 47.09
EN 46.73 46.94 45.11 45.91 47.23 52.84 49.66 48.76 46.03 50.60 45.59 42.24 41.53 37.15
FS 14.06 12.21 12.54 15.34 7.77 38.31 18.77 16.78 14.00 2.70 7.56 9.37 12.63 15.75
5

Sample MKR24124m MKR24124m MKR24124m MKR24124m ASHE13610m ASHE13610m ASHE13610m ASHE13610m ASHE13610m ASHE13610m ASHE13610m ASHE13610m
1 2 2 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

SiO2 48.73 46.70 49.74 47.29 50.30 49.78 49.91 51.25 50.81 50.53 50.77 49.26
TiO2 1.89 2.40 1.94 2.33 1.19 1.53 1.34 1.23 1.05 1.32 1.27 1.61
Al2O3 3.91 5.30 3.06 5.03 1.46 2.72 3.32 1.84 2.62 1.49 2.51 3.42
Fe2O3 0.84 1.32 1.20 0.31 1.17 1.50 1.22 1.72
FeO 7.97 8.52 8.38 7.84 9.72 7.04 6.13 8.86 6.08 9.46 6.45 6.68
MnO 0.14 0.20 0.10 0.13 0.29 0.10 0.22 0.18 0.14 0.20 0.23 0.18
MgO 13.23 12.33 12.90 12.60 13.17 14.15 14.23 13.54 14.79 13.41 14.49 14.32
CaO 21.86 21.74 22.27 22.26 20.34 21.12 21.16 21.25 21.18 20.59 21.67 20.38
Na2O 0.49 0.58 0.54 0.51 0.36 0.31 0.42 0.43 0.36 0.36 0.34 0.38
Cr2O3 0.00 0.17 0.02 0.06 0.00 0.13 0.67 0.02 0.36 0.00 0.19 0.51
NiO 0.00 0.01 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00

Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006

Total 98.22 97.95 98.98 98.05 97.67 98.19 98.64 98.91 98.61 98.86 99.14 98.38
Si 1.855 1.795 1.882 1.809 1.93 1.89 1.88 1.94 1.91 1.92 1.90 1.86
Ti 0.054 0.069 0.055 0.067 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.05
Al 0.175 0.240 0.136 0.227
AlIV 0.07 0.11 0.12 0.06 0.09 0.08 0.10 0.14
AlVI 0.00 0.01 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.01
Fe3 0.02 0.04 0.04 0.01 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.05
Fe2 0.254 0.274 0.265 0.251 0.31 0.22 0.19 0.28 0.19 0.30 0.20 0.21
Mn 0.005 0.006 0.003 0.004 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.01
Mg 0.751 0.706 0.727 0.718 0.75 0.80 0.80 0.76 0.83 0.76 0.81 0.81
Ca 0.891 0.895 0.903 0.913 0.84 0.86 0.85 0.86 0.85 0.84 0.87 0.82
Na 0.036 0.043 0.040 0.038 0.03 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.03
Cr 0.000 0.005 0.001 0.002 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.02
Ni 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.000 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
WO 46.91 47.56 47.55 48.39 43.42 44.72 45.42 45.01 44.75 43.18 45.41 43.62
EN 39.50 37.54 38.31 38.09 39.12 41.68 42.50 39.90 43.47 39.13 42.24 42.64
FS 13.59 14.90 14.13 13.53 17.46 13.60 12.08 15.09 11.77 17.69 12.35 13.75
H. Matoussi Kort et al. Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006

Fig. 5. Compositional variation of pyroxenes from subsurface cretaceous ba­

salts. Red triangle: Aptian-Albian-Vraconian basalts (Second magmatic event);
Blue diamond: Cenomanian-Turonian basalts (Third magmatic event); Yellow
triangle: Senonian basalts (Fourth magmatic event). (For interpretation of the
references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web
Fig. 7. Composition of alkali feldspars and plagioclase in the classical An-Ab-
version of this article.)
Or scheme. Red triangle: Aptian-Albian-Vraconian basalts (Second magmatic
event); Blue diamond: Cenomanian-Turonian basalts (Third magmatic event);
Yellow triangle: Senonian basalts (Fourth magmatic event). (For interpretation
of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the
Web version of this article.)

cretaceous basaltic rocks show variable enrichment in light rare earth

elements (LREE) compared to the heavy rare earth element (HREE). All
the samples of Aptian-Albian-Varconian basalts present relatively flat
patterns due to the tholeiitic affinity (Fig. 8A). Some samples in
Cenomanian-Turonian basalts display enrichment in LREE showing
alkaline character compared to the other samples of the same period
(Fig. 8B). The patterns of Senonian basalts show also an alkaline char­
acter with enrichment in (LREE) and impoverishment in HREE (Fig. 8C).
Many authors (Halama et al., 2007; Zhang et al., 2014; Avanzinelli,
2014) have used primitive mantle-normalized trace element patterns to
identify different geochemical groups. Aptian-Albian-Vraconian basalts
(second magmatic event) show a marked increase from Cs to Ba, rela­
tively flat pattern from Ba to Eu and remarkable decrease from Yb to Co
(Fig. 9A). The second group characterized the Cenomanian-Turonian
basalts (third magmatic event). These basalts present two different
type of pattern: 1-basalts shows relatively flat pattern from Cs to Ta,
slight decrease from Eu to Co (Fig. 9B), and 2-basalts patterns of this
event look like to those of the second event. Senonian basalts (fourth
magmatic event) are characterized by flat pattern from Cs to Ta
(Fig. 9C). The differences between tholeiitic affinity and alkali basalts
for three magmatic events are seen also in primitive mantle-normalized
diagrams. Alkali basalts patterns for all the cretaceous events prove a
similarity between them, compared with tholeiitic affinity basalts. Trace
element patterns of each magmatic event run generally parallel. In fact,
that is an argument in favor of the lavas cogenetism and their differ­
entiation by crustal contamination. The patterns of tholeiitic affinity
basalts for second and third magmatic event are similar. Some differ­
ences are marked, such as Ba peacks, relatively low Cs contents, and a
slightly decrease from Zr to Yb in the tholeiitic affinity basalts of the
Cenomanian-Turonian magmatic event. Gibson et al. (1987) linked the
variability of Cs, Rb, Ba in the mantle-normalized trace element patterns
Fig. 6. Leterrier’s discrimination diagrams of subsurface cretaceous basalts
to the alteration because these elements will undergo post-magmatic
clinopyroxenes. A-Ti/Ca + Na,B–Ti + Cr/Ca. Red triangle: Aptian-Albian-
redistribution during burial metamorphism. Alkali basalts show the
Vraconian basalts (Second magmatic event); Blue diamond: Cenomanian-
Turonian basalts (Third magmatic event); Yellow triangle: Senonian basalts highest incompatible element content relatively to the tholeiitic affinity
(Fourth magmatic event). (For interpretation of the references to colour in this basalts, which have the smoothest shape of its patterns. The Rb and Cs
figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.) impoverishment characterize tholeiitic affinity basalts compared with

6
 Table 2
Trace element compositions of subsurface cretaceous basalts.
H. Matoussi Kort et al.

KT1204m
SS12444m

KT11988m
KT12500m
CN13308m
CN13360m
JAR12524m
JAR12568m
JAR12592m
JAR12608m
JAR12682m
JAR12690m
JAR12762m
JAR13290m
JHA14264m
JHA14274m
JHA14288m
JHA14300m
GRE12495m
ZHR12736m
ZHR12740m
ZHR12760m

MAL14180m
MAL14236m

MAH12499m

ASHE13610m
Rb 11.7 16.8 13.2 17.3 2,5 0 21.3 1.6 2 1.3 17.8 17 11.6 16.3 14.2 15.1 12.1 2.6 13.4 16.6 11.7 15.7 84.5 3.5 1.3 2.7
Sc 16.1 17.7 19.1 23 19.4 22 21.8 23 24.3 21.6 24 24.9 24.1 24.1 25.5 25.3 21.6 25.2 24.7 20.4 25.7 25.7 26.8 23.6 22.3 24.3
Co 65 46.2 51.2 49.7 37.4 42.7 46.8 35.7 40.9 37.6 53.7 68.5 44.2 52.9 43 35.4 39.7 43.6 29.9 29.2 30.9 30.3 29 43.7 37.3 40.4
Ni 237 140 161 154 118 130 164 132 148 87 96 129 98 89 77 59 100 183 61 36 53 72 170 172 153 142
Ba 204 179 156 302 39.9 12.4 32.9 70.6 50.3 53.6 74.2 77.1 163 58.6 104.2 142 113.9 106.9 232 359 230 230 1514 273 74.2 381
Hf 2.55 3.01 2.71 3.84 2.79 2.9 2.66 3.5 3.47 2.72 3.36 3.46 3.58 3.31 3.2 3.38 3.4 3.42 4 3.95 3.89 3.41 4.32 3.08 3.05 3
Th 1.97 2.34 1.988 3.942 1.66 1.56 1.698 1.638 2.054 1.571 2.127 2.09 1.932 1.94 1.949 2.044 1.961 1.291 2.271 3.355 2.553 2.272 3.96 1.502 1.25 1.272
Ta 1.136 1.345 1.221 2.628 0.856 0.898 1.329 0.816 1.192 0.742 1.509 1.519 1.452 1.474 1.402 1.5 1.389 1.049 1.884 2.577 2.395 2.013 3.797 1.016 0.952 0.945
U 0.56 0.68 0.63 1.11 0.5 0.45 0.39 0.43 0.55 0.48 0.6 0.62 0.58 0.6 0.57 0.56 0.57 0.37 0.7 1.05 0.8 0.7 1.43 0.5 0.4 0.35
La 10.67 12.55 11.63 24.71 9.24 8.77 9.43 10.34 11.93 7.19 17.83 8.6 13.6 8.73 10.55 15.05 18.75 8.77 15.46 23.26 18.56 15.36 16.77 12.8 9.03 9.03
Ce 24.7 27.4 23.7 49.8 20.4 20.5 19.7 24.9 26.2 16.5 43.2 21.1 24.4 19 24.4 33 32.7 21.5 32.6 47.2 40.9 33 40.1 24 21.7 21.3
Sm 3.1 3.46 3.14 4.91 3.35 3.32 3.16 4.62 4.31 2.86 6.88 2.63 4.01 2.5 3.5 4.86 5.38 3.69 4.82 5.65 4.88 3.99 3.86 4.15 3.98 3.81
Eu 1.14 1.33 1.29 1.89 1.41 1.41 1.35 1.74 1.73 1.08 2.57 1.01 1.59 0.83 1.38 1.93 2.13 1.65 2.04 2.11 1.98 1.66 1.58 1.63 1.74 1.59
Tb 0.493 0.562 0.529 0.754 0.6 0.611 0.615 0.83 0.744 0.579 1.046 0.405 0.666 0.386 0.562 0.8 0.845 0.701 0.797 0.792 0.704 0.656 0.487 0.694 0.674 0.64
Yb 1.24 1.8 1.23 1.7 1.62 1.63 1.41 1.97 2.03 1.35 2.45 1.71 1.9 1.37 1.85 2.3 2.15 1.46 2.23 2.14 1.76 1.36 1.07 1.9 1.64 1.69
Zr 72 97 111 152 104 105 99 142 120 95 149 143 160 122 124 128 133 121 170 166 172 138 187 112 126 109
Cr 353 230 279 210 198 220 223 231 238 189 264 278 265 238 237 203 192 275 142 57 80 170 309 242 245 233
Cs 0.88 1.13 1.23 1.34 1.96 2.61 2.14 0.066 0.12 0.062 0.2 0.2 0.14 0.23 0.82 0.87 0.53 0.093 0.55 1.69 1.19 1.19 1.71 0.12 0.029 0.05

7
the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

multiple correlations among incompatible elements. Binary diagrams

feature of the mantle source. For three magmatic events, tholeiitic af­

salts define a linear trend. On the other hand, for (Sm–Th); (Yb–Th) and
(Hf–Ta); (Ta–Th); (Zr–Ta); (U–Ta) and (Yb–Ta) reveals that alkali ba­
alkali basalts. Halama et al. (2007) considers the Ba enrichment as a
Sun (1995). (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend,
Senonian basalts (Fourth magmatic event). Chondrite values of McDonoug and
mond: Cenomanian-Turonian basalts (Third magmatic event); Yellow triangle:
Fig. 8. Chondrite normalized REE for subsurface cretaceous basalts. Red tri­
angle: Aptian-Albian-Vraconian basalts (Second magmatic event); Blue dia­

ppm). To identify the cogenetic igneous rocks, Halama et al. (2007) use

(Hf–Th) the trends exhibit more scatter. For tholeiitic affinity basalts, all
(1.25–1.66 ppm) compared with those of alkali basalts (Th = 2.27–3.96
finity basalts are slightly less differentiated and are less rich in Th
Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006
H. Matoussi Kort et al. Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006

values between typical OIB and N-Type MORB patterns. The lowest
incompatible element content is observed for the alkali basalts. For
cretaceous subsurface basalts, the knowledge of the contribution of the
different mantle parts was made through the study of trace elements
geochemistry. Geochemical data propose that two groups of magmas
described before are not generated by fractional crystallization of
common source magma or by multiple degrees of joint mantle source
partial melting. The relationship between the two mantle components
and the mantle reservoirs can be identified using the Th/Ta vs Ta/Hf
diagram (Fig. 11). This is done based on a large trace elements database
of OIB and MORB (Joron and Treuil, 1989; Joron, 2000; Halama et al.,
2007). Alkali basalts group for third and fourth magmatic events are
characterized by Ta/Hf ratio between (0.4–0.7) plotting into the OIB
field. Tholeiitic affinity basalts for the second and the third magmatic
events show Ta/Hf values comprised between 0.23 and 0.32 and plot at
vicinity of OIB field. The Hf/Ta vs Ta/Th and Ta/Th vs Hf/Yb diagrams
(Fig. 12) show mantle compositional components. To represent the
end-member mantle parts, trace elements data were taken from ocean
islands that show the respective geochemical signatures most strongly
(HIMU: Austral-Cook Islands, Chauvel et al., 1992; Hauri and Hart,
1997; EM1: Kerguelen, Frey et al., 2000; EM2: Samoa, Workman et al.,
2004). The presence of oceanic mantle components in intraplate mag­
matism (Nelson et al., 1988; Franz et al., 1999; Cook et al., 2005;
Halama et al., 2007) justifies the comparison of continental magmatism
with the mantle source components from oceanic regions. Tholeiitic
affinity basalts of second and third magmatic events samples (Fig. 12A
and B) plotting into the EM1 field, the EM1-Type source contribution
may be justified by the trace element enrichment. Alkali basalts for third
and fourth magmatic events samples plot into recycled components
(HIMU and EM2).

5.2. Geodynamic implication

Late Permian and Mesozoic break-up of Pangea and the Africa-

Eurasian plate’s migration influenced the Mesozoic evolution of Tuni­
sian Eastern margin. At late Triassic rifting, the initial beak-up of Pangea
is start, peaked in the Middle Jurassic by the opening of the central
Atlantic and Neo-Thetys Ocean, and continued to mid Cenomanian.
Tectono-magmatic and geodynamic relation of studied area are dis­
cussed follows:
-Phase 1: In early Cretaceous times and after the opening of the
central Atlantic, the movement of Africa to the north and to the north­
westward against Eurasia starts. The two plates begin their distance. The
Fig. 9. Primitive mantle-normalized diagram for the subsurface creta­
Neo-Tethys Ocean is born with the separation of the Apulian and
ceous basalts.
Anatolian from North Africa (Casas-Sainz and Faccenna, 2001; Gibbons
and Moreno, 2002; Vera, 2004; Vergés and Fernàndez, 2006, 2012;
the binary diagrams of incompatible trace element pairs show a distri­
Frizon de Lamotte et al., 2008, 2009; Gong et al., 2009; Casas-Sainz and
bution in cloud of grouped points (Fig. 10).
deVicente, 2009; Schettino and Turco, 2010; Jiménez-Munt et al., 2010,
2011; Puga et al., 2011; Vissers and Meijer, 2011). During
5. Discussion
Jurassic-lower Creatceous, major faults controlled the tethyan rifting
(Khomsi et al., 2004; Gabtni et al., 2011). During this period, the
5.1. Diversity and magma generation
extensive constraint migration continued to the West and gives the
WNW-ESE extensional regime. This had led to a transtensional context
To differentiate between the partial melting from source heteroge­
with new faults different to that of Jurassic. In fact, the Jurassic rifting
neities and the fractionation effects, many authors (Joron and Treuil,
zones cease and those of Cretaceous will be created showing the Neo­
1989; Halama et al., 2007) used Binary diagrams of incompatible trace
comian system faults (NNE-SSW). Along these faults, tholeiitic affinity
element ratios (eg Th/Ta vs Th/Tb) in primitive rocks. Th/ta vs Th/Hf
basalts for the first magmatic event took place (Figss. 13B–1);-
and Th/Ta vs Th/Tb diagrams (Fig. 11A and B) show two distinct trends.
Phase 2: During Aptian-Albian-Vraconian, new tectonic constraint
This geochemical subdivision is also previously presented on
reigns and it is contemporary to the collision between the African-
mantle-normalized, chondrite-normalized and binary trace element di­
Arabian and Eurasian plates. This constraint favored NE-SW extension
agrams. Thus, the observed subdivision is attributed to partial melting
along the African plate margin and created or rejuvenated some rifts (e.
differentiation of two geochemically distinct sources. For alkali basalts,
g. in the Pelagian Sea, in the northwestern Syrte and in the Libya-Tunisia
primitive mantle-normalized trace elements are similar to typical OIB
area) (Guiraud, 1998). Seismic profiles of Tunisian Eastern margin and
patterns with enrichments in high field streng (HFSE) and light Rare
Pelagic Sea show the NW-SE trending faults of the Sirt rifting. These
earth elements (LREE) (Fig. 9). Alkali basalt shows the maximum level
faults are at right angle to the convergence direction between European
of enrichment. However tholeiitic basalts patterns showing intermediate
and African plates (Bédir et al., 1992; Patriat et al., 2003). The studied

8
H. Matoussi Kort et al. Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006

Fig. 10. Binary diagrams of incompatible trace element pairs. Blue diamond: Cenomanian-Turonian basalts (Third magmatic event). (For interpretation of the
references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of this article.)

area is located next to a transform fault and on the western edge of an and compressive regime signaling a beginning of blockage between
active margin. This situation led to a typical complexity of its geo­ Africa and Eurasia. In fact, the earlier transtensional movements change
dynamic evolution. NW-SE Aptian-Albian extensional regime engen­ to new transpressive movements (Fig. 14). The nature of the magmatic
dered NE-SW faults (Fig. 13B–2) and accompanied the second magmatic materials during this period argued this tectonic phase transition. In
event characterized by tholeiitic affinity basalt and sometimes alkaline fact, alkali and explosive products are dominated and this indicates the
differentiated into trachytic products; blockage of the earlier opening systems and the differentiation of
-Phase 3: During the Cenomanian-Turonian, third magmatic event magmas at surface magmatic chamber. This movement of convergence
was guided by new NW-SE faults caused by NE-SW extensional regime between the Eurasia plates and Africa continues today and generated
(Figs. 13B–3) related to the new rifting. This event is characterized by subduction in the Central Mediterranean (Aegean and Tyrrhenian arcs),
tholeiitic affinity then alkaline basalts and their trachytic products. Collision in the Western Mediterranean (Atlas chain and Alpine chain)
-Phase 4: During Senonian to Paleocene, the rotation of Africa/Eur­ and impressive magmatic rocks are identified in the Ionian abyssal
asia slows down and new movement began showing locally the reac­ basin. Without forgetting the crustal thinning of the Ionian (Pantelleria,
tivation of NE-SW faults. In central and northern Tunisia, Dlala (2002) Malta and Linosa Graben), that promoted the establishment of the
indicates that the Campanian- Maastrichtian deposits are controlled by important magmatic bodies at Marconi Seamount area. The tectonic
several NW-SE and E-W normal faults. In Eastern Tunisia and in Pelagian model (Fig. 13C) shows the consequences of the stretching manifested
block, this period marked a phase of transition between the distensive following the geodynamic evolution of the northern African margin and

9
H. Matoussi Kort et al. Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006

Fig. 12. Distribution of subsurface cretaceous basalts on A- Ta/Th vs. Hf/Yb

and B–Hf/Ta vs. Ta/Th diagrams. Similar diagrams were used by Condie (2005)
and by Halama et al. (2007) to show mantle compositional components.
Compositional fields for the high-U/Pb mantle (HIMU), enriched mantle (EM1)
and EM2 mantle components were taken from localities thought to reflect the
respective end-member geochemical characteristics (Weaver, 1991). Data
sources: HIMU: Austral-Cook Islands (Chauvel et al., 1992, 1997; Hauri and
Hart, 1997); EM1: Kerguelen (Weis et al., 1998; Yang et al., 1998; Frey et al.,
2000); EM2: Samoa (Workman et al., 2004). Compositions of primitive mantle
(PM), depleted mid-ocean ridge basalt mantle (DMM), and normal mid-ocean
ridge basalt (N-MORB) are from are from McDonough and Sun (1995),
Workman and Hart (2005) and Sun and McDonough (1989), respectively. Red
Fig. 11. Binary diagrams of incompatible trace element ratios used to identify triangle: Aptian-Albian-Vraconian basalts (Second magmatic event); Blue dia­
mantle source. A- Th/Ta vs. Th/Hf, B– Th/Ta vs. Th/Tb. C– Th/Ta vs. Ta/Hf. mond: Cenomanian-Turonian basalts (Third magmatic event); Yellow triangle:
Blue diamond: Cenomanian-Turonian basalts (Third magmatic event). Senonian basalts (Fourth magmatic event). (For interpretation of the references
Composition of the depleted mid-ocean ridge basalt mantle (DMM) is after to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the Web version of
Workman and Hart (2005). The generalized fields (grey circle) of normal this article.)
mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB) and ocean-island basalt (OIB) are based on
data from J.L. Joron and Treuil (2000). Red triangle: Aptian-Albian-Vraconian
geophysical prospecting (Geotraverse Program). Extensional tectonics
basalts (Second magmatic event); Blue diamond: Cenomanian-Turonian basalts
(Third magmatic event); Yellow triangle: Senonian basalts (Fourth magmatic
(Laridhi Ouazaa, and Bédir, 2004), crustal thickness and magmatic ep­
event). (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the isodes (Ellouz, 1984; Laridhi Ouazaa, 1994; Matoussi Kort et al., 2008;
reader is referred to the Web version of this article.) Matoussi Kort et al., 2009; Ben Saleh, 2015) testify to this particular
structure of the studied area. The latter is the favorable place of iso­
which caused a crustal thinning in the Eastern Tunisia and the Pelagic therms elevation, geothermal conditions and hydrothermal mobilization
Sea. Table 3 gives further information on the tectonic-magmatic rela­ (Matoussi Kort et al., 2009; Matoussi Kort et al., 2015). This thinned
tionship, showing the spatiotemporal distribution of magmatic events in crust caused during the geodynamic evolution of the Mediterranean
the study area. Moho rising (20–30 km) and crustal thinning in Eastern margin, was an area of mantle upwelling that favored the increase of
Tunisian margin and the Pelagic Sea have been proven using isotherms and the geothermal gradient. It is interest to mention that the

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H. Matoussi Kort et al. Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006

Fig. 13. Cretaceous Tectono-magmatic scenario in Tunisian Eastern margin and Pelagic Sea. (A): Map showing the situation of the study area. (B) Structural models
regrouping the grabens and basin borders, faults and the magmatic activity. (C) Conceptional model (long A-B profile, Fig. 13 A) showing the crustal thinning caused
by the stretching and the geodynamic evolution of the Mediterranean margin.

11
H. Matoussi Kort et al. Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006

Fig. 14. Structural model showing the tectonic context in the Tunisian eastern margin during the late Cretaceous-Paleocene and the relationship between the nature
of faults and the magmatic manifestation.

Table 3 6. Conclusion
An overview of the tectono-magmatic relationship in the Eastern Tunisian
margin and the Pelagic Sea. In the Eastern Tunisian margin and the Pelagic Sea, cretaceous
Age Tectonic context ( Magmatic Studied oil magmatism is closely linked to deep structure of the domain, material­
Haller 1983, event wells ized by multiple faults oriented (NNE-SSW, NE-SW and NW-SE). These
Touati 1985, faults served as magmatic outlets. Two lineages of basalts are identified:
Bedir, 1995)
tholeiitic affinity and alkaline character:
Campanian NW-SE Fourth ASHE1,
Maastrichtian Compressive event AHR1, KT1,
(1) Tholeiitic affinity magmatism represented by weakly fractured
contraint (Alkali ALO1, KK1,
basalts) MKR1, and basalts, characterized by two types of clinopyroxene (augite and
SKR1 diopside). Geodynamically, the beginning of the rifting has pro­
Cenomanian- NE-SW extensive Third event JAR1, moted crustally brittle zone that led to the ascent of this lineage.
Turonian regional (Tholeiitic MKR3, Mantle origin of this lineage has EM1-type geochemical
contraintsN140 and Alkali MKR1, KR,
faults and basalts) JHA1, CN2,
signatures.
trenstensional EF1, SS1, (2) Alkali basalts constituted of olivine (Fo77- Fo67), clinopyroxene
opening ZHR1, (diopside) with high titanium percentages (1.52–2.99%), and
ZAW1, plagioclase (An42-An64). Trace elements variations of alkali
ELH1,
basalts source are similar to those of the OIB-type source, espe­
MLQ101,
and MKR5 cially EM2-HIMU.
Aptien-Albien NW-SE extensive Second ISIS3,
regional event JAR1, Mineralogical, geochemical data and the tectono-magmatic rela­
constraints (Tholeiitic ALO1, tionship lend support the close impact of the geodynamic evolution and
flowed by NE-SW basalts) MAL1, and
particularly, the Africa-Europe movements on the subsurface cretaceous
regional MAH1.
constraint and magmatism. In fact, it’s an anorogenic type; it emphasizes the distensive
remobilization of of the Tunisian Eastern margin and the Pelagic Sea structuring influ­
major faults enced by the Syrte grabens opening and of Iberia sliding towards S-E
corridors
during the early Cretaceous. From the Senonian, new tectonic regime
Neocomian Extensive First event ALF1, KA1
constraint (basalts) and KE1 has been installed characterized by transpressive faults and the instal­
(WNW-ESE led to lation of the superficial magmatic reservoirs, the lava fractioning and
the transtensional explosive magmatic products. Geodynamically, this period marked the
reworking of the beginning of the closing up of Africa and Europe.
old faults
network (rifting)
Declaration of competing interest

heat which accompanied magmatic rocks into an organic-rich sedi­ The authors declare that they have no known competing financial
mentary rock may lead thermal alteration of the organic matter and interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence
influence on the petrophysical properties of the reservoir rocks. These the work reported in this paper.
points will be more detailed in the future publications.

12
H. Matoussi Kort et al. Journal of African Earth Sciences 172 (2020) 104006

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