Characterisation of Mesozoic–Cenozoic deformations and palaeostress fields in the Central Constantinois, northeast Algeria

Abstract Tectonic analysis in conjunction with the microtectonic study of Mesozoic–Cenozoic series of the Central Constantinois of Algeria are used to reconstruct the sequence of tectonic phases since Cretaceous times. The retrotectonic method used to marshal the microtectonic data makes it possible to distinguish deformations related to Mesozoic tectonic phases from those associated with Cenozoic pre- and post-thrust sheet phases. A N120°E extensional and a N180°E compressional phase are highlighted in Albian–Cenomanian and latest Maastrichtian times, respectively. The Cenozoic era is marked by a series of three compressional phases oriented N90°–120°E in the Late Eocene, and N20°–30°E and…