Observations des déformations superficielles par submersible et imagerie Sonar SAR d'un pli d'accrétion (prisme Sud-Barbade, océan Atlantique)

Abstract A detailed analysis of an accretionary fold has been conducted with sea-beam bathymetric data, sonar acoustic imagery and direct observations from the French submersible Le Nautile . In particular, the tectonic framework of a sigmoidal axis fold was studied, where fault scarps and indurated blocky rises were observed. The directions of these structures are in agreement with the occurrence of an important wrench faulting zone, the origin of which is the oblique convergence and ‘mechanical transformation’ of stresses between the northern active Caribbean margin and the southern Venezuelan passive margin. Furthermore, the activity of a clay-diapiric tectonic contributes to the general complexity of the area.