Strike-slip deformation in the Inkisi Formation, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

Abstract Evidence of strike-slip deformation in the Inkisi Formation was overlooked for a long time. After controversial characterization, this paper demonstrates that the Inkisi Formation underwent at least two phases of strike-slip deformation accompanied with a compressive component, which created faults that help determine paleostress. Field observations permitted to characterize NW–SE trends sinistral strike-slip faults systems and NE–SW oriented dextral strike-slip faults systems. The strike-slip faults are associated with flower structures in profile view and with damage zones along tips, wall and linking zones in plan view. Both faults systems (sinistral and dextral) initiated from joints, which show similar orientations with faults. Many kinematic indicators of slip sense or extension have enabled to determine the stress stages and the evolution of the structures. The first tectonic phase has a horizontal maximum principal compressive stress σ1 of 319 ± 21,1/03, which probably have a potential correlation with far-field stress propagation which occurs during the subduction of Gondwana south margin in the Permo-Trias. The second tectonic phase with a slightly inclined maximum principal compressive stress σ1 of 264°± 22,3/12 potentially results from the intraplate stress propagation, due to the opening of the Southern Atlantic Ocean.