InSAR derived co-seismic deformation triggered by the Mihoub (Tell Atlas of Algeria) 28 May 2016 (Mw = 5.4) earthquake combined to geomorphic features analysis to identify the causative active fault

In this work,we applied Sentinel 1A Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data from the European Space Agency, acquired before and after the event, to study the surface deformation induced by the Mihoub 28 May 2016 earthquake (Mw = 5.4) occurred in the Tell Atlas of Algeria.The deformed area is 10 km-long trending NE-SW and located about 6 km southwest of the locality of Mihoub, the most affected urban locality (I0= VIII, EMS scale). The displacement signal in the InSAR data showed up to 4 cm uplift and up to 12 cm subsidence zones indicating where the earthquake took place. The fault corresponds to the boundary between the uplift (hanging wall) and subsidence (footwall) zones.The short time between the two used images minimises uncertainties, and the used SentiNel Application Platform software (SNAP V7.0) ensures the topographic and orbital phases corrections. The geomorphic features analysis, including the shape of the uplifted area and the drainage diversion, indicate that the deformed area corresponds to an asymmetrical fold, a typical active structure in the Tell Atlas region. The slip model indicates one single patch with a max slip of ̴ 20 cm at a depth of 5 km on 60° northwest dipping and N°60 striking reverse fault. The results show that the Mihoub fault is most likely NW-dipping. •InSAR derived co-seismic ground surface deformation using Sentinel 1A images.•The Mihoub (Tell Atlas of Algeria) May 28th, 2016 (Mw = 5.4, I0= VIII EMS scale) earthquake.•Active tectonics related geomorphic features analysis.•The displacement signal in the InSAR data shows up to 4cm uplifted zone (Hanging wall) and up to 12cm subsidence zone.(footwall).•Deformation area show a 10km-long and NE-SW trending, area, fitting an asymmetrical fold structure.•InSAR remains an interesting tool in identifying and understanding earthquake induced-ground deformation.