- Home
- A-Z Publications
- Basin Research
- Previous Issues
- Volume 16, Issue 2, 2004
Basin Research - Volume 16, Issue 2, 2004
Volume 16, Issue 2, 2004
-
-
Stratigraphic signatures of translation of thrust‐sheet top basins over low‐angle detachment faults
Authors Quintijn Clevis, Gerben De Jager, Wouter Nijman and Poppe L. De BoerAbstract Low‐angle detachment faults and thrust‐sheet top basins are common features in foreland basins. However, in stratigraphic analysis their influence on sequence architecture is commonly neglected. Usually, only eustatic sea level and changing flexural subsidence are accounted for, and when deformation is considered, the emphasis is on the generation of local thrust‐flank unconformities. This study analyses the effects of detachment angle and repetitive detachment activation on stratigraphic stacking patterns in a large thrust‐sheet top basin by applying a three‐dimensional numerical model.
Model experiments show that displacement over low‐angle faults (2–6°) at moderate rates (∼5.0 m kyr−1) results in a vertical uplift component sufficient to counteract the background flexural subsidence rate. Consequently, the basin‐wide accommodation space is reduced, fluvio‐deltaic systems carried by the thrust‐sheet prograde and part of the sediment supply is spilled over towards adjacent basins. The intensity of the forced regression and the interconnectedness of fluvial sheet sandstones increases with the dip angle of the detachment fault or rate of displacement. In addition, the delta plain is susceptible to the formation of incised valleys during eustatic falls because these events are less compensated by regional flexural subsidence, than they would be in the absence of fault displacement.
-
-
-
Recent tectonics in the Turkana Rift (North Kenya): an integrated approach from drainage network, satellite imagery and reflection seismic analyses
Authors W. Vétel, B. Le Gall and T. C. JohnsonAbstractThe Turkana rifted zone in northern Kenya is a long‐lived and polyphased rift system where the lack of well‐marked rift morphology makes it difficult to identify the zone of active deformation. A high‐density river network is exceptionally well developed over the study area and shows evidence of drainage anomalies that suggest recent fault‐induced movements at various scales. Correlation of surface drainage anomalies with Landsat remote sensing and deep seismic reflection data permits to characterize the deep geometry of the inferred fault structures. Seismic stratigraphy further allows distinction between the inherited (Oligocene–Pliocene) and the newly formed (<3.7 Ma) origin of the recent deformation. Evidence for neotectonics are observed (1) along a large‐scale transverse (EW) fault rooted at depth along a steep basement discontinuity (Turkwell), (2) along a rift‐parallel (NS) fault zone probably emplaced during the Pliocene–Pleistocene and currently bounding the Napedet volcanic plateau to the west and (3) over a round‐shaped uplifted zone caused by positive inversion tectonics (Kalabata). The major contribution of this work is the recognition of a broad (80 km wide) zone of recent/active extensional deformation in the Turkana Rift in contrast with the narrow (20 km wide) N10°E‐trending axial trough forming the Suguta valley to the south, and the Chew Bahir faulted basin to the north. These along‐strike variations in structural style are partly controlled by the occurrence of rejuvenated Oligocene–Miocene rift faults and long‐lived transverse discontinuities in the Turkana Rift area. More generally, this study has implications for the use of river drainage network about recent/active extensional domains with subdued topography and slow deformation rate.
-
-
-
Multiscale structure in sedimentary basins
Authors S. A. Stewart, G. J. Hay, P. L. Rosin and T. J. WynnAbstractHierarchies of superimposed structures are found in maps of geological horizons in sedimentary basins. Mapping based on three‐dimensional (3D) seismic data includes structures that range in scale from tens of metres to hundreds of kilometres. Extraction of structures from these maps without a priori knowledge of scale and shape is analogous to pattern recognition problems that have been widely researched in disciplines outside of Geoscience. A number of these lessons are integrated and applied within a geological context here. We describe a method for generating multiscale representations from two‐dimensional sections and 3D surfaces, and illustrate how superimposed geological structures can be topologically analysed. Multiscale analysis is done in two stages – generation of scale‐space as a geometrical attribute, followed by identification of significant scale‐space objects. Results indicate that Gaussian filtering is a more robust method than conventional moving average filtering for deriving multiscale geological structure. We introduce the concept of natural scales for identifying the most significant scales in a geological cross section. In three dimensions, scale‐dependent structures are identified via an analogous process as discrete topological entities within a four‐dimensional scale‐space cube. Motivation for this work is to take advantage of the completeness of seismic data coverage to see ‘beyond the outcrop’ and yield multiscale geological structure. Applications include identifying artefacts, scale‐specific features and large‐scale structural domains, facilitating multiscale structural attribute mapping for reservoir characterisation, and a novel approach to fold structure classification.
-
-
-
Salt tectonics driven by differential sediment loading: stability analysis and finite‐element experiments
Authors Lykke Gemmer, Steven J. Ings, Sergei Medvedev and Christopher BeaumontAbstractAt many continental margins, differential sediment loading on an underlying salt layer drives salt deformation and has a significant impact on the structural evolution of the basin. We use 2‐D finite‐element modelling to investigate systems in which a linear viscous salt layer underlies a frictional‐plastic overburden of laterally varying thickness. In these systems, differential pressure induces the flow of viscous salt, and the overburden experiences updip deviatoric tension and downdip compression. A thin‐sheet analytical stability criterion for the system is derived and is used to predict conditions under which the sedimentary overburden will be unstable and fail, and to estimate the initial velocities of the system. The analytical predictions are in acceptable agreement with initial velocity patterns of the numerical models.
In addition to initial stability analyses, the numerical model is used to investigate the subsequent finite deformation. As the systems evolve, overburden extension and salt diapirism occur in the landward section and contractional structures develop in the seaward section. The system evolution depends on the relative widths of the salt basin and the length scale of the overburden thickness variation. In narrow salt basins, overburden deformation is localised and characterised by high strain rates, which cause the system to reach a gravitational equilibrium and salt movement to cease earlier than for wide salt basins. Sedimentation enhances salt evacuation by maintaining a differential pressure in the salt. Continued sedimentary filling of landward extensional basins suppresses landward salt diapirism. Sediment progradation leads to seaward propagation of the landward extensional structures and depocentres. At slow sediment progradation rates, the viscous flow can be faster than the sediment progradation, leading to efficient salt evacuation and salt weld formation beneath the landward section. Fast sediment progradation suppresses the viscous flow, leaving salt pillows beneath the prograding wedge.
-
-
-
Stratigraphic expression of the lateral propagation and growth of isolated fault‐related uplifts
Authors Asdrúbal Bernal, Stuart Hardy, Rob Gawthorpe and Emma FinchAbstractThe lateral propagation of faults and folds is known to be an important process during the development of mountain belts, but little is known about the manner in which along‐strike fault–fold growth is expressed in pre‐ and syntectonic (growth) strata. We use a coupled tectonic and stratigraphic model to investigate the along‐strike stratigraphic expression of fault‐related folds/uplifts that grow in both the transport and strike directions. We consider faults that propagate following a quadratic (nonself‐similar evolution) or linear (self‐similar evolution) scaling law, using different slip distributions per episode of fault propagation, under general background sedimentation. We find that the long‐strike geometry of pre‐ and syntectonic strata and the geometry of growth axial surfaces reflect the mode of fault propagation. The geometry of strata observed in the model is similar to that observed in natural contractional structures when: (1) the evolution of the fault is nonself‐similar, or (2) the fault grows as a result of thrust faulting events with similar displacements along strike that are terminated abruptly at the fault tips.
-
-
-
Tectonic control of facies architecture, sequence stratigraphy and drowning of a Liassic carbonate platform (Betic Cordillera, Southern Spain)
Authors P. A. Ruiz‐Ortiz, D. W. J. Bosence, J. Rey, L. M. Nieto, J. M. Castro and J. M. MolinaAbstractThis paper develops a tectono‐stratigraphic model for the evolution and drowning of Early Jurassic carbonate platforms. The model arises from outcrop analysis and Sr isotope dating of successions exposed in the Betic Cordillera in southeastern Spain. Here, an extensive Early Jurassic (Sinemurian) carbonate platform developed on the rifted Tethyan margin of the Iberian Plate. The platform was dissected by extensional faults in early jamesoni times (ca. 191 Ma) and again in late ibex times (ca.188 Ma) during the Pliensbachian stage. Extensional faults and fault block rotation are shown to control the formation of three sequence boundaries that divide the platform stratigraphy (the Gavilan Formation) into three depositional sequences. The last sequence boundary marks localised drowning of the platform and deposition of the deeper water Zegri Formation, whereas adjacent platforms remain exposed or continue as the site of shallow‐marine sediment accumulation. This study is based on mapping, facies analysis and dating of platform carbonates exposed in three tectonic units within the zone: Gabar, Ponce and Canteras. Facies analysis leads to the recognition of facies associations deposited in carbonate ramp environments and adjacent to synsedimentary, marine, fault scarps. Sr isotope dating enables us to correlate platform‐top carbonates from the different tectonic units at a precision equivalent to ammonite zones. A sequence stratigraphic analysis of sections from the three tectonic units is carried out using the facies models together with the Sr isotope dates. This analysis indicates a clear tectonic control on the development of the stratigraphy: depositional sequences vary in thickness, have wedge‐shaped geometries and vary in facies, internal geometries and systems tracts from one tectonic unit to another. Criteria characterising depositional sequences and sequence boundaries from the Gabar and Ponce units are used to establish a tectono‐stratigraphic model for carbonate platform depositional sequences and sequence boundaries in maritime rifts, which can be applied to other less well‐exposed or subsurface successions from other sedimentary basins. Onlapping transgressive and progradational highstand systems tracts are recognised on dip slope ramps. Falling stage and lowstand systems tracts are developed as thick breccia units in hangingwall areas adjacent to extensional faults. Sequence boundaries vary in character, amplitude and/or duration of sea‐level fall and persistence across the area. Some boundaries coalesce onto the Canteras unit, which remained as a relatively positive area throughout the early Pliensbachian (Carixian). The carbonate platform on the Ponce tectonic unit drowned in the latest Carixian (davoei biozone). However, the adjacent tectonic units remained emergent and developed a long‐lived sequence boundary, indicating tectonic subsidence as the major cause for platform drowning. The stratigraphic evolution of this area on the rifted southern Iberian margin indicates that a widespread restricted shallow‐water carbonate platform environment accumulating peritidal carbonates evolved with faulting to a more open‐marine setting. Sr dating indicates that this transition took place around the Sinemurian–Pliesbachian boundary and it was driven by local fault‐related subsidence together with likely post‐faulting regional subsidence.
-
-
-
Regional three‐dimensional gravity modelling of the NE Atlantic margin
Authors G S Kimbell, R W Gatliff, J D Ritchie, A S D Walker and J P WilliamsonAbstractA series of three‐dimensional models has been constructed for the structure of the crust and upper mantle over a large region spanning the NE Atlantic passive margin. These incorporate isostatic and flexural principles, together with gravity modelling and integration with seismic interpretations. An initial isostatic model was based on known bathymetric/topographic variations, an estimate of the thickness and density of the sedimentary cover, and upper mantle densities based on thermal modelling. The thickness of the crystalline crust in this model was adjusted to equalise the load at a compensation depth lying below the zone of lateral mantle density variations. Flexural backstripping was used to derive alternative models which tested the effect of varying the strength of the lithosphere during sediment loading. The models were analysed by comparing calculated and observed gravity fields and by calibrating the predicted geometries against independent (primarily seismic) evidence. Further models were generated in which the thickness of the sedimentary layer and the crystalline crust were modified in order to improve the fit to observed gravity anomalies. The potential effects of igneous underplating and variable upper mantle depletion were explored by a series of sensitivity trials. The results provide a new regional lithospheric framework for the margin and a means of setting more detailed, local investigations in their regional context. The flexural modelling suggests lateral variations in the strength of the lithosphere, with much of the margin being relatively weak but areas such as the Porcupine Basin and parts of the Rockall Basin having greater strength. Observed differences between the model Moho and seismic Moho along the continental margin can be interpreted in terms of underplating. A Moho discrepancy to the northwest of Scotland is ascribed to uplift caused by a region of upper mantle with anomalously low density, which may be associated with depletion or with a temperature anomaly.
-
-
-
Timing of depth‐dependent lithosphere stretching on the S. Lofoten rifted margin offshore mid‐Norway: pre‐breakup or post‐breakup?
Authors N. J. Kusznir, R. Hunsdale and A. M. RobertsAbstractDepth‐dependent stretching, in which whole‐crustal and whole‐lithosphere extension is significantly greater than upper‐crustal extension, has been observed at both non‐volcanic and volcanic rifted continental margins. A key question is whether depth‐dependent stretching occurs during pre‐breakup rifting or during sea‐floor spreading initiation and early sea‐floor spreading. Analysis of post‐breakup thermal subsidence and upper‐crustal faulting show that depth‐dependent lithosphere stretching occurs on the outer part of the Norwegian volcanic rifted margin. For the southern Lofoten margin, large breakup lithosphere β stretching factors approaching infinity are required within 100 km of the continent–ocean boundary to restore Lower Eocene sediments and flood basalt surfaces (∼54 Ma) to interpreted sub‐aerial depositional environments at sea level as indicated by well data. For the same region, the upper crust shows no significant Palaeocene and Late Cretaceous faulting preceding breakup with upper‐crustal β stretching factors <1.05. Further north on the Lofoten margin, reverse modelling of post‐breakup subsidence with a β stretching factor of infinity predicts palaeo‐bathymetries of ∼1500 m to the west of the Utrøst Ridge and fails to restore Lower Eocene sediments and flood basalt tops to sea level at ∼54 Ma. If these horizons were deposited in a sub‐aerial depositional environment, as indicated by well data to the south, an additional subsidence event younger than 54 Ma is required compatible with lower‐crustal thinning during sea‐floor spreading initiation. For the northern Vøring margin, breakup lithosphere β stretching factors of ∼2.5 are required to restore Lower Eocene sediments and basalts to sea level at deposition, while Palaeocene and Late Cretaceous upper‐crustal β stretching factors for the same region are < 1.1. The absence of significant Palaeocene and late Cretaceous extension on the southern Lofoten and northern Vøring margins prior to continental breakup supports the hypothesis that depth‐dependent stretching of rifted margin lithosphere occurs during sea‐floor spreading initiation or early sea‐floor spreading rather than during pre‐breakup rifting.
-
Volumes & issues
-
Volume 36 (2024)
-
Volume 35 (2023)
-
Volume 34 (2022)
-
Volume 33 (2021)
-
Volume 32 (2020)
-
Volume 31 (2019)
-
Volume 30 (2018)
-
Volume 29 (2017)
-
Volume 28 (2016)
-
Volume 27 (2015)
-
Volume 26 (2014)
-
Volume 25 (2013)
-
Volume 24 (2012)
-
Volume 23 (2011)
-
Volume 22 (2010)
-
Volume 21 (2009)
-
Volume 20 (2008)
-
Volume 19 (2007)
-
Volume 18 (2006)
-
Volume 17 (2005)
-
Volume 16 (2004)
-
Volume 15 (2003)
-
Volume 14 (2002)
-
Volume 13 (2001)
-
Volume 12 (2000)
-
Volume 11 (1999)
-
Volume 10 (1998)
-
Volume 9 (1997)
-
Volume 8 (1996)
-
Volume 7 (1994)
-
Volume 6 (1994)
-
Volume 5 (1993)
-
Volume 4 (1992)
-
Volume 3 (1991)
-
Volume 2 (1989)
-
Volume 1 (1988)