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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 69 (1985)

Issue: 2. (February)

First Page: 277

Last Page: 278

Title: Processes Involved in Salt-Dome Development I: Dynamic Effects: ABSTRACT

Author(s): I. Lerche, J. J. O'Brien

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

In a study of the dynamical interplay of salt and sediment using buoyancy pressure as the driving force, we find that (a) salt cannot become buoyant until a critical depth of sediment is reached corresponding to a porosity of 25-30%, (b) viscosity plays virtually no role in the development of diapiric salt structures on a geologic time scale, (c) both overpressure and the lateral cohesive strength of overlying sediments retard the development of a dome by delaying the initiation of diapirism and Previous HitsuppressingTop the later growth of the salt structure, (d) the formation of a "mushroom cap" on a diapiric structure can be caused both by differential impedance provided by the sediments and by differential buoyancy of salt, although relative importance of the 2 mechanisms is unknow at present, and (e) the draping of sediments over a diapiric structure and rim synclinal development can be modeled easily provided that the sediments

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are of low cohesive strength. The influence of sediment strength and previous sediment faulting on the development of draped sediments and rim synclinal structures remain outstanding concerns.

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