About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract


Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Vol. 44 (1994), Pages 327-335

Shallow Seismic Survey on Weeks Island, Louisiana ... an Attempt to Define "Top of Salt"

G. L. Kinsland (1), A. W. Rutter III (2)

ABSTRACT

We have collected, processed, and interpreted shallow (about 250 ft deep) seismic data at Weeks Island salt dome, Louisiana. The objective was to image the clastic sediment/salt interface ("top of salt") to aid in planning mining operations in the dome. Both surface sources and buried explosive sources have been utilized. These data have been processed for both reflection and refraction information.

Interpretation of the results has led to the following conclusions: (1) the "top of salt" is not a sharp seismic interface at the frequencies achieved (about 70 to 100 Hz dominant frequency); (2) there are sharp seismic interfaces within the clastic section; and (3) these sharp clastic interfaces are laterally discontinuous.

These conclusions support the following hypotheses: (1) the "top of salt" is a heterogeneous solution zone grading from clastics to salt over tens of feet with water-filled voids common; (2) similar voids have led to collapse as salt has dissolved; and (3) these collapses are manifested in the discontinuous clastic interfaces and in the topography of the surface.


Pay-Per-View Purchase Options

The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.

Watermarked PDF Document: $14
Open PDF Document: $24