About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 68 (1984)

Issue: 7. (July)

First Page: 938

Last Page: 938

Title: Possible Salt Movement in Northern Wasatch Plateau: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Chris D. Hansen

Abstract:

The Jump Creek 7 ½-minute quadrangle in the northeastern Wasatch Plateau is an area where Late Cretaceous to early Tertiary formations are fractured by at least two complex systems of faults. Southern and eastern sections of the area are dominated by north-south-trending faults, such as the Gordon Creek fault zone, whereas the northern section is dominated by northwest-southeast-trending faults.

Strong evidence, including horst and graben structures, rim synclines, and other collapse-related features, suggests that north-south-trending faults may be related to salt movement within the underlying Jurassic sediments. Indeed, the Gordon Creek fault zone could represent part of the eastern boundary of the Arapian evaporite basin.

The northwest-southeast-trending faults appear to parallel major lineaments that cut across the Wasatch Plateau, Book Cliffs, and San Rafael swell areas and suggest origins not related to salt tectonics. This fault system, however, may be part of these lineaments that have been accentuated by the salt movement.

The possibility of the structures in the Jump Creek 7 ½-minute quadrangle producing excellent hydrocarbon traps cannot be overlooked. Structures similar to those found in this area are proven producers in Joes Valley and Pleasant Valley fields, both located within several miles of the Jump Creek quadrangle.

End_of_Article - Last_Page 938------------

Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists