About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

AAPG Bulletin, V. 91, No. 9 (September 2007), P. 1295-1318.

Copyright copy2007. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.

DOI:10.1306/05170706086

Quantifying the origin and geometry of circular sag structures in northern Fort Worth Basin, Texas: Paleocave collapse, pull-apart fault systems, or hydrothermal alteration?

Angela McDonnell,1 Robert G. Loucks,2 Tim Dooley3

1Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78713-8924; [email protected]
2Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78713-8924
3Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78713-8924

ABSTRACT

Three-dimensional seismic data reveal numerous subcircular sag structures in the northern Fort Worth Basin. The structures are defined by concentric faults that extend vertically upward 760–1060 m (2500–3500 ft) from the Lower Ordovician Ellenburger Group. The largest structures remained active into the lower Desmoinesian Strawn Group. Criteria are outlined for defining seismically resolvable sag structures, and a detailed quantitative analysis of the geometries of these circular features was undertaken. Results are compared and contrasted, with reviews of subsurface collapse mechanisms and strike-slip processes that are known to produce subsurface circular to subcircular sag geometries in plan view. In this manner, we develop several constraints for differentiating collapse-related sag structures from strike-slip–related sag structures. Qualitative analyses indicate that the geometries observed are strongly analogous to subsurface collapse features where material is removed at depth to create a void, into which the overburden subsequently sags and collapses. Quantitative analyses support the formation of these features by incremental collapse and suprastratal deformation above a linked system of coalesced, collapsed paleocaves within the Ellenburger Group. Observations and criteria presented herein provide valuable information in defining seismically resolvable collapse features worldwide and help distinguish sag features of collapse affinity from those of other origins.

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

AAPG Member?

Please login with your Member username and password.

Members of AAPG receive access to the full AAPG Bulletin Archives as part of their membership. For more information, contact the AAPG Membership Department at [email protected].