ABSTRACT

Geologic and geophysical surveys conducted by Texas A & M University and Lamont Geological Observatory have established the existence of an extensive fold belt on the continental shelf and slope of eastern Mexico.

Indirect evidence suggests that evaporites are present beneath the fold belt and that they played a significant role in the origin and development of the fold belt.

The writers believe that the presence of the folds on the Mexican shelf and slope support Murray's (1966, p. 475) suggestion that the initial deformation of the salt was in the form of anticlines.

Based on the assumption that the initial deformation of the salt was in the form of anticlines, the writers suggest a possible sequence of events in the Gulf sedimentary basin: 1) The folds developed under only a relatively thin cover of sediments; 2) Anticlinal ridges blocked sediment transport until they were completely buried; 3) Secondary growth began from the crests of the anticlines when there was sufficient overburden to cause salt movement; 4) The development of secondary growth on the anticlines may have triggered the development of other salt stocks which are not directly related to the anticlines.