About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

GCAGS Transactions

Abstract


Gulf Previous HitCoastNext Hit Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Vol. 55 (2005), Pages 284-293

Distribution and Origin of Fault-Previous HitLineNext Hit Scarps of Southwest Louisiana, USA

Paul V. Heinrich

Abstract

Compilation of fault-Previous HitlineNext Hit scarps and traces from existing geologic mapping and revision of the resulting compilation using remote sensing data and various aerial images revealed a complex pattern of Quaternary fault-Previous HitlineNext Hit scarps within southwest Louisiana. Numerous, generally Previous HiteastNext Hit-west trending, fault-Previous HitlineNext Hit scarps form a 24 km wide Previous HiteastNext Hit-west trending belt lying south of a Previous HitlineNext Hit between Ville Platte, Louisiana and Kirbyville, Texas. The southern edge of it is marked by a relatively continuous set of fault-Previous HitlineNext Hit scarps associated with the Tepetate fault zone. Numerous fault-Previous HitlineNext Hit scarps occur between the Tepetate fault zone and the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico. However, these fault-Previous HitlineNext Hit scarps lack any regional pattern, and many are associated with local salt domes and growth faults. The northernmost fault-Previous HitlineNext Hit scarps found within southwest Louisiana consist of a narrow belt of prominent Previous HiteastNext Hit-west trending scarps within southern Rapides Parish.

Many of these Quaternary fault-Previous HitlineNext Hit scarps are the surface expressions of known Tertiary growth faults, a number of which are associated with roll-over structures containing oil and gas fields. Such oil and gas fields were formed as the result of reactivation of the faults during the Pleistocene. The reactivation of these faults and the associated formation of these scarps represent the results of the loading of the Gulf of Mexico margin starting in Late Pliocene time. This loading has had the effect of reactivating regional fault trends such as the Tepetate fault zone and causing the renewed flowage of Previous HitdeepTop-seated salt.


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