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Abstract

Tavani, S., and F. Storti, 2011, Layer-parallel shortening templates associated with double-edge fault-propagation folding, in K. McClay, J. Shaw, and J. Suppe, eds., Thrust fault-related folding: AAPG Memoir 94, P. 121135.

DOI:10.1306/13251335M943120

Copyright copy2011 by The American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

Layer-parallel Shortening Templates Associated with Double-edge Fault-propagation Folding

S. Tavani,1 F. Storti2

1Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche, Universita degli studi ldquoRoma Trerdquo, Rome, Italy; present address: Departament de Geodinamica i Geofisica, Facultat de Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
2Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche, Universita degli studi ldquoRoma Trerdquo, Rome, Italy

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was conducted with the financial support of the Italian Ministero dellrsquoUniversita e della Ricerca (MIUR), the MODES-4D (CGL2007-66431-C02-02/BTE) project, and the Grup de Recerca de Geodinamica i Analisi de Conques (2001SRG-000074). We gratefully acknowledge constructive reviews from A. Amibilia Cabeza, S. Hardy, and an anonymous reviewer, which helped us to improve an early version of the manuscript. We thank F. Salvini for useful suggestions.

ABSTRACT

Pressure-solution cleavage is frequently among the most abundant mesostructures in carbonate thrust wedges. It can exert a primary function in fluid migration, and consequently, understanding its time-space evolution can significantly impact the reservoir modeling and performance. The evidence that pressure-solution cleavage is commonly at a high angle to bedding and, in many cases, displays a frequency distribution relating to the host-fold geometry indicates a partial synfolding development driven by fault-fold kinematics. Double-edge fault-propagation folding assumes layer-parallel shortening during fold evolution. Accordingly, this model can provide a tool for inferring the distribution of pressure-solution cleavage within thrust-related folds that, under appropriate stress conditions, can significantly improve secondary porosity and permeability in reservoirs.

We summarize the pressure-solution cleavage pattern in three anticlines that have possibly developed by double-edge fault-propagation folding, and then we analyze the deformation patterns associated with double-edge fault-propagation folding, investigating the influence of different model parameters (i.e., ramp propagation history, shape, and initial length) onto the cross-sectional deformation pattern in fault-propagation anticlines. Modeling results indicate that, in carbonate thrust wedges, forelimb panels and footwall sectors close to the thrust ramp can provide promising targets for hydrocarbon exploration.

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