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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Earth Science Bulletin (WGA)

Abstract


Earth Science Bulletin
Vol. 18 (1985), No. 1. (Annual), Pages 68a-69

Abstract: Thrust Faulting in the Laramie Range from Reanalysis of COCORP Seismic Data

Roy Johnson, Scott B. Smithson

The eastern flank of the Laramie Range, in the area of the COCORP seismic lines, is characterized by nearly vertical to strongly overturned Phanerozoic rocks in Previous HitfaultNext Hit contact with Precambrian anorthosite and granite. Original COCORP Line 3 exhibits a strong event dipping west from the frontal Previous HitfaultNext Hit below Precambrian rocks which could be interpreted as the continuation of upright west-dipping Paleozoic rocks below a Precambrian rock overthrust. If true, the attitude of the Previous HitfaultNext Hit could be interpreted to dip 50° –60° W. However, geologic data, model studies, and analysis of field records and-reprocessed data demonstrate this strong event to be stacked refraction arrivals. Reprocessed COCORP seismic data shows a west-dipping event which can be projected to the surface Previous HitfaultNext Hit trace and can be interpreted as a reflection from the Previous HitfaultNext Hit boundary between Precambrian and overturned Phazerozoic rocks; true dip of this event is 30° –40°. Lack of continuous Previous HitfaultNext Hit zone reflections extendable to depth on the sections suggests probable mylonites associated with the Wind River Thrust are better reflectors than brittle Previous HitfaultNext Hit zones associated with the Laramie Range. Although Previous HitfaultNext Hit zone reflectivity depends on the specific nature of individual Previous HitfaultNext Hit zones, the Wind River Thrust and Laramie Range frontal Previous HitfaultNext Hit zone may represent approximate maximum and minimum end-members of Previous HitfaultTop zone reflectivity.

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