Regional tectonic synthesis of central foldbelt and Indus plain of Pakistan

Conference · Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1989 · AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6120147

Everett, J R; Russell, O R; Dolan, P

A regional tectonic synthesis based on detailed interpretation of 32 Landsat images, review of literature and maps, and integration of a regional stratigraphic analysis reveals a great deal about the development and distribution of deformational features in Pakistan and indicates a number of oil and gas exploration opportunities that may have been overlooked. It appears that the original shape of the Indian and Eurasian plates and their convergence vector through time controlled the overall pattern of deformation resulting from their collision. The details of plate convergence history, distribution of previously existing structural features, distribution of lithologic units, and their mechanical properties profoundly influence the morphology and architecture of the ranges comprising the Central foldbelt and the effects of the collision in the Indus Plain. In particular, the distribution of low-viscosity units that act as detachment zones (e.g., the Infracambrian evaporite sequence, Cretaceous and Eocene shales and evaporites) control the location of folded thrust belts, thrust duplexes, and passive-roof complexes. Taken together, the tectonic synthesis and regional stratigraphic analysis indicate a wide variety of untested exploration opportunities. These opportunities range from the obvious testing of undrilled structures within productive foldbelts such as the Potwar Plateau and Sulaiman Range to the pursuit of distal folds and the more obscure extension of foldbelts beneath the alluvial cover of the Indus Plain and delta.

• Research Organization: Earth Satellite Corp., Chevy Chase, MD (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6120147
• Report Number(s): CONF-890404-
• Journal Information: AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States), Vol. 73:3; Conference: AAPG annual convention with DPA/EMD Divisions and SEPM, San Antonio, TX, USA, 23 Apr 1989
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
EXPLORATION
PAKISTAN
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
TECTONICS
CRETACEOUS PERIOD
EOCENE EPOCH
EVAPORITES
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
LANDSAT SATELLITES
SHALES
ASIA
CENOZOIC ERA
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
MESOZOIC ERA
MINERAL RESOURCES
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SATELLITES
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
TERTIARY PERIOD
020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration