Regional tectonic synthesis of central foldbelt and Indus plain of Pakistan

Conference · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 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-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 73:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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