Geometry and fracture distribution in fault-propagation folds in nature and experiments

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6683020

Chester, J S

Fault-propagation folds in compressional terranes are attractive reservoir targets, particularly where deformation processes such as fracturing and faulting enchance reservoir and transport properties. Field examples and laboratory modeling suggest that fold geometry, fracture distribution, and propagation of the master fault vary with lithologic layering. Fault-propagation folds in the Absaroka thrust sheet, Salt River Range, Wyoming, are characterized by a complexly folded and faulted sequence overlying imbricate thrust ramps. The lower Paleozoic section consists of a mechanically anisotropic rock sequence that has variable bedding thickness and relative ductility. Above thrust ramps, thick-bedded brittle units shorten by isolated faulting and fracturing. The faulted and fractured zones are separated by disharmonic folds and zones of interlayer slip in the thinly bedded units. This geometry suggests that fault-propagation folds in mechanically layered rock grow by the linking of structurally higher isolated faulted segments rather than by the continuous propagation of the master thrust upsection.

• OSTI ID: 6683020
• Report Number(s): CONF-880301-
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
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& Exploration
03 NATURAL GAS
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& Exploration
ANTICLINES
CRACK PROPAGATION
EXPLORATION
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
GEOMETRY
GEOPHYSICS
GROUND UPLIFT
MATHEMATICS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES
TECTONICS