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Growth trishear model and its application to the Gilbertown graben system, southwest Alabama

January 1, 2009

Fault-propagation folding associated with an upward propagating fault in the Gilbertown graben system is revealed by well-based 3-D subsurface mapping and dipmeter analysis. The fold is developed in the Selma chalk, which is an oil reservoir along the southern margin of the graben. Area-depth-strain analysis suggests that the Cretaceous strata were growth units, the Jurassic strata were pregrowth units, and the graben system is detached in the Louann Salt. The growth trishear model has been applied in this paper to study the evolution and kinematics of extensional fault-propagation folding. Models indicate that the propagation to slip (p/s) ratio of the underlying fault plays an important role in governing the geometry of the resulting extensional fault-propagation fold. With a greater p/s ratio, the fold is more localized in the vicinity of the propagating fault. The extensional fault-propagation fold in the Gilbertown graben is modeled by both a compactional and a non-compactional growth trishear model. Both models predict a similar geometry of the extensional fault-propagation fold. The trishear model with compaction best predicts the fold geometry. ?? 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication Year 2009
Title Growth trishear model and its application to the Gilbertown graben system, southwest Alabama
DOI 10.1016/j.jsg.2008.09.006
Authors G. Jin, R.H. Groshong, J.C. Pashin
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Journal of Structural Geology
Index ID 70037011
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse