Abstract We employed a discrete‐element technique to investigate the effects of cover strength and fault dip on style fault‐propagation folding above blind normal fault. Deformation in is initially characterised by an upward‐widening monocline that often replaced, with continued slip basement fault, single, through‐going Localisation single produces hangingwall synclines footwall anticlines as result breaching earlier which do not represent ‘drag’ against As decreases width at surface...

Abstract Gravity‐driven salt tectonics along passive margins is commonly depicted as comprising domains of updip extension and downdip contraction linked by an intermediate, broadly undeformed zone translation. This study expands on recently published physical models using discrete‐element modeling to demonstrate how salt‐related translation over pre‐salt rift structures produce complex deformation distribution structural styles in translational provinces. Rift geometries defined horsts...

ABSTRACT A two‐dimensional, discrete‐element modelling technique is used to investigate the initiation and growth of detachment folds in sedimentary rocks above a weak décollement level. The model depicts as an assemblage spheres that obey Newton's equations motion interact with elastic forces under influence gravity. Faulting or fracturing between neighbouring elements represented by transition from repulsive–attractive solely repulsive forces. sequence mechanically heterogeneous,...

Abstract The variety in fault geometry, interaction style, and evolution of the network above a weak planar preexisting as result change strike angle ( α ) relative to extension direction is investigated using three‐dimensional discrete element modeling. shows three reactivation modes: (i) full ≥ 60°), (ii) partial = 45°), (iii) little or no 30°). A fully reactivated decreases density, affects orientation, enhances length displacement adjacent new faults. partially generates some isolated...

Geophysical, structural, geochronological and geomorphological data indicate that the Psatha, East Alkyonides, Skinos Pisia faults are Holocene-active structures whereas status of West Strava, Perachora Loutraki is less certain. We see no evidence for significant lateral surface fault growth. New late Pleistocene footwall uplift Psatha comparable with previously estimated Holocene rates. Pre-Holocene stratigraphic sequences in Alkyonides Gulf allow calculation vertical displacement on...

Abstract The initiation, growth and interaction of faults within an extensional rift is inherently four-dimensional process where connectivity with time depth are difficult to constrain. A 3D discrete element model employed that represents the crust as a two-layered brittle–ductile system in which nucleate, propagate interact response local heterogeneities resulting stresses. Faults nucleate conjugate sets throughout brittle crust; they grow through combination tip propagation co-linear...

Abstract Natural fractures control primary fluid flow in low-matrix-permeability carbonate hydrocarbon reservoirs, making it important to understand the factors that affect natural fracture distributions and networks. Away from influence of folds faults, stratigraphic controls are accepted be major on The nodular chert rhythmite successions networks is investigated here using a Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) technique draws outcrop observations naturally fractured carbonates Eocene Thebes...

Abstract Zones of distributed faulting with narrow (2–3 km) across‐strike spacing form a common structural style within rifts, especially in accommodation zones, and contrast crustal‐scale half‐grabens, where strain is localised on normal faults spaced 10–30 km apart. These contrasting styles are likely to have significant impact geomorphic development, sediment routing the stratigraphic record. Perachora Peninsula, eastern part active Corinth Rift, Greece, one such zone faulting. We analyse...

Abstract The Rio do Peixe Basin is part of a series aborted Cretaceous rifts formed within the Proterozoic Borborema Province, onshore NE Brazil in response to rifting between Africa and South America. basin remarkably well‐imaged comprises fault‐bounded depocentres, main ones being NE‐oriented Brejo das Freiras E–W‐oriented Sousa half‐grabens. These grabens their bounding faults are influenced by Neoproterozoic basement shear zones present complex framework secondary normal folds. Recent...

Abstract Subsurface salt flow can deform overlying strata and influence contemporaneous sedimentary systems. Studying salt‐sediment interactions is challenging in the subsurface due to poor imaging adjacent salt, field dissolution of halite. Discrete Element Modelling provides an efficient inexpensive tool model stratigraphy deformation around structures, which advantageous over other modelling techniques as it realistically recreates brittle processes such faulting. Six 2D experiments were...

Abstract The lateral propagation of faults and folds is known to be an important process during the development mountain belts, but little about manner in which along‐strike fault–fold growth expressed pre‐ syntectonic (growth) strata. We use a coupled tectonic stratigraphic model investigate expression fault‐related folds/uplifts that grow both transport strike directions. consider propagate following quadratic (nonself‐similar evolution) or linear (self‐similar scaling law, using different...

Natural fractures control primary fluid flow in low matrix permeability carbonate hydrocarbon reservoirs. Fracture stratigraphy partitions a rock succession based on quantifiable fracture parameters. Mechanical is defined by physical properties. However, mechanical can vary spatially and temporally due to lateral facies changes post depositional diagenetic modification. Carbonate rocks are particularly susceptible repeated episodes of alteration. The consequence this that extant outcrop...

Understanding the impact of tectonics on surface processes and resultant stratigraphic evolution in multi-phase rifts is challenging, as patterns erosion deposition related to older phases extension are overprinted by subsequent extensional phases. In this study, we use a one-way coupled numerical modelling approach between tectonic model investigate topographic evolution, basin stratigraphy during single rifting. We compare results from rift experiments for 5 Myr period which they...

Abstract Subsurface salt movement in the absence of external tectonic forces can affect contemporaneous sediment deposition, mask allocyclic signals, and deform older strata. We used a discrete element model (DEM) to better understand salt-related modification sedimentary sequence with an increasing sedimentation rate. This permitted quantification thinning rates analysis lateral extent synkinematic layers. Results show realistic evolution faults, defining two salt-withdrawal basins, beyond...

Salt-related deformation plays an important role for the geological evolution and structural style of Moroccan continental margin is a critical factor controlling reservoir distribution, migration pathways trap formation. A recent surge in interest from petroleum industry has provided wealth new data some surprising results necessitating look at geology region. This study adopts interactive seismic stratigraphic forward modelling approach, using Discrete_Element Technique, to salt-related...

Summary Salt tectonics is known to be an important control on the structural configuration of many continental margins. It a critical mechanism that influences syn-deformational sedimentation and depositional style has significant impact potential reservoir distribution, fluid migration pathways trap formation. This study adopts integrated seismic stratigraphic interpretation forward modelling approach, using Discrete-Element Technique, salt-related deformation with aim characterizing salt...