--> Abstract: Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Fractured Rock Panels from Geometric and Kinematic Models of Thrust-Related Folding, by F. Salvini and F. Storti; #90942 (1997).

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Abstract: Spatial and temporal distribution of fractured rock panels from geometric and kinematic models of thrust-related folding


SALVINI, FRANCESCO & FABRIZIO STORTI,

Fracturing is an important strain mechanism associated with brittle folding. The spatial and temporal development of fractures bears important insights for fluid migration and accumulation both during and after deformation. Different folding mechanisms generate different fracture spatial and temporal patterns. Kinematic modeling provides quantitative relationships among key parameters that allow a fully reconstruction of fault-fold geometries and their evolution through time. The spatial and temporal distribution of folding-related fractures can be predicted from kinematic and geometric models, by analyzing the relationships between bending and fracturing in each folded rock panel.

The development and the migration paths of homogeneously strained rock panels during folding have been numerically modeled from comparison of line-length and area balanced geometric models of thrust-related folding, and stress and strain distribution. Predicted, time-dependent fracture distributions as derived from the numerical modeling, are compared with natural fracture patterns associated with thrust-related anticlines in the Neogene Apennine thrust-fold belt, Italy. The progressive evolution of fold-related fracturing in natural folds has been unraveled by analyzing deformation in the growth strata associated with the anticlines. Quantitative results show the influence of fracture-time - evolutionary paths on both fluid migrations and reservoir settlements, depending on the kinematic evolution of folds.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90942©1997 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Vienna, Austria