--> Abstract: Continental Margin Strength and Dynamics, with Northern Gulf of Mexico as Proto-Type, by Allen Lowrie, Patricia Allison Dean, and Bradley Matthew Battista; #90032 (2004)

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Continental Margin Strength and Dynamics, with Northern Gulf of Mexico as Proto-Type

Allen Lowrie, Patricia Allison Dean, and Bradley Matthew Battista
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

The classic passive continental margin model of previous decades was of evolution over a perceived structurally strong feature. That notion of stability is eroding as the impact of interlocking geologic processes is better understood. The continental margin, instead of being stable, may itself be dynamic as it slides into the Gulf of Mexico. For this to be true, there must be processes that individually, collectively, and synergistically, are weakening the margin in such a way that it moves minutely, locally, and regionally, each unit possibly moving independently, yet forming a single tapestry of deformation. To propose a hierarchy of operating processes of which one(s) may be dominant or subordinate is surely premature.

Yet listing geologic processes known, a task heretofore never done, and tabulating rates or even estimates of ranges of rates at which they may operate, a compilation also non-existent, may be a worthy exercise. Such process listings do provide a unique and never before available overview of how geology operates and interrelates, at least on the conceptual level. Continental margins, with their dynamic natures, appear to lend themselves to this novel exploratory format. Given that the northern Gulf of Mexico is the most extensively explored margin in the world and the authors' familiarity with it, this initial listing of processes was conducted in the context of the Louisiana-Texas offshore. This overview leads to avenues of improved comprehension of known interrelationships and possibly indicating future exploration.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90032©2004 GCAGS 54th Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas, October 10-12, 2004