--> Abstract: Geometry and Kinematics of a Normal Fault Network, Corinth Rift: Construction of a 3D Model Using Limited Data, by Mary Ford, Christian Le Carlier de Veslud, Sylvain Bourlange, David Jousselin, Nicolas Backert, Sebastien Rohais, and Aurelie Girard; #90072 (2007)
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Geometry and Kinematics of a Normal Fault Network, Corinth Rift: Construction of a 3D Model Using Limited Data

Mary Ford1, Christian Le Carlier de Veslud1, Sylvain Bourlange1, David Jousselin1, Nicolas Backert2, Sebastien Rohais3, and Aurelie Girard1
1Previous HitNancyNext Hit School of Geology, Previous HitNancyNext Hit, France
2CRPG, Vandoeuvre lès Previous HitNancyTop, France
3Institut Français du Pétrole, 92852 Rueil Malmaison Cedex, France

The Gulf of Corinth is probably the most active in the world, extending N-S at a rate of 1,6 cm/yr. The early rift is today uplifted and spectacularly exposed along the southern coast of the Gulf. The Plio-Pleistocene stratigraphy and normal fault system have been mapped across more than 600 km2 and fault kinematic data collected. However, these data are not sufficient to constrain a valid 3D model (in gOcad) of geometry and displacement distribution on the normal fault network, in particular because of their irregular and often sparse distribution. We show that model construction can be better constrained by the integration of theoretical assumptions, in particular, (1) a coherent distribution of displacement across the fault network, (2) a fixed ratio of displacement to fault length, (3) a clear level of connectivity. The first parameter requires that the sum of all heaves across the rift remain constant along the length of the rift or that it vary in a constant manner (for example, the rift dies out laterally). The ratio of fault length to displacement defines the distribution of displacement along a single fault. Permissible value ranges are controlled by lithology, depth and deformation rate. However, if faults are connected, this parameter can change in a more complex manner. Lateral and vertical connectivity between major faults must be defined at the beginning of model construction. It will influence variations in the two other parameters. In the first instance, faults are extended to a depth of 2 km but certain faults will be extrapolated to connect with rupture surfaces defined at 5-8 km depth within the active seismogenic zone below the Gulf of Corinth.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90072 © 2007 AAPG and AAPG European Region Conference, Athens, Greece