--> Abstract: Distribution and Origin of Fault-Line Scarps of Southwest Louisiana, USA
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Distribution and Origin of Previous HitFaultNext Hit-Line Scarps of Southwest Louisiana, USA

Paul V. Heinrich
Louisiana Geological Survey, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803

Compilation of Previous HitfaultNext Hit-line scarps and traces from existing geologic mapping and revision of the resulting compilation using remote sensing data and various aerial images revealed a complex pattern of Quaternary Previous HitfaultNext Hit-line scarps within southwest Louisiana. Numerous, generally east-west trending, Previous HitfaultNext Hit-line scarps form a 24 km wide east-west trending belt lying south of a line between Ville Platte, Louisiana and Kirbyville, Texas. The southern edge of it is marked by a relatively continuous set of Previous HitfaultNext Hit-line scarps associated with the Tepetate Previous HitfaultNext Hit zone. Numerous Previous HitfaultNext Hit-line scarps occur between the Tepetate Previous HitfaultNext Hit zone and the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico. However, these Previous HitfaultNext Hit-line scarps lack any regional pattern, and many are associated with local salt domes and growth faults. The northernmost Previous HitfaultNext Hit-line scarps found within southwest Louisiana consist of a narrow belt of prominent east-west trending scarps within southern Rapides Parish.

Many of these Quaternary Previous HitfaultNext Hit-line scarps are the surface expressions of known Tertiary growth faults, a number of which are associated with roll-over structures containing oil and gas fields. Such oil and gas fields were formed as the result of reactivation of the faults during the Pleistocene. The reactivation of these faults and the associated formation of these scarps represent the results of the loading of the Gulf of Mexico margin starting in Late Pliocene time. This loading has had the effect of reactivating regional Previous HitfaultNext Hit trends such as the Tepetate Previous HitfaultTop zone and causing the renewed flowage of deep-seated salt.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90080©2005 GCAGS 55th Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana