--> Do Deep Salt Layers Argue for Multiple Sigsbee Salt Layer Events along the Northern Gulf of Mexico?, Allen Lowrie and Linda H. Jenkins, #90093 (2009)

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Do Deep Salt Layers Argue for Multiple Sigsbee Salt Layer Events along the Northern Gulf of Mexico?
 

Allen Lowrie1 and Linda H. Jenkins2
 

1238 F. Z. Goss Rd., Picayune, Mississippi  39466 

22403 Hillsdale Rd., Picayune, Mississippi  39466

 

ABSTRACT

 

Review of current deep dip seismic reflection data of the continental shelf-upper slope suggests the occurrence of two salt layers.  The deepest salt is a layer with top and bottom marked by strong double reflectors.  Where existent, layer thickness is generally uniform and interrupted by basement highs of irregular and discontinuous reflectors.  Above the deepest salt, a “salt weld” is characterized by a single reflector couplet.  Basinward seismic data suggest a termination.  Extensions of normal faults within the overlying sediment wedge terminate at the salt wedge reflector; few extend to the deeper salt.

 

The seismically indicated occurrence of two salt layers, one over another, is an unreported phenomenon.  Deposition of the Sigsbee Salt Layer (SSL) over the Gulf of Mexico rifting is at shelfwater depths.  This salt remains continuous until rifting emerges, as does basement within the Afar Triangle today.  More basin subsidence equals sediment encroachment.  Sediment accumulates, and forces semiplastic salt basinward.  Buoyant salt and regional tectonics, including earthquakes, may cause salt to rise within overlying sediments.  This rising/migrating salt then advances over original salt deposited on basement to create two salts that are migrating toward the basin.  The upper salt becomes a lubricating horizon as sediment subsides and rotates basinward.  Sediment motion forces salt to evacuate and migrate basinward, leaving a weld.  As sediment progrades, several proto-SSLs could appear, each for a period, then ending when salt supply ends.  The present SSL exists because of a continuing salt source.

 

Lowrie, A., and L. H. Jenkins, 2009, Do deep salt layers argue for multiple Sigsbee salt layer events along the northern Gulf of Mexico?:  Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, v. 59, p. 489-494.

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AAPG Search and Discover Article #90093 © 2009 GCAGS 59th Annual Meeting, Shreveport, Louisiana