--> ABSTRACT: Gypsum Dehydration, Agent of Salt Diapirism, by D. H. Kupfer; #91029 (2010)

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Gypsum Dehydration, Agent of Salt Diapirism

D. H. Kupfer

One to 10% anhydrite is present in Gulf Coast domal salt, probably deposited as primary gypsum. Because the conversion to anhydrite occurs during burial and after the salt has recrystallized enough to become impermeable, the water of dehydration does not escape. This geopressured water will greatly increase the mobility of salt and aid diapirism. The depths and temperatures that cause diapirism may be similar to those that cause gypsum dehydration, but none of the four parameters is well understood. Gypsum dehydration may join differential load, temperature, depth, and thickness as a factor strongly influencing diapirism.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91029©1989 AAPG GCAGS and GC Section of SEPM Meeting, October 25-27, 1989, Corpus Christi, Texas.