--> Abstract: Structural Segmentation of Gulf of Mexico, by F. Xue and J. S. Watkins; #90932 (1998).

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Abstract: Structural Segmentation of Gulf of Mexico

XUE, FANGJIAN
Schlumberger GeoQuest, Houston, TX;
JOEL S. WATKINS
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

A systematic description of the geological variation at different scales characterizes the complex tectonic framework of Gulf of Mexico. Our structural and stratigraphic synthesis of Texas-Louisiana shelf suggests that northern Gulf of Mexico can be structurally segmented into five orders. The distribution of shallow salt features and regional fault systems within northern Gulf of Mexico forms the first order: it consists of four tectonic provinces on the Texas shelf, western Louisiana shelf, eastern Louisiana shelf and Texas-Louisiana slope. Alternation of structural style across the western Louisiana shelf tectonic province forms the second order: it consists of three structural trends along inner, middle and outer shelf. The uneven distribution of large growth faults and extensive salt sheets along the outer western Louisiana shelf structural trend forms the third order: it consists of three salt sheet growth fault families at Cameron South, Eugene Island, and South Timbalier OCS areas. The fault orientation pattern within each of the three families forms the fourth order: it consists of NW to SE salt wall-sediment corridors. Genetically linked fault systems within each corridor form the fifth order segmentation: it is the basic unit of the tectonic framework.

The concept of five order segmentation reflects the interplay of salt tectonics with basin sedimentation at different scales and aspects. The influence of synrift basement structure upon subsequent deposition controlled the first order segmentation; regional depocenters shifts controlled the second; extensive salt sheet withdrawal controlled the third; local depocenters control the fourth; and salt withdrawal from single salt sheets controlled the fifth order.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90932©1998 GCAGS/GCS-SEPM Meeting, Corpus Christi, Texas