Geologic models made from granular materials

Abstract

This paper describes geologic models made with high density powders overlying a lower density fluid. Movement is induced by gravitational forces only and, in most of the models, deposition was effected contemporaneously with “deformation.” Granular materials were selected because they are particularly adapted to show faulting. Models were made to show salt‐dome structures, and thrust and tension faults. Some of the thrust structures, in particular, closely resemble known geologic structures. The concept of a Mohr diagram for sediments and other geologic materials similar to that for the powder mixtures is used in evaluating the model ratios in terms of measured properties of these mixtures and of known or inferred values for the properties of rocks involved in natural geologic structures.