Dissolution of salt deposits by brine density flow

Abstract

Research Article| February 01, 1980 Dissolution of salt deposits by brine density flow Roger Y. Anderson; Roger Y. Anderson 1Department of Geology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Douglas W. Kirkland Douglas W. Kirkland 2Mobil Research and Development Corporation, Dallas, Texas 75221 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1980) 8 (2): 66–69. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1980)8<66:DOSDBB>2.0.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Roger Y. Anderson, Douglas W. Kirkland; Dissolution of salt deposits by brine density flow. Geology 1980;; 8 (2): 66–69. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1980)8<66:DOSDBB>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract The origin of collapse structures and breccias that vertically penetrate or occur within impermeable evaporites has never really been understood. The density of the brine that develops as salt deposits are dissolved can generate continuous gravitational brine movement. If the source of the dissolving water is artesian, or continuous, a flow cycle is developed in which the salt itself supplies the density gradient that becomes the vehicle of its own dissolution. The Delaware Basin in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico provides a particularly good example of how brine density flow can produce dissolution chambers that collapse to form breccias. The potential for dissolution by brine flow is an inherent property of partly exhumed evaporites and may constitute a risk factor in the storage of radioactive waste in evaporite deposits. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.