SOME CONSEQUENCES OF FAULTING IN THE PRESENCE OF A SALT ROCK INTERVAL

Abstract

Movement (and diapirism) in salt rock is frequently associated with faulting. In some cases, as in the Southern North Sea Zechstein, the association is clearly demonstrable. In other cases, more subtle effects occur. There is a variety of phenomena which may be observed under different geological circumstances in the salt‐fault association, and this paper discusses some of the more frequently‐encountered of these, offering some rather speculative suggestions as to the mechanisms which may be involved. Comment is also made upon apparent inconsistencies existing in currently‐held views on deformation in salt rock, and on the initiatory causes of diapirism. The ideas expressed and the geological interpretations made, are based on the study of current seismic data which has, where possible, been related to released well information.