Detailed geophysical surveys were conducted over five intraslope basins on the northern Gulf of Mexico slope off Texas and Louisiana. Analysis of the seismic reflection data shows that these depressions are the result of coalescence of diapiric salt structures. They are filled with numerous thick sedimentary sequences with variable drape and onlapping relations. The difference in bedding attitudes which distinguish the sequences are believed to be a result of episodic salt movement. The five intraslope basins show great individual variability in the details of their physiography and structure. However, they may be classified into two main structural types: (1) eastern basins that are generally deep depressions with steepened slopes which display evidence of recent vertical motion and mass sediment movement and are underlain by salt at relatively shallow depths; and (2) western basins which are broad and shallow, formed between elongate ridge systems and which have undergone less deformation. The marked structural difference east to west is believed to be the result of differences in the thickness of the underlying salt. A thicker accumulation of salt to the east allowed for greater relative vertical motion in response to differential loading, and consequently more localized subsequent deposition. Differential loading on a thinner layer of salt may be expected to produce less vertical motion and broader basins, such as in the west. The composition and structure of the sedimentary sequences reflect complex interactions of sea-level fluctuations, thick sediment deposition, relative vertical motion of salt structures, related faulting, and mass sediment movement. Once formation of intraslope basins is initiated, they become the main loci of deposition for sediments reaching the continental slope.
Research Article|
May 01, 1982
Variations in Structure and Salt Tectonics, Gulf of Mexico Continental Slope Basins: ABSTRACT
Mary H. Feeley;
Mary H. Feeley
Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX
Search for other works by this author on:
Thomas W. C. Hilde
Thomas W. C. Hilde
Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX
Search for other works by this author on:
Mary H. Feeley
Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX
Thomas W. C. Hilde
Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX
Publisher: American Association of Petroleum Geologists
First Online:
23 Sep 2019
Online ISSN: 1558-9153
Print ISSN: 0149-1423
© 1982 American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.
American Association of Petroleum Geologists
AAPG Bulletin (1982) 66 (5): 568.
Article history
First Online:
23 Sep 2019
Citation
Mary H. Feeley, Thomas W. C. Hilde; Variations in Structure and Salt Tectonics, Gulf of Mexico Continental Slope Basins: ABSTRACT. AAPG Bulletin 1982;; 66 (5): 568. doi: https://doi.org/10.1306/03B59D3C-16D1-11D7-8645000102C1865D
Download citation file: