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4D Physical Simulation of Basin-scale Salt Tectonic Processes and Coupled Depositional Systems
Figure 3: Early (20 hours), Intermediate (60 hours) and Late Stage (100
3D Deformation Monitoring –
hours) of Salt Basin Evolution Simulated with Scaled 3D Analogue
Digital Image Correlation
Experiment (Thin Salt–Slow Progradation–Tilted Basement)
The 3D surface deformation is monitored by high-resolution digital
cameras with stereoscopic setup (see Figure 2). Time-series
digital stereo images are taken at 10-minute intervals. Surface
evolution, subsidence and fault kinematics of the experiments are
analysed with 3D displacement data and computed strain derivates
obtained from 3D digital image correlation (DIC) (see Figure 3).
DIC is a high-resolution optical 3D deformation monitoring
technique adapted for analogue deformation experiments in
co-operation with industry partners
9
that allows full quantification of
small- and large-scale model deformation. This database is directly
comparable to numerical modelling results, or can be utilised for
seismic interpretation, 3D structural restoration or advanced basin
modelling or petroleum systems analysis.
Structural and Kinematic Modelling
The integration of high-resolution experimental strain data with
Experiment evolution shown by artificially illuminated 3D surface models with, from top to bottom, overlays
of image, horizontal displacement (Vx), vertical displacement data (Vz) and horizontal strain (Exx).
structural modelling of the experiment sections enables reliable 3D
correlation, structural restoration and mechanical analysis of the
Figure 4: 3D Structural Model Build with Seismic Interpretation
Software Package from Serial Sections of Analogue Experiment
complex salt and fault systems. The final models are sectioned in
(Thin Salt–High Progradation–No Tilt) 5cm intervals in dip direction (shelf to slope) to document the final
structures and their along-strike 3D variation.
Structural 3D models are built from model sections with commercial
seismic interpretation software to provide insights into the
architecture of the linked salt and fault structures (see Figure 4).
The integration of the 3D strain data with structural modelling of the
experiment sections enables reliable 3D correlation, incremental
structural restoration and mechanical analysis of the complex
salt structures and fault systems (see Figure 5). Surprisingly, a
comparison of the mechanically restored sections with results of
standard structural modelling tools showed that the latter are not
able to restore experiments reliably because they systematically
underestimate extension and overestimate salt.
Case Studies – Integration of Geological/Geophysical
Data and Physical Experiments
During academic and industry research projects, we have
successfully integrated geological/geophysical data into physical
modelling techniques, and have already tested the workflow in case
studies with industry partners. These case studies integrate structural
interpretation of regional seismic data with 3D analogue models
simulating basin-scale salt tectonic processes, and investigate the
evolution of the salt structures and coupled depositional systems in
Top: correlation of fault traces between various sections. Bottom: 3D variation of fault geometries with
the sedimentary basin.
grabens, basinward and landward-dipping growth fault rollovers.
and parameters of the analogue experiments (e.g. salt basin The salt tectonic concepts and basin models derived are used for the
geometry, salt thickness, basement topography, sediment input). A interpretation of regional seismic data and kinematic modelling of
height-adjustable guide system is used to model different salt deformation sequences and their relation to the palaeo-
sedimentation scenarios. Sedimentation is simulated with sieving of depositional environment within its basin-scale tectono-stratigraphic
thin sand layers in pre-determined time intervals (one to eight hours) framework of the study area. The regional studies decrease risk
on the evolving experiment surface. Different depositional scenarios through improved understanding of the timing of salt-related
are simulated with concepts of passive margin sedimentation, e.g. structures and the interaction between salt tectonics and
constant sediment volume per time interval, sediment progradation sedimentation from the initiation of early post-rift diapirs to
from shelf to slope, topography controlling sediment pathways, the evolution of allochthonous deepwater salt canopy systems in the
grabens and basins receiving more sediment, etc. modern slope.
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