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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1996; v. 99; p. 27-40;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1996.099.01.04
© 1996 Geological Society of London

Seismic Interpretation

Ductile strain effects in the analysis of seismic interpretations of normal fault systems

J. J. Walsh, J. Watterson, C. Childs & A. Nicol

Fault Analysis Group, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Liverpool, Brownlow Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK

The limited vertical resolution of reflection seismic data results in sub-resolution structures accommodating appreciable ductile strains which should be taken into account in structural restoration and balancing and in analysis of fault displacements. Non-ductile strains are expressed as discontinuities, such as fault offsets. A fault map of an intensively mined coal-seam is used to demonstrate the role of structures which would not be detected by a typical offshore seismic survey. Four examples are given of interpretations of seismic datasets in which significant ductile strain can be demonstrated; (i) an array of normal faults in which significant extension is accommodated by sub-seismic faults, (ii) a relay zone in which ductile shear strain accommodates significant displacement and change of bed-lengths, (iii) an intersection zone between conjugate normal faults which is effectively a zone of ductile pure shear strain with horizontal extension, and (iv) a hanging-wall fold which accommodates appreciable ductile displacement and ductile bed extension. In all these cases the ductile strains and displacements can be estimated from the seismic interpretation. Unless ductile strains are incorporated in restorations bed lengths will not balance. Balancing nevertheless remains the prime method for detection of grossly invalid sections.





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