Authors : A. Bensekhria, F. Qi, S. Wanzhong and Z. Yeping
Abstract: Qianjiang depression is one of the most faulted lacustrine depressions in Southeastern China. This study considered the main faulting influencing the different sedimentary rocks, the causes of this faulting and the relationship of faulting to salt diapirism. To satisfy our research needs, we used 3D seismic data, where 4 seismic section profiles were chosen. Northeastward salt domes aligning along the depression center showed evidence of active diapirism and a normal growth fault has been continually active at least since, the middle Eocene. This steep fault extended deeply to a strong reflection event that may represent the base of the salt layer. We inferred that faulting is caused by basinward flow of salt from the deep part of the depression into domes, there by creating a great difference in hydrostatic pressure between the upthrown (uplifted area) and the downthrown (depression area) sides of the fault and by removing support for the over lying block of sedimentary rocks.
A. Bensekhria, F. Qi, S. Wanzhong and Z. Yeping, 2009. Seismic Interpretation of Growth Fault and Salt Diapirism in Qianjiang Sag, Jianghan Basin, Southeastern China. Online Journal of Earth Sciences, 3: 1-9.