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A Deterministic Evaluation of eismic Fidelity using Velocity Modeling ...

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structures form by the differential sinking <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> the unconsolidated water-saturated<br />

overburden until it becomes denser than salt (Talbot, 1995). These three stages <strong>of</strong><br />

diapirism <strong>of</strong>ten represent various stages <strong>of</strong> the development <strong>of</strong> a salt body, or if the<br />

overburden is thin or uneven the entire process may be passive (Rowan,1995).<br />

Dips <strong>of</strong> salt-sediment contacts are a function <strong>of</strong> two processes, the net accumulation <strong>of</strong><br />

overburden and the net relief <strong>of</strong> overburden. Net accumulation <strong>of</strong> overburden, A, is equal<br />

to deposition minus compaction and net increase in relief <strong>of</strong> salt structures, R, is equal to<br />

salt rise minus dissolution. Using a method developed by Talbot (1995), measurement <strong>of</strong><br />

the dip <strong>of</strong> salt sediment contacts is a means to calculate a kinematic ratio <strong>of</strong> A/R and R/A<br />

(Figure 6). Using the calculated ratio is a method to identify the stage <strong>of</strong> diapirism<br />

(Figure 7). Talbot studied an example <strong>of</strong> calculating A and R to estimate the R/A ratio<br />

around domes, 1995, in East Texas. By increasing the resolution around the sediment<br />

salt interface, the potential for unraveling the history <strong>of</strong> dome development increases.<br />

2.5 Structural Development<br />

The structural evolution <strong>of</strong> the Upper Continental Margin <strong>of</strong> the Gulf <strong>of</strong> Mexico Basin is<br />

a function <strong>of</strong> the early tectonic history beginning in the Triassic, later salt formation, salt<br />

movement, and Tertiary depositional history. Processes involved in the structural<br />

development include the formation <strong>of</strong> salt bodies, extension updip in the form <strong>of</strong> growth<br />

faults, and downdip contraction. Describing the regional structural development <strong>of</strong> the<br />

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