Extensional fault-propagation folding in mechanically layered rocks: The case against the frictional drag mechanism

Abstract

“Fault drag” (deflection of beds or other markers into folds that are convex in the direction of relative slip) is often interpreted as the product of frictional sliding along a fault and progressive tilting of beds with increased amount of displacement along a fault. We analyze two sets of normal faults, with throws ranging from 0.5m to 5m, and associated fault-related folds in mechanically layered upper Cretaceous carbonate, anhydrite, and shale in central Texas. For each fault set, we interpret the fault displacement and fault-related folds exposed in outcrop to represent different stages in the developmental sequence. In both fault sets, faults in dolostone or limestone lose displacement and tip into less competent anhydrite or shale where deformation is accommodated by folding and smaller scale deformation. Fold wavelength is established early and at small displacement (<1m throw). With increasing displacement the monoclinal fold limb steepens and is extended parallel to bedding, locally producing boudinage in the most competent bed between incompetent beds. Clay smear is well developed where a 0.35m thick clay shale is locally thinned to 0.1m associated with fault throws of 0.5 to 5m. Bed tilting and the development of apparent drag is not the product of frictional sliding but instead folding at the tip of an arrested, in this case upwardly, propagating normal fault. We conclude that synthetic dip associated with steep normal faults (i.e., fault drag) should not be assumed to be the product of frictional drag, but must be considered in the context of the mechanical stratigraphy. Instead, fault-tip folding in mechanically layered rocks produces synthetic dip (drag) early in the fault development history prior to propagation of the fault tip through the folded layer.