Salt tectonics in block [formula omitted] of the Norwegian sector of the North Sea

Abstract

Seismic reflection data are used to investigate the structure of block 8 8 of the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, situated in the Norwegian—Danish Basin. Zechstein (Upper Permian) salt occurs in this basin, having given rise to widespread and intense salt tectonics. A number of reflections can be recognized and identified on the seismic sections. They are the Top Oligocene, the Top Paleocene, the Base Tertiary, and the Top Lower Cretaceous reflections, as well as a Jurassic reflection and the Base Permian Salt reflection (only found locally). The geological structure of the area is illustrated by means of seismic contour maps and cross-sections. Three salt plugs (a northern, a central and a southern one) are present in block 8/8. Two of these pierce Base Tertiary. The third (southern) one is more deep-seated. A major growth fault connects the northern and central plugs. The southern salt plug is surrounded by a rim syncline. The movements on the major fault and in the salt plugs in the course of geological time are investigated. It is found that there is evidence for movement in Late Jurassic, Cretaceous and Tertiary times until at least Early Miocene times. The possible cause of the structure of block 8 8 is considered in detail. It is found that the movement of the salt in at least the central salt plug is intimately connected with movements on the major growth fault. The hypothesis is advanced that all local tectonic movements are due to the flow of salt and a scheme for this salt flow is proposed. A number of special features of the tectonics of the area which support this concept are dis- cussed. Volumetric considerations are also used. The approximate volume of the salt in the plugs as well as the volume of salt drained from part of the area are calculated. Finally, deep reflection evidence is used to estimate the depth of the base of the Zech- stein salt and the top of the crystalline basement in the southern part of the area.