Upper Kama potassium salt deposit tectonic scheme based on physical modeling results and geological and geophysical data

Abstract

Introduction. The territory of the Upper Kama potassium salt deposit (UKPSD) which has been actively developed since 1932, is characterized by abnormal technogenic overload on the geological environment. This load destroys the natural balance of the geological environment, the restoration of which is accompanied by hazardous dynamic events, from rockbursts to induced earthquakes of various magnitudes. Dynamic conditions of UKPSD is determined by many factors, among which a significant role is played by tectonic factors. Tectonic structure in the form of tectonic features or criteria (or other equal conditions) are taken into account first of all when fulfilling dynamic zoning of UKPSD territory and predicting the areas of possible manifestation of dynamic events. As soon as structural and tectonic elements of geological environment are characterized by similarity and hierarchy, it is advisable to study the tectonics of the deposit at various scales by corresponding geological and geophysical methods applying physical simulation data. Research methodology. Tectonic structures similarity and hierarchy (with a crack analysed as a copy of a fault), determined the two-stage technique of studying the tectonic structure of UKPSD territory. At the first stage, according to physical simulation data, areas influenced by the deep faults enclosing the Solikamsk depression and UKPSD were reconstructed. At the second stage, analyses was carried out of UKPSD fault strike azimuths determined by geological and geophysical methods. Research results. According to the results of the physical simulation, the dimensions of the area of dynamic impact of all faults enclosing the Solikamsk depression taking into account their kinematic type, and strikes and kinematics of faults within the zone of each fault were determined. Statistical analysis was carried out together with rose diagrams of strike azimuths of faults in the foundation and faults in UKPSD depth determined according to the results of magnetic field local anomalies interpretation, geomorphological data, satellite and aerial images. Summary. Tectonic scheme of UKPSD is not random. It is determined basically by the kinematics of deep faults enclosing UKPSD, and the tectonics of the foundation.