Salt Stock Research Articles

Origin and timing of layer-bound radial faulting around North Sea salt stocks: New insights into the evolving stress state around rising diapirs

3D seismic data are used to establish the origin and timing of layer-bound arrays of radial faults within a 1500-m-thick sequence of polygonally faulted, Eocene to middle Miocene claystones penetrated by two adjacent salt stocks in the UK Central Graben. Polygonal faults are organised into six laterally extensive tiers that formed during sediment compaction and dewatering during early burial. Dip and amplitude attributes of faulted horizons within the centre of the tiers shows that regional polygonal fault patterns change to radial patterns around the two salt stocks which have radii of c. 1.5 and 2.5 km respectively. Radial faults are confined to the same (120–450 m thick) tiers as those of polygonal faults, indicating that they are also layer bound. The radial-fault pattern in each tier is distinctive and commonly shows a range of fault spacings (154–356 m), maximum throws (7–40 ms), and C-shaped displacement–distribution profiles similar to those of laterally equivalent polygonal faults. These layer-bound radial faults are interpreted as a form of polygonal faults in which strikes have been strongly aligned by a local stress perturbation of salt stocks. Timing constraints indicate that layer-bound arrays of polygonal and radial faults formed in discrete phases during and at the close of sedimentation of each tier. The six tiers formed during the early Eocene, late Eocene, early Oligocene, late Oligocene, early Miocene and middle Miocene. The distance of the polygonal–radial-fault transition from the salt stocks vary from tier to tier but are typically within 800–4000 m of the salt-sediment contact. The position of the transition boundary is used to reconstruct the lateral limit of the salt/sediment-boundary-parallel stress or hoop stress field during key stages in the evolution of the Pierce salt stocks. The position of the radial–polygonal fault transition could be caused by two possible mechanisms: (1) limit of circumferential stretching caused by arching during diapiric rise or (2) lateral limit of hoop stresses produced by radial loading of the overburden from a pressurised salt stock.

폐배추 추출물을 이용한 Leuconostoc citreum GR1 종균 배양용 최적 배지 및 배양 조건 개발

In the kimchi manufacturing process, the starter is cultured on a large-scale and needs to be supplied at a low price to kimchi factories. However, current high costs associated with the culture of lactic acid bacteria for the starter, have led to rising kimchi prices. To solve this problem, the development of a new medium for culturing lactic acid bacteria was studied. The base materials of a this novel medium consisted of Chinese cabbage extract, a carbon source, a nitrogen source, and inorganic salts. The optimal composition of this medium was determined to be 30% Chinese cabbage extract, 2% maltose, 0.25% yeast extract, and 2× salt stock (2% sodium acetate trihydrate, 0.8% disodium hydrogen phosphate, 0.8% sodium citrate, 0.8% ammonium sulfate, 0.04% magnesium sulfate, 0.02% manganese sulfate). The newly developed medium was named MFL (medium for lactic acid bacteria). After culture for 24 hr at 30°C, the CFU/mL of Leuconostoc (Leuc.) citreum GR1 in MRS and MFL was 3.41×10 9 and 7.49×10 9 , respectively. The number of cells in the MFL medium was 2.2 times higher than their number in the MRS media. In a scale-up process using this optimized medium, the fermentation conditions for Leuc. citreum GR1 were tested in a 2 L working volume using a 5 L jar fermentor at 30°C. At an impeller speed of 50 rpm (without pH control), the viable cell count was 8.60×10 9 CFU/mL. From studies on pH-stat control fermentation, the optimal pH and regulating agent was determined to be 6.8 and NaOH, respectively. At an impeller speed of 50 rpm with pH control, the viable cell count was 11.42×10 9 (1.14×10 10 ) CFU/mL after cultivation for 20 hr - a value was 3.34 times higher than that obtained using the MRS media in biomass production. This MFL media is expected to have economic advantages for the cultivation of Leuc. citreum GR1 as a starter for kimchi production.

Extraction of gold(III) from chloride media in aqueous polyethylene glycol-based two-phase system

Experimental results obtained for gold(III) extraction in aqueous polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based two-phase system using chloride ions as extracting agents are presented in this study. The experiments were performed by batch technique, using an aqueous two-phase system prepared by mixing equal volumes of 40% (w/w) PEG(1500) aqueous solution and 40% (w/w) (NH 4) 2SO 4 aqueous solution, both in absence and in presence of chloride ions extractants. The influence of several experimental parameters, such as initial gold(III) concentration, salt stock solution pH and chloride ions extractant concentration on gold(III) extraction efficiency was investigated. The experimental results have shown that gold(III) is quantitatively extracted (>98%) into PEG-rich phase in acid media (pH ⩽ 3.0) and at chloride ions concentration higher than 0.08 mol L −1. From the distribution coefficients determined as a function of chloride ions concentration into PEG-rich phase, the extracted species were identified. The comparison of the extraction behaviours of gold(III) and other metal ions (Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II)) was also examined. The validation of this method was done by recovery of gold from electrical wastes. The results present in this study show that the aqueous polyethylene glycol-based two-phase extraction system has potential for practical application in the extraction and separation of gold from chloride media.

Evaluation on different forms of Moringa oleifera seeds dosing on sewage sludge conditioning

The effect of different form of dosing using Moringa oleifera seeds in sewage sludge conditioning was studied. Settled activated sludge after clarification process was obtained from sludge holding tank in Sewage Treatment Plant, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In this study, sludge conditioning with Moringa oleifera seeds in 3 different forms: dry powder, distilled water extracted and salt extracted (1 N NaCl) — were studied in comparison with chemical polymer, Zetag 7653. The study applied operator's specification, Indah Water Konsortium Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia (IWK) with preparation of Moringa oleifera in water and salt stock solution and Zetag 7653 stock solution were done at 650 rpm for 1 h. Sludge conditioning was then operated at 60 rpm for 45 min using jar test apparatus. Using specific resistance to filtration (SRF) as a parameter, Moringa oleifera in dry powder form at dosage of 2000 mg/L was comparable to 50 mg/L Zetag 7653 in reducing the value from 8.0×1010 to 3.3×1010 m/kg (2.5 times of magnitude). Therefore, Moringa oleifera in dry powder form was as effective as Zetag 7653. There was no significant change in CST between the three methods of extraction for Moringa oleifera. Without applying filtration using muslin cloth, sludge solid content when dosed with Moringa oleifera in distilled water extracted form showed the least increment at 17.08%.

Inflation and deflation of deeply buried salt stocks during lateral shortening

We used scaled physical models to investigate how buried, dormant diapirs are rejuvenated by lateral squeezing. In Stage 1, regional shortening increased the pressure of the source layer, causing an inward plume of source-layer salt to intrude the dilating diapir and arch its roof. In Stage 2, the thrust front jumped forward to the salt stock, forming a major salient toward the foreland, and the stock roof was arched. Salt inflation still dominated, but a small outward plume of diapiric salt began to intrude the source layer on the foreland side of the diapir. With continued shortening in Stage 3, the converging diapir walls deflated the diapir, while a major overthrust prevented surface extrusion. Compressional uplift of the overburden created space for downward intrusion of diapiric salt into the source layer and diapiric pedestal. The models document a newly recognized type of active diapir that inflates under compression. The models also show how a salt diapir can weld shut where surface extrusion of salt is inhibited.

Revisiting the structural setting of the Glueckstadt Graben salt stock family, North German Basin

Reprocessing of seismic data of a salt stock family from the North German Basin provided new insights into the structural evolution of this area. The Common Reflection Surface (CRS) stack technique was applied to reprocess the reflection data acquired by the hydrocarbon industry in the 1980s. Due to the low fold of these data and the complex geology in the study area severe imaging challenges were encountered when the data were initially processed using conventional CMP stack. The CRS stack technique is particularly suited for low fold data in complex areas since it builds physically correct super gathers even if dipping structures are present. This leads to a considerably improved signal-to-noise ratio in the CRS stack compared to CMP stack sections. Moreover, the CRS stack parameters obtained during the stack form the foundation for a robust reflection tomography used for velocity model building. These models allowed the application of pre-stack and post-stack depth migration. The obtained depth images provided structural details not seen before, motivating an alternative view on the structural setting of the area. The image of the Jurassic salt plug indicates tectonics similar to observations in the Allertal region, where reverse faulting plays a major role in the evolution of the salt structures. As a consequence, shortening of the Mesozoic strata was included into the revised interpretation of the Glueckstadt Graben area. The new depth images also allowed an updated look on the petroleum system of this graben, which indicates new possible exploration targets.

Cd(II) extraction in PEG(1550)-(NH4)2SO4 aqueous two-phase systems using halide extractants

The extraction of Cd(II) was studied in an aqueous PEG-(NH4)2SO4 two-phase system, formed from a water-soluble polymer (poly(ethylene glycol), PEG) and an inorganic salt ((NH4)2SO4), in the presence of halide ions. In the absence of a suitable extracting agent, Cd(II) remains predominantly in the salt-rich phase of the extraction system. By addition of halide ions as extractants, Cd(II) is extracted into the PEG-rich phase due to the formation of cadmium halide species. The efficiency of the extractants increased in the order: Cl- < Br- < I-. From the distribution coefficients determined as a function of the concentration of the halide ions, the compositions of the extracted species were assumed and the "conditional" extractions constants calculated. The experimental results indicate that the extractability of Cd(II) in such extraction systems depends on the type of Cd(II) halide species (which is mainly determined by the acidity of salt stock solution) and of their stability.

The Partition Behavior of Zn(II) using Halide Ions Extractants in Aqueous Peg‐Based Two‐Phase Systems

The partition behavior of Zn(II) has been studied in aqueous polyethylene glycol PEG(1550) – (NH4)2SO4 two‐phase system using halide ions (Cl−, Br− and I−) as extracting agents, at two different values of salt stock solution pH. The efficiency of extractants increase in this order: Cl−>Br−>I−. The extracted species were estimated from the distribution coefficients' values determined as a function of halide ions concentration, and the “conditional extraction constants” were calculated. The experimental results suggest that the Zn(II) partition in presence of halide ions in such systems is the result of two competitive processes. The IR spectra of solidified PEG‐rich phases show that the passing of metal species into PEG‐rich phases bring a supplementary water contribution, which makes the extraction process to occurs until it reaches an “equilibrium state”, dependent on the hydrophobicity of these phases and not on the type of extracted metal species.

The extraction of Zn(II) in aqueous PEG (1550)-(NH4)2SO4 two-phase system using Cl- ions as extracting agent

The extraction of Zn(II) in an aqueous PEG (1550) - (NH4)2SO4 two-phase system as a function of several experimental parameters was studied. PEG-based aqueous two-phase systems are composed of two immiscible phases: a polymer-rich phase and a salt-rich phase, which can be used for extraction experiments. In the absence of a suitable extracting agent, for the system consisting of a mixture of equal volumes of 40 mass% PEG and 40 mass% (NH4)2SO4 aqueous solutions, Zn(II) remained predominantly in the salt-rich phase. Variation of the pH of the salt stock solution did not change very much the extraction efficiency. By adding chloride ions, an enhancement of the Zn(II) extraction was observed. The Zn(II) extraction efficiency in presence of Cl- depends on the acidity of the salt stock solution and on the concentration of chloride ions added into the system.

The Evolution and Growth of Central Graben Salt Structures, Salt Dome Province, Danish North Sea

Abstract The remarkable spatial resolution of 3D seismic data is particularly important in the study of salt structures, where changes in the distribution of accommodation space resulting from salt withdrawal can be mapped and related to the evolution of the individual salt structures. The Salt Dome Province of the Danish Central Graben provides an interesting example of this approach. Three adjacent salt structures (Skjold, Dan and Kraka) exhibit very different geometries, and their evolution has been the subject of some debate. The present study suggests that the Dan structure is composed almost entirely of Zechstein salt, which, facilitated by de-coupled extension during the Mid-Late Jurassic, has been intruded into and along weak planes of Triassic salt, resulting in an overall domal, circular outline. Skjold is located to the NW of Dan. It consists of Zechstein salt and forms a mature salt stock, which terminates within Upper Cretaceous strata. Skjold evolved from a linear NW-SE trending salt wall and became a point source structure during the Early Cretaceous, in common with the many other Central Graben diapers and coincident with the commencement of thermal subsidence. By contrast, Kraka, a NW-SE trending pillow structure located to the south of the Dan-Skjold alignment never became diapiric. Gravitational downbuilding of the mature Skjold diapir during rapid Cenozoic deposition was punctuated by rejuvenated (active) growth induced by regional compression, most significantly during the Mid-Miocene. This event affected also the Dan and Kraka structures, which otherwise experienced very limited growth during the Cenozoic.

ABSTRACT: Sequence Stratigraphic Framework of a Shelfal Siliciclastic Succession in an Upper Cretaceous-Lower Tertiary Salt Diapir Influenced Basin, La Popa Basin, Northeastern Mexico

La Popa Basin, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, is a salt influenced foreland basin with excellent exposures around several salt stalks, a 25 km salt wall and syndiapiric strata. The Delgado Sandstone Tongue, Potrerillos Formation is a shelfal sandstone/siltstone deposited during diapir growth in a complex, wave-dominated, eastward-prograding deltaic depositional system. Typical parasequences comprise offshore shale overlain by lower to upper shoreface sandstone. The Delgado Sandstone contains a lower, progradational parasequence set as part of a highstand system tract that is part of the underlying Middle Siltstone Member of the Potrerillos Formation and an upper retrogradational set that is part of a transgressive system tract that persists into the Upper Mudstone Member. The two system tracts are separated by an erosional sequence boundary that incises up to 10 m of underlying strata and locally preserves a lowstand system tract within incised valleys. Sequence stratigraphic correlation of 30 measured sections documents that: 1) strata proximal to El Gordo salt stock and La Popa salt wall show depositional thinning within a radius of 1 km, higher-energy and shallower-water lithofacies, and a difference in stratal stacking patterns toward the diapirs; and 2) strata around El Papalote salt stock exhibit thinning within a radius of 0.3 km, no change in lithofacies approaching the diapir, and similar stacking patterns on both flanks. These data suggest that the salt bodies had different bathymetric expressions during deposition of the Delgado Sandstone and may have had different uplift styles and/or rates.

The effect of allochthonous salt evolution and overpressure development on source rock thermal maturation: a two-dimensional transient study in the northern Gulf of Mexico Basin

Sequential two-dimensional forward modelling of source rock maturation along a north–south 600 km megaregional profile across the northern Gulf of Mexico Basin illustrates the coupled influence of allochthonous salt evolution and overpressure development on source rock maturation. Model results indicate that allochthonous salt evolution strongly affected local and regional source rock maturation, while overpressure development had a minor impact. Within the lower slope portion of the profile (south of the Sigsbee escarpment to the Tabular Salt/Minibasin province), localized thermal lows associated with salt stock development locally retarded the maturation of source rocks, while the slow development of overpressures effected little influence on the maturation. Within the centre of the profile (offshore Louisiana shelf), however, the evolution of allochthonous salt sheets and shallow salt structures locally and regionally lowered the oil generation window. The timing of overpressures in this region, related to the progradation of the Cenozoic marine depocentre, may have accelerated the maturation of middle Eocene source rocks, although the deeper Turonian source rocks had reached maturation at the time of greatest overpressure development. In the northern portion of the profile (southern Louisiana), the Terrebonne salt sheet lowered the oil generation window and retarded the maturation of the middle Eocene source rocks.

Improved protocols for Aspergillus minimal medium: trace element and minimal medium salt stock solutions

Simplified protocols for ingredients of Aspergillus minimal medium (MM) are presented. These either do not change the final composition of MM or at most involve only minor modifications which, in extensive comparative tests, have not shown any effects on growth patterns of all strains/cultures tested.

Resurgence of Salt Dome Exploration in the Gulf Coast Mesozoic Basins in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi

ABSTRACT There has been a resurgence of salt dome exploration in the Mesozoic basins of the Gulf Coast in the last five years. The renewed interest in salt dome prospecting is driven by a reinterpretation of salt dome morphology and advancements in reflection seismology. Salt domes were originally drilled on their crests at shallow depths, and the flanks were largely ignored. The domes were thought to have grown during Tertiary time, breeching the deeper traps. It was also thought that the salt stock was large and limited the extent of upturned beds beneath the dome overhang. However, recent drilling has confirmed that the domes have episodic growth, complex faulting, and multiple unconformities. If porous and permeable beds surround the dome, oil and gas may accumulate in unconformity traps, in down-to-the-dome fault traps, and in upturned beds sealed against the salt stock or overhang base. Since the salt stock is small in comparison to the overhang, many of these traps exist beneath the salt cover, and remain undiscovered. Several oil and gas operators currently have plans to drill salt dome prospects in East Texas, North Louisiana, and Mississippi. Some prospects are based solely on well control, while others rely on sophisticated seismic imaging. All of the prospects require drilling through an extensive thickness of salt to explore for reserves that remain beneath the salt cover.

Relation Between Sedimentation and Diapirism at the Davis Hill Salt Dome, Liberty Co., Texas

ABSTRACT The Davis Hill dome is a relatively large salt stock located in the northeastern part of the Houston salt dome province. The minimum depth is about 800 ft to the cap rock and about 1,200 ft to salt. The source layer (Jurassic Louann Salt) lies at a depth of at least 30,000 ft. Seismic and well log interpretation suggests that diapir growth took place from Late Cretaceous to Plio-Pleistocene. Passive growth (downbuilding) of the dome ceased during the Early Oligocene (Vicksburg) and was followed by active growth (upbuilding) of the dome. Present-day topographic relief at Davis Hill is 175 ft above the surrounding coastal plain. A radial pattern of oxbow lakes above the dome suggests that the dome still is rising, but the topographic maximum does not correspond to the apex of the dome. Studies of cores indicate that the cap rock is about 440 ft thick and comprises, from bottom to top, anhydrite, gypsum and calcite zones. The anhydrite zone represents the less soluble components of the salt that accumulated as the halite was dissolved by pore fluids. The calcite zone formed by bacterial alteration of sulfate accompanying hydrocarbon destruction. The calcite zone in these cores contains significant amounts of sulfide minerals and oil. The sulfiderich calcite zone is approximately 40 ft thick and is dominated by locally massive iron sulfides. These sulfide concentrations resulted from the interaction of deep heated metal-bearing formational brines with bacterially derived reduced sulfur in the ambient cool ground waters.

Abstract: Possible Geologic Influence on Salt Falls Associated with the Storage Caverns at Bryan Mound, Brazoria County, Texas

ABSTRACT A frequency distribution map of the number of salt falls associated with the various storage caverns at the Bryan Mound facility exhibits a pattern which suggests a geologic influence. To investigate this possibility, the upper 2500 feet of the undifferentiated Plio-Pleistocene strata which encloses the salt dome were studied for evidence of possible differential salt movement. Correlation of well logs in the area provided the basis for dividing the strata into seven mappable units. Each unit was isopached and in conjunction with a map of the salt stock evaluated for evidence of differential salt (spine) movement. The possible boundary zones between areas of differential movements were projected into the salt. In instances where similar trends were observed across the dome, a projection of the boundary zone was made through the salt stock. A composite of all the boundary zone projections was made and overlaid on the salt map. This map suggests that the salt stock is composed of two separate spine complexes separated by a complex boundary zone area. When this map is compared to the frequency distribution map, caverns with the large number of salt falls commonly are closely associated with the projected boundary zones particularly the zone separating the main spine complexes. Likewise those caverns which have experienced few or no salt falls tend to be located within the spine complexes. The isopachs of the two intervals which overlie the salt stock provide evidence for the more recent development of a younger spine.

Structure and evolution of Upheaval Dome: A pinched-off salt diapir

Upheaval Dome (Canyonlands National Park, Utah) is an enigmatic structure previously attributed to underlying salt doming, cryptovolcanic explosion, fluid escape, or meteoritic impact. We propose that an overhanging diapir of partly extrusive salt was pinched off from its stem and subsequently eroded. Many features support this inference, especially synsedimentary structures that indicate Jurassic growth of the dome over at least 20 m.y. Conversely, evidence favoring other hypotheses seems sparse and equivocal. In the rim syncline, strata were thinned by circumferentially striking, low-angle extensional faults verging both inward (toward the center of the dome) and outward. Near the dome's core, radial shortening produced constrictional bulk strain, forming an inward-verging thrust duplex and tight to isoclinal, circumferentially trending folds. Farther inward, circumferential shortening predominated: Radially trending growth folds and imbricate thrusts pass inward into steep clastic dikes in the dome's core. We infer that abortive salt glaciers spread from a passive salt stock during Late Triassic and Early Jurassic time. During Middle Jurassic time, the allochthonous salt spread into a pancake-shaped glacier inferred to be 3 km in diameter. Diapiric pinch-off may have involved inward gravitational collapse of the country rocks, which intensely constricted the center of the dome. Sediments in the axial shear zone beneath the glacier steepened to near vertical. The central uplift is inferred to be the toe of the convergent gravity spreading system.

Physical Modeling of Structures Formed by Salt Withdrawal: Implications for Deformation Caused by Salt Dissolution

By creating 15 physical models, we investigated deformation above subsiding tabular salt, salt walls, and salt stocks. Dry quartz sand simulated a brittle sedimentary roof above viscous silicone representing salt. The modeled diapiric walls had linear planforms and rectangular, semicircular, triangular, or leaning cross sectional shapes; the stock was cylindrical. In models where the source layer (or allochthonous salt sheet) was initially tabular, a gentle, flat-bottomed syncline bounded by monoclinal flexures formed above a linear zone where the silicone was locally removed. Above all subsiding diapirs, the deformed roof was bounded by an inner zone of steep, convex-upward reverse faults and an outer zone of normal faults. Above subsiding diapiric walls, extensional and contractional zones were balanced. Above the subsiding salt stock, conical, concentric fault zones comprised inner reverse faults and outer normal faults. Sediments were added both before (prekinematic) and during (synkinematic) salt withdrawal. In entirely prekinematic roofs, reverse fault zones and normal fault zones both widened with time. Reverse faults propagated upward from the corners of the withdrawing diapirs. New reverse faults formed in the footwalls of reverse faults, each nearer the center of the deepening roof trough. Conversely, new normal faults formed successively outward from the sagging trough. Synkinematic deposition retarded faulting, but the pattern of inner reverse and outer normal faults was repeated; however, reverse faults formed successively outward, whereas normal faults formed inward. New conceptual models suggest that salt dissolution forms similar structures to those physically modeled for salt withdrawal. The appropriate physical models resemble natural dissolution structures above tabular salt. Extension alone above diapirs is not caused merely by salt withdrawal or dissolution, but by regional extension or active diapirism.

Characterization of Mycelium-Like Material Formed During Drying of Salt Stock Prunes

Material with the appearance of mold mycelium was formed on salt stock prunes during drying. The moisture-free mycelium-like material consisted of 98.5 to 98.7% sodium chloride (NaCl), 1.67% organic matter and 0.165% acidity expressed as citric acid. X-ray diffraction analysis of the material revealed a diffraction pattern similar to that of NaCl. Formation of the material was dependent upon the efficiency and extent of drying. However, the material was not observed on deskinned salt stock prunes subjected to drying.

Interactive salt and sediment evolution: self-consistent quantitative models

Assessment of the combined evolution of salt and surrounding sediments is one of the major problems in salt-dominated basins. A quantitative approach, guided by observations from seismic and/or well data, is presented. The modeled present-day shape of a salt structure is constrained by an inverse non-linear procedure which determines the parameters controlling the salt shape. The non-linear procedure guarantees the shape to be in close correspondence with the observed present-day salt shape. By introducing time dependence of each of the parameters controlling the salt shape, the procedure permits an assessment of an evolving salt shape with time. By letting sedimentary beds move around the developing salt structure, the influence of the uprising salt on the evolving bed geometries above and around the salt is depicted. As the predicted present-day bed geometries must also be in accord with the observed rim syncline bed geometries, additional constraints are put on the parameters controlling the dynamic evolution of the salt structure. The inverse procedure automatically determines, in a self-consistent way, resolution and sensitivity of all parameters in the quantitative model, and also of the dynamic evolution of both the salt and the surrounding sedimentary formations. The procedure handles symmetric and asymmetric two-dimensional structures as well as symmetric three-dimensional structures. Applications are given to two salt structures in the North Louisiana salt basin. The first structure is a tall diapir with clearly defined rim synclines. By varying the parameters in the non-linear inverse procedure, a consistent reproduction of the observed data is obtained on both sides of the asymmetric diapir. In addition, in the regions where absence of data is greatest, the consistent model provides a measure of the degree, extent and location of allowed salt overhang in order that the observed and predicted salt shapes are in accord. Therefore, the procedure produces a quantified measure of the salt stock stem width to overhang width and the locations of both. The second structure consists of two salt pillows. Here the quantitative model provides a consistent picture of the dynamic shaping of each mound in relation to their common rim syncline. A synthetic case exemplifies the capability of modeling the combined salt-sediment evolution with the constraint that the depositional surfaces through time are horizontal. The modeled self-consistent dynamical evolution then permits a better understanding of evolving stress-strain, thermal focusing and hydrocarbon entrapment to be realized.