Characterization Of The Accommodation Zones Along Restraining And Releasing Bends From Analogue Modeling Simulating The Seagap Fault, Off-Shore Tanzania

ABSTRACT

There is poor understanding of geometry and evolution of the accommodation zones

along the restraining and releasing bends in strike slip systems. This dissertation

focused on characterize the accommodation zones between restraining and releasing

bends, with special focus on the influences of syn-kinematic sedimentation and the

basement pre-existing structuration by simulating the Seagap fault , Off-shore

Tanzania.

A set of three scaled sand models were performed, using a asement o set

. m m an stepovers wit out wit syn-sedimentation

respectively. 7 cm of sinistral displacement was applied during all the models.

Vertical sections of the completed models cut for analysis of structures at depth.

The experimental results for both models were generating pop-up and pull-apart

structures and dip flipping of high angle faults. Study concluded that, firstly

comparisons between models and area of study fault orientation and distribution

were compatible with a sinistral strike-slip system. The internal structures developed

were influenced by syn-sedimentation and pre-existence basement. Even more,

oblique accommodation and dip-direction flipping of the main fault produced clear

inversion of the structures along the accommodation zones which can potentially

have a strong impact on the petroleum system. Future study required a test of

different scenarios such as use of ductile basement transition, constrains on fault

timing, uplift rate along time and comparison between sandbox analogue models and

seismic interpretation.

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