Experimental Models of Transfer Zones in Rift Settings
Debapriya Paul and Shankar Mitra
1. Introduction:
2. Experimental Approach
Transfer zones are common features in rift
basins, where deformation between normal
faults is accommodated by the formation of
oblique structures and complex secondary
fault systems. The transfer zones result from
the interference between adjacent laterally
propagating normal faults. Three common
types of transfer zones are: (1) Convergent,
with the main faults dipping towards each
other (2) Divergent, with the main faults
dipping away from each other, and (3) Synthetic, with the faults dipping in the same
direction.
3. Fault Configurations
4. 3-D Fault Modeling
Based on Morley et al, 1990
a. Convergent
Transfer Zone
5. Convergent Transfer Zone
b. Divergent
Transfer Zone
c. Synthetic Transfer
Zone
Unsmoothed surface
Miller and Mitra, 2011
Unsmoothed surface with fault cuts
Smoothed surface with fault
cuts and contours
7. Synthetic Transfer Zone
6. Divergent Transfer Zone
Return to Regional
Comparison of divergent Transfer
Zones
Comparison of Convergent
Transfer Zones
Progressive Evolution of
Convergent Transfer Zone
Comparison of divergent
Transfer Zones
Progressive Evolution of
Divergent Transfer Zone
7. Transfer Zones in East African Rift System
Upward Decrease in Width
8. Extensional Forced
Folds, Gulf of Suez
Moustafa, 2002
Downdrop along dip
Regional Dip
Progressive Evolution of
Synthetic Transfer Zone
References
9. Conclusions
The initial geometry of the faults (approaching, laterally offset, or overlapping) controls the degree of overlap and the width of the transfer zones.
The transfer zones are marked by a change in relief from the footwall to the
hanging wall
Bose, S. and S. Mitra, 2010, Analog modeling of divergent and
convergent transfer zones in listric normal fault systems: AAPG
Bulletin, v.94, p.1425-1452.
Ebinger, C. J., 1989, Geometric and kinematic development of border
faults and accommodation zones, Kivu-Rusizi Rift, Africa:
tectonics, v.8, no.1, p.117-133.
McClay, K.R., T. Dooley, P. Whitehouse and M. Mills, 2002, 4-D
evolution of rift systems: Insights from scaled physical models:
AAPG Bulletin, v.86, no.6, p.935-959.
Miller J. F. and S. Mitra, 2011, Deformation and secondary faulting
associated with basement-involved compressional and
extensional structures: AAPG Bulletin,v.95, no.4, p.675-689.
Morley, C.K., R.A. Nelson, T.L. Patton and S.G. Munn, 1990, Transfer
Zones in east African rift system and their relevance to
hydrocarbon exploration in rifts: AAPG Bulletin, v.74, no.8,
p.1274-1253.
Moustafa, A. R., 2002, Controls on the geometry of transfer zones in
the Suez Rift and northwest Red Sea: Implications for the
structural geometry of the rift systems: AAPG Bulletin, v.86, no.6,
p.979-1002.
Paul, D. and S. Mitra, 2013, Experimental models of transfer zones in
rift systems: AAPG Bulletin, v.97, no.5, p.759-780.
For communication email Id: [email protected]