Analogue modeling of the internal kinematics of salt diapirs

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Gernold Zulauf
• Subject Area: Palaeontology
• Term: from 2004 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5416842

The present project focuses on building a new deformation apparaturs that will be used to deform rheologically stratified rocks and rock analogues under bulk constriction, at temperatures (7) 300°C, and strain rates (é) ranging from 10-7 - 10-4 s-1. The samples used for the experiments will consist of (1) a weak halite matrix with an intercalated stiff anhydrite layer, and (2) a weak plasticine matrix with an intercalated stiff plasticine layer. Both plasticine matrix and layer will show similar initial geometry, stress exponents, and viscosity ratio between layer and matrix like halite and anhydrite. The deformed samples will be investigated concerning the geometry of folds and boudins of the stiff layer and the mcrofabrics in halite and anhydrite. The major goal of the project ist to show the relation between geometry, rheology and deformation mechanisms to make paleoviscometry possible in cases of bulk and apparent constriction. The experimental results will shed new light on the origin of curtain folds and the mechanisms of diapiric emplacement. Our new data will be of interest to those workers who are dealing with the storage of hazardous waste, the exploitation and mining of rock salt, and petroleum exploration.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants