Seismic interpretation and structural analysis of the Alleghanian fold-thrust belt in Central Alabama

In the central part of the Alleghanian fold-thrust belt of Alabama, multi-channel seismic and well log data are used to analyze structural elements of the thrust belt. Six horizons were interpreted on the seismic data in two-way travel time and were depth-converted using interval velocities derived from a synthetic seismogram as well as from sonic logs from USS-29-01-09 and COGC-USX #1. The structural interpretation from the depth-converted data shows the thrust belt is a forward-propagating thrust sequence with four main thrust faults branching off of a basal detachment. Basement along the profile is at a minimum depth of 4,700 m in the Black Warrior Basin and a maximum depth of 7,200 m in the Birmingham Graben System, yielding 2,500 m of relief in this Precambrian rift system. The coherent reflectors in this cross-section show no evidence for a ductile duplex; thus, the section was balanced using line length balancing techniques. The balanced cross-section yields a minimum of 30 km or 24% shortening. This value is similar to other balanced cross-sections to the north and south that span the Alleghanian fold-thrust belt in Alabama.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Alabama Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Cato, Craig

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Robinson, D. M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Goodliffe, Andrew M.
• Hansen, Samantha E.
• Pashin, Jack C.

• Geology
• Geophysics

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US, English

Dc Identifier Other

u0015_0000001_0001791
Cato_alatus_0004M_12168

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ir.ua.edu:123456789/2236