Characterizing halokinesis and timing of salt movement in the Abu Musa salt diapir, Persian Gulf, offshore Iran

Abstract

Abstract Geometric and stratigraphic characteristics of halokinetic sequences adjacent to the salt diapirs highlight the sedimentation response to variation in the rate of salt rise. The style of salt movement-sedimentation interaction and episodes of salt movement can be reconstructed by mapping these halokinetic sequences adjacent to the diapirs. Detailed interpretation of 2D seismic profiles adjacent to the Abu Musa salt diapir within the Persian Gulf Basin, offshore Iran, indicates that this diapir originated from the Miocene Fars salt, which created a central- and several ring-like peripheral-salt structures. Our results show that the evolution of the salt structures take place in three stages-mound, dome and post-dome- associated with sedimentation cycles periodically by passive and active rising to present. The pattern of these halokinetic sequences reveals that the Fars salt rose since Mid-Miocene coeval sedimentation of the Gachsaran Formation. The main mechanism of driving salt body has been the differential loading caused by down-building processes.