The three-dimensional geometry of relay zones within segmented normal faults

Abstract

Abstract Individual normal faults are rarely single planar surfaces and often comprise arrays of fault segments arising from the earliest stages of fault propagation. Current models for the geometry and formation of relay zones between adjacent fault segments have been informed mainly by 2D analysis from either maps or cross-sections observed in outcrop and, to a lesser extent, by the analysis of relay zones from 3D seismic reflection data. Using high quality 3D seismic reflection datasets from a selection of sedimentary basins, we investigate fundamental characteristics of segmentation from the analysis of 67 normal faults with modest displacements (