Influence of preexisting salt diapirs during thrust wedge evolution and secondary welding: Insights from analog modeling

Salt lithologies are mechanically weaker than other sedimentary rocks. horizons usually act as décollements and precursor salt bodies preferentially deform early during contraction, concentrate deformation, impact the structural style kinematics mountain building. Focusing on shortened isolated-diapir provinces, our analog modeling program investigates influence of two walls folding thrusting. High resolution topographic scans particle image analysis show that presence diapirs impacts layer parallel shortening patterns presumably stress field at onset contraction. Shortening concentrates diapirs, leading to roof arching, crestal extension extrusion. This sequence events occurs earlier thinner salt-sediment sequences including having well-developed pedestals, particularly when proximal deformation front. Folds thrusts nucleate if they feature a pedestal. Further results in secondary welding evidenced by collapse uplifted domes, cessation indentation reverse faulting nucleated welds. Meanwhile, depending upon processes occurring diapir closer backstop, distal wall is discontinuous. Our compared with experimental works natural examples from Fars (Zagros Mountains).