Intra-salt structure and strain partitioning in layered evaporites: implications for drilling through Messinian salt in the eastern Mediterranean

We use 3D seismic reflection data from the Levant margin, offshore Lebanon to investigate structural evolution of Messinian evaporite sequence, and how intra-salt structure strain varies within a thick salt sheet during early-stage tectonics. Intra-Messinian reflectivity reveals lithological heterogeneity otherwise halite-dominated sequence. This leads rheological heterogeneity, with different mechanical properties various units controlling accommodation deforming sheet. assess distribution orientation structures, show both laterally vertically along margin. argue that appearing weakly strained in may fact accommodate considerable subseismic or cryptic strain. also discuss stress state through time space response gravitational forces driving deformation. conclude efficient drilling thick, heterogeneous requires holistic understanding kinematic development its overburden. will enable us build better velocity models account for complexity order accurately image sub-salt geological structures.