Mud volcanoes and dissolution structures as kinematic markers during salt tectonic deformation

The recognition of linear trails fluid escape pipes that have been deformed by salt flow recently suggested to offer a novel approach reconstructing the internal kinematics thick sequences deforming under gravity. These constrain number key parameters for tectonic analysis including direction, translation distance top and overburden, profile from velocity, bulk viscosity salt. Here we interpret characterise two previously unrecognised large-scale strain markers within sequence may be equally as valuable constraining flow. This study is based on interpretation ca. 4,600 km2 3D seismic survey outer slope Nile Cone, offshore Egypt, located at boundary between extensional translational domains marginal region Messinian basin. We mapped five pipe allow us average velocity salt, 2 mm/yr over past 2–3 Myrs. flowed in basinward NW/NNW direction away basin margin. In addition, large (ca. km diameter) dissolution depressions formed subjacent evaporites. are presently down remnant erosional high base general alignment one trails. therefore argue this structure most likely venting high, such can used measure velocity. second kinematic indicators requires mapping genetically connected mud volcanoes their depletion zones. area contains 400 individual sourced beneath erupted Early Pliocene Recent. A subset these, extruded or near present day seafloor, well imaged pre-salt zones vertically volcanic cones. smaller subset, typically buried extrusions, found cones systematically offset laterally corresponding zones, with an distances closely matched other markers. Hence suggest plumbing systems provide another independent marker which infer regime.