Physical modelling of the interplay between salt‐detached gravity gliding and spreading across complex rift topography, Santos Basin, offshore Brazil

The Santos Basin, offshore Brazil contains a complex set of salt-tectonic structures, the origins which are debated, that is, Albian Gap and São Paulo Plateau (SPP). is ca. 450 km long, 60 wide feature characterized by post-Albian, counter-regional rollover overlying depleted Aptian salt, in largely absent. SPP, located immediately downdip, defined pre-salt structural high overlain 2.5 thick salt. Another prominent Merluza Graben, rift-related depocentre underlies southern portion displays significant (3–4 km) base-salt relief along its main faults. Two competing hypotheses have been proposed to explain kinematics these provinces. One invokes post-Albian extension kinematically-linked contraction SPP. other salt expulsion inflation Recent studies, however, suggest processes likely alternate time space, contributing nearly equally evolution domains. We apply 3D physical modelling (i) test this hypothesis; (ii) more generally understand how gravity gliding spreading over three-dimensionally variable control regional tectonics. results show similar salt-related styles those most recent studies. They also origin 25 diapir precursor early against steps; normal faults with different polarities types form due interplay between domains (iii) provide mechanism for strata encased within structures. This improves our understanding distribution worldwide basins.