The development of the eastern Orpheus rift basin, offshore eastern Canada: A case study of the interplay between rift-related faulting and salt deposition and flow

The salt-rich Orpheus rift basin, part of the eastern North American (ENAM) system, formed during Late Triassic to Early Jurassic prior opening Atlantic Ocean. Using a dense grid 2D seismic-reflection lines, data from nearby wells, and information adjacent ENAM basins, we have established tectonostratigraphic framework, identified key structural elements, reconstructed deformation history for basin. Our work shows that series E-striking, S-dipping faults with normal separation bound basin on north. Deformation within is complex forced folds above deep-seated intrabasin faults, detachment folds, detached thrust salt diapirs. synrift evaporite sequence consists an older massive unit underlies younger two distinct interfingering facies. Facies A, consisting interbedded sedimentary rocks (likely shales), developed near border-fault system its relay ramps. B, few rocks, toward center. youngest accumulated exclusively minibasins northern system. Based location, this likely coarse-grained poorly sorted alluvial-fan or talus-slope deposits shed footwall. All units are intruded by igneous sheets associated Central Magmatic Province and, thus, mostly in age (or possibly older). profoundly affected deposition providing pathways clastic sediment input into These depositional patterns subsequently influenced lateral flow minibasin formation. In regions salt, developed, whereas walls stocks more salt.