Salt Tectonics for the energy transition

Salt Tectonics for the energy transition

Practice talks for the conference Unlocking the Potential of Salt Tectonics in the Energy Transition

Manel Ramos

Architecture and controlling factors of intra-salt layers in diapiric structures: A numerical modelling approach

Understanding the structure of intra-salt layers within deformed salt bodies is crucial for effective CO2 and H2 storage in salt basins. This study employs high-resolution 2D finite element modelling to investigate how variations in salt stratigraphy and lithological variability and post-salt sedimentation patterns influence the deformation processes and the internal architecture of diapiric salt structures for different basin geometries. We test intra-salt lithological variability by varying the vertical arrangement, viscosity and density of salt layers as well as including non-viscous (frictional-plastic) layers simulating carbonates and/or siliciclastics embedded within the layered salt sequence. The models with alternated low (1018) and high (1019 Pa×s) viscosity salt layers show significant internal salt flow partition characterized by preferential flow of the weak salt layers into the core of diapirs, as the stronger layers remain at their flanks and/or underneath adjacent minibasins. The order of the strong and weak salt layers also has a significant impact on the overall external and internal style of salt deformation, with both the basal and top layer being the most significant. Increasing the density of strong salt layers produce even greater internal salt flow partition with pronounced intra-diapir complexity, convolute folding, repetition of intra-salt stratigraphy within diapirs and occasionally boudinage. Stronger and denser layers tend to get trapped at the base of diapirs and/or underneath diapirs while being folded and refolded by flow of the intervening weaker and less-dense layers. The basin geometry and the presence of base-salt relief also have a significant influence on the basin-scale style and magnitude of salt deformation. The results can help elucidate the basin-scale controls exerted on both internal and external diapir geometries for rift basins, which are directly applicable for various areas of the North Sea, a key location for utilization of salt structures for geo-storage.

Leonardo Pichel

The role of intra-salt stratigraphy and lithological variability on the internal and external geometry of salt bodies – a numerical modelling approach

Umut Isikalp

Harya Nugraha

PDF of the conference