Coupling Crustal‐Scale Rift Architecture With Passive Margin Salt Tectonics: A Geodynamic Modeling Approach

Continental rifted margins are often associated with widespread, thick evaporite (i.e., salt) deposits and pronounced salt tectonics. The majority of basins formed during the latest stages rifting, prior to continental breakup. We use 2D thermo-mechanical finite element modeling lithospheric extension investigate interplay between margin architecture, late syn-rift deposition, post-rift focus on four different types margins: (a) narrow, (b) intermediate, (c) wide, (d) ultra-wide margins. evaluate the: laterally variable extension, deposition tectonics, influence basin architecture flow, spatial temporal distribution salt-related structural domains, contrasting styles tectonics for types. Narrow intermediate form partially isolated prominent base-salt relief, limited translation but significant diapirism, minibasin development. Wide wide subtle relief that results in seaward expulsion overburden translation. These demonstrate updip development normal faults rollovers, mid-margin complex diapirism downdip diapir shortening. All contain a distal nappe varies width complexity. also test effect viscosities, relative post-salt progradation rates, pre-salt sediment thicknesses. comparable several examples salt-bearing improve our understanding their dynamics controls variability.