The effect of gravitational load on salt tectonics of Kuqa Fold Thrust Belt, Northwest China

Kumugeliemu Group and Jidike Formation with complex salt tectonics are well developed in Kuqa Fold Thrust Belt (KFTB). Gravitational loading has an important impact on their formation and development. In this paper, hydraulic head-gradient analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of gravity on salt tectonics in the Kuqa Fold Thrust Belt. Gravitational load includes gravitational expansion and sedimentary load. Gravitational expansion is caused by the gravity of salt itself, while sedimentary load is formed by the gravity of the overlying sediments. Hydraulic head-gradient analysis shows that, where the salt elevation is higher, the sedimentary load is much lower. Under the joint action of the two effects, salt gravitational expansion cannot happen in KFTB. Only the sediment differential load could cause the salt flow from the depocenter to its edge.