SYNTECTONIC SEDIMENTATION MODELLING
(contact address Oscar Gratacós)
The main aim of this research project is to combine realistic models of deformation and sedimentation together in a new numerical computer program. This new tool results from the merging of two previous computer programs developed by other researchers of the Research Institute: a discrete element model, DEM, for the tectonic deformation of a sedimentary cover (Finch et al. 2003, 2004; Hardy and Finch 2005, 2006, 2007; Hardy et al. 2009); and SIMSAFADIM-CLASTIC, a sedimentary clastic process-based numerical model (Bitzer and Salas 2002; Gratacós 2004; Gratacós et al. 2009).
The integration of these two methods allows us to include the simulation of both sedimentation and deformation processes in a single and more effective model in 3D. This will be able to offer a more complex and realistic study of the formation and the evolution of the deformation structures in pre and syntectonic sedimentary materials.
DEM deals with the simulation of the deformation in sedimentary rocks in 2D and 3D due to tectonic movements. It is used to investigate the propagation and evolution of the deformation in sedimentary cover caused by tectonic movements that affects the rigid boundary of the model, e.g. detachment folding thrust/extensional fault-propagation folds, doubly vergent thrust wedges. This deformation is a consequence of interaction of many individual elements according to mechanical rules.
The program allows different options for the discrete elements configuration: model size; radius of the elements (spheres);... It is also possible to define several configurations of its boundaries and their movements, in order to achieve and reproduce a wide range of geological structures and different situations: thrusting, normal faulting, inverse faulting, subduction with or without rotational o differential components, a n normal faults system…
Simsafadim-clastic simulates sub-aquatic clastic transport and sedimentation in three dimensions, including processes of interaction with carbonate producing organisms (production, transport and sedimentation of carbonates); moreover, it is also a powerful tool for the 3D prediction of stratigraphic structures and architectures and facies distribution modelling in sedimentary basins.
The sedimentary model allows to play with its initial and boundary conditions: the amounts and types of incoming sediments; inflowing points or areas into the basin; sea level position and its variation through during the evolution of the model…
Merging provides us a new tool for geological modelling, which can predict and analyse syntectonic depositional architectures with more complex geological scenarios. It also allows a more realistic study of the evolution of deformation produced by faults and folds since the contribution of new sediments to the system is considered. Sediments are transported and settled in function of the new basin topographic geometry. This interchange allows us to study the propagation of deformation into the pre and syntectonic materials.
The versatility of each model provides a broad range of possibilities related to the study of the evolution of sedimentary basins.
