Abstract
We present a model for the study of the effect of rheological hysteresis on compaction in sedimentary basins, when surface loading and unloading occurs. When compaction is slow (sedimentation rate is large and/or permeability is small), the hysteresis has little effect on the basal compaction layer, but in the more realistic case where compaction is fast (i.e., sedimentation is slow and/or permeability is large), surface unloading leads to downward propagation of a decompaction front, across which the vertical porosity gradient jumps, while subsequent surface reloading leads to downward propagation of a discontinuity in porosity, despite the fact that the porosity is governed by a diffusive equation of Richards type.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1-1 - 1-9 |
Journal | Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth |
Volume | 107 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 10 Apr 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Compaction
- Hysteresis
- Sedimentary basins