GROWTH FAULT ROLLOVER SYSTEMS - BIRTH, GROWTH, AND DECAY/

Growth fault/rollover systems are extremely common structures of thin- skinned extensional systems resulting from gravity gliding above salt. Their development is studied using laboratory experiments based on br ittle-ductile models where the sedimentary cover and synkinematic sedi ments are simulated using brittle sand and the underlying decollement layer by viscous silicone putty. The experiments are compared to natur al examples from seismic lines. The experimental results are used to p resent the evolution of growth fault rollover systems, these being the result of a finite amplitude instability with three distinct stages: birth, growth, and decay. Each of these stages is identified with typi cal structures which can be recognized on seismic sections. A discussi on is presented on the interactions in time and space between syntheti c and antithetic listric faults parallel and transverse to the directi on of displacement.