Fault Zone Deformation Controlled by Mechanical Stratigraphy in Cretaceous Carbonates of Central Texas

Date:: Thursday, April 24, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (departs from and returns to Convention Center)
Leaders:: David A. Ferrill, Alan P. Morris (Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX) and Chris Zahm (The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX)
Fee:: SOLD OUT
Includes:: Transportation, breakfast snacks, lunch, refreshments and guidebook
Limit:: 45 persons

The Hidden Valley fault exposed in Canyon Lake Gorge is one of many "seismic scale" normal faults in the Balcones Fault system in central Texas. The fault dips steeply south-southeast and has a fault damage zone that includes layers tilted in the same direction as the fault dip and numerous small-displacement faults dipping in the same direction and opposite to the main fault surface.

Photo courtesy of David A. Ferrill

This field trip will visit outcrops of seismic to subseismic scale normal faults of the Balcones Fault System in a range of Cretaceous limestones exposed west and north of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country. The trip will explore important parameters that influence fault zone characterization, fault network interpretations and subseismic fault prediction including the importance of mechanical stratigraphy on failure angles, fault shape (fault refraction), fault propagation, fault arrest, fault-related folding, fault zone deformation and permeability architecture of faults in carbonates. A spectrum of faulting styles will be explored, including fault propagation prior to significant displacement and fault tip folding prior to continued fault propagation, placed in the context of the mechanical stratigraphy. Discussions will focus on developing predictive capabilities for fault zone deformation and the associated permeability changes within subsurface carbonate reservoirs.

The field trip will include an extended visit to the world class exposure of a seismic scale normal fault exposed in Canyon Lake Gorge where a flood in 2002 exhumed the Hidden Valley fault over a distance of approximately 800m cutting the heterolithic Upper Glen Rose Formation limestone and interbedded shale sequence. This outcrop provides a pristine natural laboratory to study fault zone deformation within a seismic scale normal fault. This trip is certain to be of great interest to those interested in carbonate reservoirs, faulting and fracturing processes or Texas geology. Some scrambling is required to fully explore this gorge exposure.

Note: Sturdy footwear, clothing appropriate for extended time (2 - 4 hours) away from bus in weather conditions of the day, hats, sunscreen.

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There are a limited number of sponsored registrations available for students on a firstcome basis. If you wish to register for one of the sponsored spots, please register online at www.aapg.org/sanantonio/registration.cfm. If sponsored space is no longer available, you can register at the full fee and/or you can place your name on the waiting list for a sponsored space in the field trip.

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Field trip enrollment is limited and reserved on a first-come basis. Registration must be accompanied by full payment.
If you register only for a field trip, a $30 non-registrant fee will be added to the field trip fee. This fee may be applied toward registration if you decide to attend the convention.
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post-convention Field Trip #7

South Texas Geological Society (STGS)

Fault Zone Deformation Controlled by Mechanical Stratigraphy in Cretaceous Carbonates of Central Texas

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