Deformation and transport processes in halite: a microtectonics study

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Janos L. Urai (†)
• Subject Area: Palaeontology
• Term: from 2002 to 2006
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5370216

This study is aimed at quantifying the deformation and fluid transport history of salt from the Central-European Basin, by mircrotectonic analysis. Halite samples will be studied by integrating the novel techniques of transmitted light microscopy of Gamma- decorated thin sections, subgrain size paleopiezometry of polished and chemically etched samples using reflected light microscopy, analysis of grain boundary structure and microchemistry by SEM and micropobe, and X-ray orientation imaging using an X-ray diffratometer with a focussed beam and a 2D detector. We will validate the method with a detailed study of well-documented underground structures exposed in salt mines in Germany and Poland. Then the method will be applied to salt samples from drillcores from the Central-European Basin, to derive information on the deformation history, mechanical properties, paleostress, recrystallization, and fluid transport. Long-term aim of the project is to provide a quantitative model of the mechanical properties and transport processes in the evaporites of the Central European Basin, integrate the results with those of other projetcs in the SPP, and provide input for the large-scale, process-based model which is the final goal of the Schwerpunktprogramm.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1135: Dynamics of Sedimentary Systems under Varying Stress Regimes: The Example of the Central European Basin System
• International Connection: Poland
• Participating Person: Dr. Stanislav Burliga