Identification of multiple generations of crosscutting “domino‐style” faults: Insights from seismic modeling

Seismic modeling and geometric analysis provide clues for identification of multiple generations of cross‐cutting planar rotational faults in seismic reflection profiles. Many elements characteristic of this structural geometry are apparent, although contorted, at shallow levels in unmigrated and migrated synthetic seismograms. Structural features potentially signaling an earlier generation of rotational faulting within a tilt‐block terrain include first‐generation fault segments, intrablock terminations of horizons, steep dips of prefault strata, anomalously high fault‐strata intersection angles, “composite” basin geometry, truncations of early synextension sedimentary wedges, and anomalous crustal thinning. Evaluation of published profiles from the Bay of Biscay and Galicia Bank indicates that the crosscutting “domino” fault model probably is not applicable in these areas as previously suggested. While the model may be appropriate for the basement structure of Spring Valley, Nevada, seismic evidence is equivocal.