The dynamics and interaction of compaction bands in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada (USA): Implications for their growth, evolution, and geostatistical property

Abstract

Geometry, geostatistics and microstructures of two sets of high-angle compaction bands within AztecSandstone are investigated for the purpose of characterizing their dimensions, distributions, and growth dynamics. Both sets generally terminate at the dune boundaries. The first set of compaction bands is longer than the second set, which is thought to be controlled by the depositional architecture. The macroscopic thickness of single compaction bands varies from zero at their tips to maximum values, 3 to 10 mm commonly within the central parts. The compaction bands often cluster into zones, the thickness of which increases by addition of a new band sub-parallel to the previously formed bands. The average thickness of a given zone does not change significantly except for a limited number of places along their lengths and a high thickness/distance gradient at their ends. The high thickness anomalies in the thickness distribution plots along the zones correspond to local complexities such as eye structures, steps, and intersections of converging or diverging bands and may reach to about 35 cm. Microstructural analysis of single compaction bands highlights the presence of two typical portions, a thin portion and a thick portion. The thin portion of the band contains pockets of tightly packed grains surrounded by large pores in the band. The thick portion is characterized by an almost homogeneously distributed compaction throughout the band. The thin A C C E P T E D M A N U S C R I P T ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 2 portions are found close to the tips, whereas the thick portions occur primarily in the central parts of the bands. Two other characteristics of both single bands and zones of bands in high resolutionimages are that their thicknesses appear to be smaller and that their lateral boundaries are unexpectedly rough with respect to their appearance in outcrops and hand samples, the latter of which may play an important role in their lateral growth.

Micromechanics and Strain Localization in Sand in the Ductile Regime

“…Understanding the compactive behavior of sand and sandstone is vital for activities such as petroleum exploration (Brzesowsky et al., 2014; J. S. Chester et al., 2004; Hettema et al., 2002), aquifer management (Deng et al., 2015; K. Sternlof et al., 2004; Zuluaga et al., 2016), CO 2 storage (Raduha et al., 2016; Rass et al., 2017; Rutqvist, 2012; Torabi et al., 2015; Wawersik et al., 2001), geothermal energy harvesting (Barbier, 2002), coastal engineering (Shahnazari & Rezvani, 2013), and natural phenomena including landslides (Okada et al., 2004), fault ruptures (Marks & Einav, 2015; Marone & Scholz, 1989), and sand diagenesis (F. Chester et al., 2007). The contractive behavior of sand and sandstone may have a critical impact on fluid extraction and injection (David et al., 2001), especially if accompanied by strain localization (K. R. Sternlof et al., 2006; Holcomb et al., 2007).…”

The Role of Stratigraphy and Loading History in Generating Complex Compaction Bands in Idealized Field‐Scale Settings

“…Extensive field evidence accumulated from various localities worldwide has recently given renewed impetus to the study of compaction bands in porous rocks. Compaction bands were documented in the United States (Deng et al., 2015; Eichhubl et al., 2010; Fossen et al., 2011; Mollema & Antonellini, 1996; Sternlof et al., 2004; Torabi et al., 2015a), Europe (Ballas et al., 2013; Busch et al., 2018; Cilona et al., 2012; Klimczak & Schultz, 2013; Micarelli et al., 2006; Rath et al., 2011; Rotevatn et al., 2013; Tondi et al., 2006; Wennberg et al., 2013), the United Kingdom (Griffiths et al., 2018), New Zealand (Nicol et al., 2013), Taiwan (Soliva et al., 2016), and the Middle East (Gajst et al., 2018). These localities involved band clusters (e.g., Schultz, 2009) and subsidiary structures of fault zones (e.g., Fossen & Bale, 2007).…”

Sequential growth of deformation bands in carbonate grainstones in the hangingwall of an active growth fault: Implications for deformation mechanisms in different tectonic regimes

“…The bands have relatively straight and planar outcropscale morphology, as opposed to the 'wiggly' or 'chevron' nature of some (but not all) pure compaction bands in porous sandstones (e.g. Eichhubl et al, 2010;Fossen et al, 2015;Liu et al, 2015;Torabi et al, 2015). On the microscale, PCBs typically exhibit undulating/irregular contacts to the surrounding host rock (Fig.…”