Three-dimensional discrete element numerical simulation of Paleogene salt structures in the western Kuqa foreland thrust belt

Taking the Paleogene salt strata in the west of Kuqa foreland thrust belt as study object, the deformation features of salt structure in the compression direction and perpendicular to the compression direction were examined to find out the control factors and formation mechanisms of the salt structures. By using the three-dimensional discrete element numerical simulation method, the formation mechanisms of typical salt structures of western Kuqa foreland thrust belt in Keshen and Dabei work areas were comprehensively analyzed. The simulation results show that the salt deformation in Keshen and Dabei work areas is of forward spread type, with deformation concentrated in the piedmont zone; the salt deformation is affected by the early uplift near the compression end, pre-existing basement faults, synsedimentary process and the initial salt depocenter; in the direction perpendicular to the compression direction, salt rocks near the compression end have strong lateral mobility with the velocity component moving towards the middle part, and the closer to the middle, the larger the velocity will be, so that salt rocks will aggregate towards the middle and deform intensely, forming complex folds and separation of salt structures from salt source, and local outcrop with thrust faults. Compared with 2D simulation, 3D simulation can analyze salt structures in the principal stress direction and direction perpendicular to the principal stress, give us a full view of the formation mechanisms of salt structures, and guide the exploration of oil and gas reservoirs related to salt structures.