Abstract One of the remaining questions in carbonate geology and reservoir studies is the origin of steep-walled carbonate platform margins and the role of gravity versus other structural processes in controlling the distribution of fracture networks and failure surfaces. This study is an attempt to document the role of gravity, interacting with stratigraphic architecture in controlling fracture patterns and margin collapse. We employ finite-discrete element models to illustrate that progradation/aggradation (P/A) ratio and facies tract partitioning in steep-walled carbonate platforms affects the development, distribution, and intensity of syndepositional deformation. All models are under the influence of only gravitational loading, where pore pressure is held constant. We utilize a modified Mohr-Coulomb constitutive law with a Rankine Rotating crack tensile corner to capture both tensile and shear brittle failure. Our results illustrate that P/A ratio affects the distribution and intensity of discrete fractures that form in steep-walled carbonate platforms. Our results suggest that deformation is more extensive in a progradational carbonate platform, where shelf edge angles are greatest and the clinoform is thickest. Alternatively, aggradational carbonate platforms experience localized deformation in front of the antecedent shelf edge where the clinoform is thickest and steepest. The introduction of mechanical heterogeneity associated with facies tract partitioning affects the intensity of fracturing in both progradational and aggradational models, with the greatest number of fractures developing in reef facies in both scenarios. Development of brittle deformation under the sole application of gravity and lack of seaward lithostatic confinement is consistent with the syndepositional nature of deformation in these settings. This work illustrates the interplay between carbonate platform geometry, facies distribution, and the resulting syndepositional deformation.

中文翻译：

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变积聚比和相分区对陡壁碳酸盐岩台地同沉积变形发育的影响

摘要 碳酸盐岩地质和储层研究中尚存的问题之一是陡壁碳酸盐岩台地边缘的起源以及重力与其他构造过程在控制裂缝网络和破坏面分布方面的作用。这项研究试图记录重力的作用，与地层结构在控制裂缝模式和边缘塌陷方面的相互作用。我们采用有限离散元模型来说明陡壁碳酸盐平台中的进积/聚集 (P/A) 比和相域划分影响同沉积变形的发育、分布和强度。所有模型仅受重力载荷的影响，其中孔隙压力保持恒定。我们利用改进的 Mohr-Coulomb 本构定律和 Rankine 旋转裂纹拉伸角来捕获拉伸和剪切脆性破坏。我们的结果表明，P/A 比影响陡壁碳酸盐平台中形成的离散裂缝的分布和强度。我们的结果表明，在前积碳酸盐台地中变形更广泛，其中陆架边缘角度最大，斜面最厚。或者，加积碳酸盐台地在前缘陆架边缘前发生局部变形，这里的斜面最厚、最陡。与相域划分相关的机械非均质性的引入影响了前积和堆积模型中的压裂强度，在两种情况下，珊瑚礁相中发育的裂缝数量最多。仅在重力作用下发生脆性变形且没有向海的岩石静力学约束，这与这些环境中变形的同沉积性质是一致的。这项工作说明了碳酸盐台地几何形状、相分布和由此产生的同沉积变形之间的相互作用。