The seismic evidence of passively evolving Messinian Salt in the Offshore Syria

Abstract Accurate interpretation and analysis of good quality 2D-seismic data has contributed to understanding evolution of salt diapirism in the Syrian Offshore located in the easternmost Mediterranean. Salt diapirs in the study area are mainly characterized by sub-annular shape structures resultant of flow and withdrawal of the Messinian Salt as passive diapirs during the Plio-Pleistocene-Recent times. Analysis and interpretation of seismic data in the Syrian Offshore indicates that the Messinian Salt diapirs have evolved and rose up passively by downbuilding during and after deposition of Plio-Pleistocene Formation and persisted to rise until the present time. The deposition and the compressional tectonic forces had a significant role in triggering Messinian Salt and creating the sub-annular shape structures. The accelerated deposition of the lower Plio-Pleistocene Formation created utmost subsidence of the Latakia Basin and passive diapirism of the Messinian Salt. Additional proofs in the Plio-Pleistocene sediments, such as thickness variations constrain the passive diapirism of the Syrian Offshore. This article offers models for the subsurface evolution of Messinian Salt diapirs in the study area based on analysis and interpretation of 2D-seismic data sets. The relevance between the evolution of Messinian Salt and deposition processes is also explained and an ideal evolutionary model offered as to their passive origins.