Reactivation of a Cretaceous Thrust Surface by Basin-and-Range Extension, Southwestern Gunnison Plateau, Central Utah

Abstract

Recent work in central Utah has outlined the broader features of the area's thrust geometry. Although individual interpretations differ, most models indicate the region is similar to better understood segments of the Cordilleran thrust belt. Poor and limited seismic data and the paucity of drill-hole information has hindered the investigation of the south- west quadrant of the Gunnison Plateau. Detailed surface mapping of a centrally located quadrangle has provided strati- graphic evidence for a previously unrecognized Cretaceous-Paleocene thrust fault. The present expression of the thrust surface requires reactivation with a reverse sense of motion during Tertiary extension. Drastic facies changes in the Late Cretaceous-Early Paleocene North Horn Formation occur over a short distance - essentially across a fault. The gray, eastern lithofacies is dominated by massive conglomerate, sandstone, and oncolitic limestone. Maximum thickness is 253 m (830 ft). Clast composition indicates a local source/positive area of Cretaceous lndianola Group. The thinner 38 m (126 ft), red, western lithofacies consists of pebbly sandstone, sandstone, and mudstone. Reddish brown mudstones and intrac lasts suggest red beds, possibly the Cretaceous Cedar Mountain Formation and/or the Jurassic Twist Gulch Formation and Arapien Shale, as a primary source. After careful consideration of several hypotheses, the only valid conclusion seems to be the presence of thrusted Indianola, creating a topo- graphic barrier between the two separate and unique basins. Two major structural features can be traced to the north, an area of better seismic and drill-hole data. The southern terminus of the Wasatch fault zone, has been interpreted by numerous investigators as eithera reactivated Cretaceous thrust (with a reverse sense of motion) or a high-angle planar Tertiary normal fault. The Escarpment fault, the eastern boundary of a Basin and Range graben, has also been presented in both configurations (listric or high-angle planar). No observations were made to support a listric geometry for the Fayette fault. The Escarpment fault, however, appears to have been active during North Horn time, thrusting lndianola conglomerate into a topographic/structural high. The upper plate underwent a reversed sense of motion in the Tertiary to create the present Chriss/Mellor graben.