A Large‐scale Tertiary Salt Nappe Complex in the Leading Edge of the Kuqa Foreland Fold‐Thrust Belt, the Tarim Basin, Northwest China

Abstract The tectono‐stratigraphic sequences of the Kuqa foreland fold‐thrust belt in the northern Tarim basin, northwest China, can be divided into the Mesozoic sub‐salt sequence, the Paleocene‐Eocene salt sequence and the Oligocene‐Quaternary supra‐salt sequence. The salt sequence is composed mainly of light grey halite, gypsum, marl and brown clastics. A variety of salt‐related structures have developed in the Kuqa foreland fold belt, in which the most fascinating structures are salt nappe complex. Based on field observation, seismic interpretation and drilling data, a large‐scale salt nappe complex has been identified. It trends approximately east‐west for over 200 km and occurs along the west Qiulitag Mountains. Its thrusting displacement is over 30 km. The salt nappe complex appears as an arcuate zone projecting southwestwards along the leading edge of the Kuqa foreland fold belt. The major thrust fault is developed along the Paleocene‐Eocene salt beds. The allochthonous nappes comprise large north‐dipping faulting monoclines which are made up of Paleocene‐Pliocene sediments. Geological analysis and cross‐section restoration revealed that the salt nappes were mainly formed at the late Himalayan stage (c.a. 1.64 Ma BP) and have been active until the present day. Because of inhomogeneous thrusting, a great difference may exist in thrust displacement, thrust occurrence, superimposition of allochthonous and autochthonous sequences and the development of the salt‐related structures, which indicates the segmentation along the salt nappes. Regional compression, gravitational gliding and spreading controlled the formation and evolution of the salt nappe complex in the Kuqa foreland fold belt.