The Origin of Fracturing in the Mozyr Salt Uplift (Gomel Oblast, Republic of Belarus)

The principles of the internal structure of salt uplifts have been insufficiently studied. Analysis of the morphology of sonar-based cavities washed in the Mozyr dome (Belarus) shows that their walls locally have a rectangle morphology in contrast to a polygonal morphology in horizontal sections. Previous experience indicates that the formation of straight walls is related to both the presence of insoluble interlayers and dissection of a fracture system. The mutual location of fractures and cavities indicates the parental stress field. Experiments on the dissolution of salt specimens support an important role of fractures in the formation of the surface of the salt walls.