Over the past 15 years a number of models for the thin skinned evolution of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) have been put forward describing the relationship of the present day Sigsbee Allochthon to the precursor Louann autochthonous salt basins. These models involve a number of intermediate stage allochthonous sheets that developed from the late Mesozoic through the Palaeogene and Neogene. Regional scale Models focus on the western and eastern GoM where seismically identified fold belts mark the compressional, distal, ends of the thin-skinned deformation systems. The compressional fold belts link through translational domains to time equivalent up-dip extensional provinces forming “balanced” thin-skinned deformation systems. Less has been written on the central GoM (central Keathley Canyon to central Walker Ridge areas) where although, up-dip, shelf and shelf edge extension is seen, the equivalent distal portion of the thin-skinned deformation system is characterised by more enigmatic, and not clearly compressive, tectonic styles.

In the central Gulf salt cored folds (which form as a result of both compression and salt withdrawal) are found in association with diapirs and salt walls that in places appear to have formed, or at least partly grew, in extension. Salt bodies are linked by extensional and strike slip fault systems and large early formed feeders are now occupied by younger mini-basins. Despite the variability in structural style there is a geometric and kinematic coherence to salt related deformation in the central GoM. Using seismic sections, depth structure and isochore maps salt movement in the south-central Walker ridge is described. Observations made are used to suggest why salt related structural geometries in this area vary from the well defined compressional zones seen further to the west and east. Pre-salt structural relief, original salt thickness and regional and local slope gradients are considered the key factors that control salt movements in this area. Resultant salt geometry reflects the influence of these local controls.