Formation mechanism of fault accommodation zones under combined stress in graben basin:Implications from geomechanical modeling

A fault accommodation zone is a type of structure that is defined as regulating displacement and strain between faults structure.Increasing numbers of fault accommodation zones are being identified in graben basins,indicating the potential exploration target and petroleum accumulation areas.This study aims to analyze the formation mechanism and development of fault accommodation zones under combined stress by a numerical simulation method considering geomechanical modeling.Using three-dimensional(3-D)seismic interpretation and fractal dimension method,exampled with the Dongxin fault zone,the fault activity and fault combination pattern were conducted to quantitatively characterize the activity difference in fault accommodation zones.Combined with mechanical experiment test,a geomehcanical model was established for fault accommodation zones in a graben basin.Integrating the paleostress numerical simulations and structural physical simulation experiment,the developmental characteristics and genetic mechanism of fault accommodation zones were summarized.Influenced by multi movements and combined stresses,three significant tectonic evolution stages of the Dongxing Fault Zone(DXFZ)were distinguished:During the E_(s)^(3)sedimentary period,the large difference in the stress,strain,and rupture distribution in various faults were significant,and this stage was the key generation period for the prototype of the DXFZ,including the FAZ between large-scale faults.During the E_(s)^(2)sedimentary period,the EW-trending symmetric with opposite dipping normal faults and the NE-SW trending faults with large scale were furtherly developed.The junction area of two secondary normal faults were prone to be ruptured,performing significant period for inheriting and developing characteristics of fault accommodation zones.During the Es1 sedimentary period,the high-order faults in the DXFZ exhibited the obvious fault depressions and strike-slip activity,and the fault accommodation zones were furtherly inherited and developed.This stage was the molded and formative period of the FAZ,the low-order faults,and the depression in the DXFZ.

A novel fracture-cavity reservoir outcrop geological knowledge base construction method considering parameter collection and processing,mutual transformation of data-knowledge,application and update

This study endeavors to formulate a comprehensive methodology for establishing a Geological Knowledge Base(GKB)tailored to fracture-cavity reservoir outcrops within the North Tarim Basin.The acquisition of quantitative geological parameters was accomplished through diverse means such as outcrop observations,thin section studies,unmanned aerial vehicle scanning,and high-resolution cameras.Subsequently,a three-dimensional digital outcrop model was generated,and the parameters were standardized.An assessment of traditional geological knowledge was conducted to delineate the knowledge framework,content,and system of the GKB.The basic parameter knowledge was extracted using multiscale fine characterization techniques,including core statistics,field observations,and microscopic thin section analysis.Key mechanism knowledge was identified by integrating trace elements from filling,isotope geochemical tests,and water-rock simulation experiments.Significant representational knowledge was then extracted by employing various methods such as multiple linear regression,neural network technology,and discriminant classification.Subsequently,an analogy study was performed on the karst fracture-cavity system(KFCS)in both outcrop and underground reservoir settings.The results underscored several key findings:(1)Utilization of a diverse range of techniques,including outcrop observations,core statistics,unmanned aerial vehicle scanning,high-resolution cameras,thin section analysis,and electron scanning imaging,enabled the acquisition and standardization of data.This facilitated effective management and integration of geological parameter data from multiple sources and scales.(2)The GKB for fracture-cavity reservoir outcrops,encompassing basic parameter knowledge,key mechanism knowledge,and significant representational knowledge,provides robust data support and systematic geological insights for the intricate and in-depth examination of the genetic mechanisms of fracture-cavity reservoirs.(3)The developmental characteristics of fracturecavities in karst outcrops offer effective,efficient,and accurate guidance for fracture-cavity research in underground karst reservoirs.The outlined construction method of the outcrop geological knowledge base is applicable to various fracture-cavity reservoirs in different layers and regions worldwide.