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.

Regression-transgression cycles of paleolakes in the Fen River Graben Basin during the mid to late Quaternary and their tectonic implication

An investigation into lake terraces and their sexiimentary features in the Fen River Graben Basin shows that several paleolake regression-transgression cycles took place during the mid to late Quaternary. The horizontal distribution of the lowest loess/paleosol unit overlying each lake terrace indicates the occurrence of four rapid lake regressions when paleosols $8, $5, $2, and S1 began to develop. The horizontal distribution of the topmost loess/ paleosol unit underlying the lacustrine sediment in each transition zone between two adjacent terraces indicates that following a lake regression, a very slow lake transgression occurred. The durations of three lake transgressions correspond to those of the deposition or development of loess/paleosols L8 to L6, L5 to L3, and L2. It is thereby inferred that regional tectonic movement is likely the primary factor resulting in the cyclical process ofpaleolake regressions and transgressions. Taking these findings along with published geophysical research results regarding the upper mantle movements underneath the graben basin into account, this paper deduces that a cause and effect relationship may exist between the paleolake regression- transgression cycles and the tectonic activity in the upper mantle. The occurrence of a rapid lake regression implies that the upwelling of the upper mantle underneath the graben basin may be dominant and resulting in a rapid uplifting of the basin floor. The subsequent slow lake transgression implies that the thinning of the crust and cooling of the warm mantle material underneath the graben basin may become dominant causing the basin floor to subside slowly. Four rapid paleolake regressions indicate that four episodic tectonic movements took place in the graben basin during the mid to late Quatemary.

Depositional Model and Tectonic Evolution of Tertiary Transform-Extensional Basins in Northeast China: Case Study on Yitong and Damintun Grabens

? The formation and evolution of the Tertiary transformextensional basins in Northeast China are controlled by extensional and strikeslidding combinational processes because the giant strikeslip fault system, TanchengLujiang fault, cut through the basement or margin. Two kinds of structural styles have been identified in Northeast China: Yitong and Damintun styles. The former shows a clear asymmetry, in which sediments came mainly from two lateral sides and thick filling sediments were adjacent to the main strikeslip fault. The latter shows symmetry filling, in which sediments came from the long axial ends in addition to from two lateral sides. The tectonic evolution of Tertiary transformextensional basins in Northeast China underwent three stages: Eocene extensional, Oligocene transformextensional and Neogene transpressional stages.

One Dimensional Evolution Modeling of Source Rocks in the Chaluhe Basin, Yitong Graben

Chaluhe Basin is in Jilin Province of China with a cumulative sedimentary rock thickness of about 6000 meters and has four subdivisions: Wanchang Structural High, Bo-Tai Sag, Xinanpu Sag, Liangjia Structure High and the Gudian Slope. The basin with its better source rock distribution and more favorable maturation indicators than the adjacent Moliqing and Luxiang Basins is expected to be a potential hydrocarbon-producing basin. Four (4) wells were used in determining the maturation hydrocarbon generating potential of the mudstone beds present in the Eocene Formations (Shuangyang, Sheling and Yongji). Obtained result revealed heat flow average of 71.8 mW/m2, oil generation between 3.15 mg/g TOC and 39.49 mg/g TOC with gas generation of 6.98 mg/g TOC to 92.83 mg/g TOC. In conclusion the Eocene Shuangyang mudstone is the main petroleum source rock.

Thermal History and Potential of Hydrocarbon Generated from Jurassic to Early Cretaceous Source Rocks in the Malita Graben, Northern Bonaparte Basin, Australia

The Malita Graben is located in the northern Bonaparte Basin, between the Sahul Platform to the northwest and the Petrel Sub-basin and Darwin Shelf to the south. The wells Beluga 1, Heron 1, Evans Shoal 1, Evans Shoal 2 and Seismic Line N11805 are selected to determine the thermal history and potential of hydrocarbon generated from the Plover, Elang, Frigate Shale (Cleia and Flamingo), and Echuca Shoals formations source rocks. The modeling was performed by using Basin Mod 1-D and 2-D techniques. The model results show that the geothermal gradients range from 3.05 to 4.05°C/100 m with an average of 3.75°C/100 m and present day heat flow values from 46.23 to 61.99 mW/m2 with an average of 56.29 mW/m2. The highest geothermal gradient and present-day heat flow values occurred on a terrace north of the Malita Graben. These most likely indicate that hot fluids are currently variably migrating into this structure. The lower geothermal gradient and heat flow values have been modeled in the southeast sites in the well Beluga 1. The northern Bonaparte Basin experienced several deformation phases including lithospheric thinning;hence, heat flow is expected to vary over the geological history of the basin. The higher paleo-heat flow values changing from 83.54 to 112.01 mW/m2 with an average of 101.71 mW/m2 during Jurassic rift event (syn-rift) were sufficient for source rocks maturation and hydrocarbon generation during Cretaceous post-breakup sequence (post-rift) in the study area. The Tuatara (Upper Frigate Shale) Formation source rock with type II & III kerogen dominantly showing mixed oil- and gas-prone, and Plover Formation with type III and gas prone have never reached the peak mature oil window in the well Beluga 1. This area indicates that the maturity of source rocks is low and considered to be from poor-to-good organic richness with poor-to-fair potential for hydrocarbons generation. The post mature Cleia (Lower Frigate Shale) and Echuca Shoals formations source rocks in the well Evans Shoal 1 and an early mature oil window Echuca Shoals formation source rock in the well Evans Shoal 2, characterized by type III kerogen dominantly showing gasprone are a fair-to-very good source richness with poor potential for hydrocarbons generation. The low to high maturity of Echuca Shoals and Petrel (Frigate Shale) formations source rocks in the well Heron 1, Plover Formation source rock in the Evans Shoal 1 well, and Cleia (Lower Frigate Shale) and Plover formations in the well Evans Shoal 2, showing gas-prone with type III and II & III kerogens predominantly, have reached the late mature oil and wet gas generation stages at present day. These last five formations source rocks are seen from poor-to-very good organic richness with poor-to-very good potential for hydrocarbons generation in the Malita Graben.

Two Dimensional Evolution Modeling of Source Rocks in the Chaluhe Basin, Yitong Graben

Yitong Graben in Jilin Province of China, hosts three basins, namely: Chaluhe, Luxiang and Moliqing basins. The Chaluhe basin, as the focal point of this study has five subdivisions, thus, Bo-Tai sag, Wanchang Structural high, Liangjia Structure high Xinanpu sag, and the Gudian slope, with a cumulative sedimentary rock thickness of about 6000 metres. The basin is supposed to be a potential hydrocarbon-producing basin with its better source rock distribution and more favorable maturation indicators than the adjacent Luxiang and Moliqing Basin. Determining whether the mudstone beds present in the Eocene Formations are matured enough to generate hydrocarbons, three (3) wells with Seismic Lines (clh02, clh05 and clh07) were used for the study. It is observed that the entire region from NW to SE in the source rocks is mature to produce oil and gas. At depths of about 2400 m and below show good maturity with vitrinite reflectance values averaging 1.02% Ro. The Eocene Shuangyang mudstone is the main petroleum source rock.

Modeling of Source Rocks in Moliqing Basin of Yitong Graben, Northeast China

Moliqing basin is a continental sedimentary basin in the northeast of China, between Changchun and Jilin. The source rocks characterization was done using the data of three wells to define the generative potential, kerogen type and thermal maturity. Basin Mod software was used for the models. The three Eocene source rock formations in the basin are Shuangyang, Sheling and Yongji. Shuangyang is the most important due to its quantity and maturity levels of kerogen with very good generative potential (TOC between 2% - 4%) towards the southern region of the basin. According to the Tmax values, all three source rocks reached the mature stage, and the levels increased from early mature for the Yongji formation, to late mature for some locations of the Shuangyang formation. The 1D and 2D modeling reconstructed shows that the heat flow developed in the basin laid between 64 and 78.1 mW/m2 and had maximum heat flow location towards the center of the basin.

Extensional tectonics and sedimentary response of the Early—Middle Cambrian passive continental margin,Tarim Basin,Northwest China

The fact that several half-grabens and normal faults developed in the Lower--Middle Cambrian of Tazhong （central Tarim Basin） and Bachu areas in Tarim Basin, northwest China, indicates that Tarim Basin was under extensional tectonic setting at this time. The half-grabens occur within a linear zone and the normal faults are arranged in en echelon patterns with gradually increasing displacement eastward. Extensional tectonics resulted in the formation of a passive continental margin in the southwest and a cratonic margin depression in the east, and most importantly, influenced the development of a three- pronged rift in the northeast margin of the Tarim Basin. The fault system controlled the development of platform -- slope -- bathyal facies sedimentation of mainly limestone-dolomite-gypsum rock-saline rock-red beds in the half-grabens. The NW-SE trending half-grabens reflect the distribution of buried basement faults.

Application of Multi-well Subsidence Analysis of the Beryl Embayment,Viking Graben,Northern North Sea

The Beryl Embayment is situated at the south end of the North Viking Graben in the North Sea. Three sets of normal faults, with N-S, NW-SE and NE-SW orientations, have been recognized in the Beryl Embayment. High-resolution subsidence analysis of 73 wells, combined with some seismic data, has been used to document Middle to Late Jurassic subsidence patterns in this area. The high temporal resolution achieved （1 to 2 million years per data point） has also allowed an assessment to be made of temporal evolution of faults with different orientations, and a study made of how and when the East Shetland Fault was linked and controlled sedimentary facies distributions. The results indicate that the East Shetland Fault can be divided into northern and southern parts which were linked together during the Early-Mid Oxfordian. The Mid-Late Jurassic syn-rift phase can be divided into four stages： minor active extension stage during the Bathonian-Middle Callovian, early syn-rotational stage during the Late Callovian-Early-Mid Oxfordian, syn-rotational climax stage during the Late Oxfordian-Early Volgian, and late syn-rotational stage during the Mid-Late Volgian. The results also show that there was a sequential variation of extension direction of active normal faults with different orientations, with an overall shift in the dominant orientation of active normal faults from N-S in the Bathonian-Middle Oxfordian, through NNW-SSE in the Late Oxfordian-Early Volgian （≈N30°E）, to NW-SE （≈N45°E） in the Mid-Late Volgian.

Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Generated and Expelled from the Jurassic to Early Cretaceous Source Rocks in the Lynedoch Field, Northern Bonaparte Basin, Australia

The Lynedoch field is located on the west flank of the Calder Graben in the north-eastern Bonaparte Basin, Australia. The data from the wells Lynedoch 1 and Lynedoch 2 and Seismic Line N11809 were used to reconstruct the burial and thermal histories and evaluate the hydrocarbon generated and expelled from the Jurassic to Early Cretaceous source rocks of the study area. Basin Mod 1-D and 2-D softwares were used for modeling. The Upper Jurassic Cleia (Lower Frigate) and Lower Cretaceous Echuca Shoals formations source rocks in the well Lynedoch 1 were a fair-to-good source richness with poor hydrocarbon generating potential, showing kerogen type III and gas prone. The Middle Jurassic Plover Formation source rock in the well Lynedoch 2 was a good organic matter richness with poor hydrocarbon generative potential, the late Middle Jurassic (Callovian) Elang Formation source rock in the same well was a fair source rock with poor hydrocarbon generation potential, and the Lower Cretaceous Echuca Shoals Formation source rock in the same well was a fair-to-very good organic richness with poor-to-fair hydrocarbon generating potential, gas prone with kerogen type III, and reaching wet gas window at present day. These previous formations of the both wells generated oil at the Late Cretaceous and gas at the Early Neogene. But, only Echuca Shoals Formation source rock in the well Lynedoch 2 was able to expelled hydrocarbon at the Middle Paleogene and continued up to present day. This Formation represents fair to slightly good potential source rock in the Lynedoch field.

The pre-Sinian rift in central Sichuan Basin and its control on hydrocarbon accumulation in the overlying strata

Based on the latest seismic data, resistivity profile, outcrop evidence and logging data, the structural features of basement in Sichuan Basin and its control on the hydrocarbon accumulation in the Sinian-Cambrian strata was discussed. It was found that a NE striking pre-Sinian rift was developed across the whole basin. Controlled by a series of rift-parallel normal faults, horst-graben structures were developed inside the rift, large horst-graben structures and later activity of their boundary faults controlled the distribution of beach facies of the overlying strata. The horst-graben structures induced the formation of local highs of ancient landform and controlled the successive development of overlapped bioherm beach facies in long-term marine setting from the Sinian period to the Permian period, and as a result a widely distributed favorable sedimentary facies belt was developed. The pre-Sinian rift and later activities of related normal faults controlled the development of the grain beach and karst reservoirs and the deposition of high quality source rock, which form structural-lithologic traps. Through comprehensive evaluation, two large structural-lithologic composite trap favorable exploration areas in the south and north of the Gaoshiti-Moxi area, were selected.

山西地堑系太原盆地晚新生代沉积环境演化及物源分析

【目的】山西地堑系因其独特的大地构造位置成为研究中国东部晚新生代变形的热点地区,然而受露头剖面的局限,目前少有报道地堑系盆地完整的沉积环境演化的工作,对进一步认识地堑系演化过程造成了困难。【方法】通过太原盆地ZK01钻孔揭露的约8.1 Ma以来的详细沉积记录,开展了沉积环境和物源分析工作。【结果和结论】沉积环境分析表明太原盆地经历了河流—三角洲/湖泊—河流的沉积环境演化过程,其中分别在5.8~4.4 Ma和2.2~1.6 Ma发育两期覆盖整个太原盆地的湖泊。物源分析表明在5.8 Ma前后存在物源转变。5.8 Ma以前物源主要来自东部太行山脉的侏罗系石英砂岩;5.8 Ma以后物源转为以三叠系长石砂岩为主,同时吕梁山北部的变质岩和火山岩碎屑进入盆地,表明汾河开始流入太原盆地。太原盆地沉积环境演化与区域古气候和构造的关系,表明盆地的湖泊扩展过程主要受构造沉降控制,是青藏高原东向扩展作用的构造—地貌响应。

定日县岗嘎地堑盆地隐伏断层氡气特征及其活动性分析

在中尼铁路的前期地质勘查工作中,岗嘎地堑盆地的活动断层对于铁路选址的影响是不可忽略的因素。为查明岗嘎地堑盆地的盆地边界断层、3个地垒的边界正断层以及其他隐伏断层的位置与活动性,开展了土壤氡气测量工作。通过测量,查明了盆地的东侧、西侧、北侧3个边界断层的大致位置,明确了3个地垒边界正断层的位置及其延伸走向。对盆地内断层的活动性进行了分析,北侧断层的活动性整体强于南侧,东侧强于西侧。研究可为中尼铁路的选址工作提供科学依据。

中亚造山带南部—鄂尔多斯盆地北部的壳幔结构特征及其构造意义

鄂尔多斯盆地北部至中亚造山带的广大地区,经历了早前寒武纪华北克拉通的形成、古生代古亚洲洋闭合、中生代陆内造山、新生代裂陷等系列重大地质事件,且该区赋存大规模能源和矿产资源、发育河套地震带,因此该区壳幔结构特征对其地质演化过程、资源富集机制、地震孕育机理均具有重要指示意义.本文基于内蒙古满都拉—陕北延川宽频带线性地震台阵资料,开展同剖面人工源地震测深结果约束下的多频接收函数和面波频散联合反演、接收函数共转换点叠加成像研究,构建了纵跨中亚造山带南部—阴山造山带—河套地堑—鄂尔多斯盆地北部一线的地壳上地幔精细结构.研究结果显示:沿剖面Moho面存在较大起伏,深度变化范围为35~48 km,整体上呈现以河套地堑为中心,相向汇聚、分段加深的近似对称图案;河套地堑地段,Moho面以穹窿形上隆的方式完成过渡,Moho面上隆、上地幔低速区的分布范围与孔兹岩带分布之间具有较好的一致性;大青山、乌拉山、色尔腾山交汇部位的地震活动分布,在空间上呈现速度结构迥异、相对独立的花状构造特征.以上特征指示研究区地壳在古元古代鄂尔多斯—阴山地块碰撞拼合、古生代中亚造山带造山的构造格架基础上,主要记录了中生代燕山运动B幕的强烈南北向挤压变形,并叠加了新生代以来,特别是新近纪至今鄂尔多斯北缘的强烈伸展断陷作用;渐新世河套地堑的初始发育是基于古元古代鄂尔多斯—阴山地块的碰撞拼合带启动的,意味着克拉通陆核的早期结合带在后期演化中依然保持着构造薄弱带的属性;大青山山前断裂、色尔腾山山前断裂是交汇区的主干断裂,它们均具备正断和走滑性质,而乌拉山山前断裂、北缘断裂分别在两者之间起到调节作用,推测1996年包头6.4级地震的发震断层对应北部色尔腾山山前断裂东段沿南倾方向在地壳深部的延伸.

内蒙古二连断陷盆地陡带区地球物理响应及地震采集关键参数研究

断陷盆地陡带区多沉积于湖盆的边界同生断层一侧,具有山高坡陡、近物源、沉积速度快的特点,多发育有冲积扇、近岸水下扇或扇三角洲,在地震相上多表现为楔形杂乱相、楔形空白相。本文所述内蒙古二连断陷盆地探区的陡带区沉积大量厚度大、延伸长、无分选的粗细混合碎屑物质,造成地震资料存在能量弱、信噪比低、成像差的问题。为有效改善陡带区地震资料品质难以满足地质需求的问题,本文在对大量陡带区地震资料的分析,在充分分析陡带区沉积模式基础上完成了断陷盆地陡带区地球物理建模以及地球物理响应论证。认为大量的粗碎屑物质未经分选、快速沉积是导致断陷盆地陡带区地震采集资料反射能量弱、资料信噪比低、成像困难的直接原因。据此,通过充分的理论论证、模拟以及实际资料验证,推荐断陷盆地陡带区地震资料采集时采用较高的覆盖次数、相对适中的面元、较宽方位和适宜的炮检距。该成果可为类似地区的地震勘探提供参考借鉴。

准噶尔盆地二叠纪盆地属性的再认识及其构造意义

准噶尔盆地及其邻区野外剖面、钻井剖面的系统对比和地震剖面的精细解释表明,二叠系沉积演化、断裂控制沉积、箕状断-超反射特征及大地构造背景均显示,二叠纪准噶尔盆地是形成于张性背景下的断陷-裂陷盆地。准噶尔盆地及邻区火山岩地化特征、年代学数据及区域构造研究成果也证明,二叠纪是张性的大地构造背景。早二叠世—中二叠世早期以发育冲积扇沉积为特征,各构造部位的沉积环境差异较大,强烈断陷并逐渐形成坳隆相间的沉积格局,为断陷盆地的裂陷期;中二叠统中晚期由早二叠世隆坳分割的局面逐渐转化为统一的大型内陆湖盆,吐哈盆地与准噶尔盆地水体相通,形成统一的沉积体系,为断陷盆地扩张期;晚二叠世时期以出现冲积-河流相红色粗碎屑沉积为特征,准噶尔盆地和吐哈盆地分割自成沉积体系,是断陷盆地的萎缩期。因此,中生代盆地演化是建立在二叠纪张性背景的基础之上,二叠纪断陷-裂陷盆地的提出对重新认识中生代盆地演化历程将具有重要启示意义,也将对今后的油气勘探具有重要指导意义,值得进一步研究。

松辽盆地徐家围子北部宋站地区沙河子组地震相与沉积相解释应用

综合运用岩心、测录井以及地震等资料,对松辽盆地徐家围子北部宋站地区沙河子组层序地层与沉积相类型进行分析,并在此基础上重点研究了该区沙河子组地震相类型、特征及其沉积解释。结果表明,研究区沙河子组可划分4个三级层序,其沉积相类型主要有扇三角洲、辫状河三角洲、湖泊、火山碎屑岩和近岸水下扇等。根据沙河子组地震相外部形态和内部反射结构可划分为前积地震相、杂乱地震相、席状平行-亚平行地震相、发散地震相以及条带反射地震相5大类型。部分可进一步细分,它们通常代表着不同的沉积环境或构造背景。通过剖面地震相-沉积相分析,并结合平面地震相与砂砾岩数据,认为盆地东部缓坡带早期发以育扇三角洲沉积为主,随着盆地范围的扩大,东部缓坡带开始过渡为辫状河三角洲沉积,湖泊沉积主要分布于中央深断带内,西部陡坡带始终以发育扇三角洲沉积为主。

音频大地电磁法对渝东南Ⅳ级地堑构造的识别及意义

鉴于南华纪"大塘坡式"锰矿主要沉积于一系列北东向次级断陷(地堑)盆地中心,随着渝东南地区锰矿勘查深度加大,靶区选择的难度也随之增大,因此利用音频大地电磁法识别研究区内次级地堑构造十分必要。从野外实测物性数据出发,在对比研究区内断陷盆地与贵州省松桃地区物性结构相似性的基础上,设计了区内的正演地质模型,并通过模型反演计算,优选了区内二维反演模式;通过对实测AMT剖面电性结构分析,识别出了小茶园和楠木庄2个次级断陷(地堑)盆地,为区内下一步"大塘坡式"锰矿深部勘查方向提供了地球物理依据。

山西地堑湖盆湖退-湖侵的地貌沉积响应及其构造指示意义

针对区域第四纪环境的特点,本文首先提炼和归纳了山西地堑湖盆湖退-湖侵的地貌沉积响应一般表现;然后,依据一些保留比较清晰的区域地貌沉积遗存,对区域第四纪,特别是第四纪中晚期的湖退-湖侵历史进行了分析和追溯。分析结果显示,自S_8古土壤或L_8黄土层发育或堆积以来,区域湖盆曾在对应于古土壤S_8,S_5,S_1和S_1发育时期发生过4次快速的湖退;而在相邻两次湖退期间发生的是缓慢湖侵。结合区域构造运动的特点,本文最后对区域湖退-湖侵过程与区域构造运动的关系进行了分析,指出盆地中湖泊的快速湖退→缓慢湖侵→再次快速湖退…,这样的变化过程是与区域上地幔强烈上隆→减弱或渐趋稳定→再次强烈上隆…构造循环相对应的。

半地堑式断陷盆地的油气成藏模式——以松辽盆地梨树断陷为例

半地堑式断陷盆地是松辽盆地深部断陷的主要类型,是今后油气勘探重点。以梨树断陷为例,根据半地堑式断陷盆地的构造和层序地层发育特点,针对此类盆地的生储盖组合规律,总结出该类盆地中主要存在有滚动背斜油气藏、断层油气藏、超覆型上倾尖灭岩性油气藏、相变型上倾尖灭岩性油气藏、透镜型岩性油气藏、潜山油气藏等6种类型;探讨了半地堑式断陷盆地的油气成藏模式。