Three-dimensional structural models,evolution and petroleum geological significances of transtensional faults in the Ziyang area,central Sichuan Basin,SW China

With drilling and seismic data of Transtensional(strike-slip)Fault System in the Ziyang area of the central Sichuan Basin,SW China plane-section integrated structural interpretation,3-D fault framework model building,fault throw analyzing,and balanced profile restoration,it is pointed out that the transtensional fault system in the Ziyang 3-D seismic survey consists of the northeast-trending F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones dominated by extensional deformation,as well as 3 sets of northwest-trending en echelon normal faults experienced dextral shear deformation.Among them,the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones cut through the Neoproterozoic to Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation,presenting a 3-D structure of an“S”-shaped ribbon.And before Permian and during the Early Triassic,the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones underwent at least two periods of structural superimposition.Besides,the 3 sets of northwest-trending en echelon normal faults are composed of small normal faults arranged in pairs,with opposite dip directions and partially left-stepped arrangement.And before Permian,they had formed almost,restricting the eastward growth and propagation of the F_(I)19 fault zone.The F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones communicate multiple sets of source rocks and reservoirs from deep to shallow,and the timing of fault activity matches well with oil and gas generation peaks.If there were favorable Cambrian-Triassic sedimentary facies and reservoirs developing on the local anticlinal belts of both sides of the F_(I)19 and F_(I)20 fault zones,the major reservoirs in this area are expected to achieve breakthroughs in oil and gas exploration.

Vertical Differential Structural Deformation of the Main Strike-slip Fault Zones in the Shunbei Area,Central Tarim Basin:Structural Characteristics,Deformation Mechanisms,and Hydrocarbon Accumulation Significance

Vertical differential structural deformation(VDSD),one of the most significant structural characteristics of strike-slip fault zones(SSFZs)in the Shunbei area,is crucial for understanding deformation in the SSFZ and its hydrocarbon accumulation significance.Based on drilling data and high-precision 3-D seismic data,we analyzed the geometric and kinematic characteristics of the SSFZs in the Shunbei area.Coupled with the stratification of the rock mechanism,the structural deformations of these SSFZs in different formations were differentiated and divided into four deformation layers.According to comprehensive structural interpretations and comparisons,three integrated 3-D structural models could describe the VDSD of these SSFZs.The time-space coupling of the material basis(rock mechanism stratification),changing dynamic conditions(e.g.,changing stress-strain states),and special deformation mechanism of the en echelon normal fault array uniformly controlled the formation of the VDSD in the SSFZs of the Shunbei area.The VDSD of the SSFZs in this area controlled the entire hydrocarbon accumulation process.Multi-stage structural superimposing deformation influenced the hydrocarbon migration,accumulation,distribution,preservation,and secondary adjustments.

The Middle and Lower Cambrian salt tectonics in the central Tarim Basin,China:A case study based on strike-slip fault characterization

Due to the considerable depth of the salt layers and the lack of calibration by exploratory drilling,the interpretation of the Middle and Lower Cambrian salt formations in the central Tarim Basin poses a challenge.In this paper,we apply the coupling and decoupling deformation theory in salt tectonics to analyze the No.7 fault mapped in the seismic datasets by the response characteristics of the Middle and Lower Cambrian layers.By quantifying the stratigraphic framework of the Middle and Lower Cambrian strata,we define the position of the salt layer with the seismic data.Structural decoupling is observed in the Middle and Lower Cambrian sequences in the Shuntuoguole Low Uplift,while deformation coupling is observed in these two sequences in the Shaya Uplift.

STRUCTURAL ORIGIN OF THE FAULTED BROWN COAL BASIN IN YUNNAN, CHINA──The role of strike-sliping in basin formation and inversion of Xianfeng coal basin

Based on the analysises of regional structural setting, basin formation and deformation, this paper demonstrates that the Xianfeng basin has been formed and inverted under the strike-slip regime. The article is a partial result of the whole research.

SEDIMENTARY-STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OF A STRIKE-SLIP COAL BASIN IN CENTRAL YUNNAN,CHINA

The Kebao coal basin is located at the middle segment of the Xiaojiang fault zone in the central part of Yunnan Province. The coal-bearing strata of Tertiary age are made up of alluvial fan-lacustrine-swamp genetic sequences. Sinistral strike-slip motion of the N-S trending fault zone has created a locally transtensional or transpres sional tectonic environment, giving rise to the relative movement of fault blocks in the basement, and the development of a strike-slip coal basin at the surface. Based on de tailed sedimentary-structural analyses, the paper proposes geodynamic models for the coal basin formation and its deformation.

Intra-continental deformation and tectonic evolution of the West Junggar Orogenic Belt,Central Asia:Evidence from remote sensing and structural geological analyses

The West Junggar Orogenic Belt(WJOB)in northwestern Xinjiang,China,is located in the core of the western part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB).It has suffered two stage tectonic evolutions in Phanerozoic,before and after the ocean–continental conversion in Late Paleozoic.The later on intracontinental deformation,characterized by the development of the NE-trending West Junggar sinistral strike-slip fault system(WJFS)since Late Carboniferous and Early Permian,and the NW-trending Chingiz-Junggar dextral strike-slip fault(CJF)in Mesozoic and Cenozoic,has an important significance for the tectonic evolution of the WJOB and the CAOB.In this paper,we conduct geometric and kinematic analyses of the WJOB,based on field geological survey and structural interpretation of remote sensing image data.Using some piercing points such as truncated plutons and anticlines,an average magnitude of^73 km for the left-lateral strike-slip is calculated for the Darabut Fault,a major fault of the WJFS.Some partial of the displacement should be accommodated by strike-slip fault-related folds developed during the strike-slip faulting.Circular and curved faults,asymmetrical folds,and irregular contribution of ultramafic bodies,implies potential opposite vertical rotation of the Miao’ergou and the Akebasitao batholiths,resulted from the sinistral strike-slipping along the Darabut Fault.Due to conjugate shearing set of the sinistral WJFS and the dextral CJF since Early Mesozoic,superimposed folds formed with N–S convergence in southwestern part of the WJOB.

Fault characteristics and their control on oil and gas accumulation in the southwestern Ordos Basin

3D seismic data recently acquired from the Ordos Basin shows three sets of regularly distributed fault systems,which overrides previous understanding that no faults were developed in this basin.Seismic interpretation suggests that the faults in the southwestern Ordos Basin have three basic characteristics,namely extreme micro-scale,distinct vertical stratification,and regularity of planar distribution.These NS-,NW-,and NE-trending fault systems developed in the Meso-Neoproterozoic e Lower Ordovician strata.Of these,the NS-trending fault system mainly consists of consequent and antithetic faults which show clear syndepositional deformation.The fault systems in the Carboniferous e Middle-Lower Triassic strata are not clear on seismic reflection profiles.The NW-and NE-trending fault systems are developed in the Upper Triassic e Middle Jurassic strata.Of these,the NW-trending fault system appears as a negative flower structure in sectional view and in an en echelon pattern in plan-view;they show transtensional deformation.A NE-trending fault system that developed in the Lower Cretaceous e Cenozoic strata shows a Y-shaped structural style and tension-shear properties.A comprehensive analysis of the regional stress fields at different geologic times is essential to determine the development,distribution direction,and intensity of the activity of fault systems in the Ordos Basin.Current exploration suggests three aspects in which the faults within the Ordos Basin are crucial to oil and gas accumulation.Firstly,these faults serve as vertical barriers that cause the formation of two sets of relatively independent petroleum systems in the Paleozoic and Mesozoic strata respectively;this is the basis for the‘upper oil and lower gas’distribution pattern.Secondly,the vertical communication of these faults is favorable for oil and gas migration,thus contributing to the typical characteristics of multiple oil and gas fields within the basin,i.e.oil and gas reservoirs with multiple superimposed strata.Finally,these faults and their associated fractures improve the permeability of Mesozoic tight reservoirs,providing favorable conditions for oil enrichment in areas around the fault systems.

The Seismic Induced Soft Sediment Deformation Structures in the Middle Jurassic of Western Qaidamu Basin

Intervals of soft-sediment deformation structures are well-exposed in Jurassic lacustrine deposits in the western Qaidamu basin. Through field observation, many soft-sediment deformation structures can be identified, such as convoluted bedding, liquefied sand veins, load and flame structures, slump structures and sliding-overlapping structures. Based on their genesis, soft-sediment deformation structures can be classified as three types： seismic induced structures, vertical loading structures, and horizontal shear structures. Based on their geometry and genesis analysis, they are seismic-induced structures. According to the characteristics of convoluted bedding structures and liquefied sand veins, it can be inferred that there were earthquakes greater than magnitude 6 in the study area during the middle Jurassic. Furthermore, the study of the slump structures and sliding- overlapping structures indicates that there was a southeastern slope during the middle Jurassic. Since the distance from the study area to the Altyn Mountain and the Altyn fault is no more than 10km, it can be also inferred that the Altyn Mountain existed then and that the AItyn strike-slip fault was active during the middle Jurassic.

Origin and growth mechanisms of strike-slip faults in the central Tarim cratonic basin, NW China

Through fault structure analysis and chronology study, we discuss the origin and growth mechanisms of strike-slip faults in the Tarim Basin.(1) Multiple stages strike-slip faults with inherited growth were developed in the central Tarim cratonic basin. The faults initiation time is constrained at the end of Middle Ordovician of about 460 Ma according to U-Pb dating of the fault cements and seismic interpretation.(2) The formation of the strike-slip faults was controlled by the near N-S direction stress field caused by far-field compression of the closing of the Proto-Tethys Ocean.(3) The faults localization and characteristics were influenced by the pre-existing structures of the NE trending weakening zones in the basement and lithofacies change from south to north.(4) Following the fault initiation under the Andersonian mechanism, the strike-slip fault growth was dominantly fault linkage, associated with fault tip propagation and interaction of non-Andersonian mechanisms.(5) Sequential slip accommodated deformation in the conjugate strike-slip fault interaction zones, strong localization of the main displacement and deformation occurred in the overlap zones in the northern Tarim, while the fault tips, particularly of narrow-deep grabens, and strike-slip segments in thrust zones accumulated more deformation and strain in the Central uplift. In conclusion, non-Andersonian mechanisms, dominantly fault linkage and interaction, resulted in the small displacement but long intraplate strike-slip fault development in the central Tarim Basin. The regional and localized field stress, and pre-existing structures and lithofacies difference had strong impacts on the diversity of the strike-slip faults in the Tarim cratonic basin.

TECTONIC-GEOMORPHIC FEATURES OF THE STRIKE-SLIP FAULT ZONE IN EASTERN HUNAN AND WESTERN JIANGXI

Eastern Hunan-western Jiangxi, the main distribution domain of the Luoxiao MountainRange, is one of the key districts of the Circum-Pacific tectonically active belt in China, in whichNNE-trending en echelon strike-slip faulting since Cenozoic time has obviously controlled thefundamental framework of the modern land forms. Based on the study of tectonic evolution and ac-tive strike-slip faults, this paper discusses the forms, types and combinations of the modern tec-tonic land forms in this region.

Superimposed characteristics and genetic mechanism of strike-slip faults in the Bohai Sea, China

Based on the 3 D seismic structure interpretation of Bohai Sea, combined with physical modeling of structure, structural style analysis and apatite fission track simulation, the structural characteristics and genetic mechanism of the Cenozoic strike-slip faults in Bohai Sea were investigated. The results show that Tanlu strike-slip fault experienced three stages of strike-slip activities in the Cenozoic,and the transition from left-lateral strike to right-lateral strike-slip was completed at the end of the fourth member of the Shahejie Formation. The strike-slip faults in the Bohai Sea have the characteristics of multi-stage and multi-strength stress superposition. According to the superimposed forms of different strengths, different properties and different ratios, they can be divided into three major genetic types,extension and strike-slip superimposition, extension and extrusion superimposition, extrusion and strike-slip superimposition, and fifteen typical structure patterns. Affected by multiple changes in the direction and rate of subduction of the Cenozoic Pacific plate, the difference between the Cenozoic extension and the strike-slip in the Bohai Sea area leads to the diversity of the fault system and the zoning of the depression structure. According to superimposition features of faults, the Bohai Sea area can be divided into the Liaoxi S-type weak strike-slip zone, Liaodong braided strong strike-slip zone, Boxi conjugated medium strike-slip zone, Bodong brush structure medium strike-slip zone and Bonan parallel strong strike-slip zone. These zones differ in oil and gas accumulation features.

Exploration discovery and hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics of the Doseo strike-slip and inverted basin, Chad

Several international oil companies had conducted petroleum exploration, but failed to make any commercially viable discoveries in the Doseo Basin for over 30 years. In this article, an integrated analysis, based on the latest seismic and drilling data combined with exploration practice and tectonic, sedimentary as well as petroleum-geological characteristics of the basin, has been conducted with the aim to disclose the key factors of hydrocarbon accumulation and enrichment and then to find the potential petroleum plays. The Doseo Basin in Chad is a Meso-Cenozoic lacustrine rift basin developed on the Precambrian crystalline basement in the Central African Shear Zone. It is a half graben rift controlled by the strike-slip fault at the northern boundary, and can be divided into two sub-basins, an uplift and a slope. The basin experienced two rifting periods in the Cretaceous and was strongly inverted with the erosion thickness of 800–1000 m during the Eocene, and then entered the depression and extinction period. Structurally, a large number of normal faults and strike-slip faults are identified in the basin, and the boundary faults are inverted faults with normal at first. The main structural styles include inverted anticlines, fault noses, complex fault-blocks and flower structures. The Lower Cretaceous is the main sedimentary strata, which are divided into the Mangara Group, Kedeni, Doba and Koumra Formations from bottom to up. Two transgressive-regressive cycles developed in the Lower Cretaceous indicates with mainly lacustrine, fluvial, delta, braided-delta, fan-delta sandstone and mudstone. The effective source rock in the basin is the deep-lacustrine mudstone of the Lower Cretaceous containing the type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ;organic matters. Furthermore, Inverted anticlines and fault-complicated blocks comprise the main trap types and the Kedeni Uplift is the most favorable play, followed by the Northern Steep Slope and Southern Gentle Slope. Lateral sealing capacity of faults controls the hydrocarbon abundance.

Tectonic deformation features and petroleum geological significance in Yinggehai large strike-slip basin, South China Sea

The subtle strike-slip tectonic deformation and its relationship to deposition, overpressure and hydrocarbon migration were studied on the basis of systematic sorting of tectonic data.(1) The local T(tension) fractures derived from sinistral strike-slip process were formed before 10.5 Ma, large in number in the nose structure of the eastern slope, and reactivated episodically under the effect of fluid overpressure in the late stage, they served as dominant vertical hydrocarbon migration paths in the slope area of basin.(2) The dextral strike-slip extension was conducive to the increase of depositional rate and formation of regional under-compacted seal, and induced generation of local T fractures which triggered the development of diapirs; in turn, the development of diapirs made T fractures grow in size further.(3) The sinistral strike-slip process weakened after 10.5 Ma, causing tectonic movement characterized by compression in the north and rotational extension in the south, and the uplift and erosion of strata in Hanoi sag and a surge in clastics supply for south Yinggehai sag. Finally, migrating slope channelized submarine fans and superimposed basin floor fans were developed respectively on the asymmetrical east and west slopes of the Yinggehai sag.

Analysis on the Focal Mechanism and Seismogenic Structures of the Yao’an earthquake with M_S6. 0,20091

Using the joint inversion method with the amplitude ratio of P-wave,SV-wave and SHwaves,this paper calculates the focal mechanisms of the aftershock sequence of the Yaoan earthquake with MS6. 0. According to the spatial distribution of earthquake sequence,the author analyzes the characteristics of the stress field and seismogenic fault. The result shows that:( 1) the seismogenic fault of the Yaoan earthquake is a vertical right-lateral strike-slip fault,striking NWW-SEE. The result is reliable and consistent with the nodal planes of the Harvard CMT solution and also in accord with the predominant direction of aftershocks.( 2) The predominant direction of principal compressive stress,NWW-SEE is consistent with the regional tectonic stress,and some aftershocks are different from the main shock. The stress field of the main shock is controlled by the regional tectonic stress field,indicating the diversity and complexity in the seismic area.( 3) By comprehensively analyzing the distribution of the earthquake sequence,focal mechanism and fault structure in the seismic area,it is found that the Maweijing fault is the seismogenic fault of the Yaoan earthquake.

Large Active Faults and the Wharton Basin Intraplate Earthquakes in the Eastern Indian Ocean

In recent years,great earthquakes occurred within the Wharton Basin in the eastern Indian Ocean,and they have been associa-ted with active faulting on the ancient oceanic crust.Large seismogenic faults were thought to be the fault reactivation on the ancient oceanic crust,but these phenomena are still unclear and require examination.This study used high-quality multibeam bathymetry and multichannel seismic data collected over the northern Ninetyeast Ridge to investigate detailed fault geometry,structure,and activity.We recognized 12 large linear active faults by integrating bathymetry maps and multichannel seismic reflection profiles.Our results showed that these faults have high angles,and they all displaced the basement and propagated to the seafloor with distinct fault scarps.They trended NWW-SEE with a spacing of 10–40km and were parallel to each other and the nearby subfault of the 2012 great intraplate earthquake,suggesting similar stress fields.These faults are also in agreement with the orientations of magnetic isochrons,implying their formation by seafloor spreading.Furthermore,regarding the strike-slip focal mechanism of 2012 earthquakes,we proposed that these faults were created early by a normal spreading process and then evolved into a strike-slip pattern since the ancient oceanic crust ap-proached the subduction zones.

滇西三江地区新生代碱性系列岩浆岩构造类型

滇西三江地区新生代碱性系列岩浆岩 ,其构造类型非大陆边缘之岛弧 ,也非大陆内部之裂谷 ,而属两大陆碰撞 。

Structural characteristics of the Tan-Lu fault zone in Cenozoic basins offshore the Bohai Sea

The Tan-Lu fault zone across the eastern margin of the Cenozoic basins offshore the Bohai Sea is a NNE-trending right-lateral strike-slip fault system developed in the Cenozoic basin cover. It cuts through NE-to NNE-striking major extensional faults that controlled the formation of Paleogene basins. Recent petroleum exploration indicates that Cenozoic structural activities of the Tan-Lu fault system have directly or indirectly affected oil and gas distribution offshore the Bohai Sea. As part of a deep fault zone the Tan-Lu fault zone has been activated since the Oligocene,and obviously affected the tectonic evolution of offshore Bohai basins since then. The formation of Paleogene rift basins offshore the Bohai Sea has utilized the pre-existing structural elements of the Tan-Lu fault zone that developed in the late Mesozoic.

Late Quaternary sinistral slip rate along the Altyn Tagh fault and its structural transformation model

Based on technical processing of high-resolution SPOT images and aerophotos, detailed mapping of offset landforms in combination with field examination and displacement measurement, and dating of offset geomorphic surfaces by using carbon fourteen (14C), cos- mogenic nuclides (10Be+26Al) and thermoluminescence (TL) methods, the Holocene sinistral slip rates on different segments of the Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF) are obtained. The slip rates reach 17.5 ±2 mm/a on the central and western segments west of Aksay Town, 11±3.5 mm/a on the Subei-Shibaocheng segment, 4.8±1.0 mm/a on the Sulehe segment and only 2.2±0.2 mm/a on the Kuantanshan segment, an easternmost segment of the ATF. The sudden change points for loss of sinistral slip rates are located at the Subei, Shibaocheng and Shulehe triple junctions where NW-trending active thrust faults splay from the ATF and propagate southeastward. Slip vector analyses indicate that the loss of the sinistral slip rates from west to east across a triple junction has structurally transformed into local crustal shortening perpendicular to the active thrust faults and strong uplifting of the thrust sheets to form the NW-trending Danghe Nanshan, Daxueshan and Qilianshan Ranges. Therefore, the eastward extrusion of the northern Qing- hai-Tibetan Plateau is limited and this is in accord with “the imbricated thrusting transforma- tion-limited extrusion model”.

Cenozoic structural deformation and expression of the “Tan-Lu Fault Zone” in the West Sag of Liaohe Depression, Bohaiwan basin province, China

Based on the interpretation of 3D seismic data and structural mapping we analyzed the geometry and kinematics of the fault system and validated the expression of the"Tan-Lu Fracture Zone"in the West Sag of Liaohe Depression,Bohaiwan basin province.The Cenozoic structural deformation within the West Sag of Liaohe Depression can be divided into extensional structure system and dextral structure system.The extensional system is constituted by numerous NNE-NE trending Paleogene normal faults,where the Taian-Dawa fault(F1)is the master boundary fault(MBF)dominating the deposition during Paleogene so that the sag shows a complex half-graben with"boundary fault in the east and overlap in the west".The dextral system is constituted by 2–3 dextral basement faults in NNE-NE trending(F2,F3,F4)and associated structure,and the time of structural action started in Oligocene and continued to Quarternary so that some associated secondary faults of the dextral system cut off the Neogene and Quaternary.Under the influence of the position and attitude of NNE-NE trending basement strike-slip faults,the central north part and the south part of the West Sag show obviously different structural features.The former appears to be a complex"graben"structure limited by the reversed strike-slip fault in the west and bounded by the inverted normal fault in the east,the latter remains the complex half-graben structure with"boundary fault in the east and overlap in the west",and the graben was mildly reconstructed by one or two normal strike-slip faults.The dextral system within the West Sag is the element of the west branch fault of the Tan-Lu Fracture Zone,which is a deep fracture zone extending along the east of the Liaodongwan Gulf.The deep fracture zone branches off into two separate faults within the Liaohe Depression.The east branch goes through from northern part of the Liaodongwan Gulf to the East Sag of Liaohe Depression and links with the Denghua-Mishan Fault near Shenyang,and the west branch passes from northern part of the Liaodongwan Gulf to the West Sag and Damintun Sag of Liaohe Depression and links with the Yilan-Yitong Fault.The principal displacement zone of the west branch of the Tan-Lu Fracture Zone cuts off the master extensional fault(F1)within the West Sag of Liaohe Depression and induces many cover faults in EW trending within the Neogene and Quaternary.