Effects of Intracratonic Strike-slip Fault on the Differentiation of Carbonate Microfacies: A Case Study of a Permian Platform Margin in the Sichuan Basin(SW China)

In intracratnoic basins, the effect of strike-slip faults on sedimentary microfacies is generally underestimated due to their small scale. Based on the integration of core, well logs, and three-dimensional seismic data, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of the Permian carbonate platform and strike-slip faults in the southwestern Kaijiang-Liangping trough of the Sichuan Basin. The relationship between strike-slip faults and Permian carbonate microfacies is investigated. The results reveals the existence of a NW-trending strike-slip fault zone along the platform margin, exhibiting clear segmentation. The western side of the study area exhibits a rimmed platform margin characterized by type I reefs, which corresponds to the presence of a large-scale strike-slip fault zone. In contrast, the eastern side is characterized by a norimmed and weak rimmed platform margin, accompanied by type II reefs, which align with smaller strike-slip fault zones. It was found that the strike-slip fault had some effects on the platform and reef-shoal complex of the Permain Changxing Formation. First, the platform was divided by strike-slip fault into three segments to show rimmed, week rimmed and norimmed platform. Second, reef-shoal complex devolped along the faulted high position in the strike-slip fault zone, and separated by faulted depression. Third, strike-slip faults can offset or migrated the reef-shoal complex and platform margin. Additionally, the thickness of the platform margin varies across strike-slip fault zone, which is related to the activity of strike-slip faults. The strike-slip faults affect the microfacies by controlling the pre-depositional paleotopography. This case suggests that the strike-slip faults play a crucial role in the diversity and distribution of carbonate microfacies in the intracratonic basin.

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.

Semi-analytical solution for mechanical analysis of tunnels crossing strike-slip fault zone considering nonuniform fault displacement and uncertain fault plane position

The tunnel subjected to strike-slip fault dislocation exhibits severe and catastrophic damage.The existing analysis models frequently assume uniform fault displacement and fixed fault plane position.In contrast,post-earthquake observations indicate that the displacement near the fault zone is typically nonuniform,and the fault plane position is uncertain.In this study,we first established a series of improved governing equations to analyze the mechanical response of tunnels under strike-slip fault dislocation.The proposed methodology incorporated key factors such as nonuniform fault displacement and uncertain fault plane position into the governing equations,thereby significantly enhancing the applicability range and accuracy of the model.In contrast to previous analytical models,the maximum computational error has decreased from 57.1%to 1.1%.Subsequently,we conducted a rigorous validation of the proposed methodology by undertaking a comparative analysis with a 3D finite element numerical model,and the results from both approaches exhibited a high degree of qualitative and quantitative agreement with a maximum error of 9.9%.Finally,the proposed methodology was utilized to perform a parametric analysis to explore the effects of various parameters,such as fault displacement,fault zone width,fault zone strength,the ratio of maximum fault displacement of the hanging wall to the footwall,and fault plane position,on the response of tunnels subjected to strike-slip fault dislocation.The findings indicate a progressive increase in the peak internal forces of the tunnel with the rise in fault displacement and fault zone strength.Conversely,an augmentation in fault zone width is found to contribute to a decrease in the peak internal forces.For example,for a fault zone width of 10 m,the peak values of bending moment,shear force,and axial force are approximately 46.9%,102.4%,and 28.7% higher,respectively,compared to those observed for a fault zone width of 50 m.Furthermore,the position of the peak internal forces is influenced by variations in the ratio of maximum fault displacement of the hanging wall to footwall and the fault plane location,while the peak values of shear force and axial force always align with the fault plane.The maximum peak internal forces are observed when the footwall exclusively bears the entirety of the fault displacement,corresponding to a ratio of 0:1.The peak values of bending moment,shear force,and axial force for the ratio of 0:1 amount to approximately 123.8%,148.6%,and 111.1% of those for the ratio of 0.5:0.5,respectively.

Formation and evolution of the strike-slip faults in the central Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on 3D seismic and drilling data, the timing, evolution and genetic mechanism of deep strike-slip faults in the central Sichuan Basin are thoroughly examined by using the U-Pb dating of fault-filled carbonate cement and seismic-geological analysis. The strike-slip fault system was initially formed in the Late Sinian, basically finalized in the Early Cambrian with dextral transtensional structure, was overlaid with at least one stage of transpressional deformation before the Permian, then was reversed into a sinistral weak transtensional structure in the Late Permian. Only a few of these faults were selectively activated in the Indosinian and later periods. The strike-slip fault system was affected by the preexisting structures such as Nanhuanian rifting normal faults and NW-striking deep basement faults. It is an oblique accommodated intracratonic transfer fault system developed from the Late Sinian to Early Cambrian to adjust the uneven extension of the Anyue trough from north to south and matches the Anyue trough in evolution time and intensity. In the later stage, multiple inversion tectonics and selective activation occurred under different tectonic backgrounds.

Stress Path Analysis of Deep-Sea Sediments Under the Compression-Shear Coupling Load of Crawler Collectors

The mechanical properties of deep-sea sediments during the driving process of crawler collectors are essential factors in the design of mining systems.In this study,a crawler load is divided into a normal compression load and a horizontal shear load.Then,the internal stress state of sedimentary soil is examined through a theoretical calculation and finite element numerical simulation.Finally,the driving of crawlers is simulated by changing the relative spatial position between the load and stress unit,obtaining the stress path of the soil unit.Based on the calculation results,the effect of the horizontal shear load on the soil stress response is analyzed at different depths,and the spatial variation law of the soil stress path is examined.The results demonstrate that the horizontal shear load has a significant effect on the rotation of the principal stress,and the reverse rotation of the principal stress axis becomes obvious with the increase in the burial depth.The stress path curve of the soil is different at various depths.The spatial variation rule of the stress path of the shallow soil is complex,whereas the stress path curve of the deep soil tends to shrink as the depth increases.The stress path of the corresponding depth should be selected according to the actual research purpose and applied to the laboratory test.

Control of strike-slip faults on Sinian carbonate reservoirs in Anyue gas field, Sichuan Basin, SW China

The largest Precambrian gas field (Anyue gas field) in China has been discovered in the central Sichuan Basin. However, the deep ancient Ediacaran (Sinian) dolomite presents a substantial challenge due to their tightness and heterogeneity, rather than assumed large-area stratified reservoirs controlled by mound-shoal microfacies. This complicates the characterization of “sweet spot” reservoirs crucial for efficient gas exploitation. By analyzing compiled geological, geophysical and production data, this study investigates the impact of strike-slip fault on the development and distribution of high-quality “sweet spot” (fractured-vuggy) reservoirs in the Ediacaran dolomite of the Anyue gas field. The dolomite matrix reservoir exhibits low porosity (less than 4%) and low permeability (less than 0.5×10^(-3) μm^(2)). Contrarily, fractures and their dissolution processes along strike-slip fault zone significantly enhance matrix permeability by more than one order of magnitude and matrix porosity by more than one time. Widespread “sweet spot” fracture-vuggy reservoirs are found along the strike-slip fault zone, formed at the end of the Ediacaran. These fractured reservoirs are controlled by the coupling mechanisms of sedimentary microfacies, fracturing and karstification. Karstification prevails at the platform margin, while both fracturing and karstification control high-quality reservoirs in the intraplatform, resulting in reservoir diversity in terms of scale, assemblage and type. The architecture of the strike-slip fault zone governed the differential distribution of fracture zones and the fault-controlled “sweet spot” reservoirs, leading to wide fractured-vuggy reservoirs across the strike-slip fault zone. In conclusion, the intracratonic weak strike-slip fault can play a crucial role in improving tight carbonate reservoir, and the strike-slip fault-related “sweet spot” reservoir emerges as a unique and promising target for the efficient development of deep hydrocarbon resources. Tailored development strategies need to be implemented for these reservoirs, considering the diverse and differential impacts exerted by strike-slip faults on the reservoirs.

Rheological properties and concentration evolution of thickened tailings under the coupling effect of compression and shear

Cemented paste backfill(CPB)is a key technology for green mining in metal mines,in which tailings thickening comprises the primary link of CPB technology.However,difficult flocculation and substandard concentrations of thickened tailings often occur.The rheological properties and concentration evolution in the thickened tailings remain unclear.Moreover,traditional indoor thickening experiments have yet to quantitatively characterize their rheological properties.An experiment of flocculation condition optimization based on the Box-Behnken design(BBD)was performed in the study,and the two response values were investigated:concentration and the mean weighted chord length(MWCL)of flocs.Thus,optimal flocculation conditions were obtained.In addition,the rheological properties and concentration evolution of different flocculant dosages and ultrafine tailing contents under shear,compression,and compression-shear coupling experimental conditions were tested and compared.The results show that the shear yield stress under compression and compression-shear coupling increases with the growth of compressive yield stress,while the shear yield stress increases slightly under shear.The order of shear yield stress from low to high under different thickening conditions is shear,compression,and compression-shear coupling.Under compression and compression-shear coupling,the concentration first rapidly increases with the growth of compressive yield stress and then slowly increases,while concentration increases slightly under shear.The order of concentration from low to high under different thickening conditions is shear,compression,and compression-shear coupling.Finally,the evolution mechanism of the flocs and drainage channels during the thickening of the thickened tailings under different experimental conditions was revealed.

Stress tensors and quantification of fracture patterns to analyze connectivity and potential fluid flow in a mesa landform of the Northern Andes

This work applies stress tensors inversions and quantification of fracture patterns along the Mesa de Los Santos, in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, to better understand the potential fluid flow. It thus contributes to the conceptual hydrogeological model. The area was subdivided into three blocks, separated by the NW Potreros and the Los Santos faults, having minor inner faults of different orientations. This separation facilitates the analysis of the fractures measured in the field, which in general show high dip angles and a conjugate geometry in the northern block, tension fractures(Mode I) in the central block, and a random distribution in the southwestern block. WinTensor treatment of slickensides yielded a maximum horizontal stress(SHmax) of 111o, which coincides with the WNW-ESE tensor observed from the conjugate and tension joints. We then used Frac Pa Q to generate interpolation maps of fracture intensity and density. The maps show the highest values in the central block and the lowest in the northern block,where the precipitation is higher, causing intensive rock weathering and homogenization of the fracture planes. Although the highest values of connectivity by line are found to the south of the mesa, we suggest the possibility of greater flow from the recharge zone(NE) along bedding planes and open NW-SE fractures.

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.

Bending Stiffness of Concrete-Filled Steel Tube and Its Influence on Concrete Placement Timing of Composite Beam-String Structure

When the upper chord beam of the beam-string structure(BSS)is made of concrete-filled steel tube(CFST),its overall stiffness will change greatly with the construction of concrete placement,which will have an impact on the design of the tensioning plans and selection of control measures for the BSS.In order to accurately obtain the bending stiffness of CFST beam and clarify its impact on the mechanical properties of composite BSS during construction,the influence of some factors such as height-width ratio,wall thickness of steel tube,elasticity modulus of concrete,and friction coefficient on the bending stiffness are analyzed parametrically by the numerical simulation technology based on an actual project.The calculation formula of the equivalent bending stiffness of CFST is also established through mathematical statistical simulation.Then,the equivalent bending stiffness is introduced into the construction and use stages of the composite BSS,respectively,and the mechanical properties such as prestress-tensioning control value,structural deformation,and internal force of key members are comparatively analyzed when adopting two different construction plans.Moreover,the optimal construction plan of concrete placement first and then prestress-tensioning is proposed.

Hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics in basement reservoirs and exploration targets of deep basement reservoirs in onshore China

Based on the global basement reservoir database and the dissection of basement reservoirs in China,the characteristics of hydrocarbon accumulation in basement reservoirs are analyzed,and the favorable conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation in deep basement reservoirs are investigated to highlight the exploration targets.The discovered basement reservoirs worldwide are mainly buried in the Archean and Precambrian granitic and metamorphic formations with depths less than 4500 m,and the relatively large reservoirs have been found in rift,back-arc and foreland basins in tectonic active zones of the Meso-Cenozoic plates.The hydrocarbon accumulation in basement reservoirs exhibits the characteristics in three aspects.First,the porous-fractured reservoirs with low porosity and ultra-low permeability are dominant,where extensive hydrocarbon accumulation occurred during the weathering denudation and later tectonic reworking of the basin basement.High resistance to compaction allows the physical properties of these highly heterogeneous reservoirs to be independent of the buried depth.Second,the hydrocarbons were sourced from the formations outside the basement.The source-reservoir assemblages are divided into contacted source rock-basement and separated source rock-basement patterns.Third,the abnormal high pressure in the source rock and the normal–low pressure in the basement reservoirs cause a large pressure difference between the source rock and the reservoirs,which is conducive to the pumping effect of hydrocarbons in the deep basement.The deep basement prospects are mainly evaluated by the factors such as tectonic activity of basement,source-reservoir combination,development of large deep faults(especially strike-slip faults),and regional seals.The Precambrian crystalline basements at the margin of the intracontinental rifts in cratonic basins,as well as the Paleozoic folded basements and the Meso-Cenozoic fault-block basements adjacent to the hydrocarbon generation depressions,have favorable conditions for hydrocarbon accumulation,and thus they are considered as the main targets for future exploration of deep basement reservoirs.

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.

The 2024 M_(j) 7.6 Noto Peninsula, Japan earthquake caused by the fluid flow in the crust

On January 1, 2024 at 16:10:09 JST, an M_(j) 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in the southern part of the Sea of Japan. This location has been experiencing an earthquake swarm for more than three years. Here, we provide an overview of this earthquake, focusing on the slip distribution of the mainshock and its relationship with the preceding swarm. We also reexamined the source areas of other large earthquakes that occurred around the Sea of Japan in the past and compared them with the Matsushiro earthquake swarm in central Japan from1964 to 1968. The difference between the Matsushiro earthquake swarm and the Noto earthquake swarm is the surrounding stress field. The Matsushiro earthquake swarm was a strike-slip stress field, so the cracks in the crust were oriented vertically. This allowed fluids seeped from the depths to rise and flow out to the surface. On the other hand, the Noto area was a reverse fault stress field. Therefore, the cracks in the earth's crust were oriented horizontally. Fluids flowing underground in deep areas could not rise and spread over a wide area in the horizontal plane. This may have caused a large amount of fluid to accumulate underground, triggering a large earthquake. Although our proposed mechanism does not take into account other complex geological conditions into consideration, it may provide a simple way to explain why the Noto swarm is followed by a large earthquake while other swarms are not.

A systematic review of rigid-flexible composite pavement

Rigid-flexible composite pavement has gained significant popularity in recent decades.This paper provides a comprehensive review of the research progress concerning rigid-flexible composite pavement,aiming to promote its application and address key issues while identifying future directions.The design theory and methodology of rigid-flexible composite pavement are discussed,followed by a description of its structural and mechanical behavior characteristics.The load stress,temperature stress,and their interactive effects between the asphalt layer and the rigid base were analyzed.It is clarified that the asphalt layer serves a dual role as both a“functional layer”and a“structural layer”.Typical distresses of rigid-flexible composite pavement,which primarily occur in the asphalt layer,were discussed.These distresses include reflective cracking,top-down cracking,rutting,and compressive-shear failure.Generally,the integrity of the rigid base and the interlaminar bonding conditions significantly impact the performance and distress of the asphalt layer.The technology for enhancing the performance of rigid-flexible composite pavement is summarized in three aspects:asphalt layer properties,rigid base integrity,and interlaminar bonding condition.The study concludes that developing high-performance pavement materials based on their structural behaviors is an effective approach to improve the performance and durability of rigid-flexible composite pavement.The integrated design of structure and materials represents the future direction of road design.

Uniform Strike-Slip Rate along the Xianshuihe-Xiaojiang Fault System and Its Implications for Active Tectonics in Southeastern Tibet

Recent studies on the Xianshuihe-Xiaojiang fault system suggest that the Late Quaternary strike-slip rate is approximately uniform along the entire length of the fault zone, about 15±2 mm/a. This approximately uniform strike slip rate strongly supports the clockwise rotation model of the southeastern Tibetan crust. By approximating the geometry of the arc-shaped Xianshuihe-Xiaojiang fault system as a portion of a small circle on a spherical Earth, the 15±2 mm/a strike slip rate corresponds to clockwise rotation of the Southeastern Tibetan Block at the （5.2±0.7）×10^-7 deg/a angular velocity around the pole （21°N, 88°E） relative to the Northeast Tibetan Block. The approximately uniform strike slip rate along the Xianshuihe-Xiaojiang fault system also implies that the Longmeushan thrust zone is not active, or at least its activity has been very weak since the Late Quaternary. Moreover, the total offset along the Xiaushuihe-Xiaojiang fault system suggests that the lateral extrusion of the Southeastern Tibetan Block relative to Northeastern Tibetan Block is about 160 km and 200-240 km relative to the Tarim-North China block. This amount of lateral extrusion of the Tibetan crust should have accommodated about 13-24% convergence between India and Eurasia based on mass balance calculations. Assuming that the slip rate of 15±2 mm/a is constant throughout the entire history of the Xianshuihe-Xiaojiang fault system, 11±1.5 Ma is needed for the Xianshuihe-Xiaojiang fault system to attain the 160 km of total offset. This implies that left-slip faulting on the Xianshuihe-Xiaojiang fault system might start at 11±1.5 Ma.

The Dihedral Angle and Intersection Processes of a Conjugate Strike-Slip Fault System in the Tarim Basin, NW China

Recent studies, focused on dihedral angles and intersection processes, have increased understandings of conjugate fault mechanisms. We present new 3-D seismic data and microstructural core analysis in a case study of a large conjugate strike-slip fault system from the intracratonic Tarim Basin, NW China. Within our study area, ＂X＂ type NE and NW trending faults occur within Cambrian- Ordovician carbonates. The dihedral angles of these conjugate faults have narrow ranges, 19~ to 62~ in the Cambrian and 26~ to 51~ in the Ordovician, and their modes are 42~ and 44~ respectively. These data are significantly different from the ~60~ predicted by the Coulomb fracture criterion. It is concluded that： （1） The dihedral angles of the conjugate faults were not controlled by confining pressure, which was low and associated with shallow burial; （2） As dihedral angles were not controlled by pressure they can be used to determine the shortening direction during faulting; （3） Sequential slip may have played an important role in forming conjugate fault intersections; （4） The conjugate fault system of the Tarim basin initiated as rhombic joints; these subsequently developed into sequentially active ＂X＂ type conjugate faults; followed by preferential development of the NW-trending faults; then reactivation of the NE trending faults. This intact rhombic conjugate fault system presents new insights into mechanisms of dihedral angle development, with particular relevance to intracratonic basins.

A Large-Scale Palaeozoic Dextral Ductile Strike-Slip Zone:the Aqqikkudug-Weiya Zone along the Northern Margin of the Central Tianshan Belt,Xinjiang,NW China

Abstract The nearly E-W-trending Aqqikkudug-Weiya zone, more than 1000 km long and about 30 km wide, is an important segment in the Central Asian tectonic framework. It is distributed along the northern margin of the Central Tianshan belt in Xinjiang, NW China and is composed of mylonitized Early Palaeozoic greywacke, volcanic rocks, ophiolitic blocks as a mélange complex, HP/LT-type bleuschist blocks and mylonitized Neoproterozoic schist, gneiss and orthogneiss. Nearly vertical mylonitic foliation and sub-horizontal stretching lineation define its strike-slip feature; various kinematic indicators, such as asymmetric folds, non-coaxial asymmetric macro- to micro-structures and C-axis fabrics of quartz grains of mylonites, suggest that it is a dextral strike-slip ductile shear zone oriented in a nearly E-W direction characterized by “flower” strusture with thrusting or extruding across the zone toward the two sides and upright folds with gently plunging hinges. The Aqqikkudug-Weiya zone experienced at least two stages of ductile shear tectonic evolution: Early Palaeozoic north vergent thrusting ductile shear and Late Carboniferous-Early Permian strike-slip deformation. The strike-slip ductile shear likely took place during Late Palaeozoic time, dated at 269±5 Ma by the40Ar/39Ar analysis on neo-muscovites. The strike-slip deformation was followed by the Hercynian violent S-type granitic magmatism. Geodynamical analysis suggests that the large-scale dextral strike-slip ductile shearing is likely the result of intracontinental adjustment deformation after the collision of the Siberian continental plate towards the northern margin of the Tarim continental plate during the Late Carboniferous. The Himalayan tectonism locally deformed the zone, marked by final uplift, brittle layer-slip and step-type thrust faults, transcurrent faults and E-W-elongated Mesozoic-Cenozoic basins.

Characteristics of strike-slip inversion structures of the Karatau fault and their petroleum geological significances in the South Turgay Basin,Kazakhstan

The Karatau fault is one of the important strike-slip faults in central Asia,and the South Turgay Basin is located towards its northern end.Detailed seismic interpretation indicated that the strikeslip tectonism of the Karatau fault weakened gradually from west to east in the South Turgay Basin.Typical flower structures developed on the section,and strike-slip faults showed an echelon pattern on planar view.The Karatau strike-slip fault affected the South Turgay Basin in two periods：（1） The South Turgay strike-slip pull-apart rift basin formed as a result of regional extensive stress in the Early-Middle Jurassic,characterized by the juxtaposition of horsts and grabens.The formation of horsts provided favorable reservoir spaces for later hydrocarbon accumulation,and different filling stages of grabens controlled different reservoir-forming factors in grabens.（2） Two stages of tectonic inversion occurred in the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous and played a crucial role in the final shape of the structure in the South Turgay Basin.The oil and gas migrated to form reservoirs and mainly concentrated in the horsts,graben slopes and in both sides of the strike-slip fault zone.In the case of the degree of accumulation of petroleum,the factor explaining why horsts are better than grabens is the strike-slip pull-apart of the South Turgay Basin,and the structure inversion of the South Turgay Basin explains why the west graben is better than the east one.Overall,the Karatau strike-slip fault played a very important role in the formation of the South Turgay Basin and its hydrocarbon accumulations.

Characteristics and evolution of strike-slip tectonics of the Liaohe Western Sag,Bohai Bay Basin

Because of its rich oil and gas resources and the special tectonic location of the Liaohe Western Sag （the Tanlu Fault traverses the sag）, Bohai Bay Basin, a detailed study of its strike-slip tectonics is significant in revealing the sag＇s tectonic evolution, its control on hydrocarbon accumulation, and the activity history of the northern section of the Tanlu Fault in the Cenozoic. Through systematic structure analysis of 3D seismic data of the Liaohe Western Sag, combined with balanced section analysis, a variety of structural features in relation to right-lateral strike-slip faults, such as echelon normal faults, ＂comb＂ structure, ＂flower＂ structure,＂interpretable＂ and ＂buried＂ strike-slip faults have been revealed exist in the Liaohe Western Sag. According to the research in this paper, the complex structural phenomena in the Liaohe Western Sag could be reasonably interpreted as right-lateral strike-slip activity and the strike-slip activities of the Liaohe Western Sag began in the early Oligocene. The activity was weak at the beginning （E3s1-2）, then strengthened gradually and reached its strongest level in the late Oligocene （E3d1）. In the Miocene, the strike-slip activity was low and then strengthened significantly once again from the Pliocene to the present. It is speculated that the entire northern section of the Tanlu Fault has had a similar evolution history since the Oligocene.

Characteristics of the Late Quaternary right-lateral strike-slip movement of Bolokenu-Aqikekuduk fault in northern Tianshan Mountains,NW China

The characteristics of the Bolokenu-Aqikekuduk（Bo-A） fault,a right-lateral strike-slip fault that runs for more than 700 km long and obliquely cuts North Tianshan Mountains,are evaluated here based on remote sensing data,and through an analysis of the results from field investigations as well as climate-geomorphic events. The fault is composed of a western segment with a NW strike and an eastern segment with a NWW strike.The western segment is nearly 250 km long,extending northwestward into Kazakhstan with a right-lateral strike-slip rate of 5 mm/a.This domain consists of 4-5 rupture sections,with 3-4 deformation belts,caused by ancient or historical earthquakes,and suggesting the potential for the occurrence of further strong earthquakes（with M≈7.5） in future. The eastern segment of the fault shows a right-lateral strike-slip rate of 1-1.4 mm/a,with the development of 3-4 deformation belts caused by ancient or historical earthquakes,and with a potential for future strong earthquake with M≈7.0. A typical strain partitioning style in the compression area has developed between the intermontane BoA fault and the piedmont thrust structures of Northern Tianshan Mountains,under the effect of oblique compression,as indicated by the piedmont thrust structure and the strike-slip fault in the mountains.