Conceptual models for fracturing in fault related folds

Fault related folds and fractures, which always improve reservoirs and trap capacity, especially in the oil and gas fields in western China, are of extreme importance for oil and gas exploration. Based on four assumptions and fault related fold theory, we propose four conceptual models for fracturing in fault related folds, i.e., a simple-step parallel fault bend anticline, a simple-step parallel fault propagation anticline, a multiple-bend fault-bend fold and a break-forward imbricate. Fracture conditions depend on structural evolution and specific site conditions. A case study of the Kulongshan Anticline in the Jiuquan Basin shows that our conceptual models match reality data very well.

A geometric model of faulted detachment folding with pure shear and its application in the Tarim Basin, NW China

We present an improved geometric model of faulted detachment folding with pure shear that is characterized by core thickening and a ramp-discordant backlimb. The model includes a two-stage evolution： 1） detachment folding involving pure shear with fixed hinges, and 2） faulted detachment folding, in which the core of anticline thrusts above a break-through fault in forelimb by limb rotation. The growth strata patterns of the model are also discussed with respect to factors such as limb rotation, tectonic uplift rate, and sedimentation rate. A thrust-related fold, called a TBE thrust fold, in the Tarim Basin in NW China, is analyzed as an example of the theoretical model. The result indicates that the TBE thrust fold has undergone a two-stage evolution with shortening of a few hundred meters. Both the theoretical model and the actual example indicate that the shortening in the detachment folding stage takes up a large proportion of the total shortening. The structural restoration of the TBE thrust fold also provides new evidence that the formation of a series of thin-skinned structures in the SE Tarim Basin initiated in the Late Ordovician. The model may be applicable to low-amplitude faulted detachment folds.

Source models for the 2016 Mw6.0 Hutubi earthquake, Xinjiang,China: A possible reverse event

South and north-dipping nodal planes from the U.S. Geological Survey moment tensor solution were used to invert global teleseismic body waves to reveal the source rupture process of the December 8, 2016, Mw6.0 Hutubi earthquake. The results show that a compact pattern is the main feature of this event for only one main slip zone located at the hypocenter for both models, The slip distributions are dominated by a nearly pure-thrust fault, and there is no apparent surface rupture. The inversion revealed that the slip zone extends 10 km along strike and 12 km along dip. The released total seismic moment was about 9.0 -1017 Nm, corresponding to a magnitude of Mw6.0. It is difficult to solve for a best-fit rupture plane due to the sample slip pattern without obvious rupture directivity. This makes the far- field teleseismic data not sensitive enough to determine the fault geometric parameters. The source model of the reverse north-dipping plane fits well with the observed waveforms, and the results of the aftershock relocation outline a trend of north-dipping profiles, indicating the possibility of a reverse event. The inverted normal fault beneath the Qigu fold, interpreted by geological and seismic studies, may be the seismogenic fault for this reverse event.

Paleogeographic Reconstitution and Tangential Tectonic in the Backland of Tunisian Dorsal (Fahs Area: J. Rouas and Ruissate)

The Tunisian Dorsal backland is the Eastern Atlas side of maghrebides. Field data of Fahs area allowed us to develop new interpretations and to characterize the main structural features of the studied devices (Jebel Rouas and Ruissate). Heritage of Zaghouan accident, Triassic salt movements and strike-direction of major synsedimentary faults are the principal causes and results of the skinned and superimposed geometric architecture, generated by the reversed extensional (Jurassic-Cretaceous) tectonics. The actual geometry of Jebel Rouas and Ruissate represents a fault propagation fold, affecting Jurassic and Cretaceous sets. The backland of this thrust fault defines an imbrications structures of Barremian series. Tectonic records activities show the existence of angular unconformities (Oligocene and Eocene series on the Cretaceous sets considered as bedrock), slumps, tectonic breccias and synsedimentary faults are all of them controlled by a deep major accident;N-S to NE-SW and NW-SE. Features of the study area are probably related first;to the blockage of Zaghouan thrust oriented NE-SW in the foreland;then, to the intense halokinetic activity, which facilitates the layers displacement acting as decollment level. The detailed structural and stratigraphic study of Fahs area and its neighbors shows the presence of an intense tangential tectonic during upper Miocene, affecting Meso-Cenozoic sets, because all the structures involved are sealed by Oligocene and Miocene thinned series. This is accentuated by the existence of different sets of decollment at different depths, which are represented by a displacement to the SE through the backland of the Tunisian Dorsal. We define these features as an imbrication and thrusting Out of sequence system.

Segment, Linkage, and Extensional Fault-Related Fold in Western Liaodong Bay Subbasin, Northeastern Bohai Sea, China

The western Liaodong （辽东） Bay subbasin displays examples of segment, linkage of extensional fault, and fault-related folds. The Liaoxi （辽西） extensional fault system consists of a series of NNE- and NE-trending segments that were linked through relay ramps. The fault hanging walls are characterized by a series of en echelon synclines with axial traces sub-parallel to the faults. The synclines are doubly plunging located on the hanging wall of normal faults, with the strata dip sub-parallel to the fault. These folds result from along-strike displacement variations of the individual fault segments, as well as from extensional fault-related folding. In the study area, the synclines are separated by transverse intra-basin highs and relay ramps that formed where segment linkage occurred. These hanging wall synclines and their relation to fault displacement variations indicate that they are formed by extensional fault-related fold.

Geometry and kinematics of tugerming structural belt in the east of Kuqa Depression,Tarim Basin

Accurate interpretation of clutter seismic reflection is of great significance to make clear the structural geometry and kinematics characteristics.Based on field investigations,boreholes and seismic data,forward modeling is carried out under the trishear model of fault-propagated fold principle,and the activity characteristics of the main faults in the study area are quantitatively analyzed using the balanced restoration technique,which may provide important indication for the potential petroleum exploration and development.The results show that separated by Tuziluoke and Tugerming fault,the structural style of the study area can be divided into the deeply buried forelimb,the kink band and the tiny anticline backlimb section.The Tuziluoke fault has been active with strong intensity since the sedimentary period of the Kuqa Formation and,which controls the formation of the growth strata in the deep buried forelimb of the Tuziluoke anticline.The Tugerming fault has been active intermittently since the end of the Jurassic,causing the strata denudation of the Late Jurassic to Paleogene in varying degrees and the development of series of regulating faults.The multi-stage tectonic activities caused the structural high of the anticline migrated from east to west.