Neotectonics around the Ordos Block,North China

The Eurasian continent was subject to multiphase intensive intracontinental deformation in the Cenozoic(Fig.1A).However,its Cenozoic intra-continental deformation process and the driving force has long been disputed,which is only associated with the Indo-Asian collision(Molnar and Tapponnier,1975;Jolivet et al.,1990;Tapponnier et al.,2001;Yin,2010;Xu et al.,2013;Zhao et al.,2016),is caused by the Pacific-Asian collision(Cui,1997;Schellart and Lister,2005;Fan et al.,2019),or is connected with a combined effect of the Indo-Asian collision and the Pacific-Eurasia convergence(Ren et al.,2002;Li et al.,2013;Shi et al.,2015;Liu et al.,2019).

Segmentations of active normal dip-slip faults around Ordos block according to their surface ruptures in historical strong earthquakes

From the results of researches of active faults in resent years, a correlation analysis between segments of the faults according to surface ruptures in nine historical strong earthquakes occurring in downfaulted system and active structures around Ordos block is conducted in paper. The result shows that there is a good correlation between them, except few individual data that have more uncertain parameters. It shows that intensity and segments of surface ruptures in these strong earthquakes are intrinsically related with the active structures. These strong earthquakes produced stable and unstable rupture boundaries of characteristic-earthquake type and successive occurrence of strong earthquakes on the different boundary faults in the same tectonic unit.

On the Kinematic Characteristics and Dynamic Process of Boundary faults of the Nansha Ultra-crust Layer-Block

Abstract The Nansha ultra-crust layer-block is confined by ultra-crustal boundary faults of distinctive features, bordering the Kangtai-Shuangzi-Xiongnan extensional faulted zone on the north, the Baxian-Baram-Yoca-Cuyo nappe faulted zone on the south, the Wan'an-Natuna strike-slip tensional faulted zone on the west and the Mondoro-Panay strike-slip compressive faulted zone on the east. These faults take the top of the Nansha asthenosphere as their common detachmental surface. The Cenozoic dynamic process of the ultra-crust layer-block can be divided into four stages: K2-E21, during which the northern boundary faults extended, this ultra-crust layer-block was separated from the South China-Indosinian continental margin, the Palaeo-South China Sea subducted southwards and the Sibu accretion wedge was formed; E22-E31, during which the Southwest sub-sea basin extended and orogeny was active due to the collision of the Sibu accretion wedge; E32-N11, during which the central sub-sea basin extended, the Miri accretion wedge was formed and “A-type” subduction of the southern margin of the north Balawan occurred; N12-the present, during which large-scale thrusting and napping of the boundary faults in the south and mountain-building have taken place and the South China Sea stopped its extension.

Present-day Block Movement and Fault Activity on the Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau

The geology and tectonics in the eastern margin of Tibetan Plateau are complex. The main tectonic framework is composed of blocks and faults. Using discontinuous global positioning system survey data for 2008–2014, the velocity field for the Eurasia reference framework was obtained. Based on the velocity field, the present-day velocities of the blocks and boundary faults were estimated. The results reveal that the movement rates of the Chuan-Qing, South China, Chuan-Dian and Indo-China blocks are（17.02±0.60） mm/a,（8.77±1.51） mm/a,（13.85±1.31） mm/a and（6.84 ± 0.74） mm/a, respectively, and their movement directions are 99.5°, 120.3°, 142.9° and 153.3°, respectively. All blocks exhibit clockwise rotation. The displacement rates of the Xianshuihe, Longmenshan, Anninghe, Zemuhe, Xiaojiang and Red River faults are（7.30±1.25–8.30±1.26） mm/a,（10.07±0.97–11.79±0.89） mm/a,（0.96±0.74–2.98±1.73） mm/a,（2.03±0.49–3.20±0.73） mm/a,（3.45±0.40–6.02±0.50） mm/a and（6.23±0.56） mm/a, respectively. The Xianshuihe, Anninghe, Zemuhe and Xiaojiang faults show leftlateral strike-slip movement, while the Longmenshan and Red River faults show right-lateral strikeslip. These characteristics of the blocks and faults are related to the particular tectonic location and dynamic mechanism.

Exploration Strategies for Complex Fault Block Reservoirs in the Subei Basin

The geological background of the Subei basin is that of small relief subsidence, low geothermal gradient, multi-sedimentary hiatuses, intense reconstruction of the basin, frequent magmatic activity, and a unique combination of source rock and reservoir. This geological background resulted in characteristics such as many small fault blocks, multiple oil-bearing formations, scattered oil distribution, mini- to small-sized reservoirs, and difficulties in exploration. Aimed at such characteristics, an effective exploration strategy was adopted, and the oil reserves, production and economic benefits of the Jiangsu oilfield were significantly increased. This exploration strategy included understanding the hydrocarbon generation mechanism of source rocks, progressive evaluation of oil resources, comprehensive research on the faulted systems, the distribution of oil reservoirs and their controlling factors. The techniques used included integration of acquisition, processing and interpretation with 3-D seismics as the core technology, trap description and evaluation, directional drilling and cluster drilling, integration of cuttings logging, gas chromatographic logging and geochemical logging, and integration of early reservoir description and progressive exploration and development. This strategy could be guidance for other complex fault blocks.

Two-episode Tectono-thermal Events of the Heyuan Fault in Late Cretaceous and Oligocene and their Tectonic Implications, Southernmost South China Block

The Heyuan Fault, is one of the main NE-trending faults in the southernmost South China Block and is close to the northernmost South China Sea to the south. The fault features multi-stage deformation and controlled the formation of late Cretaceous to Cenozoic basins. Based on detailed field investigations and comprehensive geochronological research, including zircon U-Pb, Rb-Sr isochron, zircon U-Th-He dating, two episodic tectono-thermal events are recognized. The first occurred during ~79 Ma to 66 Ma, which is characterized by large-scale quartz-fluid emplacement. The other occurred at ~34 Ma, which features the eruption of a set of basalts. The two events show a changing on material source from siliceous hydrotherm to basalt magma, supporting obvious lithospheric thinning of the southernmost South China Block, which shed light on the geological evolution and the interaction mechanisms between the SCB and the northern South China Sea since the Late Cretaceous.

Present-day movement characteristics of the Qinghai Nanshan fault and its surrounding area from GPS observation

The Qinghai Nanshan fault is a larger fault in the Northeastern Xizang Plateau.In previous studies,its movement characteristics are mainly investigated with geological and seismic observations,and the tectonic transformation role of the fault on its east is not yet clear.This study uses data fusion to obtain denser GPS observations near the Qinghai Nanshan fault.Based on tectonic characteristics,we establish a block model to investigate the fault slip rate,locking degree,and slip deficit.The results show that the Qinghai Nanshan fault slip rate is characterized by sinistral and convergent movement.Both the sinistral and convergent rates display a decreasing trend from west to east.The locking degree and slip deficit are higher in the western segment(with an average of about 0.74 and 1.1 mm/a)and lower in the eastern segment.Then,we construct a strain rate field using GPS observations to analyze the regional strain characteristics.The results indicate that along the fault,the western segment shows a larger shear strain rate and negative dilation rate.Regional earthquake records show that the frequency of earthquakes is lower near the fault.The joint results suggest that the western segment may have a higher earthquake risk.In addition,the insignificant fault slip rate in the eastern segment may indicate that it does not participate in the tectonic transformation among the Riyueshan,Lajishan,and West Qinling faults.

The productivity evaluation model and its application for finite conductivity horizontal wells in fault block reservoirs

It is very difficult to evaluate the productivity of horizontal wells in fault block reservoirs due to the influence of fault sealing.On the basis of the method of images and source-sink theory,a semianalytical model coupling reservoir and finite conductivity horizontal wellbore flow dynamics was built,in which the influence of fault sealing was taken into account.The distribution of wellbore flow and radial inflow profiles along the horizontal interval were also obtained.The impact of the distance between the horizontal well and the fault on the well productivity was quantitatively analyzed.Based on this analysis,the optimal distance between the horizontal well and the fault in banded fault block reservoirs could be determined.According to the field application,the relative error calculated by the model proposed in this paper is within ±15%.It is an effective evaluation method for the productivity of horizontal wells in fault block reservoirs.The productivity of the horizontal well increases logarithmically as the distance between the horizontal well and the fault increases.The optimal distance between the horizontal well and the fault is 0.25-0.3 times the horizontal well length.

A study on characteristics of tectonic block motion and tectonic setting of strong earthquakes in northern part of the Shanxi fault depression zone

This paper makes a systematical study on characteristics of structure and motion of the tectonic blocks in northern part of the Shanxi fault depression zone by means of geometrical and kinematical analysis of the blocks. The ki-netic behavior of the blocks is discussed by comparing associated geomorphic features of fault movement. All analyses and studies are based on a Domino model. The block movement, fault basin extension and their regional distribution are systematically investigated. The result shows: (a) The studied region is divided into sub-regions by NW striking faults: the western, middle and eastern sub-region with crustal extension being 4.46 km, 2.80 km and 1.86 km, respectively. The extensional amount of each block in the region is estimated being generally about 1 km. The calculated result using the block motion model approximately fits the data of geologic survey. (b) Block kin-ematical features are obviously different between the northern and southern part, with the Hengshan block in be-tween, of the studied region. Moreover, the magnitude of the largest historical earthquake in the northern part is about 6, while that in the southern is 7. The faulted blocks in the northern sub-region show northwestward exten-sion, indicating a feature of extensional graben, while the blocks in the southern part manifest tilt motion, extend-ing southeastward, in the opposite sense of fault dipping. Additional tectonic stress generated by block rotation may be one of major factors affecting seismogenic process in the region. It is responsible for the difference in the movement of the block boundary faults and seismic activities between the two sub-regions.

Influencing factors and prevention measures of casing deformation in deep shale gas wells in Luzhou block,southern Sichuan Basin,SW China

Based on structural distribution and fault characteristics of the Luzhou block,southern Sichuan Basin,as well as microseismic,well logging and in-situ stress data,the casing deformation behaviors of deep shale gas wells are summarized,and the casing deformation mechanism and influencing factors are identified.Then,the risk assessment chart of casing deformation is plotted,and the measures for preventing and controlling casing deformation are proposed.Fracturing-activated fault slip is a main factor causing the casing deformation in deep shale gas wells in the Luzhou block.In the working area,the approximate fracture angle is primarily 10°-50°,accounting for 65.34%,and the critical pore pressure increment for fault-activation is 6.05-9.71 MPa.The casing deformation caused by geological factors can be prevented/controlled by avoiding the faults at risk and deploying wells in areas with low value of stress factor.The casing deformation caused by engineering factors can be prevented/controlled by:(1)keeping wells avoid faults with risks of activation and slippage,or deploying wells in areas far from the faulting center if such avoidance is impossible;(2)optimizing the wellbore parameters,for example,adjusting the wellbore orientation to reduce the shear force on casing to a certain extent and thus mitigate the casing deformation;(3)optimizing the casing program to ensure that the curvature radius of the curved section of horizontal well is greater than 200 m while the drilling rate of high-quality reservoirs is not impaired;(4)optimizing the fracturing parameters,for example,increasing the evasive distance,lowering the single-operation pressure,and increasing the stage length,which can help effectively reduce the risk of casing deformation.

Quantitative assessment and significance of gas washing of oil in Block 9 of the Tahe Oilfield,Tarim Basin,NW China

Some Ordovician and Triassic oils in Block 9 are characterized by light oils,which have distinctly differentiated from heavy oils in other blocks in the Tahe Oilfield,Tarim Basin.Based on the whole oil gas chroma- tograms,this paper estimates the effect of oil migration and fractionation and the amount of depletion(Q)in terms of the n-alkanes depletion model.The results showed that the amount of depletion in the Ordovician reservoir is highest in the east of this block,e.g.the depletion is 97% in Well T904.The amount of Q gets lower to the west,e.g.the depletion is 53.4%in Well T115 and there is no sign of depletion in Well S69.It is suggested that the direction of gas washing is from the east to the west.The compositions and isotopic characteristics of associated gas in Ordovician oils indicated that the gas might be derived from Cambrian source rocks of the Caohu Depression which lies to the east of Block 9.In contrast,no obvious depletion of n-alkanes in Triassic oils was found,suggesting that the migration pathway of natural gas has been limited to the Ordovician karst fracture system formed in the Early Hercynian Orogeny.Different depletions of the Ordovician and Triassic oils can reveal fault activities in this region.

Study on Active Faults and Seismogenic Structure for the 1989 Batang M6.2～6.7 Earthquake Swarm in the Litang-Batang Region of West Sichuan,China

Fault structures in the Litang-Batang region of West Sichuan are mainly sub-longitudinal and a set of NNE- and NW-trending conjugate shear fracture zones is developed. In this paper, emphasis is put on explaining the movement patterns along the fault structures in the region since the late Pleistocene-Holocene on the basis of detailed interpretation of TM satellite images and aero-photos in geomorphologic aspect of active structures. The sub-latitudinal shortening rate along the sub-longitudinal Jinshajiang fault zone is determined to be 2～3mm/a since the late Quaternary, the horizontal dextral slip movement rate along the NNE-trending Batang fault is 1.3～2.7mm/a on average, and the horizontal sinistral slip movement rate along the NW-trending Litang fault is 2.6～4.4 mm/a on average. The general status of the recent crustal movement in the region and the regularities of block motion caused by it are analyzed in combination with data of geophysical fields, focal mechanism solutions and GPS measurements. The occurrence of the 1989 Batang M6.2～6.7 earthquake swarm is suggested to be the result of tensional rupture along the sub-latitudinal normal fault derived from the conjugate shearing along the NNE-trending Batang and the NW-trending Litang faults. It reveals a typical seismic case produced by normal faulting in a compressional tectonic environment.

The Fault Block's Framework in Boli Basin and its Control Over the Deposition

Boli basin, between Yishu fracture belt and Dunmi fracture belt, is the biggest Mesozoic coal basin in the east of Heilongjiang Province. Now it is a fault-fold remnant basin. The basin’s shape is generally consistent with the whole distribution of the cover folds, an arc protruding southwards. The basement of the basin can be divided into three fault blocks or structural units. The formation and evoluation of the basin in Mesozoic was determined by the basement fault blocks’ dis- placement features rusulted from by the movement of the edge faults and the main basement faults.

Characteristics of block strain and fault movement in the Sichuan-Yunnan region before and after Wenchuan earthquake

Deformation characteristics of the Sichuan-Yunnan region during the two periods 1999--2007 and 2007--2009 are analyzed with a block deformation model and GPS velocity profiles. The results show that the direction of the principal compressive strain rate of the Northwest-Sichuan block - the Mid-Yunnan block - the Southwest-Yunnan block was characterized by a clockwise rotation from north to south. The Anninghe and the Zemuhe faults had some shear-strain accumulation. The southern segment of the Xiaojiang fault had mainly strike-slip movement, while the northern segment was mainly accumulating strain. The 2008 Ms8.0 Wenchuan earthquake had some influence on the mid-southern segment of the Lijiang-Xiaojinhe fault, the Anninghe fault and the Jinshajiang fault, but not the Zemuhe fault, the Xiaojiang fault and the Red River fault as much.

Current tectonic deformation and seismogenic characteristics along the northeast margin of Qinghai -Xizang block

Based on the data from repeated precise leveling and across-fault deformation measurements carried out in recent 30 years and the analyzed results from GPS observations made in recent years along the northeastern margin of Qinghai-Xizang block, and combined with the geological structures and seismic activities, some characteristics in regional tectonic deformation and strong earthquake development are studied and approached preliminarily. The results show that: a) The space-time distribution of current tectonic deformation in this area is inhomogeneous with relatively intensive tectonic deformation in the vicinity of main boundary faults and weak deformation in the farther areas. The intensity of vertical differential movement and the deformation status vary with time, and the horizontal movement and deformation are characterized by apparent compression and strike-slip. b) The tectonic stress field generated by the NE-trending continuous compressive movement of Qinghai-Xizang block due to the northward press and collision of India plate is the principal stress for the tectonic deformation and earthquake development in this area. The evolution of space-time distribution of tectonic deformation and seismicity is closely related to the block activity and dynamic evolution of regional tectonic stress field. c) The vertical deformation uplift and high-gradient deformation zones and the obvious fault deformation anomaly appeared along the boundaries of tectonic blocks can be considered as the indicators of hindered block motion and intensified tectonic stress field for strong earthquake development. Usually, the above-mentioned phenomena would be followed by the seismicity of M6.0, but the earthquake might not occur in the place with the maximum movement. The zones with the fault deformation anomaly characterized by tendencious accumulation acceleration turning and the surrounding areas might be the positions for accumulation of strain energy and development and occurrence of strong earthquakes.

Advances in the deep tectonics and seismic anisotropy of the Lijiang-Xiaojinhe fault zone in the Sichuan-Yunnan Block,Southwestern China

The Sichuan-Yunnan Block(SYB)is located at the SE margin of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau(TP).Under the influence of the southeastward movement of material originated from the TP,intense crustal deformation,frequent seismic activity,and complex geological structures are observed in the SYB.The Lijiang-Xiaojinhe fault(LXF)goes through the central part of the SYB,dividing it into two blocks from north to south,and forming an intersecting fault system with the surrounding faults.This paper firstly introduces the morphology and the nature of the LXF,the distribution of the regional surface displacements and the focal mechanisms,and then analyzes the medium deformation and the effects of faults.Moreover,according to the regional tectonics and geophysical patterns,the paper discusses the characteristics of the north-south blocks of the SYB and the abrupt change of deep structure along the LXF zone.Since seismic anisotropy is an essential property for detecting crustal stress,deep structures and dynamical mechanisms,this paper is dedicated to the advances in seismic anisotropy at different depths and different scales in the study area.There are noteworthy differences in the anisotropic features between the north part and the south part of the SYB,possibly associated with a clear boundary adjacent to the LXF.Such phenomenon suggests some close correlation between anisotropic zoning boundary and the LXF,although this boundary is not consistent with the LXF in strike.The results from the deformation of the crust and the upper mantle elucidate the distribution patterns of the crust-mantle coupling in the north part and the crustmantle decoupling in the south part,even though this conclusion needs to be further verified by more studies.Presently,the scientific understanding of the deep tectonics and the media deformation around the“generalized”LXF i.e.the LXF with the Jinpingshan fault on its eastern side,is still insufficient,and related equivocal topics deserve more in-depth studies.

Characteristics and Tectonic Significance of the Gravity Field in South China

Based on gravity data processed with the matched filter, depth continuation and horizontal gradient we obtained the spatial distribution of the gravity field and made analyses of the tectonic framework of South China. Then, inversion was conducted for the depth to study the depth variation of the boundary between the crust and upper mantle, namely the Mohorovicic discontinuity (Moho). The results demonstrate that the Moho depth in South China ranges from 30 to 40 km, and the crust thins from west to east, 27-29 km under the continent margin and shallow sea. We think it possible that the Tanlu fault crosses the Yangtze River and extends southwards along the Ganjiang and Wuchuan-Sihui faults to the South China Sea, and that there is an E-W hidden structural belt along 24.5°-26°.

Late Quaternary Large Earthquakes on the Western Branch of the Xiaojiang Fault and Their Tectonic Implications

The Xiaojiang fault is a major active left-lateral fault along the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.The largest historical earthquake in Yunnan Province, with a magnitude 8 and a mean coseismic left-lateral displacement of ~ 6.9 m, occurred on the western branch of the Xiaojiang fault.Studying this fault is important in understanding current deformation and kinematic characteristics of the Tibetan Plateau.Activities and stretches have been well undertaken on the Xiaojiang fault, while paleoseismic research work is always the weak link on this fault.To investigate the paleoseismic history and large earthquake activity of the Xiaojiang fault, we opened a large trench at the northern edge of Caohaizi sag pond on the western branch of the Xiaojiang fault.Six paleoseismic events have been identified, and named E1 through E6 from the oldest to the youngest.Charcoal and woods are abundant, 20 samples were dated to constrain the ages of the paleoseismic events at 40 000–36 300 BC, 35 400–24 800 BC, 9 500 BC–AD 500, AD 390–720, AD 1120–1620 and AD 1750–present.We associate the youngest event E6 with the 1833 M8 earthquake.Events E4, E5 and E6 show a continuous record of the western strand of the Xiaojiang fault in the late Holocene, with a average recurrence interval of 370–480 yr.Large earthquake recurrence in the late Holocene is far less than the recurrence of 2000–4000 yr posed in previous studies.Thus, the seismic hazard on the Xiaojiang fault should be reevaluated.Furthermore, the irregular recurrence of large earthquakes on the Xiaojiang fault and other faults in the Xianshuihe-Xiaojiang system, indicates the uneven southeastward extrusion of the Sichuan-Yunnan block along the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.

Deformation of the Haiyuan-Liupanshan fault zone inferred from the denser GPS observations

The Haiyuan-Liupanshan fault, an active tec- tonic feature at the Tibetan Plateau＇s northeastern bound- ary, was ruptured by two M8 earthquakes （1920 and 1927） bracketing an unbroken section （the Tianzhu seismic gap）. A high seismic hazard is expected along the gap. To monitor deformation characteristics and do a seismic risk assessment, we made measurements at two newly built campaign-mode Global Positioning System （GPS） stations and 13 pre-existing stations in 2013 and 2014. Adding existing data from 1999 to 2014, we derived a new velocity field. Based on the horizontal velocity, we used three block models to invert the deformation of four crustal blocks. The results suggest non-uniform deformation in the interior of the Lanzhou block, the Ordos block and the Alaxan block, but uniform deformation in the Qilian block. Fault slip rates derived from block models show a decreasing trend from west to east, （2.0-3.2 mm/a on the Haiyuan fault to 0.9-1.5 mm/a on the Liupanshan fault）. The Haiyuan fault evidences sinistral striking-slip movement, while the Liupanshan fault is primarily thrusting due to transformation of the displacement between the strike-slip and crustal shortening. The locking depth of each seg- ment along the Haiyuan fault obtained by fitting the fault parallel velocities varies drastically from west to east （21.8-7.1 km）. The moment accumulation rate, calculated using the slip rate and locking depth, is positively corre- lated with the locking depth. Given the paucity of large seismic events during the previous millennium, the Tuo- laishan segment and the Maomaoshan segment have higher likelihood of nucleation for a future event.

Crustal Motion Characteristics in the Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau and Adjacent Regions after the Wenchuan Earthquake

The Wenchuan earthquake has altered the crustal motion characteristics in the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent regions.Using discontinuous GPS survey data for 2008–2012, the velocity field for the Eurasia reference framework has been obtained, and the general trend of contemporary crustal motion after the occurrence of the Wenchuan earthquake has been studied.In addition, using the velocity field, the block movement velocity has been estimated by least-squares fitting.Furthermore, the properties and displacement rates of main faults have been obtained from the differences in velocity vectors of the blocks on both sides of the faults.The results reveal that there are no obvious changes in the general characteristics of crustal motion in this area after the Wenchuan earthquake.The earthquake mainly changed the rate of the movement of the Chuan-Qing block and caused variation in the movement direction of the South China block.The effect of the earthquake on faults is mainly reflected in variations in fault displacement velocity; there is no fundamental change in the properties of fault activity.The displacement rates of the Xianshuihe fault decreased by 3–4 mm/a, the Longmenshan fault increased by 9–10 mm/a, and the northern segment of the Anninghe fault increased by approximately 9 mm/a.Furthermore, the displacement rates of the Minjiang, Xueshan, Huya, Longquanshan, and Xinjin faults increased by 2–3 mm/a.This implies that the effects of the Wenchuan earthquake on crustal movement can mainly be observed in the Chuan-Qing, South China, and N-Chuan-Dian blocks and their internal faults, as well as the Xianshuihe and Longmenshan faults and the northern section of the Anninghe fault.The reason for this is that the Wenchuan earthquake disturbed the kinematic and dynamic balance in the region.