Core theories of sedimentary basin structure and the related key research techniques: Frontiers and development directions

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2022.8.12

Abstract

Abstract:

On the basis of a systematic literature review of structural analysis of sedimentary basins, this paper summarizes the frontiers and development directions of the core theories of sedimentary basin structure and the related key research techniques. The core theories of sedimentary basin structure include theories on basin classification, basin-forming mechanism, quantitative deformation analysis, and basin filling process. Basin classification theory concerns with establishing basin classification schemes according to different classification criteria, and the development trend is to classify prototype basins based on resource and tectonic background while classify superimposed basins based on basin evolution. Theory of basin-forming mechanism is primarily based on quantitative simulation to study the basin subsidence process and its controlling factors under different mechanisms (pure thermal mechanism, tectonism, loading effect), and the development trend calls for three-dimensional formation dynamics simulation. Quantitative deformation analysis includes the theories of fault-related fold, critical wedge and salt tectonics, and the development trend is three-dimensional structural modeling and three-dimensional quantitative deformation analysis. Lastly, the theory of basin filling process emphasizes on the comparison of filling processes between basins with different tectonic settings and source-sink analysis of basin-orogeny processes, and the development trend is to incorporate multivariate source-sink analysis and quantitative basin analysis. The key frontier techniques for studying sedimentary basin tectonics include three-dimensional structural modeling, physical analog modeling, numerical simulation, and fracture prediction based on three-dimensional structural restoration. The techniques of physical analog modeling includes: modeling based on industrial CT scan imaging which can dynamically monitor, damage-free, the deformation evolutionary process inside the structural belt and accurately construct the three-dimensional spatial distribution of the deformation belt; modeling based on PIV finite strain analysis which can quantitatively analyze the deformation evolutionary process, intuitively display the strain distribution characteristics, and explore the rules of dynamic strain distribution; and modeling with hypergravity field which can simulate the structural rheological process at different scales and explore the dynamic mechanistic relationship between brittle deformation in shallow lithosphere and ductile rheology in deep lithosphere.

Key words: basin structure, essential theories, key frontier technologies, mechanism of basin formation, quantitative deformation analysis, basin filling process

CLC Number:

P541

YANG Shufeng, JIA Chengzao, CHEN Hanlin, JIA Dong, WEI Guoqi, XIAO Ancheng, GUO Zhaojie, CHENG Xiaogan, WU Lei, YIN Hongwei, ZHANG Fengqi, LIN Xiubin. Core theories of sedimentary basin structure and the related key research techniques: Frontiers and development directions[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2022, 29(6): 10-23.

Figures/Tables 5

Fig.1 Rift basin series developed with increasing tensile coefficient and strain rate. Adapted from [10].

Fig.2 Theoretical model of a critical wedge in sandbox experiments.Adapted from [28,33].

Fig.3 Histogram of typical sequence in intracontinental rift basins. Adapted from [63].

Fig.4 Sequence formed by the vertical superposition of subsidence zones produced during the lateral migration of the lithosphere in the foreland basin. Adapted from [64].

Fig.5 Fracture predication by geological method. Adapted from [98].

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