Deformation mechanisms and structural models of the fold-thrust belts of central and western China

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2022.8.2

Abstract

Abstract:

Based on complex structure interpretation and analogue modeling, we reveal that under lateral tectonic compression the fold-thrust belts of central and western China develop multi-layer detachments with varying deformation styles. For the contractional structural deformation with single basal detachment, there are two types of structural propagation mechanisms—critical and non-critical accretion, and three types of end-member deformation behaviors—brittle detachment, ductile sliding and viscous flow. And there are four main factors influencing the deformation processes and structural styles: detachment strength, strata composition, pre-existing basal structures and external dynamic processes. The fold-thrust belt developed a vertically superimposed composite structure controlled by multi-layer detachments, and we consider the complex slip-thrust regime can be disassembled vertically into various characteristic deformation layers controlled by different basal detachments. In addition, we show that the frontal foreland thrust belt forms multi-detachment structures from shallow to deep in deformation time sequence. Finally, a structural model of rejuvenated foreland thrust belts of the central and western China is constructed, along with the underlying deformation mechanisms, structural units and basic structural types. Based on the multi-stage tectonic evolutionary processes of the foreland basins and the Cenozoic basin-mountain coupling features, we present two types of hydrocarbon-rich thrust belts with different prospecting targets.

Key words: Circum-Tibetan Plateau Basin-Range System, intra-continental tectonics, fold-thrust belt, foreland basin, deformation mechanics, multi-layer deformation

CLC Number:

P542.2

JIA Chengzao, CHEN Zhuxin, LEI Yongliang, WANG Lining, REN Rong, SU Nan, YANG Geng. Deformation mechanisms and structural models of the fold-thrust belts of central and western China[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2022, 29(6): 156-174.

Figures/Tables 20

Fig.1 Brittle detachment-type thrust faults and related structural accretion behaviors (a) Basic structural model. (b) Surface slope angle evolution with increasing shortening. (c) Structural height growth with increasing shortening.

Fig.2 Ductile sliding-type thrust faults and related structural accretion behaviors. (a) Basic structural model. (b) Surface slope angle evolution with increasing shortening. (c) Structural height growth with increasing shortening.

Fig.3 Viscous flow-style thrust faults under variable salt thickness in a gravity-driven contractional system. Modified from [33].

Fig.4 Schematics of thrust fault systems with different weak-layer strengths

Fig.5 Schematics of thrust fault belts with variable scale and width affected by competent-layer thickness

Fig.6 Three-dimensional spatial distribution of thrust blocks affected by competent-layer thickness. Left: Scale-like structure model. Right: Belted structure model.

Fig.7 Analogue deformation models of brittle/ductile multilayer with different syn-tectonic sedimentary fillings

Fig.8 Analogue models (left panel) and geological interpretations (right panel) of coupled double weak-layer detachments under influence of different exogenic geological processes

Fig.9 Deformation series showing the development and evolution of multi-stage multi-layer detachments under influence of exogenic geological processes. The shortening rate is 0.005 mm/s. Red and black segments indicate active and inactive faults, respectively.

Fig.10 Structural height evolution with increasing shortening

Fig.11 Deformation process of an analogue model simulating the development of combined brittle-ductile detachments

Fig.12 Cross-sections of typical fold-thrust belts of central and western China with combined brittle-ductile detachments. (A) The Kuqa fold-thrust belt (adapted from [38]). (B) The southwestern Tarim fold-thrust belt (adapted from 56). (C) The Michangshan fold-thrust belt (adapted from [57]).

Fig.13 Deformation process of an analogue model with ductile/ductile double layer and an initial stratum wedge to develop coupled multi-layer detachments. Red and yellow segments indicate inactive and active faults, respectively.

Fig.14 Cross-sections of typical fold-thrust belts of central and western China with combined ductile detachments. (A) The Southwestern Sichuan fold-thrust belt. (B) The Eastern Sichuan fold-thrust belt.

Fig.15 A cross-section of the Southern Junggar fold-thrust belt with multi-layer detachments. Left: Seismic profile. Right: Structural interpretation.

Fig.16 Deformation process of an analogue model simulating the development of foreland multi-layer detachments

Fig.17 Cross-sections of typical fold-thrust belts of central and western China with combined multi-layer detachments. (A) The Northwestern Sichuan fold-thrust belt. (B) The Southern Junggar fold-thrust belt.

Fig.18 A conceptual structural model of rejuvenated fold-thrust belts of central and western China

Fig.19 (A) Schematic distribution map of the two types of characteristic rejuvenated foreland fold-thrust belts of central and western China, and (B) Cenozoic sedimentary (blue)/denudation (red) thicknesses in the foreland basin.

Fig.20 Hydrocarbon accumulation patterns in syn-sedimentary (left) and uplifted (right) rejuvenated foreland fold-thrust belts of central and western China

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