Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2023, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (6): 95-109.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2023.2.31

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Characteristics and formation mechainism of the strike-slip fault networks in the Shunbei area and the surroundings, Tarim Basin

LIU Yuqing1(), DENG Shang1,2,*(), ZHANG Jibiao1, QIU Huabiao1, HAN Jun2, HE Songgao3   

  1. 1. Petroleum Exploration and Development Research Institute, SINOPEC, Beijing 102206, China
    2. Northwest Oilfield Company, SINOPEC, ürümqi 830011, China
    3. School of Energy Resources, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
  • Received:2023-01-17 Revised:2023-02-19 Online:2023-11-25 Published:2023-11-25

Abstract:

Intracratonic strike-slip fault systems in the Tarim Basin are characterized by small displacement, low strain deformation and large burial depth. These attributes make it challenging to study the formation mechanism of these fault systems. Based on the recently obtained high-density 3D seismic data, 3D mapping and detailed analysis of strike-slip faults are conducted in Shunbei and its surrounding area. The distinct characteristics of fault array development in the east and west of the Shunbei area are analyzed and clarified, and the formation mechanism of the strike-slip arrays is also discussed. It was found that a set of ~30NE trending strike-slip faults, including the major and secondary strike-slip faults, are developed in eastern Shunbei. At depth, strike-slip deformation is stronger in the major faults than in the secondary faults, and the compressive strain increases gradually eastward in the major faults. In the shallow strata en echelon fault activity intensifies eastward. The strike-slip fault systems differ between the northwest and southwest of Shunbei. The northwest mainly develops a set of NW-trending faults spreading southward from the Tabei uplift, whereas in the southwest a set of ~15NE trending faults with high density and multistage activity are developed. The strike-slip fault systems in Shunbei are characterized by “north-south zonal distribution, east-west differential activity and multi segments coalescing growth”, indicating the fault systems consist of multiple sets of strike-slip faults formed in different areas under distinct regional stress fields and later coalesced in the interior Tarim Basin, and their formation is probably related to multi-directional compressional tectonic event at the basin boundaries in the Late Ordovician.

Key words: segmented structure, layered deformation, formation mechanism, strike-slip fault system, Tarim Basin

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