The characteristic and mechanics of distributed strike-slip faults in Moxizhuang area, interior of the Junggar Basin

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2024.7.58

Abstract

Abstract:

The strike-slip faults in the interior of the Junggar Basin are characterized by large number, small displacement, and parallel, evenly spaced distribution within an area. These characteristics differ from those of faults in the marginal basin and cannot be fully explained by the Riedel shear model. This limitation constrains the analysis of strike-slip faults, local stress fields, and hydrocarbon exploration. Therefore, taking the Moxizhuang oilfield as the study area, this paper investigates the characteristics and mechanics of these faults through structural analysis and physical simulation. The results show that: (1) The strike-slip faults are widely distributed and exhibit characteristics of classification, stratification, grading, zoning, staging, and segmentation. Their maximum strike-slip displacement is 6.4-8.3 km, with a vertical throw of less than 46 m. (2) Multi-stage structural deformation and detachment layers vertically divide the strike-slip faults into several structural layers, each displaying characteristics of both inheritance and separation. (3) Distributed shear deformation led to the formation of strike-slip faults with diverse strikes. The NEE-SWW-trending strike-slip faults are synthetic Riedel shears (R), the NE-SW-trending ones are antithetic Riedel shears (R'), the near S-N-trending ones are low-angle antithetic Riedel shears (R'_L), and the E-W-trending strike-slip faults are low-angle synthetic Riedel shears (R_L). (4) The distributed shear controlled the relative uplift and subsidence of fault blocks, triggered local stress concentration and release, and generated pull-apart and push-up structures within step-over zones. These features significantly enhance hydrocarbon accumulation potential in faults connecting source layers, structural highs, and fault blocks characterized by concentrated stress. (5) Under the influence of a counterclockwise rotational stress field and dextral boundary transpression within the Junggar Basin, the counterclockwise transpression exerted by the Mosuowan Uplift on the southern boundary of the Penyijingxi Sag triggered the distributed shear deformation there.

Key words: strike-slip fault, distributed shear, interior of basin, mechanics, Moxizhuang area, Junggar Basin

CLC Number:

ZHAO Li, DONG Dawei, LI Zhipeng, LIANG Jianjun, WANG Guangzeng. The characteristic and mechanics of distributed strike-slip faults in Moxizhuang area, interior of the Junggar Basin[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2025, 32(5): 52-67.

Figures/Tables 8

Fig.1 The geological background of study area. a adapted from [7].

Fig.2 The geometrics of strike-slip faults in study area

Fig.3 The kinematics of strike-slip faults in study area

Fig.4 The comparison of Riedel and distributed shear models in physical experiments. Adapted from [8,43].

Fig.5 The model set-up

Fig.6 3D terrain and their structural interpretation of physical experiment results

Fig.7 The throw (a) and strike-slip amount (b) of strike-slip faults in experimental result of model Ⅰ

Fig.8 The mechanics of distributed shear developed in study area. b adapted from [58].

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