Geometry and kinematics of the Aure fold-thrust belt, Papua New Guinea

Abstract

The Aure fold-thrust belt is an important area for oil and gas exploration in Papua New Guinea, but the structural deformation and evolution of the fold-thrust belt are not well understood.In this paper, 2D and 3D seismic data, drilling and geological data covering the structural belt, combined with previous geological research results, were used to identify the structure and kinematics characteristics of the Aure fold-thrust belt.Guided by the theory of fault-related folds, the seismic data are interpretation.The Aure fold-thrust belt can be divided into three sections along the strike, and the structural deformation of the belt has obvious differences, which are mainly reflected in the following aspects: ①In the trend from NE to SW, the deformation level is gradually shallow, the involved strata are gradually new, and the deformation degree is gradually weaker; ②Along the strike from NW to SE, the extension range becomes smaller, the foreland sedimentary strata become newer, the tectonic deformation time becomes later, the shortening rate becomes larger, and the shortening amount becomes smaller; ③The western section and the middle section are disintegrated vertically, and the eastern section is inherited deformation.The results can provide basin evidence for oil and gas exploration in Papua New Guinea and regional tectonic evolution in the northern margin of Australia.

Keywords

• geometry
• kinematics
• fold-thrust belt
• foreland basin
• aure
• papua new guinea