Tectonic deformation features and petroleum geological significance in Yinggehai large strike-slip basin, South China Sea

Abstract

The subtle strike-slip tectonic deformation and its relationship to deposition, overpressure and hydrocarbon migration were studied on the basis of systematic sorting of tectonic data. (1) The local T (tension) fractures derived from sinistral strike-slip process were formed before 10.5 Ma, large in number in the nose structure of the eastern slope, and reactivated episodically under the effect of fluid overpressure in the late stage, they served as dominant vertical hydrocarbon migration paths in the slope area of basin. (2) The dextral strike-slip extension was conducive to the increase of depositional rate and formation of regional under-compacted seal, and induced generation of local T fractures which triggered the development of diapirs; in turn, the development of diapirs made T fractures grow in size further. (3) The sinistral strike-slip process weakened after 10.5 Ma, causing tectonic movement characterized by compression in the north and rotational extension in the south, and the uplift and erosion of strata in Hanoi sag and a surge in clastics supply for south Yinggehai sag. Finally, migrating slope channelized submarine fans and superimposed basin floor fans were developed respectively on the asymmetrical east and west slopes of the Yinggehai sag. Key words: Yinggehai Basin, strike-slip basin, subtle strike-slip structural deformation, T fracture, diapir structure, asymmetrical slope