Segmentation characteristics of strike-slip fault zone and its reservoir control mechanisms in the southwestern Tarim Basin

• Published in: Frontiers in earth science (Lausanne) Vol. 12
• Main Authors: Guo, Jialiang, Yang, Ruizhao, Geng, Feng, Wang, Li, Zhang, Shijie, Wang, Lingda, Han, Fengtao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 23.09.2024
• Subjects: fault-karst reservoirs; segmentation; strike-slip faults; structure characterization; Tarim Basin
• ISSN: 2296-6463; 2296-6463
• DOI: 10.3389/feart.2024.1464924

Understanding how fault-related structures influence oil and gas accumulation is crucial for geological investigations and exploration planning. This study, based on 3D seismic data, analyzes the northeast-trending strike-slip fault zone in the eastern part of the Bachu Uplift. Automatic fault extraction techniques were employed to delineate the strike-slip fault zone, and the parallel bedding indicator was used to identify reservoirs and investigate the fault’s segmented features and reservoir-controlling characteristics. The results show that the northeast-trending strike-slip fault is primarily governed by simple shear stress and conforms to the Riedel shear model. Three distinct structural styles were developed: vertical, pull-apart, and push-up segments, each exhibiting varying profile characteristics and planar patterns. The segmentation of the strike-slip fault controls the distribution of Ordovician fault-karst reservoirs. An oil and gas enrichment model for the strike-slip fault zone has been established, characterized by external hydrocarbon supply, fault-mediated migration, segmented reservoir control, and high-elevation accumulation. This study offers valuable insights for the exploration of fault-karst reservoirs controlled by strike-slip faults.