A double-cycle lake basin formed in extensional to transtensional setting: The Paleogene Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China

Abstract

It has been known that both extensional and transtensional tectonics commonly trigger a one-cycle evolution of lake sediments, but lake-cycle development co-controlled by extensional and transtensional tectonics still need identification. Here we report a double-cycle of lake sediments formed in extensional to transtensional phases in the Paleogene Nanpu Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin, China. The sag successively experienced five phases of lake-type evolution, characterized by: 1) overfilled, 2) balanced-fill, 3) overfilled, 4) balanced-fill, and 5) overfilled. Extensional tectonics was responsible for the opening of the basin and the initial creation of accommodation (1st through 3rd phase). Next, subsidence increased again through transtensional tectonics resulting in the creation of new accommodation (4th–5th phases). Investigations show this double-cycle lake-type evolution is also present in other lake-basins with similar tectonic settings (e.g., both extensional and transtensional tectonics). A different exploration and exploitation strategy should be devoted to the double-cycle evolution of lake basins controlled by extensional to transtensional tectonics in comparison to the single-cycle evolution in extensional or transtensional lake basins.