Characterization of a Strike-slip Fault and Its Impact on Reservoir and Hydrocarbon Accumulation in Tarim Basin

Abstract

Summary A typical strike-slip fault in the central Tarim Basin was characterized in geometry and kinematics based on high-precision three-dimensional seismic volumes. The influence of the strike-slip fault on reservoir distribution and hydrocarbon accumulation was further studied through reservoir sensitive attribute study and hydrocarbon property analysis. The study shows that the strike-slip fault displays multi-segment feature with linear segment, oblique-arranged segment, and braided segment alternate distribution, which exhibit different geometry and deformation attributes. Besides, the strike-slip fault has obvious controlling effect on karst-fracture-cave carbonate reservoir distribution. The larger width of fault damage zone the larger scale of the karst-fracture-cave carbonate reservoir. Further, there are great differences in oil and gas properties along the strike-slip fault zone. The study reveals that the difference in the activity intensity of strike-slip fault and hydrocarbon charging have impact on the distribution of oil and gas along the strike-slip fault zone. This study can shed light on better understanding of the structural characteristics of the strike-slip fault and its impact on reservoir distribution and hydrocarbon accumulation in the Tarim Basin in particular, and in ancient marine basins in general.