Classification and exploration potential of sedimentary basins based on the superposition and evolution process of prototype basins

Abstract

Classification, superimposed evolution and sedimentary filling of prototype basins are analyzed based on the Wilson cycle principle of plate theory, by dissecting the evolution history of 483 sedimentary basins around the world since the Precambrian, combined with the three stress environments of tension, compression and shear. It is found that plate tectonic evolution controls the superimposed development process and petroleum-bearing conditions of the prototype basins in three aspects: first, more than 85% of the sedimentary basins in the world are developed from the superimposed development of two or more prototype basins; second, the superposition evolution process of the prototype basin takes Wilson cycle as the cycle and cycles in a fixed trajectory repeatedly. In each stage of a cycle, a specific type of prototype basin can be formed; third, each prototype basin can form a unique tectonic-sedimentary system, which determines its unique source, reservoir, cap conditions etc. For hydrocarbon accumulation, the later superimposed prototype basin can change the oil and gas accumulation conditions of the earlier prototype basin, and may form new petroleum systems. Based on this, by defining the type of a current basin as its prototype basin formed by the latest plate tectonic movement, 14 types of prototype basins can be classified in the world, namely, intracontinental growth rift, intracontinental aborted rift, intercontinental rift, passive continental margin, interior craton, trench, fore-arc rift, back-arc rift, back-arc depression, back-arc small ocean, peripheral foreland, back-arc foreland, strike-slip pull-apart, and strike-slip flexural basins. The classification scheme can ensure the uniqueness of the types of individual sedimentary basin, and make it possible to predict their oil and gas potential scientifically through analogy.