Deformation characteristics and evolution of Rakhine Basin, Bay of Bengal 

Abstract

We analyzed the structural characteristics and tectonic evolution of the Rakhine Basin based on 2D seismic data and well data．The Basin is located at accretionary wedge with trench setting of active continental margin, and have experienced embryonic stage (Late Cretaceous-Paleocene)，collision stage (Eocene- Oligocene ) and quick collision stage (Miocene- Pliocene). Rakhine Basin can be sub-divided into Marine plain and Rakhine fold belt. The Rakhine fold belt is consisting of Northern compressing fold belt and southern strike slip belt. Northern compressing fold belt developed a lot of NNW-trending linear folds that can be subdivided into steep folds with high amplitude caused by intensive tectonic deformation from East to West. Southern strike slip belt formed some anticlines along strike-slip fault and unambiguous flower structures. Evolution of regional section suggested that the deformation began in the late Miocene, and became intensive from later Pliocene to Quaternary; Structures in eastern part are older and more intensive than the Western part, due to the regional contraction is from East to west and deformation propagated westward. The deposition center migrated from East to West after Miocene formation deposited. All characteristics of the Rakhine Basin are mainly controlled by different stress patterns caused by the arched boundary of subduction formed between Indian-Australia plate and the Eurasia plate.