Deformation features and tectonic transfer of the Gumubiezi Fault in the northwestern margin of Tarim Basin, NW China

Abstract

Through field geologic survey, fine interpretation of seismic reflection data and analysis of well drilling data, the differential deformation, tectonic transfer and controlling factors of the differential deformation of the Gumubiezi Fault (GF) from east to west have been studied systematically. The study shows that GF started to move southward as a compressive decollement along the Miocene gypsum-bearing mudstone layer in the Jidike Formation at the Early Quaternary and thrust out of the ground surface at the northern margin of the Wensu Uplift, and the Gumubiezi anticline formed on the hanging wall of the GF. The displacement of the GF decreases gradually from 1.21 km in the east AA′ transect to 0.39 km in the west CC′ transect, and completely disappears in the west of the Gumubiezi anticline. One part of the displacement of the GF is converted into the forward thrust, and another part is absorbed by Gumubiezi anticline. The formation of the GF is related to the gypsum-bearing mudstone layer in the Jidike Formation and barrier of the Wensu Uplift. The differential deformation of the GF from east to west is controlled by the development difference of gypsum-bearing mudstone layer in the Jidike Formation. In the east part, gypsum-bearing mudstone layer in the Jidike Formation is thicker, the deformation of the duplex structure in the north of the profile transferred to the basin along gypsum-bearing mudstone layer; to the west of the Gumubiezi structural belt (GSB), the gypsum-bearing mudstone layer in Jidike Formation decreases in thickness, and the transfer quantity of deformation of the duplex structure along the gypsum-bearing mudstone layer to the basin gradually reduces. In contrast, on the west DD′ profile, the gypsum-bearing mudstone is not developed, the deformation of the deep duplex structure cannot be transferred along the Jidike Formation into the basin, the deep thrust fault broke to the surface and the GF disappeared completely. The displacement of the GF to the west eventually disappeared, because the lateral ramp acts as the transitional fault between east and west part of GSB.