Deformation history and hydrocarbon potential of the Southwestern Gissar Range (Southern Uzbekistan)

Abstract

The divergent geometry of the Southwestern Gissar Range is related to large-scale underthrusting of the hinterland units of the Tajik depression beneath Southwestern Gissar and the thrusting of orogenic crust toward the northwest over the Beshkent trough. Since the predominant style of deformation in the region consists of folding and faulting, almost all the surficial structures of the orogen are allochthonous. This can significantly hamper understanding of a deeper, sub-thrust layer of the Southwestern Gissar, which hosts major hydrocarbon sources. Regional dynamic models involving ductile layers, as well as thrust faults, folds, and strike-slip faults allowed identification of the most favorable conditions for the localization of structural traps within this highly prospective petroleum basin.