Seismic stratigraphy and structural analysis of the northern East China Sea Shelf Basin interpreted from multi-channel seismic reflection data and cross-section restoration

Abstract

Analysis of multi-channel seismic data from the northern East China Sea Shelf Basin (ECSSB) reveals three sub-basins (Socotra, Domi, and Jeju basins), separated by structural highs (Hupijiao Rise) and faulted basement blocks. These sub-basins show a typical rift-basin development: faulted basement and syn-rift and post-rift sedimentation separated by unconformities. Four regional unconformities, including the top of acoustic basement, have been identified and mapped from multi-channel seismic data. Faults in the acoustic basement are generally trending NE, parallel to the regional structural trend of the area. The depths of the acoustic basement range from less than 1000 m in the northwestern part of the Domi Basin to more than 4500 m in the Socotra Basin and 5500 m in the Jeju Basin. The total sediment thicknesses range from less than 500 m to about 1500 m in the northwest where the acoustic basement is shallow and reach about more than 5500 m in the south. Interpretation of seismic reflection data and reconstruction of three depth-converted seismic profiles reveal that the northern ECSSB experienced two phases of rifting, followed by regional subsidence. The initial rifting in the Late Cretaceous was driven by the NW-SE crustal stretching of the Eurasian Plate, caused by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. Extension was the greatest during the early phase of basin formation; estimated rates of extension during the initial rifting are 2%, 6.5%, and 3.5% in the Domi, Jeju, and Socotra basins, respectively. A regional uplift terminated the rifting in the Late Eocene-Early Oligocene. Rifting and extension, although mild, resumed in the Early Oligocene; while fluvio-lacustrine deposition continued to prevail. The estimated rates of extension during the second phase of rifting are 0.7%, 0.8%, and 0.5% in the Domi, Jeju, and Socotra basins, respectively. A second phase of uplift in the Early Miocene terminated the rifting, marking the transition to the post-rift phase of regional subsidence. Regional subsidence dominated the study area between the Early Miocene and the Late Miocene. An inversion in the Late Miocene interrupted the post-rift subsidence, resulting in an extensive thrust-fold belt in the eastern part of the area. Uplift and subsequent erosion were followed by regional subsidence.