Sequence characteristics of foreland basin and its difference from those of other types of basin

Abstract

Based on the case history study of sequence stratigraphic framework, sequence model, and the controlling factors on sequence formation in the southern Junggar foreland basin, a contrasting comparison of the characteristics among the foreland basin, the faulted basin, and the sag basin is made in the aspects of sequence architecture, filling style, the controlling factors on sequence development, the migrations of basin center and depocenter, etc.. The current study results show that there are major differences and these are documented as follows. (1) The accommodation space in foreland basin is mainly created by the subsidence caused by thrusting and napping in the foothill belt, resulting in progradational-dominated parasequence sets in the foothill area and retrogradational parasequence sets in the ramp region. (2) The accommodation space in an open-lake system in faulted basin is mainly created by the activities of the basin margin faults; thus, tectonic sequences are formed. However, in the closed-lake system, the subaqueous accommodation is mainly controlled by climatic-influenced lake-level fluctuations, and climatic sequence is formed. (3) In sag basin, a closed-lake system is easily formed due to its generation often within the cratons and isolation from the sea, and its accommodation space creation is mainly controlled by climatic lake-level fluctuations; thus, the sequence architecture in sag basin is similar to that formed on the passive continental margin.