Tectonic relationship between the Kelameili range and the Dajing depression: Insights into the Carboniferous tectonic-sedimentary framework

Abstract

Based on comprehensive analysis of typical outcrops, latest deep wells drilled and high resolution seismic profiles in the study area, we examined the geologic structure of the Kelameili range, and analyzed the structural relationship between the Kelameili range and the Dajing depression, and discussed the tectonic-sedimentary framework in different periods of Carboniferous by using axial surface analysis and balanced section techniques. Understandings in three aspects are achieved: (1) The study area experienced five stages of compressional tectonic movements, the Early Carboniferous, the Late Carboniferous, the Middle-Late Permian, Late Cretaceous and Paleogene, and three stages of extensional tectonic movements, the middle-late Early Carboniferous, the middle-late Late Carboniferous and Early Permian. At the end of the Early Permian and the Mid-Late Cretaceous, the tectonic wedges moved southward respectively. (2) The Kelameili range and Dajing depression had the first basin-range coupling during the early Early Carboniferous, basin-range decoupling in the following middle-late Early Carboniferous to the Early Permian, then basin-range strong recoupling in the Middle Permian, and the basin-range coupling had been inherited in the subsequent Indosinian, Yanshanian and Himalayan movements. (3) During the early Early Carboniferous, the study area was a foreland basin where the Dishuiquan Formation source rock developed; in mid-late Early Carboniferous, a series of NW- and NWW-trending half-garben fault basins developed, where the Songkaersu Formation volcanic reservoir formed. In late Early Carboniferous, the study area entered into depression basin stage after rifting, and the Shuangjingzi Formation source rock developed; in the mid-late Late Carboniferous, Batamayineishan fault basin emerged, and the Upper-Carboniferous volcanic reservoir was formed, affected by the tectonic compression during late Carboniferous and Mid-Permian, the Batamayineishan Formation suffered extensive erosion, and only partially remains in the piedmont depression zone.