Growth Faults Research Articles

Lithological control and structural inheritance on faults growth in multilayer foreland sequences

Foreland sectors and foredeep-forebulge systems are affected, as the orogenic wedge migrates, by successive stages of stress states and tectonic deformation, resulting in the development of complex fault networks, even if characterized by limited deformation. The role played by structural inheritance and changes in stress field through time, in influencing the successive re-activations of fault segments, is still a topic to be thoroughly investigated. In this work, thanks to an extensive database made available by courtesy of Energean, we were able to investigate a foreland sector at the margin of the southern Apennines. By means of thickness analysis of the Neogene foredeep sequence and of displacement analysis along the fault network, we documented a shift from forebulge-related extension, in Early Pliocene, to a new tectonic phase, since Middle Pliocene, related to a strike slip stress field, possibly related to the activity of the Tremiti Fault Zone. We also characterized the geometry and connectivity of the cover-restricted faults, developing above propagating normal faults and observed a clear correlation between fault propagation tendency and lithological/mechanical layering within the cover units.

Temporal gravimetry, campaign and permanent GNSS, and interferometric radar techniques: A comparative approach to quantifying land deformation rates in coastal Texas

Land subsidence and local sea-level rise are well-known on-going hazards that negatively impacting coastal regions, exacerbating coastal flooding, threatening infrastructure stability, accelerating erosion, and amplifying the risks of inundation and property damage. This study used four techniques to quantify land deformation rates in the Texas Coastal Bend region and to investigate the controlling factors on two different spatiotemporal scales: (1) local scale, where biweekly temporal gravity and campaign Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements were acquired at six locations over 2 years (October 2020–September 2022); and (2) regional scale, where vertical displacement time series were extracted from the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and 15 permanent GNSS stations over 5 years (January 2017–November 2021). The observed inconsistency between land deformation rates derived from gravity (range: −33.32 ± 149.30 to +338.68 ± 107.93 mm/yr) and campaign GNSS (range: −17.91 ± 14.90 to +5.69 ± 9.93 mm/yr) surveys could be attributed to the short campaign period and the infrequency of data acquisition. The InSAR-derived deformation rates (range: −12.16 ± 0.12 to +11.70 ± 0.00 mm/yr) were consistent with the permanent GNSS-derived rates (range: −14.0 ± 0.6 to +9.0 ± 3.0 mm/yr); both indicated spatiotemporal variability in land deformation rates across the Texas Coastal Bend. A total of 4 coastal towns (−2.3 ± 3.3 mm/yr), 3 cities (−1.4 ± 2.6 mm/yr), 3 inland towns (−3.6 ± 4.2 mm/yr), and 7 industrial plants (−3.8 ± 5.8 mm/yr) were found to have significant land subsidence rates due to sediment compaction, growth faulting, oil/gas extraction, and groundwater extraction. Results of this study emphasize the advantages and limitations of four different techniques in quantifying land deformation rates; can enhance estimates of local sea-level rise; and offer valuable insights to support coastal communities in mitigating the impacts of land subsidence and improving their resilience.

Along-strike extent of earthquakes on multi-segment reverse faults; insights from the Nevis-Cardrona Fault, Aotearoa New Zealand

Evaluating fault segmentation is important for our understanding of seismic hazard assessment and fault growth. However, it is still unclear what controls if reverse fault earthquakes will rupture across segment boundaries. Here, we combine fault mapping and trench data from the low slip rate (0.04-0.15 mm/yr) multi-segment Nevis-Cardrona Fault (NCF) in the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand to assess if it has ruptured in single or multi-segment earthquakes during the late Quaternary. Two new trenches on its Nevis segment provide stratigraphic evidence for two surface rupturing earthquakes, which through Optically Stimulated Luminscence dating and OxCal modelling, are constrained to have occurred at 28.9 +12.9 -9.1 ka and 12.8 ± 4.9 ka. The most recent timing is only weakly correlated to surface rupture timings from two trenches along the NCF's NW Cardrona segment. Furthermore, the 2 ± 1 m Nevis segment single event displacements we estimate would be unusually low for a ~85 km long NCF multi-segment rupture. We therefore surmise that late Quaternary NCF surface rupturing earthquakes did not rupture through ~30-50° bends that link these segments. Our trench data and fault mapping also indicate lower slip rates on the Nevis segment than previous studies (0.04-0.1 mm/yr vs 0.4 mm/yr).

Geometry of large normal fault growth and linkage with temporal constraints: a case study on the Lanliao fault in Dongpu Sag, Bohai Bay basin, NE China

The Dongpu Sag exhibits highly representative structural features of the Bohai Bay Basin. By utilizing time depth quantification (TDQ) technology, geological profiles were generated through the processing of seismic data with a velocity model. These profiles were integrated to investigate the linkage geometry and timing of the Lanliao fault, the eastern boundary fault of the Dongpu Sag. Structural analysis revealed at least five original fault segments of the Lanliao fault, each initiating independently during the early growth phase. The development of these isolated fault segments began in the early Eocene, which is concurrent with the deposition of the Es4 member. The southern fault segments were active earlier but became inactive later as the northern segments gained activity during the Es3 member. Transverse anticlines separate the northern and southern faults. By the time of the Es2 member, all segments had linked, forming a continuous boundary fault across the transverse anticlines. As the Dongpu Sag expanded, the depocenter relocated. The southern fault formed a graben, known as the Gegangji subsag, controlling the depocenter during the Es33 and Es32 members. The depocenter of the Es31 member shifted northward swiftly, developing into a half-graben depocenter called the Huzhuangji subsag. In the post-linkage development phase, the activity of the Lanliao fault decreased over time, with displacement becoming more concentrated on the Huanghe fault, an intrabasin fault. The Huanghe fault then dominated basin sedimentation, moving the depocenter to the Mengmangji subsag. This study demonstrates that the fault linkage is a significant event in basin evolution, exerting considerable control over sedimentation and the overall evolution of the basin.

High resolution 3-D seismic and sequence stratigraphy for reservoir prediction in ‘Stephi’ field, offshore Niger Delta, Nigeria

The Offshore Niger Delta, Nigeria, stands as a dynamic geological marvel, known for its intricate processes and extensive hydrocarbon reservoirs. This study employed an integrated approach, utilizing 3D seismic data and well logs, to conduct a thorough analysis of sequence stratigraphy and reservoir characterization in the pursuit of optimizing hydrocarbon exploration in the region. The study focused on the NW–SE trending Miocene depocenters, which predominantly comprises alternating sandstone and thick shale layers within the Agbada Formation. These reservoir units showcased stacked shallow marine fluvial–deltaic sediments, separated by significant marine shale units. Within the study area, two hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs were identified and named: R1 and R2. Petrophysical analysis identified R2 as the most promising reservoir, with a permeability of 1184 × 10− 3 µm2, 85% hydrocarbon saturation, porosity of 0.30, and effective porosity of 0.27. Fault structural analysis uncovered that hydrocarbons are trapped within a network of growth faults within the wave-dominated Niger Delta depositional system. From the sequence stratigraphic interpretation, four depositional sequences were delineated between the depths of 2030–3417 m, and are bounded by five sequence boundaries. Integrated seismic facies analysis revealed high-energy feeder systems likely supplying sediments from river sources to offshore locations. These integrated findings provide essential insights to inform resource management, exploration strategies, understanding of reservoir distribution, and structural intricacies within the complex offshore Niger Delta, Nigeria, providing valuable information. The depositional environment helped in the understanding of the stratigraphic traps which are prospects in the study area. This together with the associated reservoir quality allowed accurate prediction for potential reservoir facies and will further improve the field development plans.

Synsedimentary Compaction of Peat Under the Load of Alluvial System Sediments in the Most Basin (Czech Republic, Lower Miocene): From Weak Compaction to Strong Local Deformation of Clastics and Peat

Alluvial systems affected by peat layer compaction of a variable degree are studied all over the world, especially in areas of large river deltas and coastal plains. Ordinarily studied Holocene peat accumulations do not reach thicknesses of more than 6–10 m. This paper documents four ancient alluvial systems affected by peat compaction during the Lower Miocene in large exposures of open-cast lignite mines within the Most Basin, Czech Republic. Field observations and the study of 3000 borehole sections showed a clear dependence of the thickness and composition of the underlying peat on the scale of the accommodation space for loading by younger alluvial sediments. If the underlying partly compacted peat was tens to hundreds of meters in thickness, significant deformations of the peat appeared during its loading, leading up to the formation of growth faults. In such cases, missing parts of the coal seams were also observed below the alluvial systems. Especially borehole data showed that a linear correlation exists between the thickness of the alluvial sediments and the maximum instantaneous available compaction capacity of the underlying peat.

Unravelling tectonic and lithological effects on transient landscapes in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece

AbstractLandscapes are the integrated product of external forcings (e.g. tectonics and climate) and intrinsic characteristics (e.g. bedrock erodibility). In principle, hard bedrock with low erodibility can steepen rivers in a similar way to tectonic uplift. A key challenge in geomorphic analysis is thus separating the tectonic and lithological effects on landscapes. To address this, we focus on multiple rivers that are transiently incising through contrasting lithologies in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece, where tectonic history is broadly well constrained. We first exploit topographic metrics and river long profiles to demonstrate that landscapes are responding to both tectonics and lithology. In particular, the long profiles are divided into knickpoint‐bounded segments, and at this scale, channel steepness is shown to be more sensitive to lithology than the entire catchment, possibly due to relatively uniform erosion rate at the segment scale. We then use segment‐scale steepness variations between different lithologies to constrain their relative erodibilities (Klime:Kcong.:Ksand‐silt:Kp‐con sed. = 1:2:3:4), which are further converted into actual lithology‐dependent erodibilities by modelling a well‐constrained, ca. 700 ka knickpoint in the Vouraikos catchment. The effectiveness of lithology‐dependent erodibilities is supported by the observation that if lithology‐dependent erodibilities are used to calibrate studied river long profiles in χ distance, we obtain long profile concavities that fall within the theoretical range. Finally, we use lithology‐calibrated metrics to provide new geomorphic constraints on the timing and magnitude of tectonic perturbations in these catchments. These geomorphic results are interpreted in conjunction with previous onshore and offshore studies to shed new light on fault growth and linkage history in the Gulf of Corinth. Our study therefore provides a topographic analysis‐based approach to quantify lithological effects on transient catchments, with important implications for tectonic interpretations of topographic metrics in lithologically heterogenous landscapes.

South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS), NW Himalaya: A possible Cambro–Ordovician tectonic terrane boundary, and its Cenozoic remobilization

The South Tibetan Detachment System is an important extensional fault zone, separating the Greater Himalayan Sequence from the overlying Tethyan Himalayan Sequence, and is well exposed in the upper reaches of the Dhauliganga valley, NW Himalaya. This fault system is characterized by the occurrence of an extensive Cambro–Ordovician granite belt between Sutlej and Dhauliganga valleys, although only a few small granitoids intrude the high-grade mylonite gneiss of the Greater Himalayan Sequence in its immediate footwall. These bodies yielded U-Pb zircon crystallization ages between 498.92 ± 5.5 Ma and 486.54 ± 2.3 Ma. This work postulates that the South Tibetan Detachment System evolved as a major proto-tectonic marginal extensional terrane boundary during the Cambro–Ordovician Kurgiakh/Bhimphedian Orogeny, when it was the conduit for emplacement of the Cambro–Ordovician granite belt. Denudation of the Neoproterozoic Greater Himalayan Sequence and the Paleozoic granites on its footwall provided approximately ∼ 10 km thick sediments into the Tethyan Basin due to this fault system as a master growth fault. Reactivation of this fault system controlled further melting and emplacement of the Higher Himalayan Leucogranite belt during the Cenozoic. Zircon growth is observed in two distinct modes: pulsative from the Late Eocene to Early Oligocene, with peaks at 33.99 ± 1.07 Ma, 30.53 ± 0.32 Ma and 25.03 ± 0.54 Ma; and in the continuous mode from 23.68 ± 0.94 Ma to 13.30 ± 0.30 Ma, in the Miocene, for nearly 10.0 myr. These datasets reveal some of the oldest pulsative movements in the Late Eocene–Early Oligocene during crustal thickening, thrusting and associated metamorphism, followed by continuous extension during the Miocene. Data from the South Tibetan Detachment System are distinct in character, and do not support either its eastwards younging or diachronous movements along the Dhauliganga valley.

Multiphase growth and basin control of main faults on Northern sub-basin, Beibuwan basin, Northwestern South China sea

The basement-involved faults and multiphase extension control the three-dimensional (3-D) fault geometries and kinematics, producing different fault growth models in continental rift basins. In this paper, we apply qualitative and quantitative fault analysis techniques to 3D high-resolution seismic data from the Northern sub-basin of Beibuwan basin, building the tectonic-stratigraphic framework and proposing the evolutionary meachanisms of main normal faults. The results suggest that extensional stress changed from NW-SE direction during Paleocene-Middle Eocene to N-S direction in Late Eocene-Oligocene, leading to the ENE or E-W directed propagation of fault networks together with lateral and vertical linkage of fault segments. This includes three conceptual models: (1) F1 originated from propagation, interaction, linkage and failure of initial seven ENE-directed isolated faults, and grows following isolated fault growth model; (2) F2 nucleated as a normal fault before buried in Late Eocene, and reactivated as dextral strike-slip fault in Oligocene, therefore experienced vertical segmentation and linkage; (3) F3 activated as a long-term constant-length fault with generally increased displacement in Paleogene. Our study proposes that the T83 interface (the top of the second member of the Liushagang Formation) is a tectonic stress transition interface, while the T60 interface is both a tectonic inversion interface and a post-rift unconformity interface. Furthermore, the growth of extensional faults commonly accompanied single breached, transfer-fault breached or double breached relay ramps and fault-related folds, thereby exerting a significant influence on the basin architecture and sediment distribution.

Seismic Inversion Techniques and Attribute Analysis for Accurate Well Placement in Offshore Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

Before this study, simple methods like seismic attribute analysis have often been used for reservoir characterization with successes however, there is still the need to reduce exploration uncertainty to a negligible level and boost investors’ confidence. This study integrated seismic inversion with seismic attribute analysis to better characterize the reservoirs in MTW Field in deep-offshore Niger Delta Basin. Five (5) wells with complete suite of petrophysical logs, three-Dimensional (3-D) seismic data, checkshot and other well information were used. The well data were thoroughly quality checked, reservoirs were litho-stratigraphically delineated and used for petrophysical analysis across the wells. This was followed by seismic-to- well-tie, seismic interpretation, and seismic attribute analysis (Root Mean Square-RMS) generated using depth surface maps. 3-D static reservoir model and volumetric evaluation were carried out. Petrophysical properties were derived and distributed across the 3-D static model using sequential gaussian simulation algorithm to ascertain shale volume spread across the model. To improve the seismic resolution and reduce interpretation uncertainty at greater depth, model- based post-stack seismic inversion was performed to obtain acoustic impedance cube. Litho-stratigraphic and petrophysical analysis result revealed five reservoir sands (A, B, C, D, and E). Reservoir-A was seen to be more viable with a thickness of 13.42 m, high effective porosity of 27%, permeability of 3187.53 mD, low water saturation of 34% and low shale volume of 11% which are indication good reservoir quality and producibility. The seismic interpretation revealed thirty-one (31) growth and antithetic faults oriented in the NE-SW and NW-SE directions, respectively. The RMS result revealed high amplitude reflectivity which is a measure of zone of interest. Based on this, seven (7) prospects and three (3) leads were identified. The seismic inversion result shows a high level of accuracy with a correlation coefficient of 0.997; 0.997; 0.995; and 0.996 in MTW-001, MTW-003ST1, MTW-004ST1 and MTW-005 wells, respectively. The acoustic impedance successfully resolved and improved on the resolution of the seismic stacking velocity especially at reservoir layers and at depth deeper than 3600 ms. Acoustic impedance as a layer property has improved on the lateral and vertical resolutions of the data beyond what the usual seismic interval velocity could image thus, validating some of the prospects and leads identified in this study. This demonstrated that uncertainty can be reduced by a blend of RMS and seismic inversion in identifying reservoir for accurate placement of wells. It is therefore recommended that E and P operators should adopt the technique in their future hydrocarbon exploration endeavor in frontier and matured basins.

Lock-in spectrum: a tool for representing long-term evolution of bearing fault in the time–frequency domain using vibration signal

PurposeThis study aims to propose a method for monitoring bearing health in the time–frequency domain, termed the Lock-in spectrum, to track the evolution of bearing faults over time and frequency.Design/methodology/approachThe Lock-in spectrum uses vibration signals captured by vibration sensors and uses a lock-in process to analyze specified frequency bands. It calculates the distribution of signal amplitudes around fault characteristic frequencies over short time intervals.FindingsExperimental results demonstrate that the Lock-in spectrum effectively captures the degradation process of bearings from fault inception to complete failure. It provides time-varying information on fault frequencies and amplitudes, enabling early detection of fault growth, even in the initial stages when fault signals are weak. Compared to the benchmark short-time Fourier transform method, the Lock-in spectrum exhibits superior expressive ability, allowing for higher-resolution, long-term monitoring of bearing condition.Originality/valueThe proposed Lock-in spectrum offers a novel approach to bearing health monitoring by capturing the dynamic evolution of fault frequencies over time. It surpasses traditional methods by providing enhanced frequency resolution and early fault detection capabilities.

What Controls Early Restraining Bend Growth? Structural, Morphometric, and Numerical Modeling Analyses From the Eastern California Shear Zone

AbstractRestraining bends influence topography, strike‐slip evolution, and earthquake rupture dynamics, however the specific factors governing their geometry and development in the crust are not well established. These relationships are challenging to investigate in field examples due to cannibalization and erosion of earlier structures with cumulative strain. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the structure, morphology, and kinematics of 22 basement‐cored restraining bends on low net‐slip faults (<10 km) within the southern Eastern California shear zone (SECSZ) via mapping, topographic analyses, and 3D numerical modeling. The bends are self‐similar in form with most exhibiting focused relief between high‐angle bounding faults with an arrowhead shape in map view and a “whaleback” longitudinal profile. Slight changes in that form occur with increasing size indicating predictable growth that appears to be primarily controlled by local fault geometries (i.e., bifurcation angle), rather than the influence of fault obliquity relative to far‐field plate motion, due to inefficient slip‐transfer across interconnected irregularly trending closely spaced faults. Modeling results indicate that the self‐similar fault‐bound geometry of SECSZ restraining bends may arise from elevated shear strain at the outer corners of single transpressional fault bends with increasing cumulative slip. This, in turn, promotes growth of a new fault leading to efficient accommodation of local convergent strain via uplift between bounding faults. Finally, our results indicate that the kilometer‐scale restraining bends contribute minimally to regional contraction as they only penetrate the upper third of the seismogenic crust and are therefore also unlikely to impede large earthquake surface ruptures.

Shipwreck and Sherbrook supersequence regional gross depositional environments, offshore Otway Basin

The Shipwreck and Sherbrook supersequences together constitute the upper Cretaceous succession in the Otway Basin that was deposited during an extensional basin phase. In the Shipwreck Trough, where the upper Cretaceous succession is well explored, gas fields are hosted by the Shipwreck Supersequence (SS). Elsewhere, the upper Cretaceous interval is lightly explored, and the deep-water area is considered an exploration frontier. We present regional gross depositional environment (RGDE) maps for the LC1.1 and LC1.2 sequences of the Shipwreck SS, and the LC2 Sherbrook SS. Fluvial Plain, Coastal-Delta Plain and Shelf RGDEs were interpreted from wireline logs, cores, and seismic facies. The Fluvial Plain and Coastal-Delta Plain RGDEs are mostly restricted to the inboard platform areas and the inner Morum Sub-basin. The mud-prone Shelf RGDE is widespread across the deep-water Morum and Nelson depocentres. The extent of the Fluvial and Coastal-Delta Plain belts progressively increases up-section, imparting a regressive aspect to the succession, and delineating a large fluvial-deltaic complex in the north-west of the basin. Thick seal development across the greater Shipwreck Trough, potentially mature source rocks in the deep-water basin, and thick reservoir development in the hanging wall of growth faults in the inner Morum Sub-basin are insights derived from this study, and will inform area selection for detailed gross depositional environment mapping, formulation of new hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide storage plays, and inputs for petroleum systems modelling.

Study on the fracture propagation of ground fissures with syn-depositional structure in Fenwei Basin, China

In Fenwei Basin, most of the tectonic ground fissures show characteristics of growth faults on the section. They continue to destroy the engineering properties of soil at different depths. This has introduced significant security risks to the construction processes of deep underground spaces. However, there are few studies have been conducted on syn-depositional ground fissures. Therefore, in this study, a physical simulation test was used to study the fracture propagation of syn-depositional ground fissures. The characteristics of sections and surface fractures were analyzed. The engineering properties of model soil were divided into bad and poor areas. The syn-depositional ground fissure fracture propagation process was divided into five phases. The results show that soil profile exhibited a composite Y-shaped fracture morphology. Syn-deposition affects the fracture angle and healing state of fractures. The soil strain and surface displacement were positively correlated with the number of deposition layers. The conclusions of this study provide a theoretical geological basis and practical engineering significance for design of deep underground space structures.

In-situ rock shattering and strain localization along a seismogenic fault in dolostones (Monte Marine fault, Italian Central Apennines)

In-situ shattered rocks are often associated with seismogenic fault zones, but their mechanism of formation is still matter of debate, partly because of the limited number of field studies. Here we describe the characteristics of in-situ shattered rocks distribution along the NW-SE-striking seismogenic Monte Marine Fault (MMF) in the Italian Central Apennines. In the studied area, the MMF cuts through Mesozoic carbonates, is exhumed from <3 km depth and consists of two >5 km-long major hard-linked segments with normal kinematics. The linkage between the two fault segments occurs along a ∼2 km-long step-over zone with E-W trending faults and oblique-slip kinematics. To the northwest, fault-related shear deformation is localized in a ∼5 m-thick cataclastic fault core and off-fault deformation is dominated by in-situ shattered rocks up to ∼40 m-thick. Instead, in the step-over zone to the southeast, the in-situ shattered rocks are up to ∼500 m thick, particularly where MMF crosscuts older low-angle thrust faults.We integrated detailed field structural surveys with microstructural and grain size distribution analyses of the fault rocks to assess the mechanism of (1) formation of in-situ shattered rocks and, (2) progressive localization of shear deformation along the MMF. The obtained results, after the viability of several formation mechanisms (mechanical models) have been reviewed, support the hypothesis that the formation of in-situ shattered rocks was associated with the propagation of (multiple) seismic ruptures (mainshocks and aftershock sequences) within a mechanically heterogeneous fault zone. Heterogeneity is due to the occurrence of preexisting damage related to previous earthquakes, but also inherited from the older low-angle thrust faults. Therefore, we suggest that the origin of these shattered rocks is more compatible with seismic related processes than only with quasi-static fault growth models. On the other hand, the cataclastic fault core derived from the progressive accommodation of shear deformation within the in-situ shattered rock volumes during several seismic cycles. We conclude that the large volumes of in-situ shattered rocks are the result of seismic-related dissipative processes in a geometrically and mechanically heterogeneous fault zone. In this scenario, large volumes of in-situ shattered rocks are compliant low velocity zones which can influence the propagation of earthquake ruptures.

U‐Pb carbonate dating reveals long‐lived activity of proximal margin extensional faults during the Alpine Tethys rifting

AbstractSyn‐rift extensional faults play a significant role during the early stage of rifting. Constraining the age of faulting, and how and when deformation shifts from the proximal to the distal margin areas, is crucial for the reconstruction of the rifting process. Previous assessments of the structural and temporal evolution of rift‐related faults of the Adria proximal margin have primarily relied on indirect biostratigraphic evidence. Additionally, the majority of rift‐related faults underwent tectonic inversion during the Alpine orogeny. In this study, in‐situ U‐Pb geochronology was applied on syn‐kinematic calcites to unravel the activity of the Amora Fault, a remarkable example of a Jurassic growth fault unaffected by the Alpine orogeny. The obtained ages, spanning from Hettangian to Callovian, extend the AF activity beyond the previously established Early Jurassic time. This chrono‐structural model has significant implications on the role of major extensional faults in focusing deformation throughout the rift system's evolution.

Strain partitioning dominated growth of strike-slip fault: Insight from the Tan-Lu fault in Eastern China

The dynamic variations of the strain field and associated tectonic deformation during fault evolution can provide useful insights into the fault growth mechanisms. As one of the longest strike-slip fault system in the world, the ∼3000-km length Tan–Lu fault zone (TLFZ) in eastern China, is ideal for studying the mechanisms of fault propagation and linkage. This study investigated the Cenozoic Liaodong Bay subbasin, which hosts main structures of four faults in the central TLFZ, using structural analysis and strain calculations based on abundant seismic data. Our new results reveal three stages of fault growth (D1, D2, and D3) during the Cenozoic. Strain partitioning occurred during D1, with non-coaxial deformation within the high-strain regions leading to the growth of individual fault segments. D2 involved the redistribution of strain partitioning, with localized strain overlapping along fault tips to produce both left- and right-stepping fault sets. The locally increased simple-shear component favored the development of right-stepping fault arrays. Fault linkage appears to be achieved in two ways: 1) left-stepping, dextral faults were linked by folds dominated by pure shear along overlapping fault tips, and 2) fault segments were linked via fractures developed in simple-shear-dominated right-stepping overlap zones. D3 was characterized by the continued accumulation of simple shear, which resulted in fault linkage through fractures and formed continuous faults with high strain. Therefore, we propose a tectonic model in which strain partitioning results in linkage of segmented faults along fault tips. This model takes into account the spatial and temporal variations in fault geometry and strain type during the growth of the strike-slip fault, provides theoretical support for the structural patterns observed in natural faults worldwide.

Fault Orientation Trumps Fault Maturity in Controlling Coseismic Rupture Characteristics of the 2021 Maduo Earthquake

AbstractFault maturity has been proposed to exert a first order control on earthquake rupture, yet direct observations linking individual rupture to long‐term fault growth are rare. The 2021 Mw 7.4 Maduo earthquake ruptured the east‐growing end of the slow‐moving (∼1 mm/yr) Jiangcuo fault in north Tibet, providing an opportunity to examine the relation between rupture characteristics and fault structure. Here we combine field and multiple remote sensing techniques to map the surface rupture at cm‐resolution and document comprehensively on‐fault offsets and off‐fault deformation. The 158 km‐long surface rupture consists of misoriented structurally inherited N110°‐striking segments and younger optimally oriented N093°‐striking segments, relative to the regional stress field. Despite being comparatively newly formed, the ∼N093°‐striking fault segments accommodate more localized strain, with up to 3 m on‐fault left‐lateral slip and 25%–50% off‐fault deformation, and possibly faster rupture speed. These results are in contrast with previous findings showing more localized strain and faster rupture speed on more mature fault segments; instead, our observations suggest that fault orientation with respect to the regional stress can exert a more important control than fault maturity on coseismic rupture behavior when both factors are at play.

Segmented growth of reactivated major bounding faults and their control on basin structures: Insights from the Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, eastern China

AbstractA thorough insight into the initiation, segmentation, propagation and interaction of multitrend basin‐bounding faults is crucial to restoring the growth history of the faults and clarifying the fault growth pattern and its influence on the structures developed along the margin due to the growth of the basin‐bounding faults, but systematic studies on the individual influence of the evolution of each fault segment on the present structure are lacking. Based on 3D seismic data, the timing and growth of multitrend basin‐bounding faults were analysed using T‐z plots and throw backstripping, allowing us to determine the individual effects that each fault segment evolution exerteds on the present‐day configuration of the northern margin of the Nanpu Sag. The basin‐bounding fault is composed of the Xinanzhuang and Baigezhuang faults, and the Xinanzhuang fault comprises three linked segments with varying orientations (i.e., NE–SW, E–W, and NNE–SSW). In comparison, the Baigezhuang fault comprises only two linked NW–SE‐oriented fault segments. The evolution process can be divided into three stages. (1) During the early synrift I stage, namely, the isolated fault stage, five isolated multitrend basin‐bounding segments were active. (2) During the late synrift I stage, namely, the hard‐linkage stage, the five segments propagated laterally and linked with each other, behaving as a single fault. Meanwhile, the NE‐trending No. 5 Fault bifurcated upward from the basin‐bounding fault to accommodate local stress, and the NW‐trending Gaobei Fault deviated from the basin‐bounding fault controlled by local stresses induced by differential activities of the multitrend fault segments under the same far‐field stress. (3) During the synrift II to postrift linkage development stage, the extension orientation changed from NW–SE‐ to N–S, and additional displacement accumulated along the basin‐bounding fault without further lateral propagation. Newly formed E–W‐trending faults developed orthogonal to the extension orientation and linked with preexisting NE‐ or NW‐trending faults, forming a complex fault zone. In addition, influenced by the geometry of the basin‐bounding fault, the Laoyemiao Anticline formed by gravitational collapse under the dual action of a rollover anticline and transverse anticline. Furthermore, the evolution of the basin‐bounding faults played an important role in controlling the source‐to‐sink system, and the transition zone was the main provenance channel formed by the segmented growth of the faults. This study provides new insight into multitrend large fault evolution, and their impact on basin development provides a comprehensive explanation of the later structures developed in polyphase rifts.

Research on fault-controlled hydrocarbon accumulation in rifted lacustrine basins based on structural geological modeling: a case study of the Banqiao area in Bohai Bay Basin, China

The Banqiao area in the Bohai Bay Basin has experienced three stages of extensional deformation, leading to the formation of numerous fault-bound traps. Faults, acting as boundary conditions for these traps, play a crucial role in hydrocarbon accumulation. In this study, we conducted a 3D structural modeling of the area using high-resolution 3D seismic data and established a fault-reservoir database based on previous research. Our findings reveal four levels of faults in the Banqiao area: basin-controlling faults, boundary faults, derivative master faults, and secondary adjusting faults. The structural units can be categorized into subsag areas, slope areas, stress tran-sition zones, bifurcation and main incised fault zones, and southern block areas. The segmented growth of the main boundary faults controls the evolution of the subsags, with the subsidence center gradually shifting eastward from Rift Phase I to Rift Phase II, aligning with the distribution of source rocks. Fault-bound traps in the Banqiao area include single faults, intersecting faults, and side faults. Faults primarily act as barriers to lateral hydrocarbon migration during the process of hydrocarbon accumulation, while also providing pathways to a lesser extent. By integrating the fault-reservoir database with the fault system classification, we identified four types of fault-controlled hydro-carbon accumulation models: like-dipping fault barrier model, oppositely-dipping fault barrier model, intersecting fault barrier model, and reactivation-controlled secondary hydrocarbon ac-cumulation model. This structural geological model effectively demonstrates the spatial configura-tion of faults and their role in hydrocarbon accumulation in the Banqiao area. The fault control mechanisms presented in the model can also be applied to other blocks in the Bohai Bay Basin, laying a foundation for future petroleum exploration in continental rifted basins and facilitating the ap-plication of big data algorithms in various geoscientific research fields.