Structural deformation characteristics of the Lower Yangtze area in South China and its structural physical simulation experiments

• Main Authors: Li Xiao, Hu Qiuyuan, Dong Dawei, Guo Shaobin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: De Gruyter 2021-06-01
• Series: Open Geosciences
• Subjects: lower yangtze area; structural deformation characteristics; structural physical simulation; forming mechanisms; petroleum exploration
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1515/geo-2020-0263

The analysis of structural deformation characteristics in the Lower Yangtze area of South China is of great significance to petroleum exploration and development in this area. Based on the geological and geophysical data, the structural deformation characteristics of the Lower Yangtze area are systematically discussed. Structural physical simulation experiments are further conducted to model the typical structural deformation systems and to discuss their dynamic mechanism. The results show that the hedging system is characterized by “asymmetric opposite hedging in the south and north” of the study area. The structural deformation on the northwest of the hedging system mainly occurred in the Middle-Late Triassic and was controlled by southeaster compression in the Indo-Chinese Period. The deformation of southeastern side of the hedging system mainly occurred in Middle-Late Jurassic and was controlled by northwester strong compression in the early period of the Yanshanian Movement. According to the development and evolution sequence of the hedging structure system in the Lower Yangtze area, Wuxi area has weak structural deformation and has not undergone intensive transformation in later periods. Also, the other factors of petroleum accumulation, including the source rock, reservoir, and sealing conditions, are superior, which make a potential area for exploration.