Polygonal fault systems(PFS),characterized by multi-directional fault patterns within layered sequences,are well-documented features in global continental margin basins.While the geometry and formation mechanisms of P...Polygonal fault systems(PFS),characterized by multi-directional fault patterns within layered sequences,are well-documented features in global continental margin basins.While the geometry and formation mechanisms of PFS have been extensively studied in the northern South China Sea,the PFS in the Zhongjiannan Basin(western South China Sea)remain relatively unexplored,with a lack of quantitative analysis regarding their propagation.This study addresses this gap by using high-resolution three-dimensional(3D)seismic data and conducting a quantitative fault analysis to thoroughly examine the planform,cross-sectional geometry,and evolution of PFS in the northern Zhongjiannan Basin.The absence of a dominant strike direction among these polygonal faults suggests that their evolution is not controlled by anisotropic stress.Our interpretation of seismic data,constrained by the spatial relationship among PFS,gullies,and pockmarks,indicates that PFS mainly developed within the Miocene strata,with their initiation occurring during the late Miocene.Furthermore,the PFS act as key conduits connecting gullies to pockmarks in this area.The formation and development of PFS may be primarily driven by thermally triggered processes within siliceous sediments.The necessary heat source is probably associated with the abundant submarine magmatism observed in the Zhongjiannan Basin.To reconstruct the regional geological history,a four-stage evolutionary model,incorporating the formation of PFS,is presented.This research significantly improves our understanding of the regional geological evolution of the Zhongjiannan Basin,providing critical insights into the initiation and development of PFS in the western South China Sea.展开更多
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2021YFC3100700)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42376070)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(No.2024A1515012371)the Rising Star Foundation of the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology(No.NHXX2019DZ0201)。
文摘Polygonal fault systems(PFS),characterized by multi-directional fault patterns within layered sequences,are well-documented features in global continental margin basins.While the geometry and formation mechanisms of PFS have been extensively studied in the northern South China Sea,the PFS in the Zhongjiannan Basin(western South China Sea)remain relatively unexplored,with a lack of quantitative analysis regarding their propagation.This study addresses this gap by using high-resolution three-dimensional(3D)seismic data and conducting a quantitative fault analysis to thoroughly examine the planform,cross-sectional geometry,and evolution of PFS in the northern Zhongjiannan Basin.The absence of a dominant strike direction among these polygonal faults suggests that their evolution is not controlled by anisotropic stress.Our interpretation of seismic data,constrained by the spatial relationship among PFS,gullies,and pockmarks,indicates that PFS mainly developed within the Miocene strata,with their initiation occurring during the late Miocene.Furthermore,the PFS act as key conduits connecting gullies to pockmarks in this area.The formation and development of PFS may be primarily driven by thermally triggered processes within siliceous sediments.The necessary heat source is probably associated with the abundant submarine magmatism observed in the Zhongjiannan Basin.To reconstruct the regional geological history,a four-stage evolutionary model,incorporating the formation of PFS,is presented.This research significantly improves our understanding of the regional geological evolution of the Zhongjiannan Basin,providing critical insights into the initiation and development of PFS in the western South China Sea.
