Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Deformation characteristics and analog modeling of transtensional structures in the Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Frontiers of Earth Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Hydrocarbon exploration in the Dongying Sag is constrained by the development of many Cenozoic transtensional structures with complex patterns and dynamic mechanisms. This study uses seismic interpretation and analog modeling to investigate these transtensional structures. Significant results include dividing these transtensional structures into boundary fault, oblique rifting, and deep strike-slip fault controlled structures, according to the relationships between main and secondary faults. They developed in the steep slope zone, the central sag zone, and the slope zone, respectively. In profile, the transtensional structures formed appear to be semi-flower-like, step-like, or negative-flower-like. In plan-view, they appear to be broom-like, soft-linked, or en-echelon structures. Further, these transtensional structures are controlled by the oblique normal slip of boundary faults, by the oblique extension of sub-sags, and by the later extension of deep strike-slip faults. The geometric deformation of these transtensional structures is controlled by the angles between the regional extension direction and the strike of boundary faults, deep faults, or sub-sags, where a larger angle corresponds to less developed transtensional structures. Further, the transtensional structures in the Dongying Sag were created by multiphase and multi-directional extensions in the Cenozoic— which is also controlled by pre-existing structures. The strike of newborn secondary faults was determined by the regional extension direction and pre-existing structures.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Allen M B, Macdonald D I M, Xun Z, Vincent S J, Brouet-Menzies C (1997). Early Cenozoic two-phase extension and late Cenozoic thermal subsidence and inversion of the Bohai Basin, northern China. Mar Pet Geol, 14(7–8): 951–972

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Basilone L (2022). Jurassic-Cretaceous intraplatform basins from NW Sicily fold and thrust belt: implications for oblique rifting of the Southern Tethyan margin. Sediment Geol, 440: 106255

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bell R E, Jackson C A L, Whipp P S, Clements B (2014). Strain migration during multiphase extension: observations from the northern North Sea. Tectonics, 33(10): 1936–1963

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonini M, Souriot T, Boccaletti M, Brun J P (1997). Successive orthogonal and oblique extension episodes in a rift zone: laboratory experiments with application to the Ethiopian Rift. Tectonics, 16(2): 347–362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brune S, Williams S E, Müller R D (2018). Oblique rifting: the rule, not the exception. Solid Earth, 9(5): 1187–1206

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clifton A E, Schlische R W, Withjack M O, Ackermann R V (2000). Influence of rift obliquity on fault-population systematics: results of experimental clay models. J Struct Geol, 22(10): 1491–1509

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Corti G, van Wijk J, Cloetingh S, Morley C K (2007). Tectonic inheritance and continental rift architecture: numerical and analogue models of the East African Rift system. Tectonics, 26(6): TC6006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dewey J F, Holdsworth R E, Strachan R A (1998). Transpression and transtension zones. In: Holdsworth R E, Strachan R A, Dewey J F, eds. Continental Transpressional and Transtensional Tectonics, Geological Society, London, Special Publication, 135: 1–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Duffy O B, Bell R B, Jackson C A L, Gawthorpe R, Whipp P S (2015). Fault growth and interactions in a multiphase rift fault network: Horda Platform, Norwegian North Sea. J Struct Geol, 80: 99–119

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fitch T J (1972). Plate convergence, transcurrent faults, and internal deformation adjacent to southeast Asia and the western Pacific. J Geophys Res, 77(23): 4432–4460

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fossen H, Tikoff B (1998). Extended models of transpression and transtension, and application to tectonic settings. Spec Publ Geol Soc Lond, 135(1): 15–33

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harding T P (1990). Identification of wrench faults using subsurface structural data: criteria and pitfalls. AAPG Bull, 74(10): 1590–1609

    Google Scholar 

  • Harland W B (1971). Tectonic transpression in caledonian spitsbergen. Geol Mag, 108(1): 27–41

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Henstra G A, Berg Kristensen T, Rotevatn A, Gawthorpe R L (2019). How do preexisting normal faults influence rift geometry? A comparison of adjacent basins with contrasting underlying structure on the Lofoten Margin, Norway Basin Res, 31(6): 1083–1097

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hou G T, Qian X L, Cai D S (2001). The tectonic evolution of Bohai basin in Mesozoic and Cenozoic time. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Pekinensis, 37(6): 845–851 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu P P, Yang F L, Zhang R C, Wang W, Dong R W (2022). Cenozoic extension to strike-slip transition in the Liaodong Bay Subbasin along the Tan-Lu Fault Zone, Bohai Bay Basin: new insights from stress field modeling. Tectonophysics, 822: 229163

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keep M, McClay K R (1997). Analogue modelling of multiphase rift systems. Tectonophysics, 273: 239–270

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li S Z, Suo Y H, Santosh M, Dai L M, Liu X, Yu S, Zhao S J, Jin C (2013). Mesozoic to Cenozoic intracontinental deformation and dynamics of the North China Craton. Geol J, 48(5): 543–560

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li S Z, Zhao G C, Dai L M, Liu X, Zhou L H, Santosh M, Suo Y H (2012). Mesozoic basins in eastern China and their bearing on the deconstruction of the North China Craton. J Asian Earth Sci, 47(30): 64–79

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li S Z, Zheng Q L, Li X Y, Zhao S J, Suo Y H, Guo L L, Wang Y M, Zhou Z Z, Liu X G, Lan H Y, Zhang J, Guo R H, Li S J (2017). Triassic subduction polarity and orogenic process of the Sulu orogen, east China. Ma Geo Quat Geo, 37(04): 18–32 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liang J T, Wang H L, Bai Y, Ji X Y, Duo X M (2016). Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Bohai Bay Basin and its coupling relationship with Pacific Plate subduction. J Asian Earth Sci, 127: 257–266

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu M, Cui X J, Liu F T (2004). Cenozoic rifting and volcanism in eastern China: a mantle dynamic link to the Indo-Asian collision? Tectonophysics, 393(1–4): 29–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mann P, Hempton M R, Bradley D C, Burke K (1983). Development of pull-apart basins. J Geol, 91(5): 529–554

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maruyama S, Isozaki Y, Kimura G, Terabayashi M (1997). Paleogeographic maps of the Japanese Islands: plate tectonic synthesis from 750 Ma to the present. Isl Arc, 6(1): 121–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McClay K R, White M J (1995). Analogue modelling of orthogonal and oblique rifting. Mar Pet Geol, 12(2): 137–151

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCoss A M (1986). Simple constructions for deformation in transpression/transtension zones. J Struct Geol, 8(6): 715–718

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morley C K (2007). Variations in Late CenozoiceRecent strike-slip and oblique-extensional geometries, within Indochina: the influence of pre-existing fabrics. J Struct Geol, 29(1): 36–58

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morley C K, Haranya C, Phoosongsee W, Pongwapee S, Kornsawan A, Wonganan N (2004). Activation of rift oblique and rift parallel preexisting fabrics during extension and their effect on deformation style: examples from the rifts of Thailand. J Struct Geol, 26(10): 1803–1829

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mortimer E, Paton D A, Scholz C A, Strecker M R, Blisniuk P (2007). Orthogonal to oblique rifting: effect of rift basin orientation in the evolution of the North basin, Malawi Rift, East Africa. Basin Res, 19(3): 393–407

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osagiede E E, Rotevatn A, Gawthorpe R, Kristensen T B, Jackson A L, Marsh N (2020). Pre-existing intra-basement shear zones influence growth and geometry of non-colinear normal faults, western Utsira high-heimdal terrace, North Sea. J Struct Geol, 130: 103908

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Phillips T B, Fazlikhani H, Gawthorpe R L, Fossen H, Jackson C A L, Bell R E, Faleide J I, Rotevatn A (2019). The influence of structural inheritance and multiphase extension on rift development, the Northern North Sea. Tectonics, 38(12): 4099–4126

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pongwapee S, Morley C K, Won-in K (2019). Impact of pre-existing fabrics and multi-phase oblique extension on Cenozoic fault patterns, Wichianburi sub-basin of the Phetchabun rift, Thailand. J Struct Geol, 118: 340–361

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qi J F, Yang Q (2010). Cenozoic structural deformation and dynamic processes of the Bohai Bay Basin province, China. Mar Pet Geol, 27(4): 757–771

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qi J F, Yu F S, Lu K Z, Zhou J X, Wang Z Y, Yang Q (2003). Conspectus on Mesozoic basins in Bohai bay province. Earth Sci Front, 10(S1): 199–206 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ren J Y, Yu J G, Zhang J X (2009). Structures of deep bed in Jiyang Sag and their control over the development of Mesozoic and Cenozoic basins. Earth Sci Front, 16(4): 117–137 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Schellart W P (2000). Shear test results for cohesion and friction coefficients for different granular materials: scaling implications for their usage in analogue modelling. Tectonophysics, 324(1–2): 1–16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schlische R W, Withjack M O, Eisenstadt G (2002). An experimental study of the secondary deformation produced by oblique-slip normal faulting. AAPG Bull, 86(5): 885–906

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun Z, Zhou D, Sun L T, Chen C M, Pang X, Jiang J Q, Fan H (2010). Dynamic analysis on rifting stage of Pearl River Mouth Basin through analogue modeling. J Earth Sci, 21(4): 439–454

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suo Y H, Li S Z, Peng G R, Du X D, Zhou J, Wang P C, Wang G Z, Somerville I, Diao Y X, Liu Z Q, Fu X J, Liu B, Cao X Z (2022). Cenozoic basement-involved rifting of the northern South China Sea margin. Gondwana Res, 120: 20–30

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suo Y H, Li S Z, Yu S, Somerville I D, Liu X, Zhao S J, Dai L M (2014). Genozoie tectonic jumping and implications for hydrocarbon accumulation in basins in the East Asia continental margin. J Asian Earth Sci, 88(1): 28–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thorkelson D (1996). Subduction of diverging plates and the principles of slap window formation. Tectonophysics, 255(1–2): 47–63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tong H M, Cai D S, Wu Y P, Li X G, Li X S, Meng L J (2010). Activity criterion of pre-existing fabrics in non-homogeneous deformation domain. Sci China Earth Sci, 53(8): 1115–1125

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tron V, Brun J P (1991). Experiments on oblique rifting in brittle-ductile systems. Tectonophysics, 188(1–2): 71–84

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang F W, Chen D X, Wang Q C, Shi X, Xie G, Wang Z, Li J, Liao W (2020). Evolution characteristics of transtensional faults and their impacts on hydrocarbon migration and accumulation: a case study from the Huimin Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, eastern China. Mar Pet Geol, 120: 104507

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang G Z, Li S Z, Suo Y H, Zhang X Q, Zhang Z, Wang D Y, Liu Z, Liu Y J, Zhou J, Wang P C, Guo L L (2022). Deep-shallow coupling response of the Cenozoic Bohai Bay Basin to plate interactions around the Eurasian Plate. Gondwana Res, 102: 180–199

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang L, Maestrelli D, Corti G, Zou Y Y, Shen C B (2021). Normal fault reactivation during multiphase extension: analogue models and application to the Turkana depression, East Africa. Tectonophysics, 811: 228870

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weijermars R, Schmeling H (1986). Scaling of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid dynamics without inertia for quantitative modelling of rock flow due to gravity (including the concept of Theological similarity). Phys Earth Planet Inter, 43(4): 316–330

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu T J, Wu J (2019). Izanagi-Pacific ridge subduction revealed by a 56 to 46 Ma magmatic gap along the northeast Asian margin. Geology, 47(10): 953–957

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu Z P, Hou X B, Li W (2007). Disscussion on Mesozoic basin patterns and evolution in the eastern North China block. Geotectonica et Metallogenia, 31(4): 385–399 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu Z P, Hu Y, Zhong Z H (2015). Cenozoic faults characteristics and regional dynamic background of Panyu 4 subsag, Zhu I depression. J China U Petrol (Nat Sci Ed), 39(4): 1–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu Z P, Li W, Ren Y J, Lin C S (2003). Basin evolution in the Mesozoic and superposition of Cenozoic basin in the area of the Jiyang depression. Acta Geol Sin, 77(2): 280–286 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yan J J, Wang X P (1996). On identification of wrench structure. Oil Gas Geol, 17(1): 8–11 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ye H, Shedlock K M, Hellinger S J, Sclater J G (1985). The North China basin: an example of a Cenozoic rifted intraplate basin. Tectonics, 4(2): 153–169

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yi X L, Hou G T (2002). A study of intensity of the faults activity in Jiyang depression in Mesozoic and Cenozoic. Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Universitatis Pekinensis, 38(4): 504–509 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhan R, Yang G L, Zhang S, Zhu G (2012). Analysis on the origin of the composite flower structures in the Qingdong Sag. Geotectonica et Metallogenia, 36(4): 473–482 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang P, Wang L S, Ding Z Y, Zhong K (2006). Characteristics and formation mechanism of the faults in Mesozoic-Cenozoic in Jiyang Depression. Oil Gas Geol, 27(4): 467–474 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang W Z, Zhang Y Y, Zha M, Qu Z P, Yu J Q, Zhang L, He C (2019). Genetic model of transtensional faults in Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, and its controls over hydrocarbon accumulation. Oil Gas Geol, 40(2): 262–270 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao L, Li L (2016). The extensional pattern and dynamics of Bohai Bay basin in Late Mesozoic-Cenozoic. Geol China, 43(2): 470–485 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao L, Li L (2017). The relationships between normal fault and strikeslip fault in Jiyang depression. Geol Rev, 63(1): 50–60 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao Y J (2007). The research of basin structure and filling characteristics of Palaeogene in Dongying depression. Guangzhou, China: Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 34–73 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zheng D S, Wu Z P, Li W, Zhou Y Q (2005). Basin evolution in the Mesozoic and superposition of Cenozoic basin in the area of the Jiyang depression. Acta Geol Sin, 79(3): 386–394 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhong D L, Ding L, Ji J Q, Zhang J J, Liu F T, Liu J H, Yan X W (2001). Coupling of the lithospheric convergence of west China and dispersion of east China in Cenozoic: link with paleoenvironmental changes. Quat Sci, 21(4): 303–312 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu G, Liu C, Gu C C, Zhang S, Li Y J, Su N, Xiao S Y (2018). Oceanic plate subduction history in the western Pacific Ocean: constraint from late Mesozoic evolution of the Tan-Lu Fault Zone. Sci China Earth Sci, 61(4): 386–405

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu G, Liu G S, Niu M L, Song C Z, Wang D X (2003). Transcurrent movement and genesis of the Tan-Lu fault zone. Geol Bull China, 22(3): 200–207 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zong G H, Xiao H Q, Li C B, Shi Y S, Wang L S (1999). Evolution of Jiyang depression and its tectonic implications. Geol J China U, 5(3): 275–282 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the anonymous reviewers and editors for their constructive comments and corrections which helped improve the manuscript. Seismic data was provided by the Shengli Oil Company Ltd., Sinopec. Natural Science Foundation Project of Shandong Province (No. ZR2020MD036) and the This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 42072162 and 42072235).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Shandong Institute of Petroleum and Chemical Technology, Dongying, 257061, China

    Dawei Dong, Ruixiang Zhang & Jianlei Yang

  2. College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agriculture University, Tai’an, 271018, China

    Li Zhao

  3. Geophysical Research Institute of Shengli Oilfield Branch Company, SINOPEC, Dongying, 257022, China

    Weizhong Zhang

  4. Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development, Shengli Oilfield Company, SINOPEC, Dongying, 257000, China

    Jiyan Li

  5. College of Marine Geosciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China

    Guangzeng Wang

Authors
  1. Dawei Dong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Li Zhao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Weizhong Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jiyan Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Ruixiang Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jianlei Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Guangzeng Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Li Zhao.

Ethics declarations

Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Dong, D., Zhao, L., Zhang, W. et al. Deformation characteristics and analog modeling of transtensional structures in the Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. Front. Earth Sci. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-022-1062-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-022-1062-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation