Tectonic Evolution in the South of the South China Sea and Its Control Factors of Hydrocarbon Accumulation

Yiping Wu, Lunkun Wan, Zhifeng Ji, Zhixin Wen, Zhi Li, Zhaoming Wang, Zong’an Xue, Zi Yang

Ekoloji, 2018, Issue 106, Pages: 485-494, Article No: e106049

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Abstract

In this paper tectonic evolution of the South of the South China Sea and its Peripheral and its control factors of hydrocarbon accumulation are put forward. The study area has suffered from 5 strong tectonic activities and developed twelve major basins developed. Four geological division presents different features: Western strike-slip shear zone generally underwent three-phase movements, including stretching, squeezing and thermal subsidence; Southern foreland compressive belt experienced three-phase evolutions, including foreland depression, strike-slip and regional subsidence; Southeast back-arc subsidence belt experienced tension, passive sedimentation and extrusion deformation; Southeast fore-arc subduction belt is chartered by a typical groove depression. Twelve basins contain remaining 2P reserves of 37.9 billion barrels of oil equivalent, undiscovered resources of 45.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Hydrocarbon mainly enriches in 4 basins. Controlling factors of hydrocarbon accumulation include the following: Extensional structures promoted rapid hydrocarbon generation from organic matter; Tectonic cycles controlled high-quality Neogene reservoirs; Hydrocarbon accumulations are easy to take place in anticlines and faulted anticlines associated to syngenetic faults; Well combination of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion with traps created large oil and gas fields. The result would be of great significance for hydrocarbon exploration.

Keywords

tectonic division, rift period, control factor, matching of migration and accumulation, South China Sea

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