China Petroleum Exploration ›› 2016, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (2): 37-44.

• PETROLEUM GEOLOGY • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Control of tectonic cycle in South China Sea over hydrocarbon accumulation in the Zengmu Basin

Liu Shixiang, Zhang Gongcheng, Zhao Zhigang, Xie Xiaojun, Wang Long, Song Shuang, Guo Jia, Wang Shenglan, Bi Yankun, Wang Yibo   

  1. CNOOC Research Center
  • Online:2016-03-16 Published:2016-03-16

Abstract: The Zengmu Basin was formed gradually with the evolution of tectonic cycle in South China Sea. Since Cenozoic, it has undergone three major structural evolution stages, i.e., foreland fault depression in Eocene to Early Miocene, strike-slip transformation in Middle Miocene and regional subsidence in Late Miocene to present. The tectonic cycle in South China Sea has controlled the structural evolution of the Zengmu Basin and also the hydrocarbon accumulation conditions. Besides, it plays an important role in the generation and accumulation of hydrocarbons. Foreland fault depression is the major factor controlling the development of principal source rocks in this basin and the formation of sandstone reservoirs and structural traps at the southern flank of this basin. At the stage of foreland fault depression, delta coal source rocks and terrigenous marine source rocks were generated. At the stage of strike-slip transformation, carbonate reservoirs and carbonate formation were formed in central-northern area of this basin. The formation and distribution of regional caprocks in this basin have been dominated by the regional subsidence since Late Miocene.

Key words: tectonic cycle in South China Sea, Zengmu Basin, structural evolution, hydrocarbon accumulation