China Petroleum Exploration ›› 2016, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (6): 26-33.

• PETROLEUM GEOLOGY • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Characteristics and geological significance of structural patterns in Northwest Sichuan Basin

Wang Nai1,2, Wei Guoqi2, Yang Wei2, Wang Xiujiao2   

  1. 1 PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development
    2 Langfang Branch of PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development
  • Online:2016-11-10 Published:2016-11-10

Abstract: In the Northwest Sichuan Basin, there is a great variety of structural patterns with complicated structural characteristics formed as a result of structural movements during multiple stages, which are significant for petroleum exploration. In this paper, the seismic, logging and outcrop data of the Northwest Sichuan Basin were analyzed comprehensively. The results show that the major structural patterns include superposed basement thrust and sliding-nappe structure, imbricate fan thrust fault, fault-related fold, back-thrust fault and anticline. Considering the time that the structural patterns were formed, three structural deformation stages can be identified, i.e. the thrust-nappe stage during the Indosinian period, the thrust-nappe stage during the Yanshanian period, and the thrust-nappe–sliding-nappe stage during the Himalayan period. Among these structural patterns, the fault-related fold and high & steep anticline may form structural and lithologic traps, and they are targets in current exploration. The structural triangle belt composed by back-thrust faults may also form structural and lithologic traps, serving as potential favorable exploration targets.

Key words: Northwest Sichuan Basin, structural pattern, Longmenshan, petroleum exploration, geological significance