Neogene-Quaternary strike-slip movement in Bohai Basin and its significance in petroleum exploration

Strike-slip structures in Bohai Basin are of significance in both petroleum exploration and the understanding of the Cenozoic Tanlu Fault movement and its geodynamics. Based on the interpretation of seismic data and the compilation of structural maps, the present paper studied the type and distribution of strike-slip fault systems in Bohai Basin, and discussed their formation dynamics and significance in petroleum geology. Strike-slip fault belts in Bohai Basin are dominated by en echelon normal-fault systems and synthetic shear-fault systems, with some antithetic shear-fault systems and secondary synthetic shear-fault systems occasionally. The assemblage of shear-fault systems indicated a right-handed wrenching action occurred in late Neogene-Quaternary. The formation of strike-slip systems was indicative of the reactivity of the Tanlu Fault, a result of the long-distance impact by the collision between the Indian and Euroasian plates. The strike-slip systems formed significant petroleum traps, thus, they are favorable areas for future petroleum exploration.