Academic Journal of Engineering and Technology Science, 2023, 6(12); doi: 10.25236/AJETS.2023.061205.
Zheng Jinbin1,2
1School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi’an, China
2Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Petroleum Accumulation Geology, Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi’an, China
The slope belts are widely distributed, and basin slope belts play a crucial role in studying the geological movements, tectonic evolution, and fracture combinations within basins. The investigation of the morphology of basin slope belts contributes to a better understanding of the structural characteristics and geological features within basins. This paper employs the Discrete Element Method (DEM) numerical simulation to study the influence of different morphologies of basin slope belts on the development of secondary faults during extensional movements. Simulation results indicate: During the extension process, secondary faults tend to develop in the hanging wall strata controlled by the basin slope belt and above the location where the slope of the basin slope belt changes. Under the influence of shovel-shaped slope belts, the developed secondary faults exhibit different orientations. In contrast, under the influence of ramp-flat slope belts, the developed secondary faults mostly share the same orientation. Ultimately, the comparison of the discrete element simulation results with the east-west profiles of the Xinzhen structure in the Dongying Depression adds practical significance to the simulation.
Discrete Element Simulation; Fault; Extensional Movement; Basin Slope Zone
Zheng Jinbin. Discrete Element Simulation of the Influence of Basin Slope Zone Morphology on the Development of Secondary Faults during Extensional Movements. Academic Journal of Engineering and Technology Science (2023) Vol. 6, Issue 12: 31-38. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJETS.2023.061205.
[1] Zhao, C., HOBBS, B., E., ROBERT, P., A, & HORNBY, et al. (2007). Phenomenological modelling of crack generation in brittle crustal rocks using the particle simulation method – science direct. Journal of Structural Geology, 29(6), 1034-1048.
[2] Strayer, L. M., & Suppe, J. (2002). Out-of-plane motion of a thrust sheet during along-strike propagation of a thrust ramp: a distinct-element approach. , 24(4), 637-650.
[3] Strayer, L. M., Erickson, S. G., & Suppe, J. (2004). Influence of Growth Strata on the Evolution of Fault-related Folds— Distinct-element Models.
[4] Hughes, A. N., Benesh, N. P., & Shaw, J. H. (2014). Factors that control the development of fault-bend versus fault-propagation folds: insights from mechanical models based on the discrete element method (dem). Journal of Structural Geology, 68, 121-141.
[5] Zhang, J., Morgan, J. K., Gray, G. G., Harkins, N. W., Sanz, P. F., & Chikichev, I. (2013). Comparative FEM and DEM modeling of basement-involved thrust structures, with application to Sheep Mountain, Greybull area, Wyoming. Tectonophysics, 608, 408-417.
[6] Wang, Z. Y., Chen, S. P., Wu, G., Cao, M. L., Xue, B., & Zhao, H. B. (2021). Main controlling factors of the faults development in Xinzhen Structure and its adjacent area of Dongying Sag and their reservior controlling effects. Petroleum Geology & Oilfield Development in Daqing, (02), 42-49.
[7] Qiu, X. M., Chen, W., Li, H. Y., & Duan, H. L. (2023). Strike-slip structures and hydrocarbon accumulation in complex fault blocks in Subei Basin. Petroleum Geology & Experiment, (03), 393-401.