Restoration of the Denudation Volume in the Tankou Area Based on a Tectonic Strain Analysis
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Geological Background
3. Materials and Methods
3.1. Principles of Stratigraphic Denudation Restoration
3.1.1. Control Patterns of Structural Deformation Types on Sedimentary Thickness of Overlying Strata
3.1.2. Identification of Structural Deformation Characteristics and Locations in Denuded Areas
3.1.3. Procedures for Denuded Strata Restoration
3.2. Process of Stratigraphic Denudation Restoration
3.2.1. Main Line Profile AA′
- (1)
- Structural Strain Analysis
- (2)
- Restoration of Denuded Strata
3.2.2. Main Line BB′ Profile
- (1)
- Structural Strain Analysis
- (2)
- Restoration of Denuded Layers
3.2.3. Main Line CC′ Profile
- (1)
- Structural Strain Analysis
- (2)
- Restoration of Denuded Strata
3.2.4. Tie Line DD′ Profile
- (1)
- Structural Strain Analysis
- (2)
- Restoration of Denuded Layers
4. Results
5. Discussion
5.1. Fundamental Principles of Balanced Cross-Section Analysis
5.1.1. Fault Restoration Using Oblique Shear
5.1.2. Fold Restoration Using Oblique Shear
5.2. Ideas for Verifying the Accuracy of Results
5.3. Structural Inversion Results of the Two Methods
5.3.1. Results of Structural Inversion Based on Fault Characteristics
5.3.2. Results of Structural Inversion Based on Preservation of Stratigraphic Section Area
5.4. Analysis of the Reasonableness of the Deviation
6. Conclusions
- (1)
- At the end of the deposition of the Jinghezhen Formation, the combined effects of compressional forces and the upwelling of saline basement materials in the Tankou area jointly facilitated the formation of the Tankou uplift. This study clarifies the genetic mechanism of the high point of Tankou, providing critical references for subsequent research on hydrocarbon reservoir distribution and migration patterns in the deeper sections of the oilfield.
- (2)
- The tectonic strain-based denudation restoration method can perform stress–strain analysis in fault zones by integrating fault characteristics, residual strata, and lithological properties, thereby obtaining stratigraphic thickness variation patterns and tectonic morphological attributes of the target area. With only seismic data available, this method still achieves accurate denudation estimation and is applicable to both ductile and brittle formations. This approach significantly enhances feasibility for structural interpretation studies in both data-scarce new exploration areas and geologically complex mature fields, while avoiding the economic costs associated with extensive testing programmes.
- (3)
- We recommend comparing the structural inversion results obtained from MOVE software simulation with the denudation restoration data based on tectonic stress–strain analysis. Whether the deviations between them conform to the calculation principles of MOVE software, regional geological conditions, and geological theories can verify the credibility of the stratigraphic denudation restoration results. This study mainly restored the denudation amounts of five layers in the Lower Qian4 Member of the Tankou area. The minimum denudation of each layer is distributed on the steeper side of the residual strata, while the maximum denudation is located near the gentler part of the residual strata. During the depositional period, areas with greater denudation had larger depositional spaces and thicker sedimentary deposits compared to areas with less denudation. Therefore, residual strata in areas with greater denudation have higher potential for hydrocarbon accumulation, providing new insights for deeper exploration in the oilfield.
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Yang, H.; Li, T.; Chang, J. Restoration of the Denudation Volume in the Tankou Area Based on a Tectonic Strain Analysis. Processes 2025, 13, 1781. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13061781
Yang H, Li T, Chang J. Restoration of the Denudation Volume in the Tankou Area Based on a Tectonic Strain Analysis. Processes. 2025; 13(6):1781. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13061781
Chicago/Turabian StyleYang, Hao, Tao Li, and Junjie Chang. 2025. "Restoration of the Denudation Volume in the Tankou Area Based on a Tectonic Strain Analysis" Processes 13, no. 6: 1781. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13061781
APA StyleYang, H., Li, T., & Chang, J. (2025). Restoration of the Denudation Volume in the Tankou Area Based on a Tectonic Strain Analysis. Processes, 13(6), 1781. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13061781