Feature of faults system and the influence on the tectonic and sedimentary history of Baiyun Sag

Abstract:

AAnalyses of the seismic data from the Baiyun Sag in the Pearl River Mouth Basin of Northern South China Sea indicate that fault systems mainly developed since the Eocene, showing tensional or transtensional features during various time intervals. Three fault groups are dominated: NWW, nearly EW and NE. Based on their lateral distribution and form, the faults could be divided into three combinations of parallel, echelon and dendritic types. These faults had played a critical role in the tectonic evolution and deposition process in the Baiyun Sag, and four stages of faulting activities can be identified: strongly active period (Tg-T8), reduced active period (T8-T6), stable period (T6-T2), and re-active period (T2-T1).