南海北部陆缘东、西部新生代沉积盆地基底特征对比分析

本文通过对南海北部大陆边缘东、西部新生代沉积盆地基底岩性特征、基底构造格局、地壳结构和基底沉降结构等方面的论述,分析了北部陆缘东西部的地质差异,探讨了这些差异产生的原因。认为南海北部陆缘东西部新生代沉积盆地发育于不同的构造单元上,在形成演化过程中,基底具有不同的沉降结构和构造活动性,而地壳结构的明显差异,揭示了东、西部沉积盆地形成内因的差异,东部盆地发育于拉张减薄的陆壳之上,并伴有地幔隆起与地壳的上拱作用,西部盆地则主要以地壳的裂陷作用为主。     

被动大陆边缘张-破裂过程与岩浆活动:南海的归属

岩浆在被动大陆边缘的张-破裂过程中起到决定性作用.南海东北部陆缘发育厚度达10 km的下地壳高速体,其成因机制长期存在争议,影响了对南海东北部陆缘构造归属的界定.为了分析南海共轭陆缘的张破裂机制,本文调研了国内外最新研究进展,系统分析了南海南北陆缘的地壳结构和岩浆活动特点,提出:南海陆缘和海盆中发育有大量岩浆活动,但东西陆缘存在较大差异,底侵高速体东厚西薄,推测为同张裂成因.根据地壳结构与底侵岩浆的量,将被动陆缘划分为5个子类,南海陆缘东侧为多岩浆型,向西变为少岩浆型.东西差异除与伸展速率有关,可能还与东侧陆缘发生了板缘破裂,而西侧陆缘发生了板内破裂有关.      

张裂陆缘地壳结构特征与张裂模式

张裂陆缘作为威尔逊旋回中关键的一环,是研究地球板块构造及其演化过程的重要构造单元.本文阐述了3种类型张裂陆缘(富岩浆型、贫岩浆型和中间型)的地壳结构特征,总结了它们的演化过程与机制,分析表明构造作用、岩浆活动程度、先存结构等是形成不同类型张裂陆缘的主要控制因素.针对南海北部陆缘复杂的构造属性与演化机制问题,提出了今后重点研究方向:南海北部陆缘是否同时具有贫岩浆型与富岩浆型的部分特征;南海北部陆缘丰富的岩浆活动与蛇纹石化地幔剥露能否共存.在南海北部陆缘同时开展三维深地震探测、物理模拟和数值模拟几种手段联合研究,相互约束,共同验证,是建立科学可信的张裂-破裂机制地质模型的必要途径.      

南海北部洋-陆过渡带深部结构与岩石圈破裂过程

洋-陆过渡带是理解大陆岩石圈破裂和海底初始扩张的关键位置,但是在南海北部地区仍然存在关于相关地质过程的诸多疑问.通过近年开展的国际大洋发现计划航次以及深部地质地球物理探测,取得以下4个方面的认识.（1）南海北部的洋-陆边界一般与自由空间重力异常的正-负值过渡位置对应,而更加准确地限定需要结合反射、折射地震资料.稳定大洋岩石圈生成与大陆岩石圈最终破裂之间的洋-陆过渡边界的位置比以往认为的还应往深海盆方向移动.（2）洋-陆过渡带代表了远端带构造作用减弱和岩浆作用逐渐增强的区域.陆坡地壳发育扩张后岩浆底侵、洋-陆过渡带发育同破裂期岩浆喷出结构和侵入反射体.（3）在中生代的古俯冲带弧前区域,新生代的断裂沿着早期的构造开始活动,岩石圈多处发生强烈的共轭韧性剪切作用.随着大陆岩石圈的进一步拉伸减薄,部分靠陆一侧的裂谷中心停止张裂,成为夭折裂谷,以台西南盆地南部凹陷、白云凹陷、西沙海槽为代表,而南海陆缘异常伸展和最终破裂的地方集中在南侧裂谷中心.夭折裂谷下亦发现地幔蛇纹石化,进一步反映了较弱的同破裂岩浆活动.（4）南海初始洋壳的增生沿着大陆边缘走向具有显著的变化,南海东北部洋-陆过渡带下伏地幔明显抬升和部分蛇纹石化,地震纵、横波速度以及折射波衰减特征都支持此观点,反映南海东北部是一个贫岩浆型大陆边缘.未来,南海北部洋-陆过渡带有望成为南海“莫霍钻”的理想备选钻探区.      

南海北部陆缘超伸展区白云凹陷断陷结构演化与岩浆作用

断陷盆地的结构-构造主要受控于边界断层的构造作用,但是在盆地发育过程中有不同程度的岩浆作用发生时,断陷结构会受到显著的改造和影响.通过对位于南海北部陆缘超伸展区的珠江口盆地白云凹陷断陷结构差异演化特征的描述和分析,探讨陆缘伸展过程中岩浆作用的参与程度对洼陷结构样式和断陷构造-地层-沉积演化的影响.研究表明,白云凹陷主洼强烈伸展期间,岩浆作用不明显,上地壳发生脆性断裂,中下地壳则发生韧性伸展薄化,产生了壳幔拆离断层控制的宽深断陷,构造作用即地壳伸展拆离薄化作用是断陷发育的主要机制;然而,白云凹陷东部洼陷在经历了早期的脆性破裂之后,随即发生了显著的岩浆上涌作用,改变了上地壳的结构强度,脆-韧性转换面上移,产生了上地壳拆离断层控制的宽浅断陷,断陷结构受岩浆上涌作用的改造而表现出坡坪式拆离断层控制的半地堑系,沉积中心发生规律性迁移,构造-岩浆作用是断陷发育的机制.白云凹陷主洼与白云凹陷东部洼陷中岩浆作用参与程度的不同,不仅导致了洼陷结构样式及其演变过程的不同,而且断陷中的沉积充填体系也表现出显著的差异.构成白云凹陷主洼的宽深断陷中发育了巨厚的中晚始新世上文昌组-恩平组,在北部缓坡和南部深洼区,这套地层依次由大型三角洲体系和深湖相沉积体系构成;白云凹陷的东部洼陷则受岩浆上涌改造,发育多隆凹结构的宽浅断陷,形成多个小物源供源的小型三角洲-浅湖沉积体系,而且沉积物中富含火山碎屑.研究成果对于白云凹陷成盆机制的研究意义重大,同时对该凹陷的油气勘探亦具有重要的实际应用价值.      

南海北部深水区靖海凹陷结构和构造演化分析

靖海凹陷为南海北部深水区油气勘探的重点盆地之一,系统深入研究盆地结构特征及演化过程有助于深化对南海北部深水盆地的认识,为深水油气勘探提供新思路。本次研究以靖海凹陷2D地震资料的地质构造解释为基础,描述新发现的拆离断层的几何学特征,对比靖海凹陷东、西部结构样式差异性;通过沉降史模拟结果和典型拆离断层生长发育过程分析,恢复了靖海凹陷自新生代以来的沉降和构造演化过程;结合研究区深部资料与国外深水盆地最新研究进展,探讨了盆地结构和构造演化过程与南海北部陆缘地壳和岩石圈的伸展、减薄以及破裂作用的关系。研究结果表明,靖海凹陷东部与西部的盆地结构样式存在差异性,西部发育大型拆离断层及其所控制的拆离盆地系统,东部则呈现为由多个简单的南断北超的半地堑盆地所构成的复式地堑结构。盆地的构造演化划分为断陷期和坳陷期,其中断陷又可细分为断陷Ⅰ幕和断陷Ⅱ幕。盆地断陷Ⅰ幕对应于南海北部陆缘伸展阶段,高角度断层普遍发育;盆地断陷Ⅱ幕对应于南海北部陆缘减薄阶段—剥露阶段,拆离断层发育;当南海北部岩石圈完全破裂之后,盆地进入到坳陷期。     

珠江口盆地浅水陆架区拆离断陷的构造变形与沉积充填响应:以恩平凹陷为例

珠江口盆地新生代发育跨越浅水区至深水区、多类型的拆离断陷,其中浅水陆架区拆离断陷是探究拆离构造变形与沉积充填响应的重要窗口.基于地震资料和钻井资料详细解析,对恩平凹陷低角度拆离断层特征进行了研究,探讨了拆离构造变形的控制因素、变形过程和沉积充填响应机制.研究表明,恩平凹陷低角度边界正断层为壳间拆离断层,长度约50 km,倾角平均17.5°,断面最深达中下地壳,裂陷期经历了中低角度到低角度的转变.拆离断层形成于中生代先存逆冲断层基础之上,与中下地壳韧性剪切穹隆和边界调节性走滑断裂相伴生,联合控制形成均衡深拆离、前展式宽拆离和迁移型复式拆离3种凹陷结构类型.垂向上可划分出三期裂陷幕,因差异构造变形而具有不同的沉积充填响应:（1）早文昌期均一裂陷幕,快速的裂陷沉降发育于先存逆冲断层弱面,形成具厚层中深湖的均一窄深箕状半地堑;（2）晚文昌期拆离伸展幕,凹陷受差异构造变形而发育成东、西沉积充填差异化的宽浅断陷,西部韧性剪切穹隆弱隆升与边界走滑断层强走滑控制了恩平17洼自迁移型中深湖和大型辫状河三角洲-重力流沉积,而东部韧性剪切穹隆强隆升控制了恩平12-18洼沉积中心跳跃式异迁移的沉积充填,过渡带发育大型走向斜坡扇三角洲;（3）恩平期拆离-断拗联控幕,构造变形由简单剪切向纯剪切转变,沉积向外流水系主导的浅水辫状河三角洲-浅湖相充填转变.低角度拆离断陷具有与高角度脆性断陷不同的构造变形和沉积充填响应,烃源岩与砂岩储层的时空分布非均质性强.研究成果对恩平凹陷的烃源岩和深部储层预测,以及南海北部陆缘同类拆离断陷的构造-沉积充填研究具有良好的指导意义.      

西沙地块构造—地层特征及其记录的南海洋盆演化过程

西沙地块是南海岩石圈地壳拉伸减薄过程中发育于深水区的陆块,其保存了陆缘演化的重要信息。文章研究以西沙地块作为研究对象,基于研究区地质和地球物理资料,开展了地壳结构、盆地构造—地层分析和断层活动特征等研究。研究发现,西沙地块与其周缘的凹陷地壳结构具有显著的差异,西沙地块地壳厚度较大,发育了高角度断层控制的小型断陷盆地,基底断层活动一直可持续到T60地震界面发育时（~23 Ma）;而西沙地块周缘发育的是规模较大的拆离断层及其控制的强烈减薄陆壳。结合区域动力学事件,研究认为渐新世早期拆离断层在南海西北次海盆的活动导致了西沙地块北部的岩石圈地壳的减薄,而中新世早期拆离断层在南海西南次海盆构造位置的活动使西沙地块与南沙地块分离。文章研究成果不仅深化了西沙地块裂解规律的认识,而且对该区的油气勘探具有启示意义。     

南海西南次海盆构造特征及其沉积响应

本文对穿过南海西南次海盆的逾1000 km的多道地震测线CFT剖面进行了地震界面特征的识别和地震层序的划分,分段分析了拆离断层对其减薄陆壳的拆离作用。结合前人研究成果,对南海西南次海盆地壳结构特征开展了分析,并总结了其构造特征。西南次海盆在发生陆缘张裂—海盆扩张、洋壳出现—扩张后稳定沉积这一系列过程中,可划分为4个阶段的沉积响应：A阶段(古新世之前)——前裂谷阶段,表现为地壳在拉张应力下产生小的断层;B阶段（始新世—早渐新世）——陆缘的裂谷阶段,地壳在拉张应力下拉张减薄,A阶段产生的断层出现了旋转,出现了大型掀斜的拆离断层,沉积物为同裂谷沉积,该阶段以产生了破裂不整合结束;C阶段（晚渐新世—早中新世）——海盆扩张阶段,海盆开始扩张,张应力从陆缘转移到了洋盆;D阶段（中中新世以来）——海盆扩张结束以后,以一套稳定沉积为特征。     

南海北部陆缘地壳结构特征及其构造过程

根据“北部湾大陆缘地壳结构ＰＳ转换波测深”等地球物理测量结果,本文研究了南海北部陆缘的地壳结构特征,讨论了其白垩纪以来的构造过程。地球物理测量表明,由陆向海,南海北部陆缘地壳由陆壳、过渡壳变为洋壳,厚度由３４ｋｍ减薄至８ｋｍ左右。垂向上地壳为３层结构模式。陆壳、过渡壳和洋壳的下地壳Ｐ波速度普遍较高。地壳伸展系数的计算表明南海北部陆缘伸展主要发育于陆坡地区。结合区域地质研究,本文认为：南海北部陆缘及     

Control of rheological stratification on rifting geometry: a symmetric model resolving the upper plate paradox

Numerical experiments reproduce the fundamental architecture of magma-poor rifted margins such as the Iberian or Alpine margins if the lithosphere has a weak mid-crustal channel on top of strong lower crust and a horizontal thermal weakness in the rift center. During model extension, the upper crust undergoes distributed collapse into the rift center where the thermally weakened portion of the model tears. Among the features reproduced by the modeling, we observe: (1) an array of tilted upper-crustal blocks resting directly on exhumed mantle at the distal margin, (2) consistently oceanward-dipping normal faults, (3) a mid-crustal high strain zone at the base of the crustal blocks (S-reflector), (4) new ocean floor up against a low angle normal fault at the tip of the continent, (5) shear zones consistent with continentward-dipping reflectors in the mantle lithosphere, (6) the mismatch frequently observed between stretching values inferred from surface extension and bulk crustal thinning at distal margins (upper plate paradox). Rifting in the experiment is symmetric at a lithospheric scale and the above features develop on both sides of the rift center. We discuss three controversial points in more detail: (1) weak versus strong lower crust, (2) the deformation pattern in the mantle, and (3) the significance of detachment faults during continental breakup. We argue that the transition from wide rifting towards narrow rifting with a pronounced polarity towards the rift center is associated with the advective growth of a thermal perturbation in the mantle lithosphere.     

Defining diagnostic criteria to describe the role of rift inheritance in collisional orogens: the case of the Err-Platta nappes (Switzerland)

It is commonly accepted that collisional orogens involve the reactivation of former rifted margins. While it remains debated how rift inheritance can be identified and how it controls the architecture of orogens this case study analyses the importance of rift-inheritance during reactivation of a passive margin. The study analyses complex, non-layer cake rift structures within the well-exposed Err and Platta nappes (SE Switzerland), representing the former distal Adriatic margin of the Alpine Tethys. Diagnostic criteria for rift inheritance include: (1) typical fault rocks with a mantle derived fluid signature, and (2) tectono-sedimentary breccias made of reworked exhumed basement and grading upwards into late syn- and post-rift sediments. Based on the study of “recognisable” features, a methodology is etablished, which enables to (1) map rift-related detachment faults and (2) to analyse their role during reactivation and formation of a thrust stack. First, second and third order thrust systems are defined. First order thrust systems juxtapose different rift domains (proximal, necking, and distal). Second order systems are dominantly made up of basement sheets sampling the former footwall of an extensional detachment fault. Third order systems mainly consist of the former hanging wall of an extensional detachment fault. A major result of this study is that thrust faults commonly reactivate former extensional detachment faults, especially in the exhumed mantle domain (Platta nappe), while in the hyperextended domain (Err nappe) reactivation of rift-inherited structures is more complex and often incomplete. The results of this study may help to better identify remnants of former distal margins and to define and analyse their complex stacking patterns observed in many internal parts of collisional orogens.     

How can asymmetric detachment faults generate symmetric Ocean Continent Transitions?

Asymmetry or symmetry of magma‐poor rifted margins refers commonly to the crustal architecture and the occurrence or absence of large‐scale extensional detachment faults. While distal parts of magma‐poor rifted margins are often considered to be asymmetric, the observation of downlapping sedimentary sequences over exhumed mantle domains at conjugate margins suggests a symmetric evolution during mantle exhumation. On the basis of seismic observations along the Iberia–Newfoundland and Australia–Antarctica margins, we propose that their most distal parts show evidence for the development of multiple, out‐of‐sequence asymmetric detachment faults. We present evidence for cyclic delocalization and re‐localization of deformation, resulting in an apparent symmetry of the exhumed mantle domain. The interaction between out‐of‐sequence detachment systems and the successive rise of the asthenosphere may explain the observed transition from fault‐controlled to magma‐controlled strain accommodation and the transition to more symmetric and localized accretion associated with the formation of a stable spreading center.     

Magmatism at continental passive margins inferred from Ambient‐Noise Phase‐velocity in the Gulf of Aden

Non‐volcanic continental passive margins have traditionally been considered to be tectonically and magmatically inactive once continental breakup has occurred and seafloor spreading has commenced. We use ambient‐noise tomography to constrain Rayleigh‐wave phase‐velocity maps beneath the eastern Gulf of Aden (eastern Yemen and southern Oman). In the crust, we image low velocities beneath the Jiza‐Qamar (Yemen) and Ashawq‐Salalah (Oman) basins, likely caused by the presence of partial melt associated with magmatic plumbing systems beneath the rifted margin. Our results provide strong evidence that magma intrusion persists after breakup, modifying the composition and thermal structure of the continental margin. The coincidence between zones of crustal intrusion and steep gradients in lithospheric thinning, as well as with transform faults, suggests that magmatism post‐breakup may be driven by small‐scale convection and enhanced by edge‐driven flow at the juxtaposition of lithosphere of varying thickness and thermal age.     

Rheological controls on extensional styles and the structural evolution of the Northern Carnarvon Basin,North West Shelf,Australia

The extensional architecture of the Northern Carnarvon Basin can be explained in terms of changes in lithospheric rheology during multiphase extension and lower crustal flow. Low‐angle detachments, while playing a minor role, are not considered to have been the primary mechanism for extension as suggested in previous models. Early extension (Cambrian‐Ordovician) in the Northern Carnarvon Basin is characterised by low‐angle detachment structures of limited regional extent. These structures have a spatial association with a Proterozoic mobile belt on the margin of the Pilbara Craton. Thermo‐mechanical conditions in the mobile belt may have predisposed the highly deformed crust to thin‐skinned extension and detachment development. Permo‐Carboniferous extension generated an extensive wide rift basin, suggesting ductile rheologies associated with intermediate lithospheric temperatures and crustal thickness. Thick Upper Permian to Upper Triassic post‐rift sequences and marked thinning of the lower crust occurred in association with only a small amount of extension in the upper crust. This observation can be reconciled by considering outward lower crustal flow, from beneath the basin towards the basin margin, following extension. Strong mid‐crustal reflectors, which occur over large areas of the Northern Carnarvon Basin, probably represent a boundary between flow and non‐flow regimes rather than detachment fault surfaces as in previous models. Crustal thinning and thermal decay following Permo‐Carboniferous extension contributed to the increased strength and brittle behaviour of the lithosphere. Consequently, Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous extension resulted in the development of far more localised narrow rift systems on the margins of the preceding wide rift basin. Diapiric intrusions are associated with the narrow rift basin development, resulting from either remobilisation of ductile lower crustal rock or the initial formation of sea‐floor spreading centres.     

Seismic reflectivity of detachment faults of the Iberian and Tethyan distal continental margins based on geological and petrophysical data

Low-angle detachment faults are key to our understanding of the tectonic evolution of magma-poor rifted continental margins. In seismic images of present-day rifted margins the identification and interpretation of such features is, however, notoriously difficult and ambiguous. We address this problem by studying the structure and seismic response of such faults through a synoptic interpretation of petrophysical data and geological evidence from the distal segments of the present-day West Iberian and the ancient Tethyan margins. On the basis of the geologically well-constrained remnants of the Tethyan margins, which are spectacularly preserved and exposed in the Alps of Eastern Switzerland, vertical profiles at four key geological settings of a typical magma-poor rifted margin are constructed and their synthetic seismic responses are compared to the observed seismic data from corresponding locations in the present-day Iberian margin. The seismic structure of these profiles is considered as the sum of deterministic large-scale and the stochastic small-scale components. Both components are analyzed for all pertinent lithologies. The large-scale structures are derived from laboratory measurements on samples from both, the West Iberian and Tethyan margins, whereas the small-scale fluctuations are constrained predominantly on the basis of well-log data from the Iberian margin. Different realizations of the simulated stochastic small-scale velocity fluctuations illustrate the potential variability of impedance contrasts and its impact on the seismic response from lithological interfaces and fault structures. Our results indicate that the nature of the seismic response from low-angle detachment faults is largely determined through the fracture-healing behavior of the surrounding rocks. Geological evidence from the exposed fragments of the Tethyan margins indicate that fracture-healing is generally well developed in crustal lithologies, but largely absent in mantle lithologies. It is for this reason that low-angle, intra-crustal detachment faults tend to be seismically undetectable. Conversely, crust–mantle detachments have a complex and variable seismic response, depending on the nature of the damaged zone and on the frequency content of the seismic data. These model-based inferences are consistent with the available evidence from the present-day Iberian passive margin and thus open new perspectives for the interpretation of the corresponding seismic images.     

珠江口盆地白云凹陷新生代构造演化动力学

白云凹陷构造演化史的研究对在白云凹陷开展油气勘探和深水沉积研究具有重要的意义。通过对断裂与沉积结构平面和剖面特点的分析,结合岩浆活动特点,文中提出白云凹陷是一个复式地堑,推测这种结构特点与凹陷下地壳的强烈韧性减薄和颈缩变形有关,表现为热岩石圈的伸展。其发育机制推测与白云凹陷位于构造转换带上有关,特殊的构造位置使白云凹陷成为强烈构造变形区,岩石圈地壳强烈减薄,伴随伸展过程和地幔上涌,脆性地壳或上地幔中部分熔融物质的出现导致岩石圈强度的急剧降低,在区域伸展应力场下以韧性流变方式减薄。岩浆在构造转换带下聚集并发育主岩浆房,由于白云凹陷南北边缘没有发育正断裂系统,岩浆主要沿垂直伸展的方向运移,因此在珠琼运动一幕和二幕南南东向伸展应力作用下,岩浆向白云凹陷的东部和西部运移至北西向基底深大断裂处,那里由于北西向断裂表现为左行张剪性质而成为压力较低的地区,从而成为岩浆上涌和侵位的地方。在岩浆聚集的地区,活动岩浆体附近的脆性变形被分散的韧性变形所取代,因此在凹陷的东北和西南两个角上,发育了张性和张剪性小断裂群,由于热岩石圈弹性较差,白云凹陷长期持续沉降。白云凹陷的断裂活动和沉积演化史还受到南海海盆扩张活动的影响。