Oil & Gas Geology ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (1): 167-177.doi: 10.11743/ogg20250112

• Petroleum Geology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Segmented differential deformation of inverted anticlines and its significance on hydrocarbon accumulation in the Ningbo structural zone, Xihu Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin

Xianjun TANG1(), Honghao ZHU1, Ning LI1, Yixin YU2,3(), Rongquan ZHONG1, Lang YU2,3   

  1. 1.Research Institute of Shanghai Branch of CNOOC (China) Limited,Shanghai 200335,China
    2.State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering,China University of Petroleum (Beijing),Beijing 102249,China
    3.College of Geosciences,China University of Petroleum (Beijing),Beijing 102249,China
  • Received:2024-05-20 Revised:2024-07-24 Online:2025-02-28 Published:2025-03-03
  • Contact: Yixin YU E-mail:tangxj4@cnooc.com.cn;yuxin0707@163.com

Abstract:

The Y-shaped anticline, situated in the Ningbo structural zone, Xihu Sag, has emerged as a focal point in hydrocarbon exploration and assessment in the East China Sea Shelf Basin in recent years. However, the dominant factors controlling the differential hydrocarbon accumulation and favorable exploration targets in this anticline are yet to be clarified. Through fine structural analysis, we investigate the segmented differential deformation of the Y-shaped anticline and controlling factors, as well as its significance on hydrocarbon accumulation. The results indicate that the Y-shaped anticline can be divided into southern, central, and northern segments based on the differences in structural morphology. The secondary anticlines in these segments are governed by various inverted faults, with the central segment exhibiting the most significant compressional uplift. The main factors controlling the differential deformation in the southern and northern segments include regional compressive stress, differences in pre-existing sub-sag-controlling faults, and localized stress concentration induced by rigid basement. In contrast, the central segment experienced uplift overall driven by intense compression and contraction. Consequently, the originally separated secondary anticlines in the southern and northern segments underwent deformation, eventually forming a large anticlinorium featuring disparities in the southern and northern parts. The differential deformation of the southern and northern segments, coupled with the multistage superimposed deformation, results in differential hydrocarbon accumulation in different parts of the Y-shaped anticline. It can be concluded from these findings that the Huagang and Longjing formations contain multiple favorable exploration targets, which will be of great help to gas exploration in the Xihu Sag.

Key words: segmentation, differential deformation, differential hydrocarbon accumulation, inverted anticline, Ningbo structural zone, Xihu Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin

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