南沙地块东南陆缘挠曲构造变形特征及成因机制

Characteristics and genesis mechanisms of flexural tectonic deformation along the southeastern margin of the Nansha Block

  • 摘要: 南沙地块位于南海南部陆缘,其形成演化经历了古南海的俯冲消亡和现今南海的扩张,其东南缘的挠曲变形对于理解南海的演变过程至关重要。本研究利用该区4口最新钻井资料和3条NW-SE走向的多道地震剖面,自NE向SW分别为13nh0004、Das-3、ns93-10,剖面总长约1 000 km,开展了系统的构造-地层解释、断层位移量化、盆地沉降速率计算、挠曲变形分析等,探讨了这些构造参数的时空差异及成因机制。结果表明,区域主要包括3个不整合面,自下而上为ROU、BU、RU,并将地块东南缘的挠曲前隆区划分为3个构造演化阶段:同裂谷期(65 Ma至27~28 Ma,ROU—BU)为NW向铲状正断层控制的半地堑结构,断块掀斜程度由NE向SW减弱,Das-3测线断裂在该期终止于BU界面;漂移期(27~28 Ma至15.2 Ma,BU—RU)以断拗作用为主,13nh0004和ns93-10测线以RU为断裂终止面,多为新生次级正断层和控凹断层活化;后漂移期(15.2~0 Ma,RU—SB)为稳定披覆沉积。断裂活动强度自同裂谷期向后漂移期锐减(最大垂直断距由2750.02 m降至718.44 m),空间上自NE向SW减小。构造沉降速率在漂移期多为负值(−3.77~−1.48 m/Ma),后漂移期平均构造沉降速率显著增至85 m/Ma,且拟合曲线呈典型挠曲形态。各测线的差异挠曲形态与地震解释和断层位移量变化一致,表明挠曲变形主要形成于中中新世板片俯冲所诱发的岩石圈挠曲。挠曲变形强度由NE至SW表现出“两端强、中部弱”的空间差异特征,结合区域构造背景与南海构造演化过程,推测东北部挠曲变形主要受古南海洋壳俯冲引起的板片拖曳力控制,西南部则受南沙地块与婆罗洲碰撞产生的构造加载作用主导,中部为两种动力耦合弱化带。

     

    Abstract: Located along the southern continental margin of the South China Sea, the Nansha Block has experienced a complex tectonic evolution involving the subduction and demise of the Proto-South China Sea and the subsequent spreading of the South China Sea. The flexural deformation along its southeastern margin is crucial for understanding the evolutionary processes of the South China Sea. We integrated stratigraphic and structural interpretations from four new wells and three NW-SE–oriented multichannel seismic profiles: 13nh0004, Das-3, and ns93-10 from NE to SW, in total length of 1000 km. Combined with quantitative fault displacement analysis, tectonic subsidence rates calculation, and flexural deformation assessment, we investigated the spatiotemporal variations and mechanisms of flexural deformation. Three unconformities (ROU: rift onset unconformity; BU: breakup unconformity; RU: red unconformity) were recognized, representing three stages of flexural forebulge evolution. During the syn-rift stage (65 Ma to 27~28 Ma, ROU–BU), deformation was dominated by NW-trending listric normal faults forming half-graben structures, and the fault-block tilting decreased from NE to SW. Most faults on Das-3 terminate at BU. The drift stage (27~28 Ma to 15.2 Ma, BU–RU) was marked by fault-controlled sagging, with 13nh0004 and ns93-10 faults mainly ending at RU, including newly formed secondary and reactivated bounding faults. The post-drift stage (15.2~0 Ma, RU–SB) features stable draping sedimentation. Fault activity decreased markedly from the syn-rift to the post-drift stage, during which the maximum vertical displacement decreased from 2750.02 m to 718.44 m; and spatially diminished from NE to SE. Drift-stage subsidence rates were mostly negative (–3.77 m/Ma to –1.48 m/Ma), while the post-drift stage showed significantly higher average subsidence (~85 m/Ma), with fitted curves indicating a prominent flexural geometry. The differential flexural morphology revealed by the fitted curves of tectonic subsidence rates along the profiles is consistent with seismic interpretations and fault displacement patterns, indicating that the flexural deformation formed during mainly the Middle Miocene, induced by lithospheric flexure resulting from slab subduction. This flexural deformation exhibits a spatial variation in intensity from NE to SW, characterized as “strong at both ends (NE and SW) and weak in the central part”. Integrated with the regional tectonic framework and the evolutionary history of the South China Sea, we inferred that flexural deformation in the northeastern area was mainly controlled by slab pulling from proto-South China Sea subduction, whereas the southwestern area was dominated by tectonic loading from the collision between the Nansha Block and Borneo, and the central segment represents likely a transitional zone where these two dynamic mechanisms are weakened or decoupled.

     

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