Main faults and tectonic divisions in the South China Sea

QIU Yan; DU Wenbo; JU Dong; HAN Bing; MA Haoming; HU Xiaosan

doi:10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2023070701

Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology > 2025 > 45(1): 136-153. > DOI: 10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2023070701

QIU Yan，DU Wenbo，JU Dong，et al. Main faults and tectonic divisions in the South China Sea[J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology，2025，45(1)：136-153. DOI: 10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2023070701

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Main faults and tectonic divisions in the South China Sea

QIU Yan^{1, 2},
DU Wenbo^{1, 2},
JU Dong^{1, 2},
HAN Bing^{1, 2},
MA Haoming³,
HU Xiaosan^{1, 2}

1.
Key Laboratory of Marine Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 511458, China
2.
Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
3.
Seismological Bureau of Guangdong Province, Guangdong, Guangzhou 510070, China

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Received Date: July 06, 2023
Revised Date: January 15, 2024
Accepted Date: January 15, 2024
Available Online: May 06, 2024

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Abstract

Abstract

Regional tectonic division is the foundation for studying tectonic evolution. The boundaries of regional tectonic division are mostly based on huge faults. Therefore, it is essential to study the major faults (belts) in one area before dividing structural units. After analyzing the main faults (or fault zones) in the South China Sea in plate tectonics theory, the tectonic division for the South China Sea was improved. The major faults (or fault zones) in the South China Sea include the first-order or primary fault zones that are characterized by subduction zones, collision zones, large thrust zones, and large strike-slip zones; the second-order faults that cut through the sedimentary basement and the upper crust, extending to the lower crust; and the third-order ones that run across sedimentary basement. The first-level tectonic unit in this region is the “South China Sea Subplate”, whose boundaries are mostly the first-order faults or sometimes the second-order ones. The second-level tectonic units include microplate, stepped fault zone, uplifted area, deep depression area or belt etc. The third-level tectonic units are are those divided within a microplate, including uplifted depression zone and microblock.
- major faults or fault zones,
- tectonic activity,
- tectonic unit,
- the South China Sea

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References (37)

References

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Main faults and tectonic divisions in the South China Sea