Geometry and evolution of polygonal fault systems under a regionally anisotropic stress field: Insights from 3D seismic analysis of the Qiongdongnan Basin, NW South China Sea

Abstract

Polygonal fault systems (PFS) are developed in many sedimentary basins, and their formation, growth, and ultimate geometry have been widely studied. The geometry and growth of PFS forming under the influence of regionally anisotropic stresses, however, are poorly understood, despite the fact these structures may serve as key paleo-stress indicators that can help reconstruct the tectonic and stress history of their host basins. We here use high-quality 3D seismic reflection data and quantitative fault analysis to determine the geometry and evolution of a PFS in the Qiongdongnan Basin (NW South China Sea), and its possible relationship with the geological and stress history of the basin. The PFS is dominated by two intersecting NNW-to-N- and E-striking fault sets, which initiated in the Early Miocene. The dominant fault strike at the structural level at which the faults nucleated and where strain is greatest (i.e., Lower Miocene) is close to NW–SE. However, at the top and bottom of the PFS tier faults strike NNW–SSE, thereby defining a very slight vertical, clockwise rotation of strike. Based on the observation that the host rock is flat-lying, it is unlikely that basin-tilting perturbed (i.e., δ2 ≠ δ3) the otherwise radially isotropic stress field that typically characterize PFS. Likewise, diapirs that punctuate the host rock and that are spatially related to the PFS appear not to control fault geometry. We instead infer that the PFS geometry reflects a combination of local isotropic and regional, extension-related tectonics stress affecting the Qiongdongnan Basin during the Early Oligocene to Middle Miocene. Regional studies suggest that during this time, extensional stresses in eastern Qiongdongnan Basin rotated clockwise from roughly NNW to N; we noticed the rotation of strike of the PFS, within which the vertical change in fault strike being relatively minor. Our study determines the timing of polygonal fault growth within the Qiongdongnan Basin and the associated geometry, highlighting the key role played by regional and local stresses.