Basin structure and multiresource potential based on high-precision airborne gravity and magnetic data

Abstract

In this paper, we use high-precision airborne gravity and magnetic data to study the geophysical characteristics of the western slope of the Songliao Basin and its adjacent areas and evaluate the resource potential. We performed an in-depth analysis of three aspects of the basin characteristics: the characteristics of residual strata, the development characteristics of faults, and the distribution characteristics of magmatic rocks. Next, we analyzed the forming background of organic (oil and gas) resources and inorganic (uranium ore and hot dry rock) resources. The results showed that the new Upper Paleozoic strata have significant differences in different regions of the study area (with a thickness of 0–8000 m), mainly distributed in the eastern and northern regions but absent in the middle eastern and western regions. Furthermore, the thickness and depth of the Mesozoic layer varied between the eastern and western regions; it was thicker and deeper in the middle eastern region but thinner and shallower in the western region, and it is absent in most western regions. The main faults in the region are in the north-northeast (NNE) direction. Faults in the NE-NNE and NW directions jointly controlled the morphology of the secondary structural units. Magmatic rocks are relatively developed in the middle and eastern parts of the region. Most magmatic rocks are distributed along the faults and their sides, clearly reflecting the control of the faults on magmatic activities. The western slope of the Songliao basin and its surroundings have a favorable geological setting for the accumulation (mineralization) of oil, gas, shale oil, hot dry rock, and uranium ore. It is conducive to oil and gas exploration of deep new strata and collaborative exploration of multiple resources.