Geometric and kinematic analysis of normal faults bordering continental shelves: A 3D seismic case study from the northwest South China Sea

Normal faults border many a continental shelf, but have only been considered to play subordinate role basin-controlling in previous studies. Their detailed geometries and kinematic histories are still poorly known. In this study, high-quality three dimensional (3D) seismic data used investigate distinct families of normal bordering the shelf Qiongdongnan Basin, northwest South China Sea. Sixty-six (66) interpreted found mostly tip out Upper Miocene. Three large-scale offsetting Horizon T30 (the base Pliocene strata), other terminating beneath same horizon, were selected studied detail. We discriminate between growth blind by analysing upper folding geometry fault displacement distribution using throw-depth (T-z) plots. The dips parts almost twice that their lower parts. A new three-stage model for reactivation Basin is therefore proposed based on our results. Sea, propagation can be attributed to: (1) rotation block reversal movement Ailao Shan-Red River Fault Zone from left-to right-lateral slip, (2) slope instability at ~5.5 Ma. results presented here outline structural evolution Sea after 5.5 Ma, how regional-scale structures such as controlled shelves.