Growth Processes and Mechanism of Polygonal Faults
Polygonal faults are widely developed in continental sedimentary basins.However,their growth processes and mechanism are still unclear.Based on high-resolution 3D seismic data in the Great South Basin of New Zealand,in this study it focuses on the characteristics,growth processes and growth pattern of polygonal faults.According to the geometric characteristics of polygonal faults,they are divided into two tiers(Tier1 and Tier2).The throw profiles of polygonal faults are"C"type,double"C"type and"B"type.According to the geometric and growth characteristics,it proposes the growth pattern of cross-layer polygonal faults.Polygonal faults initially nucleated at the center of the lower layer(Tier1)and grew in all directions.Following a period of quiescence,polygonal faults nucleated in the center of the new(upper)layer(Tier2).Polygonal faults in the overlying layer were gradually connected with those in the underlying layer,forming the relay zones and a cross-layer"large fault".This study reveals the growth processes of polygonal faults such as nucleation,growth and cessation.The related research results can contribute to the hydrocarbon exploration and development,disaster prevention and mitigation.
polygonal faultsgeometric featuresgrowth processNew ZealandGreat South basinsubmarine geologysedimentology
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