Differential Deformed Salt-Related Tectonics of the Kuqa Foreland Fold-Thrust Belt, Tarim Basin, Northwest China

Tang, Liangjie¹, Yixin Yu¹, Chengzao Jia², Zhijun Jin³ (1) China University of Petroleum, Beijing, China (2) PetroChina Ltd, China (3) Exploration and Production Research Institute, SINOPEC, Beijing, China

The differential deformed salt-related tectonics in the Kuqa foreland fold-thrust belt have been observed by field geological observation, geographic information system (GIS) analysis, 3-D visualization, analysis of the salt-related structural styles and restored cross-sections, as well as estimation of the shortening rates. The differential deformed salt-related tectonics mainly displays as the structurally differentiation in various levels, the zonation in transverse, and the segmentation in longitudinal sections. The boundaries between the structural segments are mainly strike-slip faults or tear faults revealed by terminal facets, scratches, steps, misplaced hills and river valleys. The GIS analysis maybe indicates some characteristic details about structural segmentation. Several segments of buried residual salt pillows are revealed by 3-D visualization. Distinct structural styles occur in different segments. The analysis of balanced cross-sections may estimate the differential amounts and rates of shortening in different segments. The origin of differential deformed salt-related tectonics may have a bearing upon the segmentation of Tianshan mountains, the differential sedimentation and distribution of the salt beds, the pre-exist faults and basement uplifts as well as paleo-tectonic-ramps.