Print this pageStrike-Slip Deformation and Formation Hydrocarbon Traps in the Seram Island, Eastern Indonesia
Benyamin Sapiie1, Meli Hadiana1, and Anditya M. Ibrahim2
1Geology, Institute Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
2Research and Development, BPMIGAS, Jakarta, Indonesia
A series of analogue sandbox modeling have been conducted for evaluating the mechanism of hydrocarbon traps in the Seram Island, Eastern Indonesia. The Seram Island is located in southern part of Bird Head, Papua. The island bounded by two major left-lateral strike-slip fault in south Tarera-Aiduna and to the north by Sorong Fault Zone. Hydrocarbon trap is associated with high-angle thrust fault. The main purpose of this study is to develop kinematic model of thrust-related trap mechanism and their relationship to major left lateral strike-slip faulting in the area.
Strike-slip faulting has been well known for their key roles as major control for many hydrocarbon prolific basins and traps. Analogue sandbox modeling experiment is one of the classic approached which is very useful and helpful in understanding deformation processes.
Our result show that deformation in oblique convergent strike-slip faulting started by formation of two high-angle reverse faults (antithetic and synthetic) which growing and linked to form rhombohedra shape after 5% shear strain. Continuous deformation to higher shear strain (up to 20%), the deformation was dominated by formation of complex of en echelon Riedel fractures (R. R’ and P’) system. In the middle of the model the deformation were dominated by series oblique strike-slip faulting with large component of reverse movement (thrust-shear). They orientation are parallel to the main principal strike-slip system. Cross-sectional view indicate symmetrical flower in which the deformation zone becoming wider in the middle part of the model. The modeling results indicate that in strike-slip deformation pre-existing basement configuration plays major roles. Lithology is one of the main controls of both fractures distribution and basin development as shown in the case of deformation and structural development of Seram Island.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas