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Journal of Tropical Oceanography

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Identification and Analysis of the kinematic Indicators of Early Pliocene Mass Transport Complexes: A Case Study of the Northeastern Continental Slope of the Qiongdongnan Basin

JU Zelong1,2, ZHAN Wenhuan1,2*, GUO Jian3, WU Xiaochuan4,5, Li Jian1, YAO Yantao1, FENG Yingci1, SUN Jie1, WANG Pin1, YI Hu1,2, HUANG Jiaxian1,2, XIONG Xin6   

  1. 1. CAS Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology (South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences), Guangzhou 511458, China;

    2. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

    3. Shandong Provincial Geo-mineral Engineering Exploration Institute (801 Institute of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources), Jinan 250014, China

    4. National Joint Local Engineering Research Center for Shale Gas Exploration and Development, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China;

    5. Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Exploration, Ministry of Natural Resources, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 401120, China

    6. School of Surveying and Geoinformation Engineering, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China;

  • Received:2024-12-13 Revised:2025-02-21 Accepted:2025-02-26
  • Contact: Zhan, Wen-huan
  • Supported by:

     National key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFC3103800, 2023YFC3008602), National Natural Science Foundation of China(42206069, 42272098, 42306092), Science and Technology Projects of Guangzhou(2023A04J0191), Chongqing Municipal Scientific Research Institutions Performance Incentive and Guidance Project(cstc2022jxjl90001), National Natural Science Foundation of ChongQing(CSTB2022NSCQ-MSX1406)

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Abstract: This study identifies four phases (MTC 1, MTC 2, MTC 3, and MTC 4) of mass transport complexes (MTCs) on the northeastern continental slope of the Qiongdongnan Basin, through detailed interpretation of high-resolution 3D seismic data from the deep-water area of the basin, and amplitude-time slice analysis based on 3D seismic data. Among these, MTC 1, MTC 2, and MTC 4 are small in scale with low internal compression, whereas MTC 3 is the largest and exhibits the most intense internal deformation. By identifying and analyzing the kinematic indicators both within and outside MTC 3, the transport direction was determined to be southwest. The development of MTC 3 was divided into three stages: initial slope instability, sliding, and fluid conversion. Based on the identified morphologies and internal structural characteristics of the MTCs, and considering the tectonic and climatic evolution of the study area, it is suggested that the development of these MTCs was primarily controlled by a combination of factors, including slope gradient, polygonal fault activity, sea level fluctuations, and high sedimentation rates: the numerous continuously active faults developed in the lower part of the MTCs since the Late Miocene have acted as triggers for the formation of the MTCs; after the rapid sea-level drop and rise during the Late Miocene (10.5 Ma), changes in sediment strength and stratigraphic pressure parameters further promoted the development of the MTCs: since 5.5 Ma, rapid subsidence in the Qiongdongnan Basin has increased accommodation space, sediment influx, and slope steepening, thus providing favorable conditions for the formation of MTCs. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of the sedimentary characteristics and triggering factors of pre-Quaternary MTCs on the northeastern continental slope of the Qiongdongnan Basin, and provide a reference for investigating the development of MTCs in the South China Sea region.

Key words: Qiongdongnan Basin, Pre-Quaternary, Mass Transport Complexes, Kinematic Indicators, Development Process