Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2025, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (5): 108-124.doi: 10.11978/2024233CSTR: 32234.14.2024233

• Marine Geology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Identification and analysis of kinematic indicators of early pliocene mass transport complexes: A case study of the northeastern continental slope in 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 Online:2025-09-10 Published:2025-10-14
  • Contact: ZHAN Wenhuan
  • Supported by:
    Major Talent Project in Guangdong Province(2023JC07H110); National key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFC3103800); National Natural Science Foundation of China(42206069); National Natural Science Foundation of China(42272098); Science and Technology Projects of Guangzhou(2023A04J0191); Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(423QN321)

Abstract:

Through detailed interpretation of high-resolution 3D seismic data from the deepwater area of the Qiongdongnan Basin, this study identifies four stages of Mass Transport Complexes (MTCs) on the northeastern slope of the basin: MTC1, MTC2, MTC3, and MTC4. Among these, MTC1, MTC2, and MTC4 are relatively small in scale with low internal compression, averaging 130-150 m in thickness, while MTC3 is the largest and exhibits the most intense internal deformation, with an average thickness of 200 m. By identifying and analyzing the kinematic indicators within and outside MTC3, its southwestward transport direction was determined, and its developmental process was divided into three stages: initial slope instability, sliding, and fluid transformation. Based on the morphology and internal structural characteristics of the identified MTCs, combined with the tectonic and climatic evolution of the study area, it is concluded that the development of these multi-stage MTCs is influenced by the combined effects of stratigraphic slope, sea-level fluctuations, and high sedimentation rates, with the continuous strike-slip movement of the Red River Fault Zone being the dominant controlling factor. Specifically, the rapid fall and rise of sea levels after the late Miocene (10.5 Ma) altered sediment strength and stratigraphic pressure parameters, promoting MTC development. The rapid subsidence of the Qiongdongnan Basin since 5.5 Ma increased accommodation space, enhanced sediment progradation, and steepened slopes, creating conditions for multi-stage MTC formation. Additionally, fault activity triggered by the continuous strike-slip movement of the Red River Fault Zone is the primary factor triggering the multi-stage MTCs in this region. This study enhances the understanding of the depositional characteristics and triggering factors of multi-phase MTCs on the northeastern slope of the Qiongdongdong Basin and provides insights for exploring MTC development in the South China Sea.

Key words: Qiongdongnan Basin, mass transport complexes, seismic reflection characteristics, kinematic indicators, development process

CLC Number: 

  • P736.121