Effect of intensity of sedimentary cover deformation on hydrocarbon accumulation in Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China

The developmental phase of the fault deformation zone denotes the zone of weak deformation (with strong concealment) that evolves within the sedimentary cover of the basin. Recent studies have unveiled the objectively existing tectonic phenomenon of weakly deformed tectonic belts within the sedimentary basin cover, closely intertwined with oil and gas accumulation. To elucidate the deformation intensity and hydrocarbon accumulation scale within the cap cover deformation zone, a pivotal concern in oil and gas geology, this study focuses on the Dongying Sag. The structural physical simulation experiment method, incorporating variable caprock thickness and variable shear strength, is employed to scrutinize the impact of basement fault strike-slip activity on the development of faults in the sedimentary caprock of the basin and dyed oil is charged. In conjunction with sag examples, Early R shear single-channel migration-isolated aggregation, Early and mid-term R shear main channel migration-geese and beaded aggregation, P shear main channel migration-intermittent zonal aggregation, Full channel migration-continuous belt aggregation accumulation models of basement faults are established. It is emphasized that the R shear pressurized deformation section and the R and P shear intersection section in the deformation zone are favorable target areas for oil and gas exploration.