Physical simulation on development of low-amplitude structures in slope zone of Oriente foreland basin,South America
The Oriente Basin is a back-arc foreland basin,located in front of the Andes in South America. A large number of low-amplitude structures with close relationship to hydrocarbon accumulation are developed in the eastern slope zone of the Oriente Basin. Based on deep analysis of development characteristics and corresponding structural physical simulation,formation process and main controlling factors of the low-amplitude structures are addressed. The results show that the low-amplitude structures in the eastern slope zone of the Oriente Basin are usually accompanied by thrust faults,inversion faults and strike-slip faults. They are generally situated on the hanging walls of these faults. The main dynamic mechanism controlling the development of the low-amplitude structures involves inversion and strike-slipping movement of faults. In addition,the pre-exiting normal faults with lower dip angle in deep layer have also exerted positive influence on late fault inversion and development of low-amplitude structures.