RELATIONSHIP AMONG BASIN EVOLUTION, FAULT ACTIVITY, AND SYN-RIFT SEDIMENTARY STRATA: INSIGHTS FROM THERMO-MECHANICAL MODELING OF RIFTED SEDIMENTARY BASINS

Rifted sedimentary basins play a vital role as hydrocarbon reservoirs and are extensively studied through seismic surveys. These surveys reveal subsurface geological structures, such as strata, faults, folds, and other formations within the sediment and crustal blocks. In this study, we employ the thermo-mechanical model, DynEarthSol, to simulate the dynamic formation of sedimentary basins during continental rifting. DynEarthSol incorporates essential factors such as lithospheric isostasy and sediment loading into elasto-visco-plastic lithosphere deformation, providing a comprehensive understanding of basin evolution. We analyze the displacement and tilting of undeformed crustal blocks in the models, investigating the strain partitioning of faults within rifting sedimentary basins over geological timescales. Furthermore, the model records valuable information about sediment deposition environments, enabling us to analyze the temporal and spatial migration of sediment distribution within the basins and sequence depositional events chronologically. By correlating scenarios of fault activity and basin migrations, we establish a robust relationship between these key geological processes. This relationship enhances the interpretation of seismic profiles and well logs in the context of crustal tectonics, providing important insights into the geological history and development of rifted sedimentary basins.