Strike-slip faults and their effects on the hydrocarbon accumulation in the central depression of the Lunpola Basin in Xizang

The present paper deals, on the basis of seismic data and well logs, especially the anatomy of the representative oil reservoirs, with the formation, evolution and effects of the strike-slip faults on the hydrocarbon accumulation in the central depression of the Lunpola Basin in Xizang. The strike-slip faults in the study area have the steep fault plane and flower-like structures, and spatially display the "dolphin effects" and discordant seismic reflections on both sides of the strike-slip faults. The strike faults may have the controls on the structural framework of the Basin, and the development of the secondary hydrocarbon-generating depressions and structural traps. They may serve as the important pathways for the hydrocarbon migration as well. However, they may be destructive to the primary oil reservoirs due to the subsequent faulting of the strike-slip faults. The Lunpori fault blocks sandwiched between the Jīang F2 and Jǐang F1 strike-slip faults in the central depression may be the favourable area for the future oil and gas exploration in the Lunpola Basin.