The Characteristics and Controlling Factors for the Formation of Deepwater Fan System in South China Sea

Key words: 
• deepwater fan system /
• uplifing of Tibet Plateau /
• global sea level change /
• Lowstand Tract /
• Pearl River Mouth Basin

Abstract: Until the end of 2001, more than 58×109〖KG*2〗barrels OOIP have been discovered with the water depth of greater than 500 m in 18 basins whole world. Among them, 90% of oil and gas reserves discovered in turbite sedimentary system. These are the results of deeply exploration and the progress of science and technology.
The Deepwater Fan System (DWFS) refer to such a sedimentary system which locate in Zhu 2 depression related with the continental margin delta system and developed in lowstand tract since 23.8Ma. The formation of DWFA had an important geological background connected with the uplifting of Tibet Plateau, the expansion of South China Sea, and the global sea level change. The vertical stacked pattern is unique and consist of idealized resevoir-caprock complex. Using the systematic theory, coupled with geological time, space and earth dynamic, discusse the formation of DWFA, and reveal the main controlling factors including the Tibet Plateau Uplifting, mantle bulge, and continuous subsidence of depression, subtle deep faulting systems, sedimeatary supplies of classic sediments from granite area in south of mainland, and the global sea level change.