Tectonic stress distribution and its control on fracture development in the Jurassic–Cretaceous succession of the Kuqa foreland area, Tarim Basin
Abstract
Objective The clastic reservoirs in the Kuqa Depression are generally tight, making tectonic fractures crucial for identifying high-quality reservoirs and understanding hydrocarbon enrichment patterns. However, fracture development is highly heterogeneous under the influence of a complex tectonic stress field. This study aims to clarify the distribution patterns of tectonic stress in the Kuqa foreland area and elucidate how stress variations control fracture development and distribution. Methods The Cretaceous Bashijiqike Formation in the Kelasu structural belt and the Jurassic Ahe Formation in the Dibei area were selected as the study targets. Structural analysis, numerical simulation of the tectonic stress field, and quantitative fracture characterization were integrated to investigate stress distribution and evaluate the effects of stress variations and structural styles on fracture development. Results The macroscopic stress field can be divided into three zones: the northern detachment-release zone, the central fault-fold concentration zone, and the southern tectonically confined compressional zone. Stress heterogeneity within each zone is jointly controlled by fault assemblages, fold deformation, and the detachment along evaporite layers. This stress zonation strongly controls fracture development. The northern detachment-release zone is dominated by low-density, hinge-orthogonal, and oblique fractures; the central fault-fold concentration zone features widely developed fractures with complex attitudes; and the southern tectonically confined compressional zone is characterized by E-W segmented, hinge-parallel fractures. This spatial distribution reflects a genetic transition of fractures from north to south, shifting from strike-slip accommodation and local fault-related origins to fold-deformation-related origins. Furthermore, structural styles within a single stress zone play a critical role in regulating local stress differentiation and fracture development. Fractures are most developed with optimal connectivity in back-thrust structures, followed by imbricate structures, while counter-thrust structures exhibit the least developed fractures with poor effectiveness. Conclusions This study reveals the critical role of tectonic stress in controlling fracture development and hydrocarbon enrichment. Significance This study can provide theoretical support and practical references for reservoir evaluation and hydrocarbon accumulation in areas of complex stress in foreland basins.
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BibTeX
@article{yingchang2026tectonic,
title = {{Tectonic stress distribution and its control on fracture development in the Jurassic–Cretaceous succession of the Kuqa foreland area, Tarim Basin}},
author = {CAO Yingchang and HUAN Zhipeng and LIU Yin and SUN Xiaolong and WANG Jian},
journal = {Dizhi lixue xuebao},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2026119},
url = {https://doi.org/10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2026119},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Tectonic stress distribution and its control on fracture development in the Jurassic–Cretaceous succession of the Kuqa foreland area, Tarim Basin
AU - CAO Yingchang
AU - HUAN Zhipeng
AU - LIU Yin
AU - SUN Xiaolong
AU - WANG Jian
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/01
JO - Dizhi lixue xuebao
DO - 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2026119
UR - https://doi.org/10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2026119
AB - Objective The clastic reservoirs in the Kuqa Depression are generally tight, making tectonic fractures crucial for identifying high-quality reservoirs and understanding hydrocarbon enrichment patterns. However, fracture development is highly heterogeneous under the influence of a complex tectonic stress field. This study aims to clarify the distribution patterns of tectonic stress in the Kuqa foreland area and elucidate how stress variations control fracture development and distribution. Methods The Cretaceous Bashijiqike Formation in the Kelasu structural belt and the Jurassic Ahe Formation in the Dibei area were selected as the study targets. Structural analysis, numerical simulation of the tectonic stress field, and quantitative fracture characterization were integrated to investigate stress distribution and evaluate the effects of stress variations and structural styles on fracture development. Results The macroscopic stress field can be divided into three zones: the northern detachment-release zone, the central fault-fold concentration zone, and the southern tectonically confined compressional zone. Stress heterogeneity within each zone is jointly controlled by fault assemblages, fold deformation, and the detachment along evaporite layers. This stress zonation strongly controls fracture development. The northern detachment-release zone is dominated by low-density, hinge-orthogonal, and oblique fractures; the central fault-fold concentration zone features widely developed fractures with complex attitudes; and the southern tectonically confined compressional zone is characterized by E-W segmented, hinge-parallel fractures. This spatial distribution reflects a genetic transition of fractures from north to south, shifting from strike-slip accommodation and local fault-related origins to fold-deformation-related origins. Furthermore, structural styles within a single stress zone play a critical role in regulating local stress differentiation and fracture development. Fractures are most developed with optimal connectivity in back-thrust structures, followed by imbricate structures, while counter-thrust structures exhibit the least developed fractures with poor effectiveness. Conclusions This study reveals the critical role of tectonic stress in controlling fracture development and hydrocarbon enrichment. Significance This study can provide theoretical support and practical references for reservoir evaluation and hydrocarbon accumulation in areas of complex stress in foreland basins.
SN - 1006-6616
ER -