Impact of inversion tectonics on the hydrocarbon trap development in the Qom-Saveh area: Insights from the Western Alborz Oilfield, Central Iran

Abstract:

Deciphering inversion tectonics and identification of inverted structures are very important in the petroleum industry due to the positive or negative impacts they can exert on the hydrocarbon traps. The proper understanding of structures related to inversion has implications for geo-energy exploration. In order to characterize the occurrence of inversion tectonics and its effect in the Western Alborz Oilfield, located in the Qom-Saveh area (Central Iran), this research describes the structural style and deformation history through structural and tectono-sedimentary analyses based on the surface data (geological map and satellite image) and subsurface data (seismic data and well data). The results obtained from the interpretation of seismic profiles and the investigation of the geometry of the sedimentary layers across the growth structures indicate that the Western Alborz anticline is created from multiple fault-propagation folds. The final shape and geometry of the Western Alborz anticline are affected by thrust fault with the ram and flat geometry, reversed normal fault, and steeply dipping normal fault activity. The Western Alborz structure evolved at least during six tectonic phases. Three stages of the extensional deformation occurred from the Eocene to the Early Miocene. Moreover, three compressional phases happened in the Late Miocene and continued to the present day. During the Middle Miocene (Langhian-Serravallian), the tectonic quiescence period prevailed in this Oilfield. Multiple fault-propagation folding and the fold axis rotation in the Western Alborz anticline are controlled by the presence of décollement surfaces, the salt diapirism, and the occurrence of inversion tectonics along the pre-existing basement structure. Based on the structural evidence of inversion tectonics and the deformation history in the study area, the positive inversion tectonics occurred at the Middle to Late Miocene boundary and modified the evolutionary history of the sedimentary basin. Inversion affected hydrocarbon trap development at the Late Miocene and controlled their current conditions in Central Iran. Considering the hydrocarbon migration after the Late Miocene in the Central Iran basin up to the present day, the inversion tectonics event has a positive impact on the hydrocarbon trap development in the Western Alborz Oilfield. The results of this study could add data to worldwide examples of the positive impacts of tectonic inversion on the hydrocarbon trap development in collisional orogenic belts.

 

Keywords: Inversion tectonics; Tectono-sedimentary analysis; Hydrocarbon trap; Western Alborz Oilfield; Central Iran