Numerical Simulation of the Deformation of the Hutubi Anticline in the Southern Margin of the Junggar Basin

The structural deformation of foreland thrust zones is notably complex and remains a central focus in structural geology. This study investigates the deformation characteristics and formation mechanisms of the Hutubi anticline, located in the southern margin of the Junggar Basin, through numerical simulations using Underworld software. By designing three experimental setups, we analyzed the key controlling factors of the anticline's development.

The primary findings are as follows: (1) the simulation results of Experiment 1 exhibit a high degree of similarity to seismic profile characteristics, indicating that the high brittleness of the stratigraphy, pre-existing paleo-uplifts, and faults are the primary controlling factors for the formation of the Hutubi anticline. Furthermore, the localized depression above the paleo-uplift is attributed to lateral adjustments within the plastic layer, which provides a significant structural indicator for identifying paleo-uplifts; (2)Experiment 2 shows that under high-brittleness stratigraphic conditions, pre-existing faults do not play a dominant role in controlling paleo-uplift formation, highlighting other key mechanisms in such settings; (3)Experiment 3 indicates that in high-plasticity stratigraphic environments, multiple uplifts are prone to formation, with pre-existing faults influencing the specific locations of individual uplifts.

Overall, these results provide critical insights into the formation mechanisms of the Hutubi anticline and underscore the value of numerical simulations in experimental design. The findings not only advance the understanding of thrust tectonics in the southern Junggar Basin but also provide a solid foundation for further detailed studies of regional structural evolution.