Analysis of the Correlation between the Strike Direction of Oil-Gas Accumulations and Fault Systems in the Western South China Sea

This article is devoted to the study of the correlation between the location and strike direction of oil and gas accumulations and tectonic faults in the Western South China Sea. The sedimentary basins of Red River, Phu Khanh, Cuu Long, Nam Con Son, Tu Chinh-Vung Mai, and Malay were selected as the study areas. All available geologic information about these basins was collected for analysis. In addition, marine and satellite gravity data and tilt angle of the horizontal gravity gradient method were used to identify new faults. As a result, a close correlation between the spatial position and strike direction of oil and gas accumulations and fault systems has been revealed in these basins. The discovered correlation allows us to take a new look at the genesis and evolution of oil-gas accumulations and fields in the South China Sea region. The method we used can be applied as an effective tool for oil and gas exploration in sea areas.