Tectonic Faults of the Pre-Plate Complex and Platform Cover of the Northern Caspian: Causes and Consequences

Tectonic dislocations of the pre-plate PermianTriassic complex and the overlying platform cover of the northern Caspian Sea have been studied. Analysis of seismic survey and deep drilling data has revealed tectonic layering of the pre-plate complex due to the development of gentle thrusts and tectonic plates in its section. Their formation is associated with collision processes that accompanied the closure of the residual basins of the Paleotethys Ocean. In its subsequent development, the young platform periodically experienced horizontal compression, which resulted in the resumption of movements along the buried thrusts, which led to the formation of characteristic dislocations in the cover deposits, confined to their frontal parts. In addition to this type of structure, rootless layered tectonic faults were revealed for the first time in Cretaceous deposits. The source of tangential stresses that caused the tectonic stratification of the platform cover is stress transmitted to the platform from the region of the Alpine collision zone of the Caucasus. The largest of the faults, transforming in the head parts of the plates into inclined ruptures, penetrates into the overlying Cenozoic deposits, tearing the sedimentary cover to its full thickness. The results obtained indicate the important role of horizontal tectonic movements in the formation of the modern structure of this region, which belongs to the Scythian-Turanian young platform. The results of the research provide an opportunity to take a new approach to solving a number of applied problems in prospecting and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits. Considering the development of the tectonic plate in the preplate complex, the search for oil and gas traps in it should be carried out separately for each structural level (plate). Layered detachments are accompanied by zones of cataclastic rocks with increased capacity and filtration parameters. Accordingly, they can serve as paths for lateral migration of hydrocarbons, and within the productive intervals of the section during field development, provide higher fluid flow rates. 

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