Abstract:

Synthetic overlapping transfer structure usually evolves from the synthetic approaching structures when the master
faults overlap relatively large areas and the overlapping areas will suffer from an extensional stress in the same direction as the
whole regional one, producing lateral transfer faults (parallel to the master faults). Based on the principle of regional elongation
conservation and the analysis of development features and the controlling factors of synthetic overlapping transfer structures,
“Transfer Degree” is proposed to quantify the degree to which a transfer structure can accommodate the extensional movement
for the master fault. It is defined as the elongation ratio of transfer structure and master fault. In order to reduce errors, the
horizontal displacement of a master fault and its end were used to calculate the transfer degree. As a case study, the Pingnanshicun
synthetic overlapping transfer structure was researched and its transfer degree was calculated. Finally, the calculation
results were compared with those of the balanced cross sections. Both results matched very well, indicating that this method may
be useful and could provide a way to quantify transfer structures.

Key words: transfer degree, synthetic overlapping transfer structure, master fault, transfer fault, Dongying Sag