Tectonic evolution and its physical simulation of Wuxia fault belt in the northwestern margin of Junggar Basin

The tectonic characteristics of the Wuxia fault belt in the northwestern margin of the Junggar Basin were systemically studied based on a large number of 3D seismic data. The study area has experienced five tectonic evolution periods, including the collision of foreland basin, thrust-nappe structure of foreland basin, thrusting fold of interior depression, uplift and denudation of interior depression, and cover setting. The forward modeling of the tectonic evolution of some typical profiles ever since the Late Carboniferous fit well with actual geological conditions. The results showed that the Wuxia fault belt transformed from the thrust with piggy back in foreland basin to thrusting with overstep in the interior depression. Experimental results also indicated that the formation and development of Wuxia fault belt were mainly controlled by the NW-SE oriented compressive stress field, which was mainly affected by some key factors such as plate activities, orogenic belts, and frontier basin-controlling faults.