Structural styles of Huangqiao area, Lower Yangtze region

The Huangqiao area is a key exploration target for oil and gas in the Lower Yangtze region. However, due to strong later transformation and complex structure, the oil and gas exploration work is restricted in this area. The Huangqiao area experienced three stages of tectonic movement, forming a large number of normal faults, reverse faults and folds, resulting in various structural styles. Three types of structural styles were identified according to their causes, including compressive structures, extension structures and inversion structures, based on the regional tectonic analysis and the fine scale interpretation of 3D seismic profiles. There are three tectonic zones, including the northwest slope zone, the central uplift belt and the southeast low-lying zone. The central uplift belt, as a stable structure area, is favorable for hydrocarbon exploration.