Difference in fault characteristics and tectonic evolution between Enping Sag and Huizhou Sag in Pearl River Mouth Basin

Based on previous studies, using 2D seismic data of the Enping Sag and Huizhou Sag in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, combined with fault activity rate analysis, the difference between geometry and kinematics of fault system in the sags was studied. According to the fault characteristics and difference in fault activity, the development and evolution of the fault system in the north of the Pearl River Mouth Basin could be divided into four tectonic stages: early rifting (E₂w), late rifting (E₂e), depression (E₃z-N₁z-N₁h), and tectonic activation (N₁y-N₂w-Q). Meanwhile, based on research results on fault distribution scale, activity rate, and activation period, we speculated that the Huizhou Sag is more conducive to the formation of large and medium-sized oil and gas fields than the Enping Sag. Therefore, we recommended to focus on the late structural activity of faults in the EW and NWW directions.