Abstract:

During 21-18.5 Ma, 13.8-12.5 Ma and 10.5-8.5 Ma of Miocene, the channels developed in Baiyun Sag. In these three stages, the shape and architecture of the channels were different. During 21-18.5 Ma, the architecture of the channel was simple, the channel extended a long distance and the sediment was deposited in the distal end. In 13.8-12.5 Ma, the channel migrated northward. During the early of 13.8-12.5 Ma, the channel only developed in the south, then developed upstream. The channel in 10.5-8.5 Ma became deeper and narrower, and had the convergent feature. These changes of these channels’ migration and shape feature were due to different controlling factors in these stages. In 21-18.5 Ma, the channel was related to the abundant sediment supply from the shelf margin delta. In 13.8-12.5 Ma, the channel was affected by the significant sea-level decline in 13.8 Ma. In 10.5-8.5 Ma, Dongsha Movement led to the Baiyun Sag uplift and the paleo-topography determined the channel development. The analysis of the controlling factors in different stages provided new information to the research of the channel shape and evolution in each stage.

Key words: Baiyun Sag, controlling factor, the sediment supply, the sea-level change, Dongsha Movement, paleo-topography