Abstract:

The paper mainly discussed the types of normal faults' soft linkage and the  corresponding transfer zones, the kinematic characteristics of the normal faults' soft linkage, the formation of transfer zones and the significance of the normal faults'soft linkage and corresponding transfer zones in petroleum prospecting. From above discussions, it is concluded that:(1)according to  the assembling characteristics of the dip direction of normal faults and their overlap zones, normal faults' soft linkage can be classified into synthetic overlap, convergent conjugate overlap, divergent conjugate overlap, and corresponding transfer zones are relay ramps, oblique anticlines and horsts, respectively; (2) the normal faults of soft linkage usually have different displacements, and thus cause the metamorphose of faulted blocks. The plasmodia of faulted blocks are called transfer zones; (3) accurately cognizing the profile and planar features of normal faults of soft linkage is the base of reliable seismic interpretation models, normal faults of soft linkage and corresponding transfer zones have apparent control over the depositional system and the distribution of petroleum.

Key words: segment normal fault, overlap zone, soft linkage, transfer zone