Abstract
This study investigates the Central Myanmar Basin's (CMB) structural evolution during the Oligocene to Early Miocene transition as the region shifted from subduction-dominated to strike-slip-dominated margins with hyper-oblique subduction.
Seismic data, well logs, and biostratigraphic information revealed significant spatial variations in sediment accumulation, with the thickest deposits (approximately 4 km) in the southwestern Salin and southern Bago Yoma sub-basins. These paleolows differ from present-day structural lows, indicating substantial basin reconfiguration.
The Salin sub-basin's paleo-low featured a NW-SE striking axis (versus the current NNW-SSE orientation), with its thickest interval 34 km southwest of the present basin center, suggesting a forearc basin between the Indo-Myanmar Range and the Central Volcanic Arc.
Key structural elements include the Gwegyo thrust, the Mann fault propagation fold (with major deformation during the uppermost Miocene to Pliocene), and inverted structures in the Bago Yoma sub-basin. The Thadodan and Shwe Taung Twin structures demonstrate inversion tectonics variability, transforming from paleo-high to basin center and from paleo-basin to uplifted anticline, respectively.
The basin evolved from a simple Eocene forearc configuration through Oligocene dextral transtension (with Indo-Myanmar Ranges uplift and proto-Sagaing Fault initiation) to Late Miocene-Pliocene transpression marked by thrusts and anticlines.
This evolution reflects India's northward motion relative to Eurasia, supporting models of significant northward translation (>2000 km since late Eocene) of the West Burma block. The findings illuminate the interplay between subduction and strike-slip tectonics in basin formation, with implications for regional hydrocarbon exploration.
Seismic data, well logs, and biostratigraphic information revealed significant spatial variations in sediment accumulation, with the thickest deposits (approximately 4 km) in the southwestern Salin and southern Bago Yoma sub-basins. These paleolows differ from present-day structural lows, indicating substantial basin reconfiguration.
The Salin sub-basin's paleo-low featured a NW-SE striking axis (versus the current NNW-SSE orientation), with its thickest interval 34 km southwest of the present basin center, suggesting a forearc basin between the Indo-Myanmar Range and the Central Volcanic Arc.
Key structural elements include the Gwegyo thrust, the Mann fault propagation fold (with major deformation during the uppermost Miocene to Pliocene), and inverted structures in the Bago Yoma sub-basin. The Thadodan and Shwe Taung Twin structures demonstrate inversion tectonics variability, transforming from paleo-high to basin center and from paleo-basin to uplifted anticline, respectively.
The basin evolved from a simple Eocene forearc configuration through Oligocene dextral transtension (with Indo-Myanmar Ranges uplift and proto-Sagaing Fault initiation) to Late Miocene-Pliocene transpression marked by thrusts and anticlines.
This evolution reflects India's northward motion relative to Eurasia, supporting models of significant northward translation (>2000 km since late Eocene) of the West Burma block. The findings illuminate the interplay between subduction and strike-slip tectonics in basin formation, with implications for regional hydrocarbon exploration.
| Original language | English |
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| Qualification | MPhil |
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| Publication status | Unpublished - 2025 |
Keywords
- STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
- Central Myanmar Basin