Evidence of Wrench Tectonics in Eastern Potwar, Pakistan and its Implication on Hydrocarbon Prospects (T-1338) (MFN 1959)

Abstract

The Hydrocarbon prospects of Eastem Potwar, Pakistan are assessed on the basis of a new structural and tectonic concept utilizing geological, geophysical, geochemical, petrophysical and other relevant geoscientific data. So far it is considered that the structural styles in Potwar sub-basin are the result of compressional thin-skinned tectonics. According to our interpretation of geological and geophysical data, the structural pattcms in eastem Potwar have been developed as a consequence of transpressional wrench movements initiated during late Tertiary time along MurreeJhelum strike-slip fault. The study further indicate that the normal faults in the region arc the results of Infra-Cambrian rifting and not the product of flexural loading of the bascment due to southwards advancing thrust sheets as interpreted by previous workers. Thus oil and gas pools are associated with positive flower structures, sub-thrust plays, reverse and normal faults. The producing clastic and carbonate reservoir facies of InhaCambrian age in Bikaner-Nagaur basin of India have also been identified in the study area. The traps associated with wrench tectonics and rifting in other parts of the world have produced hydrocarbons in commercial quantities. Therefore the area deserves exploration with revised targets and in the background of new play concepts.