Seismic Characterization of Hypogenic Karst Systems Associated with Deep Hydrothermal Fluids in the Middle-Lower Ordovician Yingshan Formation of the Shunnan Area, Tarim Basin, NW China

Figure 6

Development pattern of hypogenic karst systems of the study area. (a) Seismic dip section DD′ showing complex string-beads-like seismic reflections of hypogenic karst systems in the Yingshan Formation. (b) Hydrothermal fluids pathways derived from the deep subsurface, showing vertical pathways (primary-secondary faults) and lateral carrier-beds (preexisting epigenic karst systems, unconformities, soluble layers, etc.). Accumulations of hydrothermal fluids make it possible for the scattered lateral carrier-beds to communicate with one another and formed hypogenic karst systems with such features as dendritic distribution, layered distribution, and finger-like interaction.

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