Assessing the Influence of Tectonic Activity on Sedimentary Basin Development

Thesis Abstract

Tectonic activity plays a pivotal role in the genesis and evolution of sedimentary basins, influencing their stratigraphy, sedimentation patterns, subsidence, and lithological diversity. Despite extensive research on basin formation, the precise mechanisms by which tectonic processes modulate sedimentary basin development remain inadequately understood, particularly in regions characterized by complex fault systems and varying tectonic regimes. This study aims to critically assess the influence of tectonic activity on sedimentary basin development, focusing on the Triassic to Cretaceous basinal evolution within the Rheic Ocean margin in Central Europe. The specific objectives are to quantify the relationship between tectonic stress regimes and sedimentation rates, analyze fault-knot relationships within basin architectures, and generate a comprehensive model depicting tectonic-sedimentary interactions over geological time scales. The research adopts a mixed-methods framework, integrating quantitative geochronological data, structural analysis, and qualitative synthesis of geological narratives. The study population comprises stratigraphic sections, fault networks, and seismic reflection profiles within a delineated 10,000 km² region. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select 20 representative stratigraphic sections with well-preserved facies and 100 fault segments for structural analysis. Data collection involved detailed field mapping, structural measurements of fault orientations, and sampling for U-Pb and Ar-Ar geochronology to establish temporal constraints. Seismic data were obtained from regional surveys, complemented by borehole logs where available. Analytical techniques include structural orientation analysis using rose diagrams, regression modeling to explore the relationship between tectonic stress and sedimentation rates, and multivariate statistical analysis via principal component analysis (PCA). Additionally, the study applies the Modified Basin Analysis Framework (MBAF) to integrate various datasets and develop a holistic model of basin evolution. Preliminary anticipated findings suggest that periods of intense tectonic activity, characterized by increased fault displacement rates, correlate strongly with accelerated sedimentation and basin subsidence, consistent with predictions of the Flexural Isostasy and Plate Tectonics theories. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of fault systems appears to influence sediment dispersal patterns and depositional facies distribution, with implications for hydrocarbon exploration and basin stratigraphy. The study also anticipates identifying key tectonic thresholds that transition basin development from passive to active regimes, thereby shedding light on the cyclic nature of basin evolution. This research contributes to the current understanding of tectonic-sedimentary interplay by providing empirical evidence from a temporally constrained geological setting, utilizing advanced structural and statistical analyses. It extends existing models of basin development by integrating multidisciplinary datasets into a unified conceptual framework grounded in Plate Tectonics Theory and Stress Field Analysis. The findings are expected to inform regional geological interpretations, improve stratigraphic correlation accuracy, and enhance predictive models for sedimentary basin evolution. In conclusion, the study underscores the significant influence of tectonic forces on sedimentary basin architecture and evolution, emphasizing the need for integrated structural and stratigraphic analyses in basin studies. Recommendations include the application of the developed model to analogous tectonic settings for broader validation, and further detailed investigations employing 3D seismic interpretation to refine fault-sediment interaction models. Future research may also explore the implications of tectonic activity on basin hydrocarbon systems and associated resource potential, contributing to sustainable resource management and geological hazard mitigation in tectonically active regions.