Structural Style and Tectonic Evolution of the Nakhon Basin, Gulf of Thailand

Abstract

Nakhon Basin lies at the western margin of the Gulf of Thailand. Seismic interpretation study was carried out to identify structural features for better understanding of tectonic evolution of the Nakhon Basin. The main observed structure features of the area were growth faults, extension fault blocks, inversion and detached normal fault assemblages. The initial rifting created half grabens in Late Oligocene. Rifting phase was followed by inversion. Then in Early Miocene, reactivation of faults associated with initial rifting occurred due to the second phase of rifting and post rift thermal subsidence started during Middle Miocene, which continues until recent. The basin formed in response to oblique extension resulting from a component of right-lateral motion.