The study of source-to-sink systems plays a pivotal role in predicting sand-body distribution and lithologic trap configurations within rift basins. During the Paleogene,diverse palaeogeomorphological features developed along the eastern segment of the Shinan steep slope zone in the Bozhong sag—creating an ideal natural laboratory for investigating multiple source-to-sink system types. Nevertheless,research on temporal evolution of these systems remains limited,particularly due to the scarcity of quantitative analyses linking palaeogeomorphic architecture to sedimentary sand-body characteristics—a gap that significantly hinders the identification and prioritization of prospective exploration targets. Integrating 3D seismic data,core observations,and well-log interpretations,this study conducts a systematic characterization of Paleogene palaeogeomorphology and source-to-sink system architecture in the study area. We elucidate how sediment transport systems govern the spatial organization of depositional systems and establish stage-specific source-to-sink coupling models and palaeogeomorphology-controlled sediment dispersal frameworks. Our analysis identifies four principal sediment transport pathways: paleo-valleys,fault-controlled troughs,structural accommodation zones,and slope-break zones. Paleo-valleys are further classified into U-shaped,V-shaped,W-shaped,and composite morphologies;among these,U-shaped valleys exhibit the highest sediment transport efficiency,whereas V-and W-shaped variants demonstrate comparatively lower capacity. Fault-controlled troughs display asymmetric half-graben fill geometries,while structural accommodation zones develop in response to fault activity intensity—thereby regulating sediment entry points. Slope-break belts are subdivided into four categories: steep fault-terrace,gentle,fault-scarp,and intra-basin slope-break zones. A statistically robust positive correlation is observed between key palaeogeomorphic parameters—including catchment area of uplifted source regions,valley length,total valley distribution area,and valley count—and both the volume and lateral extent of associated sedimentary bodies. Finally,integrating transport distance from source and pathway type,we propose a two-tier(proximal vs. distal)classification scheme comprising five distinct subtypes,each supported by a corresponding source-to-sink coupling model.
近年来,源汇系统研究已经在地球科学领域中得到了广泛的关注(Allen,2008;Sømme and Jackson,2013; 朱红涛等,2017; 朱筱敏等,2026)。源汇思想最初应用于大陆边缘沉积中,逐渐在沉积学领域中兴起(Teixeira et al., 2018),成为沉积体系半定量分析的基础和前提(Sømme et al., 2009;Carvajal and Steel,2012;Sømme and Jackson,2013;Vakarelov and Ainsworth,2013;朱红涛等,2017;冯斌等,2023),其优势是把物源区产生的碎屑沉积物通过搬运进入到沉积区沉积下来的整个过程作为一个系统对象开展研究,指导地质事件的预测(朱红涛等,2011,2013;Horner et al., 2019;杨丽莎等,2021)。不同构造背景下形成了不同类型的沉积盆地及其丰富的地形地貌,造就了源汇系统的复杂性。源汇系统发育的影响因素较多,可根据不同的主控因素和发育特征进行分类。Helland-Hansen等(2016)根据地貌的空间结构特征,将源汇系统细分为近源—陡坡—深水、远源—缓坡—深水和远源—缓坡—浅水等3种类型。Bhattacharya等(2016)进一步根据物源区面积与沉积区扇体面积的比值划分了对称哑铃型和非对称哑铃型2种源汇系统。刘强虎(2016)根据源区、搬运体系及其与沉积体系之间的边界样式将沙垒田凸起划分为断裂陡坡型、断裂缓坡型、斜坡型等3种“源—渠—汇”系统。
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