Superimposed Foreland Basin Structure in the Northern Tibetan Plateau from Passive Receiver Function Imaging

Abstract As a complex geological unit subjected to multiple tectonic phases, superimposed basins hold significant hydrocarbon exploration potential. Currently, active-source exploration is a common method for imaging the superimposed basin structures and identifying key hydrocarbon-bearing traps. However, it is costly and resource intensive. We use the recently developed coherent receiver function method to image the foreland basin structure in the northern Tibetan plateau using teleseismic recordings on a short-period dense array. Imaging of the Shida and Huahai depressions in the Jiuquan basin clearly reveals the sedimentary basement and a series of faults. Based on the results, we analyze their evolution mechanism and identify the main hydrocarbon-bearing trap structures. A comparison with active-source seismic reflection profiles and borehole data shows a high degree of consistency. The findings highlight the potential of using passive-source investigation, which is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, with appropriate imaging techniques for early-stage hydrocarbon exploration.