Relationship Between Fault Elements and the Structural Evolution of Strike–Slip Fault Zones: A Case Study from the Ordos Basin

This study aims to explore the development characteristics and evolutionary patterns of strike–slip fault zones in carbonate rocks, through quantitative characterization of fault elements and their interrelationships. Taking three strike–slip fault zones in the Daniudi Block of the northeastern Ordos Basin, China, as examples, we analyzed the distribution of fault damage zone width and throw along the strike of the fault zones at equal intervals, based on data derived from 3D seismic interpretation. The relationship between damage zone width and throw was also explored. The results indicate the following: (1) The throw–distance curve of strike–slip fault zones exhibits bimodal or multimodal patterns. As the peak of the curve is located near the overlap zone of the fault, this signifies that the fault is in the independent stage, whereas a peak situated in the middle of a fault segment suggests that the strike–slip fault has achieved integrity through “hard linkage”. (2) The width of the fault damage zone is controlled by the scale of the fault zone and its associated structures. (3) A strong power–law relationship exists between the damage zone width and throw, with a more pronounced positive correlation observed in the Taigemiao Fault Zone. (4) The strike–slip fault zone is primarily composed of a “ternary” structure, including fault core, damage zone, and fracture zone, and has undergone three evolutionary stages. Analyzing the relationships among fault elements contributes to understanding the interaction and evolutionary history of subsurface strike–slip faults in the study area.