Structural Styles and Role of Basement Configuration in Hydrocarbon Accumulation Patterns: Cauvery Basin, India

An integrated analysis of basement map and fault patterns has revealed that the Cauvery basin came into existence in a tensional regime which existed during the taphrogenic fragmentation of eastern Gondwanaland (Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous). The main trend of tectonic elements is NE-SW and it changes to NNE-SSW towards southern part of the basin. This change of trend is attributed to post-rift kinematics associated with counterclockwise movement of the Sri Lankan massif away from the Indian craton. The orthogonal trends which form transfer zones are responsible for conservation of regional extensional strain.

It is observed that there is a good correlation between hydrocarbon occurences, transfer zones and fault sets. Synthesis of tectonic, geochemical and lithostratigraphic data has led to better understanding of the role of Basement Configuration in hydrocarbon accumulation patterns.