Tectonics and petroleum potential of the Kazan–Kazhim aulacogen, East European Platform

Abstract

The paper presents a new interpretation of the surface structure of the crystal basement of the Kazan–Kazhim aulacogen based on geological–geophysical data and reprocessed regional seismic profiles. It is shown that the formation of the Vyatka uplift is related to deep reverse thrusts and that tangential stresses were a major factor in the formation of the aulacogen. The presence of a large left-lateral strike-slip fault is established, which cuts the Kazan–Kazhim aulacogen from west to east. Our data confirm wide-spread horizontal movements occurred in the crust in the eastern part of the East European Platform and help to optimize hydrocarbon exploration in the region.