Channel Types of Miocene Carbonate Platform in the Northern South China Sea

As one of the hotspots in geological research, carbonate platforms have attracted the attention of many scholars for their oil and gas properties and sensitivity to environmental changes. However, the research on the internal water channel system of carbonate platforms is still insufficient. This article is based on the research in areas such as Great Barrier Reef in Australia and Grand Bahama Beach in Gulf of Mexico. Using high-precision multibeam data, a systematic study was conducted on the channels of the Miocene carbonate plateau in the northern South China Sea. According to the development location, morphology, and function of channel, they are divided into four types: reef edge channel, platform edge slope channel, platform slope canyons, and deep-water channel. Detailed analysis of seismic reflection characteristics of various waterways was conducted using high-resolution seismic data. In terms of genesis, ancient landforms, supply of carbonate rock debris, and relative sea level changes are the key factors affecting the formation of these four types of channels. The ancient landforms determine the location and geological morphology of channel, while the supply rate of carbonate rock debris has a significant impact on the erosion and sedimentation processes of channel. In addition, changes in relative sea level affect the development of carbonate platforms and control the formation of various channels.