Based on the theory of structural analysis, the characteristics and structural patterns of subtle faults are studied using 3D seismic data of the Bohai Sea to analyze the development process and origin of the subtle faults. A method of identifying subtle faults is proposed, forming a complete system for analyzing origins of subtle faults in the Bohai Sea. The complex strike-slip fault patterns under the strike-slip and extension stress background, diverse formation rocks, and strong neotectonic movement are the reasons for the development of subtle faults. According to the tectonic origin and development location, the subtle faults in Bohai Sea can be divided into 12 types in the three categories of strike slip dominant, extension dominant and strike slip and extension composite, and the different types of subtle faults occur in different regions of the Bohai Sea. Unreasonable variation of sedimentary stratum thickness, inherited distortion or even abrupt change of stratum occurrence, zonation of plane fault combination and the variation of oil-water system in the same structure with no-lithologic change are the important signs for identifying subtle faults in Bohai Sea. The subtle faults greatly enlarge the size of the structural trap groups, and areas with dense subtle faults are often active area of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation and favorable exploration zones, which have strong control on the hydrocarbon accumulation. The identification method for subtle faults has guided the exploration in the mature areas of Bohai Sea effectively, with a number of large and medium oil and gas fields discovered, such as Bozhong 29-6 and Penglai 20-2.

基于结构分析理论，利用渤海3D地震资料研究了隐性断层的特征和构造模式，分析了隐性断层的发育过程和成因。提出了一种识别细微断层的方法，形成了分析渤海细微断层成因的完整系统。在走滑和伸展应力背景下复杂的走滑断层形态，多样的地层岩石以及强烈的新构造运动是形成微弱断层的原因。根据构造起源和发育位置，将渤海隐性断层分为走滑优势，延伸优势，走滑和伸展复合体三大类，共十二种。渤海不同地区发生了不同类型的细微断层。沉积物地层厚度的不合理变化，地层发生的遗传畸变甚至突变，平面断层组合的带状划分以及同一结构中无岩性变化的油水系统变化是识别渤海细微断层的重要标志。 。细微的断层大大增加了构造圈闭群的规模，细密的断层密集的区域往往是油气运聚活动区和有利的勘探带，对油气的聚集有很强的控制作用。精细断层的识别方法有效地指导了渤海成熟地区的勘探，发现了许多大中型油气田，