Hydrocarbon accumulation and orderly distribution of whole petroleum system in marine carbonate rocks of Sichuan Basin,SW China

Based on the situation and progress of marine oil/gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin,SW China,the whole petroleum system is divided for marine carbonate rocks of the basin according to the combinations of hydrocarbon accumulation elements,especially the source rock.The hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics of each whole petroleum system are analyzed,the patterns of integrated conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon accumulation are summarized,and the favorable exploration targets are proposed.Under the control of multiple extensional-convergent tectonic cycles,the marine carbonate rocks of the Sichuan Basin contain three sets of regional source rocks and three sets of regional cap rocks,and can be divided into the Cambrian,Silurian and Permian whole petroleum systems.These whole petroleum systems present mainly independent hydrocarbon accumulation,containing natural gas of affinity individually.Locally,large fault zones run through multiple whole petroleum systems,forming a fault-controlled complex whole petroleum system.The hydrocarbon accumulation sequence of continental shelf facies shale gas accumulation,marginal platform facies-controlled gas reservoirs,and intra-platform fault-and facies-controlled gas reservoirs is common in the whole petroleum system,with a stereoscopic accumulation and orderly distribution pattern.High-quality source rock is fundamental to the formation of large gas fields,and natural gas in a whole petroleum system is generally enriched near and within the source rocks.The development and maintenance of large-scale reservoirs are essential for natural gas enrichment,multiple sources,oil and gas transformation,and dynamic adjustment are the characteristics of marine petroleum accumulation,and good preservation conditions are critical to natural gas accumulation.Large-scale marginal-platform reef-bank facies zones,deep shale gas,and large-scale lithological complexes related to source-connected faults are future marine hydrocarbon exploration targets in the Sichuan Basin.

Efficient stabilization of dredged sludge with high water content using an improved bio-carbonation of reactive magnesia cement method

This study proposed an improved bio-carbonation of reactive magnesia cement(RMC)method for dredged sludge stabilization using the urea pre-hydrolysis strategy.Based on unconfined compression strength(UCS),pickling-drainage,and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)tests,the effects of prehydrolysis duration(T),urease activity(UA)and curing age(CA)on the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of bio-carbonized samples were systematically investigated and analyzed.The results demonstrated that the proposed method could significantly enhance urea hydrolysis and RMC bio-carbonation to achieve efficient stabilization of dredged sludge with 80%high water content.A significant strength increment of up to about 1063.36 kPa was obtained for the bio-carbonized samples after just 7 d of curing,which was 2.64 times higher than that of the 28-day cured ordinary Portland cement-reinforced samples.Both elevated T and UA could notably increase urea utilization ratio and carbonate ion yield,but the resulting surge in supersaturation also affected the precipitation patterns of hydrated magnesia carbonates(HMCs),which weakened the cementation effect of HMCs on soil particles and further inhibited strength enhancement of bio-carbonized samples.The optimum formula was determined to be the case of T?24 h and UA?10 U/mL for dredged sludge stabilization.A 7-day CA was enough for bio-carbonized samples to obtain stable strength,albeit slightly affected by UA.The benefits of high efficiency and water stability presented the potential of this method in achieving dredged sludge stabilization and resource utilization.This investigation provides informative ideas and valuable insights on implementing advanced bio-geotechnical techniques to achieve efficient stabilization of soft soil,such as dredged sludge.

Genesis and geological significance of carbonate in Changdu Basin,Xizang,China:Constraints from geochemistry and C-O isotopes

Research on the origin of carbonates in Changdu Basin holds significant importance for understanding the regional potash formation model.Based on a comprehensive review of previous studies,field geological surveys,and laboratory investigations,this study analyzes the origin and properties of carbonates within the context of regional potash formation.Petrographic studies show that magnesite deposits,with the characteristics of sedimentary origin.The results of elemental geochemical analysis show that the carbonates in this area were formed in the sedimentary environment via evaporation followed by concentration,and the formation of magnesite was possibly caused by the substitution of calcium in the dolomite with magnesium-rich brine.Theδ^(13)C values of carbonats in the study area are between5.9‰and 9.1‰.Theδ^(18)O values of magnesite samples range from-7.3‰to-1.3‰,and theδ^(18)O values of dolomites range from-10.3‰to-8.4‰.All the calculated Z values of oxygen isotopes of carbonates greater than 120.A comprehensive analysis of carbon and oxygen isotopes indicates that the magnesite was formed in a highly concentrated Marine sedimentary environment and does not show any relation with the metasomatism of hydrothermal fluids.The results on the correlation of magnesite with seawater and its sedimentary origin provide key information for explaining the migration direction of brine between the Changdu and Lanping-Simao Basins.The residual metamorphic seawater in the Changdu Basin migrated to the Lanping-Simao Basin,where potash underwent deposition.Whereas,magnesite and dolomite in the early stage of potash formation were left in the Changdu Basin.

Dynamic evaluation on sealing capacity of caprocks of the Meso-Neoproterozoic reservoirs in Ordos Basin,China

The Meso-Neoproterozoic is a new play in the Ordos Basin.A deeper understanding about the dynamic relationship between the caprocks and the source rocks is needed.Based on the comprehensive analysis of hydrocarbon source development characteristics of the Meso-Neoproterozoic and its overlying strata,as well as the formation contact relationships,lithology characteristics and exploratory drilling data,it is recognized that the Meso-Neoproterozoic contains two types of petroleum accumulation assemblage,that is,the“self-sourced indigenous”and“upper source rock-lower reservoir”assemblages.The former is mainly controlled by the development and distribution of source rocks of the Changcheng System,with the Lower Cambrian shale sequence as its caprock.The later is controlled by the superposition between the Meso-Neoproterozoic and its overlying source rocks and this assemblage is mainly distributed in Hangjinqi and Pingliang areas with the Carboniferous-Permian shale sequence as its caprock.The dynamic evaluation on the displacement pressure serves to reconstruct the displacement pressure history of the caprock.The results show that the shale sequence of the Cambrian Maozhuang Formation in well XY 1 in the southern Ordos Basin has possibly acquired the ability of sealing natural gas since the early of Late Triassic.Its displacement pressure increased rapidly up to 20 MPa during the Late Triassic-Jurassic and keeps at 9.2 MPa at present,indicating fair sealing ability.The Carboniferous-Permian caprocks in Hangjinqi area could have acquired the ability to seal natural gas in the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous,and the present-day displacement pressure is 9e12 MPa,indicating good sealing ability.The upper Paleozoic caprock in Pingliang area has been able to seal natural gas since the Early Jurassic,with a maximum displacement pressure of 23 MPa during the Cretaceous period and a current value of 17 e20 MPa,indicative of strong ability to seal natural gas.The sealing ability of caprocks of both the“selfsourced indigenous”and“upper source rock-lower reservoir”assemblages has come into being earlier than or at least no later than the peak gas generation of the source rocks and therefore the caprocks are dynamically effective in geohistory.The Meso-Neoproterozoic reservoirs in the Ordos Basin are well preserved and probabally of better potential for exploration in terms of the caprock-source rock combination.

The source of lithium in Lakkor Co Salt Lake on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,China:evidence from hydrochemical characteristics and boron isotope

The availability of lithium resources is of great significance for the development of modern technologies,as well as for civil and military industries.The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a region known for its abundance of lithium-rich salt lakes.However,the specific origin of lithium in these lakes is still unknown,which hinders the advancement of the lithium resource business in this region.To research this issue,this study involved the collection of 20 samples from Lakkor Co Salt Lake on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,encompassing samples of surface brine,cold springs,fresh lakes,and recharge rivers.The composition of anions and cations in these samples was determined.Furthermore,the analysis extensivelyutilizedthePiperthree-linediagram,Gibbs model,and ion proportion coefficient.The findings of this study indicate that as the moves from the recharge water system to salt lake,there is a transition in water type from strong carbonate to moderate carbonate and weak carbonate,as well as Na sulfate.This research based on a similar source of both lithium and boron,utilized ion correlation analysis and boron isotope study in the Lakkor Co area,and analyzed the source and transporting process of lithium.The main origin of lithium in Lakkor Co is the dissolution of lithiumrich rocks,recharge water systems,and deep hydrothermal fluids.These findings are highly significant in enhancing the foundational data of lithium-rich brine resources in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and are beneficial for assessing the future development of such deposits.

Petrographic, Geochemical and Metallogenical Context of the Geological Formations of the Goumere Region (North-East of Cote D’Ivoire): Implication to the Knowledge of Gold Mineralization

The Gouméré region is located in the North-East of Côte d’Ivoire and is located in the South-West of the Bui furrow. In order to highlight the geology of the area studied, 14 samples were taken for studies using petrographic, geochemical and metallogenic methods. The study of macroscopic and microscopic petrography made it possible to highlight two major lithological units: 1) a volcano-plutonic unit, formed of gabbros, basalt, volcaniclastics and rhyodacite;2) a sedimentary unit (microconglomerate). From a geochemical point of view, the results obtained indicate that the plutonites are gabbro and gabbro diorite while the volcanics have compositions of basaltic andesites, rhyolite and dacites. The sediments have a litharenitic to sublitharenitic character. The metallogenic study made it possible to highlight hydrothermal alterations and metalliferous paragenesis on the formations studied. Hydrothermal alteration is characterized by the presence of carbonation, silicification, sericitization, sulfidation and to a lesser degree chloritization. Metalliferous paragenesis consists of pyrite, chalcopyrite, hematite and magnetite.

Petrographic and Structural Studies of the Guintéguéla Formations (Northwest of Côte d’Ivoire)

Côte d’Ivoire is currently experiencing strong growth in the mining sector. Identifying the formations present in our subsoil is therefore essential for mining recovery. It is in this context that we conducted studies on the formations present in the locality of Guintéguéla. It is located in the northwest of Côte d’Ivoire in the bafing region. The aim of this work was to determine the petrographic and structural characteristics of the formations of the area. The methodology began with documentation and then followed petrography and structural analysis work on the macroscopic and microscopic levels. We observed six groups of rocks: granitoids, amphibolites, orthogneiss, quartzites (poor and rich in magnetites), volcano-sediments and filonian rocks. Metamorphism is of amphibolite to granulite facies. However, volcano-sediments must be associated with the green schist facies. With regard to the structural, structures and microstructures such as foliation;fractures;sigmoidal figures reveal that the studied area was affected by ductile and also brittle tectonics whose main directions are oriented along the shear corridor, so N-S to NNW-SSE.

Tectonic Evolution of Paleoproterozoic Formations in the North-East of Côte d’Ivoire (Bondoukou-Tanda, West African Craton)

The objective of this work is to contribute to the crustal evolution during the Paleoproterozoic in the Northeast of Côte d’Ivoire through the structural study of the Bondoukou-tanda locality. To do this, we proceeded by a macroscopic observation of the outcrops for the identification of the structures (schistosity, fold, shear, and lineation). The structures indicated the direction of the main constraints and the relative correlations between the lithologies. The structural measurements, in particular the direction and the dip obtained, were all processed by the GEOrient software to draw up the stereographic projections for a static interpretation of the measurements. Given the rarity of rock outcrops in the study area, the teleanalytical data were of considerable support in the structural analysis. The various treatments carried out on the ENVI 5.2 software made it possible to identify a total of 471 lineaments. They cover the entire area and are of variable lengths (1.24 to 9.73 km). The different directions highlighted from this methodology are a main direction: NNW-SSE to NW-SE;a secondary direction: NNE-SSW to NE-SW;a tertiary direction: ENE-WSW to E-W. Associated with the lithology map, the teleanalytical map shows that the lineaments are unevenly distributed throughout the study area. The lineaments appear more compact in the volcano-sedimentary and sandstone-conglomeratic units than in the granitoid intrusives. However, the Bondoukou granodiorite appears to be the least fractured lithology.

Assessment of the Recent Hydromorphological Features of Nokoue Lake and Its Channels (South-East Benin)

Based on 2022 and 2023 hydrometric data and satellite images (Sentinel 2022, SPOT 2010), this study aims to present the Nokoué Lake and its channels’ re-cent hydromorphological characteristics. Integrating flow, tributary morphology, and topography data determined specific power values along the axes studied. The values obtained range from 2.69 to 12.92 W/m2 for Ouémé River and 2.46 to 10.99 W/m2 for Sô River. The resulting water erosion on banks and bottoms is of linear, areolar, or gully and claw types. Lake bathymetry varies from -0.5 to -2.6 m (low flow period) and -1 to -4 m;in the Ouémé, Sô, and Totchè rivers, it varies from -5 m to -7 m, reaching -10 m at the Cotonou channel entrance (flood period). Bathymetric profiles reveal varied “U”, “V” and “Intermediate” bottom morphologies, influenced by erosion/sedimentation processes and human activities. The flow facies identified are lentic in the northern tributaries and lotic in the Cotonou and Totchè canals. Spatial analysis identified nine (09) thematic classes. In 2022, the surface area of the water body has increased from 274 km2 at low water to 280 km2 at high water, whereas in 2010 (a recent year of exceptional flooding), the surface area was 270 km2 at low water and 277 km2 at high water. Significant changes in land use are observed between 2010 and 2022. The floodplain area decreased slightly, from 421 km2 in 2010 (year of exceptional flooding) to 419 km2 in 2022. The evolution of land use shows a progressive expansion of the urban environment to the detriment of the natural environment. In the medium to long term, this trend could threaten the hydromorphological balance and even the existence of this important lagoon ecosystem.

Recharge processes limit the resource elements of Qarhan Salt Lake in western China and analogues in the evaporite basins

The Qarhan Salt Lake(QSL)in western China is K-Sr-Li-B-Br-Rb multi-resource coexisting Quaternary brine deposits.Significant research efforts have been directed to the origin of K-Li resources and evolutionary history of the QSL.However,the study on the different sources,recharge processes,and differential distribution patterns for these resource elements in brine deposits is still inadequate.Therefore,we measured Li-B concentrations and H-O-Sr-B isotopic compositions of different waters(river,spring,and brine)from the QSL,combined with the reported K-Sr contents and multiple isotopes of waters,to discuss the recharge,source of K-Sr-Li-B and their spatial distributions,by analogy with other evaporite basins in the world.The results show that:(1)the K-Li-B-Sr elemental concentrations of brines and their spatial distribution in the QSL are diverse;(2)high K and Sr values are distributed in Dabuxun and Qarhan sections,respectively,which are controlled by Ca-Cl springs in the northern QSL;on the contrary,Li and B values are enriched in the Bieletan section and are charged by thermal springs in the Kunlun Mountains;(3)the formation and evolution of Ca-Cl and thermal springs constrain fundamentally on the recharge processes of K-Sr and Li-B elements in the terminal salt lakes of the Qaidam Basin(QB);(4)some analogues of recharge processes limit the resource elements of the QSL and other salt lakes(Da Qaidam,Lop Nur,Zhabuye,Atacama,and Guayatayoc)in the world provides a reference for the resource exploration in deep formation waters in the evaporite basins.

Genesis of Neogene Formation Waters in the Central Qaidam Basin:Clues from Hydrochemistry and Stable D-O-S-Sr Isotopes

Geological explorations have revealed plentiful Neogene formation waters in anticlines in the central Qaidam Basin(QB).However,the hydrochemistry and origin of these waters are obscure.In this study,the hydrochemistry and DO-S-Sr isotopes of these formation waters were determined to study their origin and evolution.The formation waters are enriched in Na-Ca-Cl,and depleted in Mg-K-SO4-HCO3ions with elevated Li-B-Br-Sr elements.The D-O isotopes prove that the formation waters originated from weak-evaporated meteoric waters,and experienced water-rock interactions.Ion comparisons and Caexcess-Nadeficitdiagrams suggest that solute sources of these waters include evaporite dissolution,waterrock interaction,and minor residual lake brines.Bacterial sulfate reduction and water-rock interactions are supported by the high S-Sr isotopes.The enriched Li-B-Br-Sr concentrations of these waters are in accord with the high geochemical background values of the QB.Regarding the genesis of the formation waters,it can be concluded that meteoric waters from the southern Kunlun Mountains were discharged into the basin,weakly evaporated,and then infiltrated into the Neogene strata through faults leaching the soluble ions and mixing with residual lake brines,and all experienced water-rock interactions and a sulphate reduction process.

Assessment of the Vulnerability of the Southwestern Coast of Benin to the Risk of Coastal Erosion and Flooding

The coastal zone of Benin is inherited from the last marine oscillations of the Quaternary. A rich and very fragile environment, it presented until the 1960s, a shoreline in dynamic equilibrium over the entire 125 km of coastal line. Since the 1960s, with the construction of important development infrastructures (ports, dams, groins), the Beninese coast is now subject to risks of coastal erosion and seasonal flooding due to the overflow of lagoon water bodies. The present study, based on socio-economic surveys in the communes of Ouidah, Comè and Grand Popo, exposes the extent of coastal risks and socio-economic and environmental damage in the southwestern coastal zone of Benin. The results show that in terms of land, 2.9 ha and 5.7 ha of land have been permanently lost to coastal erosion in the communes of Ouidah and Grand Popo respectively. Similarly, 212 ha of crops of all types were affected by the flooding, including 35 ha destroyed, i.e. 6.67 ha, 11.3 ha in Comè, 4.67 ha Ouidah and 14 ha Grand Popo. Also, 6435 buildings were affected, and 4235 huts were damaged. In addition, working tools, food stocks and other items are counted among the losses recorded by coastal hazards with their corollaries of diseases. The cost of losses and damages in the 08 districts amount to 418,000,000f cfa of which 266,000,000f cfa of damage and 152,000,000f cfa of loss.

Geology, Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Oligocene Oolitic Iron Ore of the Continental Terminal Formation, Kandi Basin, North-East Benin

The Oligocene Continental Terminal Formation of the Kandi Basin contains high grades of iron mineralization (~56.72% Total Fe). The microscopic study under the polarized and reflected light showed that the iron ore consists of silicate minerals (quartz 50% and zircon 1%) and non-silicate minerals (goethite 30%, hematite 7%, magnetite 3%, pyrite 1%, chalcopyrite 1%, blende 3%, galena 3%, scheelite 1% and gold 2%). The X-rays fluorescence shows that the iron ore is characterized by various elements, such as Fe2O3 (57.91% to 91.33%), SiO2 (3.07% to 33.19%), aluminum (2.94% to 7.74%), vanadium (0.04% to 0.11%), phosphorus (0.79% to 2.29%) and sulfur (<0.3%). The deleterious elements grade is above the permissible limit in metallurgy (0.05% - 0.07% for phosphorus and 0.1% for sulfur). Their high grades indicate that the Kandi Basin iron ore characteristics are not favorable for steel manufacturing despite its good vanadium contents (0.04% to 0.11%). However, it could be used for the cast iron manufacture. Spectrometric analysis by atomic absorption confirms the presence of low-grade gold associated to the iron ore (from 0.006 to 0.015 ppm). The comparative study of discontinuous stratiform iron ore of the Kandi Basin with other oolitic iron ores in exploitation from other countries such as Brazil, Australia, China, Russia, Uganda and the United States shows that iron ore of the Kandi Basin can be mined despite its high silica content.

Influencing mechanism and hydrogeological implications of water level fluctuation of lakes in the northern Qaidam Basin,Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The Qaidam Basin(QB)is a concentrated distribution area and chemical industrial bases of salt lakes in China.Lakes in the QB have been expanding during the past 20 years.Rapid lake expansion resulted in some considerable scientific issues on the protection of salt lake resources and infrastructure,and monitoring of hydrological processes at the lake-basin scale.Although the spatial-temporal trends of lake changes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)have been well documented,the underlying influencing mechanism and hydrogeological implications of rapid lake changes in the QB are not well understood.Three lakes in the northern QB were selected to investigate lake water level fluctuations on different time scales based on extensive in-situ monitoring and satellite observations.The influencing mechanism and hydrogeological implications of rapid changes of terminal lakes were discussed in combination with the reported increasing precipitation rate and mass balance of glaciers in the northern QTP.Results reveal the following:(1)the fluctuation pattern of Sugan Lake was asynchronous and out of phase with that of Xiao Qaidam and Toson lakes during the monitoring period;(2)Sugan Lake water rose gradually,and the rise interval was from late April to early July.In contrast,Xiao Qaidam and Toson lakes took on a rapid and steep rise,and the rise intervalwas from late July to September;(3)the influencing mechanisms for rapid lake fluctuations are controlled by different factors:glacier and snow melting with increasing temperature for Sugan Lake and increasing precipitation for Xiao Qaidam and Toson lakes;(4)in accordance with different intervals and influencing mechanisms of rapid lake expansions in the QB,hydrological risk precaution of lakes and corresponding river catchments was conducted in different parts of the basin.This study provided an important scientific basis for assessing the hydrological process and hydrological risk precaution,and protection of salt lake resources along with rapid lake expansions in the arid area.

Evolutive Trend of Water Level in the Ebrie Lagoon by Reconstitution of the Tide Gauge Time Series in Front of the Abidjan Coastline (Côte d’Ivoire)

The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report shows that sea-level rise, which has been accelerated since the 19th century resulting to the global warming, threatens coastal areas with high population growth. A Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS) assessment highlighted the lack of data in Africa, and in Côte d’Ivoire in particular. In order to estimate the evolutionary trend of sea level along the Ivorian coast, and to draw up preventive plans to protect properties and populations, we digitized 65 years of historical tidegrams recorded in the Ebrie Lagoon, using the “Surfer” and “Nunieau” software, then processed them using “T-Tide” and “U-Tide” software. The average levels were calculated using the Demerliac filter from complete daily (day and night) recordings for providing a usable database of 31 years of hourly lagoon data from 1979 to 2015. Our results show that a mean water level in lagoon is 1.04 m. The evolutionary trend in sea level, estimated in the lagoon via the Vridi canal, during the rainy season is the most significant at 2.93 mm/year. This is followed by the dry season, with a trend of 2.89 mm/year. The flood season trend is 2.78 mm/year. This suggests that marine water inflows dominate continental inflows. Our results highlight the vulnerability of Côte d’Ivoire’s coasts to the risk of marine submersion.

3D Modeling and Estimation of the Tonnage of the Granite Quarry of Linguésso (North-West of Côte d’Ivoire) by Electrical Methods

A survey and evaluation was carried out on a potential granitoid quarry site in the locality of Linguésso (North West of Ivory Coast) with the aim of identifying and estimating the quantity of exploitable granite based on the electrical resistivity methods. The combination of electrical trailing, sounding and tomography techniques allowed the determination of the characteristics of the rock deposit, namely the electrical signature (between 19,259 Ωm and 86,316 Ωm), the extension (N90°), the rooting (between 0 and 45 m) and the fracturing (between N14° and N160°) of the granitic formation sought. The modeling resulted in an estimated mineable rock volume of 2,936,250 m3 providing a production quantity of 7,927,875 tonnes.

Mapping and Petro-Structural Study of the Geological Formations of the Alépé Region (South-East of Côte d’Ivoire)

This study focuses on the petrographic and structural characteristics of the geological formations of the Alépé region in the Comoé basin. The petrographic characterization allows us to retain that the study area abounds in a variety of lithologies: amphibole metagranite, metadiorite, amphibolite and metagrauwacke. The lineament map attests that the study area was affected by polyphase tectonics (ductile and brittle), all these deformations have NW-SE to NNW-SSE;NW-ESE to NW-SE;ENE-OSW and NE-SW directions. Coupled geochemical data show that the protoliths of the studied rocks evolve between granites and gabbros that are weakly to moderately be altered. They would originate from continental crust and mantle and would be emplaced in collision contex.

Hydrocarbon accumulation conditions and exploration targets of the Sinian Dengying Formation in the Southeastern Sichuan Basin

No breakthrough has been made in petroleum exploration of the Sinian Dengying Formation in the southeastern Sichuan Basin as the major factors controlling the hydrocarbon accumulation of the Dengying Formation have not been well established,including the development period and distribution of the platform margin,the effectiveness of the source-reservoir combination and the reliability of the Cambrian pre-salt structural trap.Based on the interpretation of seismic data and hydrocarbon-source correlation,the distribution of the platform margin of the Sinian Dengying Formation in the southeastern Sichuan Basin was mapped.Moreover,the gas source rocks of the Dengying Formation were clarified according to geochemical characteristics of fluid inclusions,and the pre-salt structures were further confirmed by seismic forward modeling and experiments of prestack depth migration.Results showed that the sedimentary facies of the 4th member of Dengying Formation in the southeastern Sichuan Basin was platform margin of gentle slope type.The platform margin reservoir of the Dengying Formation and the Lower Cambrian source rocks constitute a favorable source-reservoir combination.The carbon isotope characteristics of gas in fluid inclusions indicate that some of the oil/gas in the Dengying Formation were contributed by the Doushantuo Formation source rocks.As the difference in seismic velocities between carbonate rocks and gypsum/salt beds may cause a reduction in the amplitude of pre-salt structures,the low-amplitude structures identified on current seismic profiles are underestimated instead of overestimated.Accordingly,the Sinian structural traps are confirmed to develop in the deep pre-salt sequences in the low-steep anticline belt,southeastern Sichuan Basin.On the basis of the above new understanding,we propose two types of hydrocarbon migration modes for the Sinian Dengying Formation in southeastern Sichuan Basin,including lateral migration of hydrocarbons generated from the Cambrian Qiongzusi Formation and vertical migration of hydrocarbons derived from the Sinian Doushantuo Formation.Lithologic traps at the platform margin and pre-salt structural traps within the platform are favorable targets for natural gas exploration.

Geochemical Exploration of Sediments in the Toumodi Region: Origin of Metasediments, Geological Dynamics, and Perspectives for Regional Geological History

The region of Toumodi, located in the heart of the West African Craton, is renowned for its geological complexity. This geochemical study delves into the origin of siliciclastic sediments and the geodynamic context of their formation. The study reveals that Toumodi’s sediments exhibit an intriguing mineralogical composition, with indications of a dual source of parent rocks, one rich in quartz and the other poor in quartz. Furthermore, geochemical analysis highlights a variation in sediment maturity from west to east, indicating the coexistence of distinct geotectonic environments in the region. In the eastern part of the Toumodi region, a passive margin is defined characterized by sediments with an abundance of quartz, while to the west, an active margin is observed with sediments having a lower quartz content. This arrangement suggests the presence of a potential suture zone in the region. This geological complexity underscores the importance of further research to better understand the origin of sediments and the processes that have shaped them. Moreover, this study sheds new light on the fascinating geology of Toumodi, but many questions remain to be explored.

Exploring an eco-friendly approach to improve soil tensile behavior and cracking resistance

Soil tensile strength is a critical parameter governing the initiation and propagation of tensile cracking.This study proposes an eco-friendly approach to improve the tensile behavior and crack resistance of clayey soils.To validate the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed approach,direct tensile tests were employed to determine the tensile strength of the compacted soil with different W-OH treatment concentrations and water contents.Desiccation tests were also performed to evaluate the effectiveness of W-OH treatment in enhancing soil tensile cracking resistance.During this period,the effects of W-OH treatment concentration and water content on tensile properties,soil suction and microstructure were investigated.The tensile tests reveal that W-OH treatment has a significant impact on the tensile strength and failure mode of the soil,which not only effectively enhances the tensile strength and failure displacement,but also changes the brittle failure behavior into a more ductile quasi-brittle failure behavior.The suction measurements and mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP)tests show that W-OH treatment can slightly reduce soil suction by affecting skeleton structure and increasing macropores.Combined with the microstructural analysis,it becomes evident that the significant improvement in soil tensile behavior through W-OH treatment is mainly attributed to the W-OH gel's ability to provide additional binding force for bridging and encapsulating the soil particles.Moreover,desiccation tests demonstrate that W-OH treatment can significantly reduce or even inhibit the formation of soil tensile cracking.With the increase of W-OH treatment concentration,the surface crack ratio and total crack length are significantly reduced.This study enhances a fundamental understanding of eco-polymer impacts on soil mechanical properties and provides valuable insight into their potential application for improving soil crack resistance.