Discovery and inspiration of large-and medium-sized glutenite-rich oil and gas fields in the eastern South China Sea:An example from Paleogene Enping Formation in Huizhou 26 subsag,Pearl River Mouth Basin

Based on the practice of oil and gas exploration in the Huizhou Sag of the Pearl River Mouth Basin,the geochemical indexes of source rocks were measured,the reservoir development morphology was restored,the rocks and minerals were characterized microscopically,the measured trap sealing indexes were compared,the biomarker compounds of crude oil were extracted,the genesis of condensate gas was identified,and the reservoir-forming conditions were examined.On this basis,the Paleogene Enping Formation in the Huizhou 26 subsag was systematically analyzed for the potential of oil and gas resources,the development characteristics of large-scale high-quality conglomerate reservoirs,the trapping effectiveness of faults,the hydrocarbon migration and accumulation model,and the formation conditions and exploration targets of large-and medium-sized glutenite-rich oil and gas fields.The research results were obtained in four aspects.First,the Paleogene Wenchang Formation in the Huizhou 26 subsag develops extensive and thick high-quality source rocks of semi-deep to deep lacustrine subfacies,which have typical hydrocarbon expulsion characteristics of"great oil generation in the early stage and huge gas expulsion in the late stage",providing a sufficient material basis for hydrocarbon accumulation in the Enping Formation.Second,under the joint control of the steep slope zone and transition zone of the fault within the sag,the large-scale near-source glutenite reservoirs are highly heterogeneous,with the development scale dominated hierarchically by three factors(favorable facies zone,particle component,and microfracture).The(subaqueous)distributary channels near the fault system,with equal grains,a low mud content(<5%),and a high content of feldspar composition,are conducive to the development of sweet spot reservoirs.Third,the strike-slip pressurization trap covered by stable lake flooding mudstone is a necessary condition for oil and gas preservation,and the NE and nearly EW faults obliquely to the principal stress have the best control on traps.Fourth,the spatiotemporal configuration of high-quality source rocks,fault transport/sealing,and glutenite reservoirs controls the degree of hydrocarbon enrichment.From top to bottom,three hydrocarbon accumulation units,i.e.low-fill zone,transition zone,and high-fill zone,are recognized.The main area of the channel in the nearly pressurized source-connecting fault zone is favorable for large-scale hydrocarbon enrichment.The research results suggest a new direction for the exploration of large-scale glutenite-rich reservoirs in the Enping Formation of the Pearl River Mouth Basin,and present a major breakthrough in oil and gas exploration.

Evaluation of source rocks and prediction of oil and gas resources distribution in Baiyun Sag,Pearl River Mouth Basin,China

By conducting organic geochemical analysis of the samples taken from the drilled wells in Baiyun Sag of Pearl River Mouth Basin,China,the development characteristics of hydrocarbon source rocks in the sag are clarified.Reconstruct the current geothermal field of the sag and restore the tectonic-thermal evolution process to predict the type,scale,and distribution of resources in Baiyun Sag through thermal pressure simulation experiments and numerical simulation.The Baiyun Sag is characterized by the development of Paleogene shallow lacustrine source rocks,which are deposited in a slightly oxidizing environment.The source rocks are mainly composed of terrestrial higher plants,with algae making a certain contribution,and are oil and gas source rocks.Current geothermal field of the sag was reconstructed,in which the range of geothermal gradients is(3.5–5.2)℃/100 m,showing an overall increasing trend from northwest to southeast,with significant differences in geothermal gradients across different sub-sags.Baiyun Sag has undergone two distinct periods of extensional process,the Eocene and Miocene,since the Cenozoic era.These two periods of heating and warming events have been identified,accelerating the maturation and evolution of source rocks.The main body of ancient basal heat flow value reached its highest at 13.82 Ma.The basin modelling results show that the maturity of source rocks is significantly higher in Baiyun main sub-sag than that in other sub-sags.The Eocene Wenchang Formation is currently in the stage of high maturity to over maturity,while the Eocene Enping Formation has reached the stage of maturity to high maturity.The rock thermal simulation experiment shows that the shallow lacustrine mudstone of the Wenchang Formation has a good potential of generating gas from kerogen cracking with high gas yield and long period of gas window.Shallow lacustrine mudstone of the Enping Formation has a good ability to generate light oil,and has ability to generate kerogen cracking gas in the late stage.The gas yield of shallow lacustrine mudstone of the Enping Formation is less than that of shallow lacustrine mudstone of the Wenchang Formation and the delta coal-bearing mudstone of the Enping Formation.The numerical simulation results indicate that the source rocks of Baiyun main sub-sag generate hydrocarbons earlier and have significantly higher hydrocarbon generation intensity than other sub-sags,with an average of about 1200×10^(4)t/km^(2).Oil and gas resources were mainly distributed in Baiyun main sub-sag and the main source rocks are distributed in the 3^(rd)and 4^(th)members of Wenchang Formation.Four favorable zones are selected for the division and evaluation of migration and aggregation units:No.(1)Panyu 30 nose-shaped structural belt,No.(3)Liuhua 29 nose-shaped uplift belt and Liwan 3 nose-shaped uplift belt,No.(2)gentle slope belt of Baiyun east sag,and No.(8)Baiyun 1 low-uplift.

Exploring pore-scale production characteristics of oil shale after CO_(2) huff‘n’puff in fractured shale with varied permeability

Recent studies have indicated that the injection of carbon dioxide(CO_(2))can lead to increased oil recovery in fractured shale reservoirs following natural depletion.Despite advancements in understanding mass exchange processes in subsurface formations,there remains a knowledge gap concerning the disparities in these processes between the matrix and fractures at the pore scale in formations with varying permeability.This study aims to experimentally investigate the CO_(2) diffusion behaviors and in situ oil recovery through a CO_(2) huff‘n’puff process in the Jimsar shale oil reservoir.To achieve this,we designed three matrix-fracture models with different permeabilities(0.074 mD,0.170 mD,and 0.466 mD)and experimented at 30 MPa and 91℃.The oil concentration in both the matrix and fracture was monitored using a low-field nuclear magnetic resonance(LF-NMR)technique to quantify in situ oil recovery and elucidate mass-exchange behaviors.The results showed that after three cycles of CO_(2) huff‘n’puff,the total recovery degree increased from 30.28%to 34.95%as the matrix permeability of the core samples increased from 0.074 to 0.466 mD,indicating a positive correlation between CO_(2) extraction efficiency and matrix permeability.Under similar fracture conditions,the increase in matrix permeability further promoted CO_(2) extraction efficiency during CO_(2) huff‘n’puff.Specifically,the increase in matrix permeability of the core had the greatest effect on the extraction of the first-cycle injection in large pores,which increased from 16.42%to 36.64%.The findings from our research provide valuable insights into the CO_(2) huff‘n’puff effects in different pore sizes following fracturing under varying permeability conditions,shedding light on the mechanisms of CO_(2)-enhanced oil recovery in fractured shale oil reservoirs.

Fracture Effectiveness and its Influence on Gas Productivity in Ultra-deep Tight Sandstone Reservoirs of the Keshen Gas Field,Tarim Basin

Fracture effectiveness plays a key role in gas productivity of ultra-deep tight sandstone reservoirs,Kuqa depression,Tarim Basin.Based on cores,thin sections,well logging,well testing and production data,the study evaluated fracture effectiveness and illustrated its impacts on gas productivity.High-angle and vertical shear fractures are the most important types.Distribution of effective fractures shows great heterogeneous.Fracture effectiveness is influenced by tectonism,diagenesis and in-situ stress.Earlier fractures or fractures in close to gypsum rock are easier to be filled.Completely filled fractures can be reopened under late tectonism.Dissolution improves local fracture effectiveness.Minerals spanning fracture surfaces protect fracture effectiveness from late compression.Fractures filled with calcite can be activated by acidification.Effective fractures parallel to maximum horizontal principal compressive stress direction show larger aperture.Overpressure can decrease the effective normal stress to maintain fracture effectiveness.With exploitation,decline in pore pressure reduces fracture effectiveness.Linear density,aperture,and strike of effective fractures influence gas productivity.Effective fractures greatly enhance matrix permeability.Therefore,more abundant and larger aperture fractures are always corresponded to higher productivity.However,effective fractures also facilitate late water invasion,especially,both mutually parallel.Intense water invasion leads to rapidly declines in productivity.

Numerical Simulation of Asphaltene Precipitation and Deposition during Natural Gas and CO_(2) Injection

Asphaltene deposition is a significant problem during gas injection processes,as it can block the porous medium,the wellbore,and the involved facilities,significantly impacting reservoir productivity and ultimate oil recovery.Only a few studies have investigated the numerical modeling of this potential effect in porous media.This study focuses on asphaltene deposition due to natural gas and CO_(2) injection.Predictions of the effect of gas injection on asphaltene deposition behavior have been made using a 3D numerical simulation model.The results indicate that the injection of natural gas exacerbates asphaltene deposition,leading to a significant reduction in permeability near the injection well and throughout the reservoir.This reduction in permeability strongly affects the ability of gas toflow through the reservoir,resulting in an improvement of the displacement front.The displacement effi-ciency of the injection gas process increases by up to 1.40%when gas is injected at 5500 psi,compared to the scenario where the asphaltene model is not considered.CO_(2) injection leads to a miscible process with crude oil,extracting light and intermediate components,which intensifies asphaltene precipitation and increases the viscosity of the remaining crude oil,ultimately reducing the recovery rate.

Focused fluid flow in the Baiyun Sag, northern South China Sea: implications for the source of gas in hydrate reservoirs

The origin and migration of natural gas and the accumulation of gas hydrates within the Pearl River Mouth Basin of the northern South China Sea are poorly understood. Based on high-resolution 2D/3D seismic data, three environments of focused fluid flow： gas chimneys, mud diapirs and active faults have been identified. Widespread gas chimneys that act as important conduits for fluid flow are located below bottom simulating reflections and above basal uplifts. The occurrence and evolution of gas chimneys can be divided into a violent eruptive stage and a quiet seepage stage. For most gas chimneys, the strong eruptions are deduced to have happened during the Dongsha Movement in the latest Miocene, which are observed below Pliocene strata and few active faults develop above the top of the Miocene. The formation pressures of the Baiyun Sag currently are considered to be normal, based on these terms： 1） Borehole pressure tests with pressure coefficients of 1.043-l.047; 2） The distribution of gas chimneys is limited to strata older than the Pliocene; 3） Disseminated methane hydrates, rather than fractured hydrates, are found in the hydrate samples; 4） The gas hydrate is mainly charged with biogenic gas rather than thermogenic gas based on the chemical tests from gas hydrates cores. However, periods of quiet focused fluid flow also enable the establishment of good conduits for the migration of abundant biogenic gas and lesser volumes ofthermogenic gas. A geological model goveming fluid flow has been proposed to interpret the release of overpressure, the migration of fluids and the formation of gas hydrates, in an integrated manner. This model suggests that gas chimneys positioned above basal uplifts were caused by the Dongsha Movement at about 5.5 Ma. Biogenic gas occupies the strata above the base of the middle Miocene and migrates slowly into the gas chimney columns. Some of the biogenic gas and small volumes ofthermogenic gas eventually contribute to the formation of the gas hydrates.

Dynamics Analysis of the Baiyun Sag in the Pearl River Mouth Basin,North of the South China Sea

The Baiyun sag is a deep one developing on the slope of the Pearl River Mouth Basin. It occurs as a composite graben horizontally, and is composed of two sub-sags versus one low uplift. Vertically, the sedimentary architecture could be divided into three layers, i.e. the faulted layer on the bottom, the faulted-ductile stretching layer in the middle and the draping layer on the top. The main rifting stage of the sag is supposed to be characterized by ductile extension and thinning of the crust. The special deformation pattern is probably attributed to the fact that the Baiyun sag is located in the transfer zone of the pre-existing weak zone, which made the sag a strongly deformed area, characterized by the greatly thinned lithosphere and active magmatism. The highly rising mantle under the Baiyun sag should be an important mechanism responsible for the ductile deformation, which caused partial melting of the upper mantle. Upweiling to the upper crust and the sedimentary layers, the partial melting materials accommodated extensional strain and caused non-faulted vertical subsidence. Magma was collected under the transfer zone after the first stage of rifting, and transferred laterally in a direction perpendicular to the extension to the ENE and WSW parts of the sag and upwelled along the NW-trending basal faults, where WNW-trending shear faults developed in swarms. The faulting activity and sedimentation history of the Baiyun sag may have been affected by the ocean ridge jump around 24 Ma and the cessation of sea floor spreading around 16 Ma.

The tectonic differences between the east and the west in the deep-water area of the northern South China Sea

The deep-water area of the northern South China Sea, which has active and complicated tectonics, is rich in natural gas and gas hydrate. While the tectonic characteristics is different obviously between the east and the west because of the special tectonic position and tectonic evolution process. In terms of submarine geomorphology, the eastern shelf-slope structure in Pearl River Mouth Basin is characterized by having wide sub-basins and narrow intervening highs, whereas the western （Qiongdongnan Basin） structure is characterized by narrow sub- basins and wide uplift. As to the structural features, the deep-water sags in the east are all structurally half- grabens, controlled by a series of south-dipping normal faults. While the west sags are mainly characterised by graben structures with faulting in both the south and north. With regards to the tectonic evolution, the east began neotectonic activity when the post-rifting stage had completed at the end of the Middle Miocene. In the Baiyun Sag, tectonic activity became strong and was characterised by rapid subsidence and obvious faulting. Whereas in the west, neotectonic activity began at the end of the Late Miocene with rapid deposition and weak fault activity.

Development and application of iterative facies-constrained seismic inversion

To improve the accuracy of inversion results,geological facies distributions are considered as additional constraints in the inversion process.However,the geological facies itself also has its own uncertainty.In this paper,the initial sedimentary facies maps are obtained by integrated geological analysis from well data,seismic attributes,and deterministic inversion results.Then the fi rst iteration of facies-constrained seismic inversion is performed.According to that result and other data such as geological information,the facies distribution can be updated using cluster analysis.The next round of facies-constrained inversion can then be performed.This process will be repeated until the facies inconsistency or error before and after the inversion is minimized.It forms a new iterative facies-constrained seismic inversion technique.Compared with conventional facies-constrained seismic inversion,the proposed method not only can reduces the non-uniqueness of seismic inversion results but also can improves its resolution.As a consequence,the sedimentary facies will be more consistent with the geology.A practical application demonstrated that the superposition relationship of sand bodies could be better delineated based on this new seismic inversion technique.The result highly increases the understanding of reservoir connectivity and its accuracy,which can be used to guide further development.

Pre-Drilling Prediction Techniques on the High-Temperature High-Pressure Hydrocarbon Reservoirs Offshore Hainan Island,China

Decreasing the risks and geohazards associated with drilling engineering in high-temperature high-pressure(HTHP) geologic settings begins with the implementation of pre-drilling prediction techniques(PPTs). To improve the accuracy of geopressure prediction in HTHP hydrocarbon reservoirs offshore Hainan Island, we made a comprehensive summary of current PPTs to identify existing problems and challenges by analyzing the global distribution of HTHP hydrocarbon reservoirs, the research status of PPTs, and the geologic setting and its HTHP formation mechanism. Our research results indicate that the HTHP formation mechanism in the study area is caused by multiple factors, including rapid loading, diapir intrusions, hydrocarbon generation, and the thermal expansion of pore fluids. Due to this multi-factor interaction, a cloud of HTHP hydrocarbon reservoirs has developed in the Ying-Qiong Basin, but only traditional PPTs have been implemented, based on the assumption of conditions that do not conform to the actual geologic environment, e.g., Bellotti's law and Eaton's law. In this paper, we focus on these issues, identify some challenges and solutions, and call for further PPT research to address the drawbacks of previous works and meet the challenges associated with the deepwater technology gap. In this way, we hope to contribute to the improved accuracy of geopressure prediction prior to drilling and provide support for future HTHP drilling offshore Hainan Island.

High-resolution sequence architecture and depositional evolution of the Quaternary in the northeastern shelf margin of the South China Sea

The northeastern shelf margin of the South China Sea(SCS) is characterized by the development of large scale foresets complexes since Quaternary. Based on integral analysis of the seismic, well logging and paleontological data, successions since ～3.0 Ma can be defined as one composite sequence, consist of a set of regional transgressive to regressive sequences. They can be further divided into six 3 rd order sequences(SQ0–SQ5) based on the Exxon sequence stratigraphic model. Since ～1.6 Ma, five sets of deltaic systems characterized by development of wedge-shaped foresets complexes or clinoforms had been identified. High-resolution seismic data and the thick foresets allowed further divided of sub-depositional sequences(4 th order) of regression to transgression, which is basically consistent with published stacked benthic foram O-isotope records. Depositional systems identified in the study area include deltaic deposits(inner-shelf deltas and shelf-edge deltas), incised valleys, and slope slumping massive deposits. Since ～1.6 Ma, clinoforms prograded from the southern Panyu Lower Uplift toward the northern Baiyun Depression, shelf slope break migrated seaward, whereas the shelf edge of SQ0 migrated landward. The development of incised valleys in the continental shelf increased upward,especially intensive on the SB3 and SB2. The slumping massive deposits increased abruptly since SB2, which corresponds to the development of incised valleys. The evolution of depositional systems of continental slope mainly controlled by the combined influence of sea level changes, tectonic movements, sediment supply and climate changes. Since ～3.0 Ma, relative sea level of the northern SCS had been experienced transgression(～3.0 Ma BP) to regression(～1.6 Ma BP). The regional regression and maximum transgressions of the composite sequences were apparently enhanced by uplift or subsidence related to tectono-thermal events. In addition,climatic variations including monsoon intensification and the mid-Pleistocene transition may have enhanced sediment supply by increasing erosion rate and have an indispensable influence on the development of the incised valleys and 5 sets of deltaic systems since ～1.6 Ma.

Processes and causes of Phanerozoic tectonic evolution of the western Tarim Basin,northwest China

This paper addresses the Phanerozoic tectonic evolution of the western Tarim Basin based on an integrated stratigraphic,structural and tectonic analysis.P-wave velocity data show that the basin has a stable and rigid basement.The western Tarim Basin experienced a complex tectonic evolutionary history,and this evolution can be divided into six stages:Neoproterozoic to Early Ordovician,Middle Ordovician to Middle Devonian,Late Devonian to Permian,Triassic,Jurassic to Cretaceous and Paleogene to Quaternary.The western Tarim Basin was a rift basin in the Neoproterozoic to Early Ordovician.From the Middle Ordovician to Middle Devonian,the basin consisted of a flexural depression in the south and a depression that changed from a rift depression to a flexural depression in the north during each period,i.e.,the Middle-Late Ordovician and the Silurian to Middle Devonian.During the Late Devonian to Permian,the basin was a depression basin early and then changed into a flexural basin late in each period,i.e.,the Late Devonian to Carboniferous and the Permian.In the Triassic,the basin was a foreland basin,and from the Jurassic to Cretaceous,it was a downwarped basin.After the Paleogene,the basin became a rejuvenated foreland basin.Based on two cross sections,we conclude that the extension and shortening in the profile reflect the tectonic evolution of the Tarim Basin.The Tarim Basin has become a composite and superimposed sedimentary basin because of its long-term and complicated tectonic evolutionary history,highly rigid and stable basement and large size.

Support vector regression constraint to remove fault shadows-A case study of an oil field in the pearl river estuary basin,South China Sea

The main reservoirs in different fields in the YP oil region of the eastern Pearl River Estuary Basin are all fault-locked reservoirs.A large amount of seismic data in this area has fault-influenced distortion imaging zones,which poses a challenge to the tectonic evaluation of the area.Traditional solutions to fault shadows generally use reacquisition of multi-directional seismic data or targeted processing for fault imaging,which involves the acquisition of high cost and long processing cycle.In this paper,we propose to quantitatively depict the shadow zone range of faults using 3D stratigraphic dip attributes,and then combine it with the lateral distribution of marine stratigraphy features in the YP oil region,we introduced a support vector regression algorithm to calculate a high-precision nonlinear tectonic trend surface in the area.Under the constraint of this trend surface,we completed the prediction of distortion area structure of the fault shadow zone.The theoretical model test calculations and the production application of an oil field in the YP oil region show that the method has a great potential for application.

Impact of Burial Dissolution on the Development of Ultradeep Fault-controlled Carbonate Reservoirs:Insights from High-temperature and High-pressure Dissolution Kinetic Simulation

Burial dissolution is a critical diagenetic process influencing ultra-deep carbonate reservoir development and preservation.Artificial carbonate samples with different internal structures were prepared,and high-temperature and highpressure dissolution kinetic simulations were conducted.The results demonstrate that the intensity of burial dissolution is controlled by temperature and pressure,while tectonic-fluid activity influences the development pattern of burial dissolution,ultimately determining the direction of its differential modification.Extensive burial dissolution is likely to occur primarily at relatively shallow depths,significantly influencing reservoir formation,preservation,modification,and adjustment.The development of faults facilitates the maintenance of the intensity of burial dissolution.The maximum intensity of burial dissolution occurs at the tips and overlap zones of faults and intersections of multiple faults.The larger the scale of the faults,the more conducive it is to the development of burial dissolution.Burial dissolution fosters the formation of fault networks characterized by enhanced reservoir capacity and permeability.Burial dissolution controlled by episodic tectonic-fluid activity is a plausible explanation for forming the Tarim Basin's ultra-deep fault-controlled“stringbead-like”reservoirs.

Huizhou Movement and its significance in Pearl River Mouth Basin, China

The Huizhou Movement refers to the Middle Eocene tectonic transition from the early to the late Wenchang Rifting stage(about 43 Ma ago) in the Pearl River Mouth Basin. Based on seismic reflection, drilling, logging and geological data, fault characteristic analysis, denudation thickness recovery, magmatism statistics, regional tectonic dynamics comparison and other methods are used to reveal the characteristics, properties and dynamic mechanism of the Huizhou Movement. The Huizhou Movement mainly shows the North-South transition of rifting and the migration along the faults, basement uplift, magmatic diapir and stratigraphic denudation. It is believed that the Huizhou Movement is a comprehensive reflection of plate interaction and lithospheric thinning process in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, which is closely related to the transition of lithosphere from initial rifting to rapid thinning, the India-Eurasia hard collision and the change of subduction direction of the Pacific plate. The Huizhou Movement has significant influence and control on the Paleogene hydrocarbon-generating sags and the development of hydrocarbon source rocks, sedimentary system and deep high-quality reservoir, hydrocarbon migration and accumulation in the Pearl River Mouth Basin.

Acoustic logging response law in shales based on petrophysical model

Shale acoustic logging response law is complex due to the multiple minerals and pores,which limits the application of acoustic logging in shale reservoir parameter evaluation,therefore clarifying the shale acoustic logging response law is of great importance.Different petrophysical models are adopted for the equivalence of organic matter,clay,matrix minerals,and fractures,in Wufeng-Longmaxi shale formation in the Jiaoshiba area.Finally,the self-consistent approximation model is used to combine different components,and a shale petrophysical model with a complex pore structure is constructed.The model verification results show it has good predictability for shale.Based on the model,the effect of different mineral compositions and different types of pores are studied.The results show that:1)The effect of clay and organic matter is very complex,and the variation laws of layered clay(organic matter)and dispersed clay(organic matter)on the acoustic wave are consistent.2)Layered clay or organic matter leads to the formation anisotropy increase,which makes the acoustic time difference greater than that of containing dispersed clay(organic matter).3)The fracture is the main control factor of anisotropy,and the anisotropy of gas-bearing fracture is higher than that of water/oil fracture.

Patterns and Dynamics of Rifting on Passive Continental Margin from Shelf to Slope of the Northern South China Sea:Evidence from 3D Analogue Modeling

Affected by thermal perturbation due to mantle uprising, the rheological structure of the lithosphere could be modified, which could lead to different rifting patterns from shelf to slope in a passive continental margin. From the observed deformation style on the northern South China Sea and analogue modeling experiments, we find that the rift zone located on the shelf is characterized by half grabens or simple grabens controlled mainly by long faults with large vertical offset, supposed to be formed with normal lithosphere extension. On the slope, where the lithosphere is very hot due to mantle upweUing and heating, composite grabens composed of symmetric grabens developed. The boundary and inner faults are all short with small vertical offset. Between the zones with very hot and normal lithosphere, composite half grabens composed of half grabens or asymmetric grabens formed, whose boundary faults are long with large vertical offset, while the inner faults are relatively short. Along with the thickness decrease of the brittle upper crust due to high temperature, the deformation becomes more sensitive to the shape of a pre-existing weakness zone and shows orientation variation along strike. When there was a bend in the pre-existing weakness zone, and the basal plate was pulled by a clockwise rotating stress, the strongest deformation always occurs along the middle segment and at the transition area from the middle to the eastern segments, which contributes to a hotter lithosphere in the middle segment, where the Baiyun （白云） sag formed.

Dynamic Analysis on Rifting Stage of Pearl River Mouth Basin through Analogue Modeling

The Pearl River Mouth basin （PRMB） is a marginal sedimentary basin of the South China Sea. It trends NE and is divided into three segments from west to east by two NW-trending faults. Changing dramatically in structures along and across strike, the PRMB is a good example to analyze main factors that might control the process of a continental rift basin＇s extension. Through five series of analogue experiments, we investigate the role of different factors, such as pre-existing discontinuities of crust, rheological profiles of lithosphere, kinematics of extension and presence of magmatic bodies and strong crustal portions （rigid massifs） on the development of basin＇s structures. After being compared with the architecture of the natural prototype, the results of the analogue models were compared with the architecture of the natural prototype and used to infer the role of the different factors controlling the formation and evolution of the PRMB. The main conclusions are as follows. （1） Affected by pre-Cenozoic structures, the PRMB was controlled by crosscut NE- and NW-trending initial faults, and the NW-trending Yitong＇ansha （--~l~） fault may be a through-going fault along dip and offset the NE-trending rift and faults, while the Enpingdong （和统暗沙） fault might exist only in the middle and south. （2） The NW-trending faults may orient WNW to be sinistrally transtensional under SE to nearly NS extension. （3） The thickness ratio of brittle over ductile crust in Baiyun （白云） sag is lessthan normal, suggesting an initially hot and weak lithosphere. （4） The magma must have taken part in the rifting process from early stage, it may occur initially upon or slightly south of the divergent boundary in the middle segment. The flow of magma toward rift boundary faults caused extra vertical subsidence above the initial magma reservoir without creating a large extensional fault. （5） The rigid massif contributed to the strain partition along and across basin strike.

Novel Tetracyclic Terpanes in Crude Oils and Source Rock Extracts in Pearl River Mouth Basin and Their Geological Significance

Novel tetracyclic terpanes X and Y namely C24-des-A-oleanane and C27 tetracyclic terpane were detected in crude oils and source rock extracts in Zhu 1 depression in Pearl River Mouth Basin by GC-MS analysis technology. These compounds are similar to oleanane in the structure, and their relative abundance in m/z 191 partial mass cbromatogram has a good correlation with oleanane. Here compounds X and Y are considered to be derived from the des-A degradation of oleanoid precursor. The ratio of X/（X-I-C24） and Y/（Y-I-C24） increase with the increasing inputs of terrigenous organic matter in crude oils. Wenchang Formation middle-deep lacustrine source rocks with planktonic algae organic matter inputs and oil generating from it contain low abundance of compounds X and Y, while Enping Formation coal measures source rocks with terrigenous higher plants organic matter inputs and oil generating from it usually have higher compounds X and Y. In general when two terrigenous compounds C19 tricyclic terpane and bicadinane-T are high in crude oils, there are also a corresponding high abundant compounds X and Y. Relative abundance of compounds X and Y is closely related to the source of organic matter and it can indicate the input of terrigenous organic matter.