Distribution patterns of tight sandstone gas and shale gas

Based on an elaboration of the resource potential and annual production of tight sandstone gas and shale gas in the United States and China,this paper reviews the researches on the distribution of tight sandstone gas and shale gas reservoirs,and analyzes the distribution characteristics and genetic types of tight sandstone gas reservoirs.In the United States,the proportion of tight sandstone gas in the total gas production declined from 20%-35%in 2008 to about 8%in 2023,and the shale gas production was 8310×10^(8)m^(3)in 2023,about 80%of the total gas production,in contrast to the range of 5%-17%during 2000-2008.In China,the proportion of tight sandstone gas in the total gas production increased from 16%in 2010 to 28%or higher in 2023.China began to produce shale gas in 2012,with the production reaching 250×10^(8)m^(3)in 2023,about 11%of the total gas production of the country.The distribution of shale gas reservoirs is continuous.According to the fault presence,fault displacement and gas layer thickness,the continuous shale gas reservoirs can be divided into two types:continuity and intermittency.Most previous studies believed that both tight sandstone gas reservoirs and shale gas reservoirs are continuous,but this paper holds that the distribution of tight sandstone gas reservoirs is not continuous.According to the trap types,tight sandstone gas reservoirs can be divided into lithologic,anticlinal,and synclinal reservoirs.The tight sandstone gas is coal-derived in typical basins in China and Egypt,but oil-type gas in typical basins in the United States and Oman.

Tracing of natural gas migration by light hydrocarbons:A case study of the Dongsheng gas field in the Ordos Basin,NW China

Based on the analysis of light hydrocarbon compositions of natural gas and regional comparison in combination with the chemical components and carbon isotopic compositions of methane,the indication of geochemical characteristics of light hydrocarbons on the migration features,dissolution and escape of natural gas from the Dongsheng gas field in the Ordos Basin is revealed,and the effect of migration on specific light hydrocarbon indexes is further discussed.The study indicates that,natural gas from the Lower Shihezi Formation(Pix)in the Dongsheng gas field displays higher iso-C5-7contents than n-C5-7contents,and the C6-7light hydrocarbons are composed of paraffins with extremely low aromatic contents(<0.4%),whereas the C7light hydrocarbons are dominated by methylcyclohexane,suggesting the characteristics of coal-derived gas with the influence by secondary alterations such as dissolution.The natural gas from the Dongsheng gas field has experienced free-phase migration from south to north and different degrees of dissolution after charging,and the gas in the Shiguhao area to the north of the Borjianghaizi fault has experienced apparent diffusion loss after accumulation.Long-distance migration in free phase results in the decrease of the relative contents of the methylcyclohexane in C7 light hydrocarbons and the toluene/n-heptane ratio,as well as the increase of the n-heptane/methylcyclohexane ratio and heptane values.The dissolution causes the increase of isoheptane values of the light hydrocarbons,whereas the diffusion loss of natural gas in the Shiguhao area results in the increase of n-C5-7contents compared to the iso-C5-7contents.

Gas source of the Middle Jurassic Shaximiao Formation in the Zhongjiang large gas field of Western Sichuan Depression:Constraints from geochemical characteristics of light hydrocarbons

The Zhongjiang gas field is a typical large gas field in terrigenous strata of the Western Sichuan Depression.It remains debatable which member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation served as the source rocks and how significant the member contributed to the gas accumulations in the Zhongjiang gas field.In this study,we analyzed the essential characteristics of the Lower Jurassic source rocks and the geochemical features of light hydrocarbons in natural gas from the 2nd(T_(3)χ^(2))and 4th members(T_(3)χ^(4))of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation(T_(3)χ),as well as the Middle Jurassic Shaximiao(J_(2)s)and Qianfoya(J_(2)q)formations.Based on this,we explored the sources of the natural gas in the Zhongjiang gas field and determined the natural gas migration patterns and their effects on the properties of light hydrocarbons in the natural gas.The results indicate that the Lower Jurassic lacustrine source rocks of the Zhongjiang gas field contain humic organic matter,with vitrinite reflectance(R_(0))values ranging from 0.86%to 0.98%.Samples meeting the criterion for effective source rocks[total organic carbon(TOC)content≥0.75%]exhibited an average TOC content of merely 1.02%,suggesting significantly lower hydrocarbon generation potential than source rocks in the underlying T3x,which show higher thermal maturity and TOC contents.For natural gas samples from T_(3)χ^(2),T_(3)χ^(4),J_(2)s,and J_(2)q reservoirs,their C_(5-7)iso-alkane content was significantly higher than their n-alkane content,and their methylcyclohexane(MCH)index ranged from 59.0%to 77.3%,indicating the predominance of methylcyclohexane in C_(7)light hydrocarbons.As indicated by the origin identification and gas-source correlation based on the geochemical features of light hydrocarbons,the natural gas in the Zhongjiang gas field is typical coal-derived gas.The gas from the primary pay zone of the Shaximiao Formation,with significantly high K_(1),(P_(2)+N_(2))/C_(7),and P_(3)/C_(7)values,predominantly originated from the 5th member of the T3x and migrated in the free phase,with a small amount possibly sourced from the Lower Jurassic source rocks.The dissolution and adsorption during gas migration led to a decrease in the aromatic content in C_(6-7)light hydrocarbons and an increase in the isoheptane values.Therefore,their effects must be considered when determining the gas origin and thermal maturity based on the aromatic content in C_(6-7) light hydrocarbons and iso-heptane values.

Restoration of reservoir diagenesis and hydrocarbon accumulation process by calcite in-situ U-Pb dating and fluid inclusion analysis: A case study on Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation in Gaoquan Structure, southern Junggar Basin, NW China

The complexity of diagenesis and hydrocarbon accumulation in the deep reservoirs in southern Junggar Basin restricts hydrocarbon exploration in the lower reservoir assemblage. The lithofacies and diagenesis of reservoirs in the Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation in the Gaoquan structure of the Sikeshu Sag, southern Junggar Basin were analyzed. On this basis, the thermal history was calibrated using calcite in-situ U-Pb dating and fluid inclusion analysis to depict the hydrocarbon accumulation process in the Gaoquan structure. The results show that the Qingshuihe reservoir experienced two phases of calcite cementation and three phases of hydrocarbon charging. The calcite cements are dated to be (122.1±6.4) Ma, (14.4±1.0) Ma - (14.2±0.3) Ma. The hydrocarbon charging events occurred at around 14.2-30.0 Ma (low-mature oil), 14.2 Ma (mature oil), and 2 Ma (high-mature gas). The latter two phases of hydrocarbon charging contributed dominantly to the formation of reservoir. Due to the S-N compressive thrust activity during the late Himalayan period since 2 Ma, the traps in the Gaoquan structure were reshaped, especially the effective traps which developed in the main reservoir-forming period were decreased significantly in scale, resulting in weak hydrocarbon shows in the middle-lower part of the structure. This indicates that the effective traps in key reservoir-forming period controlled hydrocarbon enrichment and distribution in the lower reservoir assemblage. Calcite U-Pb dating combined with fluid inclusion analysis can help effectively describe the complex diagenesis and hydrocarbon accumulation process in the central-west part of the basin.

Dynamic evolution characteristics of the “source-reservoir” integration of gray marl and its geological significance to unconventional gas: Insights from pyrolysis experiments

The marl–limestone rhythmic strata of the Permian Maokou Formation have been identified as hosts of unconventional gas reservoirs with “source–reservoir” integration. The lack of research on the pore structure evolution of organic-rich carbonate rock restricts gas exploration of these strata. Here, pyrolysis experiments were performed on the Mao-1 carbonate to simulate hydrocarbon generation, expulsion and diagenesis in gray marl from low maturity to overmaturity. The pore structure of this marl is dominated by mesopores and macropores, and the proportion of macropores increases gradually with temperature. The macropores are mainly pores in the organic matter and shrinkage microcracks. Additionally, micropores and mesopores, dominated by clay mineral interlayer pores and pyrite intergranular pores, are developed in the high mature stage and subsequently compressed in the overmature stage. The main contributors to the specific surface area are micropores and mesopores, which are conducive to natural gas adsorption. After the same pyrolysis treatment, the available porosity of grey marl is higher than that of marine/lacustrine shales, and exhibits an obvious decrease in the low mature–mature stage. These suggest that the abundant residual oil generated blocked the organic and inorganic pores in the gray marl, providing a pivotal material foundation for the gas generation. Micropores and mesopores developed during the high mature stage ensure the gas accumulation and preservation. The above indicate the organic-rich carbonate at the high mature–overmature stage (Ro = 1.7%–2.5%) in the Sichuan Basin may be a favorable exploration horizon for unconventional oil and gas.

Structural characterization and mass spectrometry fragmentation signatures of macrocyclic alkanes isolated from a Sydney Basin torbanite,Australia

Individual hydrocarbons identified to be macrocyclic alkanes in a torbanite from the Sydney Basin(Australia)were successfully isolated from its extracts using preparative gas chromatography and analyzed by NMR.Saturated cyclic structures were confirmed by single peaks in the NMR~1H and~(13)C spectra indicating single forms of H and C atoms exist in these biomarker molecules.This is consistent with the methylene unit in a ring system assignment of the macrocyclic alkanes and accounts for a formula of(CH2)n.The unusual molecular structures of these compounds are consistent with those that were identified from previous GC retention index data and co-injection with a standard supports the previous research.The mass spectral fragmentation behaviors of representative cyclic alkanes were further investigated by comparing them with the mass spectra of isolated individual macrocyclic alkanes.The characteristic fragment ions in the macrocyclic alkanes of(M–28)+and base peaks of m/z 97,111,125,etc.,can be assigned as being generated by simple a-/i-cleavage and hydrogen rearrangement.These fragmentation pathways combined with retention indices should assist in differentiating these compounds from monounsaturated alkenes and alkylated monocyclics having similar mass spectral characteristics in other geological samples.

The source and formation characteristics of the Zhujiadun gas reservoirs in the Yancheng Sag, Subei Basin

The Yancheng Sag is a favorable exploration area in the Subei Basin. However, the key geological understanding of the natural gas source and reservoir formation characteristics of the sag is still controversial. Based on a set of organic geochemical experiments conducted on natural gas and associated condensate oil of the first member of the Funing Formation (E1f1) in well YCh5 and well data analysis, the oil-gas resources and reservoir formation model in the Zhujiadun gas reservoir in the Yancheng Sag, Subei Basin, were investigated. The results of this study are as follows. (1) The natural gas in the Zhujiadun gas reservoir is dry gas with high methane content, low heavy hydrocarbon content, and high maturity. The characteristics of carbon and hydrogen isotopes in the natural gas indicate that the natural gas is oil-cracked gas, which mainly originates from the source rocks of the Permian Qixia Formation. (2) The condensate oil from well YCh5 with a high degree of maturity has a high pristane/phytane ratio, low gamma-paraffin abundance, and low tricyclic terpene abundance, indicating a mixture of the Upper Paleozoic condensate oil and Cenozoic crude oil. The saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons have similar δ13C values to the Cenozoic continental crude oil. These features suggest two sources of condensate oil. (3) Oils generated from the source rocks of the Qixia Formation were cracked into highly mature gas after deep burial, which migrated along large faults into the sandstones of the E1f1 and K1t1 members. This type of reservoir was effectively preserved beneath the overlying mudstone cap rocks. Therefore, it can be inferred that a play fairway might occur in the eastern zone of the faults connected to the Paleozoic source rocks in the Yancheng Sag since this zone has similar petroleum geological conditions to well YCh5. Therefore, this zone is a favorable area for further exploration.

Surface geochemical anomaly pattern of medium-to-high temperature geothermal systems in South China and its application

The existence of thermal storage will correspondingly increase the temperature of surrounding strata and promote the continuous expansion,volatilization,upward migration,and loss of gas in the strata.As a result,a low-concentration gas field will be formed in the strata above geothermal reservoirs.Geothermal reservoirs could in turn heat formation water and increase the solubility of soluble inorganic salts in the surrounding rocks and the total dissolved solids(TDS)content in the formation water.Since water can strongly wet and permeate strata,the dissolved inorganic salts migrate into upper strata along with water,giving rise to the formation of a high-concentration inorganic salt field in the strata above geothermal reservoirs.A higher geothermal reservoir temperature corresponds to more significant characteristics mentioned above.Therefore,a medium-to-high temperature geothermal system has a surface geochemical anomaly pattern of high inorganic salt concentrations and low gas concentrations(also referred to as the high-salt and low-gas pattern).This pattern is applied to the surface geochemical exploration of the two geothermal fields in Guangdong Province,i.e.,the Huangshadong geothermal field in Huizhou City and the Xinzhou geothermal field in Yangjiang City,revealing low-concentration gas fields above both.The application results also show that the exposed thermal spring water in both geological fields has higher concentration of dissolved inorganic salt than the surface water and nearby seawater,forming high-amplitude anomalies on the surface above geothermal reservoirs.These characteristics,as well as the measured temperature at known geothermal wells,verify the validity of the high-salt and low-gas pattern of medium-to-high temperature geothermal systems proposed in this study.Moreover,the high-salt and low-gas pattern proposed predicts three favorable medium-to-high temperature geothermal zones in the surface geochemical exploration of the Shiba Basin near the Huangshadong geothermal field.

Extractable and kerogen-bound hopanoids from typical Eocene oil shales in China

This study conducted a comparative analysis of extractable hopanoid hydrocarbons and those released via stepwise pyrolysis of typical Eocene immature oil shales in China,namely the Huadian,Maoming,and Fushun shales.Both the Huadian and Maoming shales exhibit immature indicators in extractable and kerogen-bound hopanoids(notably,high abundance of C_(29)to C_(32)17β,21β-hopanes and unsaturated hopenes).In contrast,the Fushun oil shale's hopanoids from extracts and pyrolyzates suggest a higher maturity level.The absence of neohopenes in the pyrolyzates of the shales underpins that the kerogenbound hopanoid skeletons resist rearrangement.However,the Huadian oil shale's asymmetric distribution of C_(29)and C_(30)hopenes and neohopenes hints at the presence of an additional source.Novel unsaturated hopenes,such as hop-20(21)-enes,identified in pyrolyzates of the three kerogens at various pyrolysis temperatures,reveal the occurrence of double bonds in kerogen-bound hopanoid skeletons without methyl rearrangements.The absence of hop-20-(21)-ene in extracts suggests that it might act as an intermediate of these novel hopenes during the epimerization of hopanoid skeletons within kerogen.The extractable and pyrolytic hopanoids'stereochemical alignment indicates that epimerization may occur in both ring systems and alkyl side chains of kerogen-bound hopanoid skeletons.Sequential stepwise pyrolysis proves to be a quick screening method for geological hopanoids without causing any significant alteration to the original skeletons even when cracking multiple covalent bonds is necessary.

Tectonic evolution of the Dabashan orocline, central China: Insights from the superposed folds in the eastern Dabashan foreland

The Dabashan orocline is situated in the northwestern margin of the central Yangtze block,central China.Previous studies have defined the orthogonal superposed folds growing in its central-western segment thereby confirming its two-stage tectonic evolution history.Geological mapping has revealed that more types of superposed folds have developed in the eastern segment of the orocline,which probably provides more clues for probing the structure and tectonic history of the Dabashan orocline.In this paper,based on geological mapping,structural measurements and analyses of deformation,we have identified three groups of folds with different trends （e.g.NW-,NE-and nearly E-trending folds） and three types of structural patterns of superposed folds in the eastern Dabashan foreland （e.g.syn-axial,oblique,and conjunctional superposed folds）.In combination with geochronological data,we propose that the synaxial superposed folds are due to two stages of ～N-S shortening in the west and north of the Shennongjia massif,and that oblique superposed folds have been resulted from the superposition of the NW-and NE-trending folds onto the early ～ E-W folds in the east of the Shennongjia massif in the late Jurassic to early Cretaceous.The conjunctional folds are composed of the NW-and NE-trending folds,corresponding to the regional-scale dual-orocline in the eastern Sichuan as a result of the southwestward expansion of the Dabashan foreland during late Jurassic to early Cretaceous,coeval with the northwestward propagation of the Xuefengshan foreland.Integration of the structure and geochronology of the belt shows that the Dabashan orocline is a combined deformation belt primarily experiencing a twostage tectonic evolution history in Mesozoic,initiation of the Dabashan orocline as a foreland basin along the front of the Qinling orogen in late Triassic to early Jurassic due to collisional orogeny,and the final formation of the Dabashan orocline owing to the southwestward propagation of the Qinling orogen during late Jurassic to early Cretaceous intra-continental orogeny.Our studies provide some evidences for understanding the structure and deformation of the Dabashan orocline.

In situ Raman spectroscopic quantification of CH4–CO2 mixture: application to fluid inclusions hosted in quartz veins from the Longmaxi Formation shales in Sichuan Basin, southwestern China

We re-evaluate the Raman spectroscopic quantification of the molar ratio and pressure for CH4–CO2 mixtures.Firstly,the Raman quantification factors of CH4 and CO2 increase with rising pressure at room temperature,indicating that Raman quantification of CH4/CO2 molar ratio can be applied to those fluid inclusions(FIs)with high internal pressure(i.e.,>15 MPa).Secondly,the v1(CH4)peak position shifts to lower wavenumber with increasing pressure at constant temperature,confirming that the v1(CH4)peak position can be used to calculate the fluid pressure.However,this method should be carefully calibrated before applying to FI analyses because large discrepancies exist among the reported v1(CH4)-P curves,especially in the highpressure range.These calibrations are applied to CH4-rich FIs in quartz veins of the Silurian Longmaxi black shales in southern Sichuan Basin.The vapor phases of these FIs are mainly composed of CH4 and minor CO2,with CO2 molar fractions from4.4%to 7.4%.The pressure of single-phase gas FI ranges from 103.65 to 128.35 MPa at room temperature,which is higher than previously reported.Thermodynamic calculations supported the presence of extremely high-pressure CH4-saturated fluid(218.03–256.82 MPa at 200°C),which may be responsible for the expulsion of CH4 to adjacent reservoirs.

Laboratory Simulation of Vertical Hydrocarbon Microseepage

Based on a conceptual model of hydrocarbon microseepage, a macro-sized experimental equipment used the matched mixtures of cement and quartz sand as simulated caprock and its overlying strata is first set up to simulate the processes of hydrocarbon microseepage and its nearsurface expressions. The results of the simulation experiments suggest that simulated caprock and its overlying strata have a certain sealed capability; hydrocarbon microseepage is dominated by the pressure of point gas source, and temperature plays only a subordinate role; on the path of hydrocarbon microseepage, the distribution of hydrocarbon concentration is fan-shaped; differential adsorption of aikanes by the simulated caprock and its overlying strata results in the occurrence of a chromatographic effect. Different migrating patterns within simulated caprock are shown by the ratio of i-butane to n-butane. The concentration of hydrocarbon in the surface soil has good correspondence with the pressure of point gas source. These simulation results are significant to further study of the mechanism of anomalies recovered in surface geochemistry exploration.

Geochemical Characteristics and Genetic Types of Natural Gas in the Xinchang Gas Field, Sichuan Basin, SW China

The molecular compositions and stable carbon and hydrogen isotopic compositions of natural gas from the Xinchang gas field in the Sichuan Basin were investigated to determine the genetic types. The natural gas is mainly composed of methane （88.99%-98.01%）, and the dryness coefficient varies between 0.908 and 0.997. The gas generally displays positive alkane carbon and hydrogen isotopic series. The geochemical characteristics and gas-source correlation indicate that the gases stored in the 5th member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation are coal-type gases which are derived from source rocks in the stratum itself. The gases reservoired in the 4th member of the Xujiahe Formation and Jurassic strata in the Xinchang gas field are also coal-type gases that are derived from source rocks in the 3rd and 4th members of the Xujiahe Formation. The gases reservoired in the 2nd member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation are mainly coal-type gases with small amounts of oil-type gas that is derived from source rocks in the stratum itself. This is accompanied by a small amount of contribution brought by source rocks in the Upper Triassic Ma＇antang and Xiaotangzi formations. The gases reservoired in the 4th member of the Middle Triassic Leikoupo Formation are oil-type gases and are believed to be derived from the secondary cracking of oil which is most likely to be generated from the Upper Permian source rocks.

Geochemical characteristics of the Permian Changxing Formation reef dolomites,northeastern Sichuan Basin,China

The recent discovery of deep and ultra-deep gas reservoirs in the Permian Changxing Formation reefs, northeastern Sichuan Basin is a significant development in marine carbonate oil ＆ gas exploration in China. Reef dolomites and their origins have been major research topics for sedimentologists and oil ＆ gas geologists. The petrography, trace element and isotope geochemistry of the reef dolomites indicated that the dolomites are characterized by low Sr and Mn contents, relatively low Fe contents, very similar δ13C and 6180 values and very different 87Sr/86Sr ratios. Although the calculated results of the fluid mixing suggested that a mixture with 85%-95% meteoric water and 50/o- 15% seawater seemed to be the dolomitizing fluids of the reef dolomites, the low Mn contents, relatively low Fe contents, high δ13c values and high homogenization temperatures of the dolomites did not support that there were large proportions of meteoric water in the dolomitization process, and the 87Sr/86Sr ratios which were close to coeval seawater also did not support the possibility of the mixture of deep-burial circulated fluids from clastic rocks. High temperature deep-burial circulated seawater with low Mn and Fe contents, high Sr content and high δ13C values from the dissolution of widely distributed Triassic evaporites during the burial diagenetic processes （including dehydration of water-bearing evaporites） could have been the dolomitizing fluids of the reef dolomites.

Reservoir Characteristics and Preservation Conditions of Longmaxi Shale in the Upper Yangtze Block, South China

The Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale in the Upper Yangtze block represents one of the most important shale gas plays in China. The shale composition, porosity, organic thermal maturity, and methane sorption were investigated at the Qilongcun section in the Dingshan area, southeastern Sichuan Basin. The results show that the Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale contains： （1） sapropelic I organic matter; （2） a 40-m thick bedded sequence where total organic carbon （TOC） content is 〉 2%; （3） a 30-m thick layer at the base of the Longmaxi Shale with a brittle mineral content higher than 50%; and （4） a mean methane adsorption capacity of 1.80 cm3/g （7 MPa pressure）. A positive correlation between TOC and sorbed gas indicates that organic matter content exerts an important control on methane storage capacity. Based on the analysis of the shale reservoir characteristics, the lower member of the Longmaxi Shale can thus be considered a favorable stratum for shale gas exploration and exploitation. It has similar reservoir characteristics with the Longmaxi Shale in the Jiaoshiba area tested with a high-yield industrial gas flow. However, based on tectonic analysis, differences in the level of industrial gas flow between the low-yield study area and the high-yield Jiaoshiba area may result from different tectonic preservation conditions. Evidence from these studies indicates the shale gas potential of the Longmaxi Shale is constrained by the reservoir and preservation conditions.

Formation of the Moping Dome in the Xuefengshan Orocline, Central China and its Tectonic Significance

Many equiaxial dome-like structures developed in the north segment of the Xuefengshan orocline, Central China are obviously inconcordant with the NE-trending linear structures in this area, which contain important records for understanding the structural framework and evolution of this belt. In this paper, taking one of the typical dome-like structures in the Xuefengshan orcline （e.g. Moping dome-like structure） as an example, based on its structural framework interpratatoin, superposed deformation analysis and paleo-stress fields reconstruction, we propose the Moping dome- like structure is composed of two populations of different-striking thrust-fold structures, -E-trending and NE-striking structures, indicative of two-stages shortening, -N- and NW-striking, respectively. Together with the geochronological analysis, we suggest the first stage of shortening occurred in Late Triassic to Early Jurassic, due to the Indosinian intercollisional orogeny of the Yangtze Block and the North China Block. The second occurred during Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous owing to Yanshanian intracontinental orogeny, leading to the intensive superposition of the NE-trending structures onto the -E-trending structures, and the final ocurrence of the Moping dome. Thus, our study indicates the Xuefengshan arc-shape belt also experienced two-phase deformation, and resulted from the superposition of NE-SW structures onto -E-W structures in Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous, which could provide new structural evidence for probing the Mesozoic tectonic framework and evolution of the Xuefengshan orocline.

Comprehensive geochemical identification of highly evolved marine hydrocarbon source rocks: Organic matter, paleoenvironment and development of effective hydrocarbon source rocks

This study analyzed the developing environments of hydrocarbon source rocks in the Ordos Basin and evaluated carbonate rocks as hydrocarbon source rocks and their distributions on account of the fact that China’s marine carbonate rocks as hydrocarbon source rocks are characterized by the intensive thermal evolution and relatively low abundance of organic matter, by taking the Lower Paleozoic of the Ordos Basin for example and in light of the calculated enrichment coefficients of trace elements, the profile analysis of trace element contents, ratios of relevant elements, and stable isotopic compositions and their three-dimensional diagrammatization in combination with the necessary organic parameters. As for the Ordos Basin, TOC=0.2% is an important boundary value. Studies have shown that in the strata TOC>0.2%, V/(V+Ni)>0.50, Zr/Rb<2, Rb/K(×104)>30, Z>122, Th/U>0.80, Zn and Mo are enriched with a positive δ13Ccarb excursion. All these indicated a stagnant and stratified sedimentary environment that has low energy, anoxia and high salinity in bottom water. In these strata the geological conditions are good for the preservation of organic matter, hence favoring the development of hydrocarbon source rocks. These strata have δ13Corg<-28‰ (Ⅰ- Ⅱ type) and high hydrocarbon-generated potential. The Klimory and Wulalik formations show certain regularities in those aspects, therefore, they can be regarded as the potential effective hydrocarbon source rocks. In the strata TOC≤0.2%, Zr/Rb>1, V/(V+Ni)<0.50, Rb/K<30, Th/U<0.80, Cu, Zn, etc are depleted, and δ13Corg values range from -24‰ to -28‰. All these facts showed that most of the carbonate rocks or mudstones were formed in high-energy oxidizing environments, thus unfavorable to the development of hydrocarbon source rocks. It is feasible to make use of the geochemical method to comprehensively assess the highly evolved marine carbonates rocks as potential hydrocarbon source rocks and their distributions.

Determination of Hydrocarbon Charging History by Diagenetic Sequence and Fluid Inclusions:A Case Study of the Kongquehe Area in the Tarim Basin

Petrographic analysis of hydrocarbon inclusions in reservoirs is the basis and prerequisite for study of hydrocarbon charge history using fluid inclusion analysis.Samples from Silurian reservoirs in the Kongquehe area were studied with microscopy,cathode luminescence and scanning electron microscopy,and the paragenetic sequence of diagenetic events was established.Aqueous and oil inclusions were found in four different occurrences,i.e.,① in healed cracks in detrital quartz grains,② in quartz overgrowths that were formed relatively early in diagenesis,③ in healed cracks crosscutting quartz overgrowths and detrital quartz,and ④ in paragenetically late calcite cements.Solid bitumens were found in intergranular pores and in late fractures,whereas gas inclusions occur in healed cracks crosscutting quartz overgrowths and detrital quartz.The homogenization temperatures of aqueous（Th_（aq）） and oil incluisons（Th_0） within individual fluid inclusion assemblages are very consistent,suggesting that the microthermometric data are reliable.The Th_（aq） values are generally larger than Th_0,indicating the oil charging events took place at significant depths.The results suggest that there were at least two episodes of hydrocarbon charging in the Kongquehe area：the early hydrocarbon charging occurred in late Caledonian,dominated by oil,and the late hydrocarbon charging occurred in the Yanshan-Himalayan,first by oil and then gases.In addition,two episodes of hydrocarbon reservoir adjustment and destruction occurred in the Hercynian and Himalayan,respectively,forming solid bitumen.

Migration,filling history and geochemical characteristics of Ordovician natural gases in the Tahe Oilfield,Tarim Basin,Northwest China

Ordovician natural gases in the Tahe Oilfield are composed predominantly of hydrocarbon gases dominated by methane with a significant amount of heavy hydrocarbon gas component. The non-hydrocarbon gases include N2, CO2 and minor H2S. The Ordovician natural gases are believed to have originated from the same source rocks, and are composite of gases differing in thermal maturity. Carbon dioxide was derived from thermal metamorphism of Ordovician carbonate rocks. The generation of natural gases involves multiple stages from mature normal oil and condensate-associated gas to thermally cracked gas at the maturity to over-maturity stages. In the main part of the Tahe Oilfield, the Ordovician natural gases appear to be filled in two major phases with a typical petroleum-associated gas from southeast to northwest and from east to west in the early stage; and a thermally cracked gas from east to west in the late stage. At the same time, the oil/gas filling boundary has been primarily established between the two stages.

Main Controlling Factors of Organic Matter Richness in a Permian Section of Guangyuan, Northeast Sichuan

A complete Permian section in Guangyuan （广元）, Northeast Sichuan （四川）, has been investigated, to explore the variation in organic matter richness and its main controlling factors. The research results of the detailed lithological description and organic/inorganic geochemical analysis of about 325 samples indicate that a high content of total organic carbon （TOC） occurs in calcareous mudstones and laminated marls or thin-bedded limestones. In carbonate rocks, the TOC content is negatively related to the thickness of the massive beds; the thinner the bed is, the higher the TOC content is. Marine organic matter is enriched in the outer shelf and relatively shallow basin floor environments with the maximum TOC contents of 5.07% and 14.6%, respectively. The main factors that affect the quantity and quality of marine organic matter include primary productivity, depositional processes, and redox conditions during deposition and the early diagenesis stage. Three intervals of marine good quality source rocks are identified in this section; they are lower Chihsia Formation, topmost Maokou （茅口） Formation, and the middle segment of the Dalong （大隆） Formation. They are formed in anoxic environments, in association with high primary productivity. Among these, high productivity in the lower Chihsia interval may originate from an upwelling flow area, whereas, in the rest of the intervals, it is inferred to be related to hot fluid activity due to volcanic eruption. The results of this study suggest that good quality marine source rocks in the Permian strata offer significant hydrocarbon potential.