Platform Evolution in an Oligo-Miocene Back-arc Basin:An Example from the Central Iran Basin

The Qom Formation is the most important hydrocarbon reservoir target in Central Iran.The Qom platform developed in a back-arc basin during the Oligo-Miocene due to the closing of the Tethyan Seaway.This formation consists of a variety of carbonate and non-carbonate facies deposited on a platform ranging from supratidal to basin.A combination of tectonic and eustatic events led to some lateral and vertical facies variations in the study area.Six third-order depositional sequences and related surfaces were identified regarding vertical facies changes in the studied sections of this Oligo-Miocene succession.According to all results and data,this succession was initially deposited during the Chattian upon a distally steepened ramp of siliciclastic-carbonate composition,including the Bouma sequence.Then,from the late Chattian to the Aquitanian,the platform changed into a homoclinal carbonate ramp with a gentle profile.With respect to tectonic activity,this phase was a calm period during the deposition of the Qom Formation.Finally,a drowned carbonate platform and a rimmed shelf emerged during the Burdigalian,terminated by the continental deposits of the Upper Red Formation.Regarding all geological characteristics,three main tectono-eustatic evolutionary phases have been recognized in the Qom back-arcbasin.

Elemental Compositions of Clinopyroxenes from Southern Okinawa Trough Basalt:Implications for Magmatism and Structural Environment in an Initial Back-Arc Basin

The major and trace elemental compositions of clinopyroxene from basalt were used to characterize the nature of the primitive magma and structural environment beneath the southern Okinawa Trough(SOT),which is an initial back-arc basin at a continental margin.The clinopyroxenes in the basalt were augite with variable Mg^(#)contents(73.37-78.22).The regular variations in major oxide contents(i.e.,CaO,FeO,TiO_(2),and Cr)with decreasing Mg#implied that the clinopyroxenes evolved from being enriched in Mg,Ca,and Cr to being enriched in Fe and Ti.The clinopyroxenes had relatively low rare earth element concentrations(7.51×10^(-6) to 12.68×10^(-6))and negative Eu anomalies(δEu=0.67-0.95).The Kd_(cpx) values of clinopyroxenes(0.2-0.26),which were used to examine whether the clinopyroxene was equilibrated with its host basalt,demonstrate that these clinopyroxene phenocrysts were not captured crystals but were instead produced by crystallization differentiation of the magma.The calculated clinopyroxene crystallization temperatures showed a narrow range of 990-1061℃,and their crystallization pressures ranged from 2.0 to 3.2 kbar.The geochemistry features of these clinopyroxenes indicated that the parent magma belonged to the subalkaline tholeiitic magma series and suggested that the magma experienced crystallization differentiation of olivine,plagioclase,and clinopyroxene,where the crystallization of plagioclase occurred earlier than that of clinopyroxene.Combined with geophysical data,this research on primitive magma and its crystallization differentiation from clinopyroxene indicates that the SOT is in the stage of‘seafloor spreading’and that basaltic rocks produced from tholeiitic magma represent the generation of oceanic crust.

Origin of high heat flow in the back-arc basins of Sumatra:An opportunity for geothermal energy development

Volcanic arcs such as the Barisan Mountains have been identified as attractive areas for the utilization of geothermal energy,as exemplified by Ulubelu in Lampung and Sarulla in North Sumatra.However,environmental factors in the Barisan Mountains remain a primary obstacle to the exploration and exploitation of geothermal energy.The back-arc basins of Sumatra exhibit the highest heat flow worldwide;however,the heat source in this area remains a controversial issue.This study aims to investigate the origin of the high heat flow in the back-arc basins of Sumatra(North,Central,and South Sumatra basins)based on geothermal data from 384 oil wells and the current literature for geological evaluation.The findings of this study indicate that the back-arc basins of Sumatra experienced severe extensional deformation during the Tertiary Period through a large pull-apart and slab rollback mechanism.This deformation resulted in the thinning of the continental crust in this region(27-32 km)and the formation of multiple normal faults.Consequently,the presence of magma resulting from mantle upwelling implies a high heat flow in the back-arc basins of Sumatra.This condition ranks the back-arc basins of Sumatra among the highest heat flow regions of the world,with heat flows>100 mW/m^(2).These findings indicate that the back-arc basins of Sumatra have significant opportunities to exploit their geothermal energy potential.This study provides novel insights into the potential of geothermal energy,particularly in the back-arc basins of Sumatra.

The accumulation characteristics and exploration potential of oil and gas in the back-arc basin of Japan under the background of high heat flow

The Sea of Japan is located in the southeast margin of Eurasia, in the triangle area of the western Pacific Ocean. Due to the interaction of the Pacific plate, Eurasian plate and Philippine plate, its tectonic environment is complex, forming a typical trench-arc-basin system. At present, 148 oil and gas fields have been discovered in Japan, with an oil and gas resource of 255.78×10^(6) t, showing a good prospect for oil and gas exploration. Based on the previous research and the recently collected geological and geophysical data, the characteristics of tectonic-sedimentary evolution and geothermal field in the basins around the Sea of Japan are analyzed. The results show that the tectonic evolution of the basin is mainly controlled by plate subduction and back-arc oceanic crust expansion, and it mainly undergone four tectonic-sedimentary evolution stages: Subduction period, basin development period, subsidence period and compression deformation period. The overall heat flow value of Japan Sea is high, and it is distributed annularly along Yamato Ridge. The geothermal heat flow value is about 50–130 MW/m^(2), and the average heat flow is75.9±19.8 MW/m^(2), which has a typical “hot basin ”. The high heat flow background provides unique thermal evolution conditions for hydrocarbon generation, which leads to the high temperature and rapid evolution. The authors summarized as “early hydrocarbon generation, rapid maturity and shallow and narrow hydrocarbon generation window”. The type of oil and gas is mainly natural gas, and it mainly distributed in Neogene oil and gas reservoirs. The trap types are mainly structural traps, lithologic traps and composite traps. In addition, the pre-Neogene bedrock oil and gas reservoirs also show a good exploration prospect. The resource prospecting indicates that Niigata Basin, Ulleung Basin and kitakami Basin are the main target areas for future exploration and development.

Carbonate Sequence Stratigraphy of a Back-Arc Basin: A Case Study of the Qom Formation in the Kashan Area, Central Iran

The Qom Formation comprises Oligo-Miocene deposits from a marine succession distributed in the Central Basin of Iran. It is composed of five members designated as A-F. Little previous work exists on the sequence stratigraphy. Based on an integrated study of sequence stratigraphy with outcrop data, wells and regional seismic profiles, the Qom Formation is interpreted as a carbonate succession deposited in a mid.Tertiary back-arc basin. There are two second-order sequences （designated as SS1 and SS2） and five third-order sequences （designated as S1-S5）. Five distinct systems tracts including transgressive, highstand, forced regressive, slope margin and Iowstand have been recognized. The relationship between the sequences and lithologic sub-units has been collated and defined （S1 to S5 individually corresponding to A-C1, C2--C4, D-E, the lower and upper portions of F）; a relative sea level change curve and the sequence stratigraphic framework have been established and described in detail. The coincidence of relative sea level change between that of the determined back-arc basin and the world indicates that the sedimentary cycles of the Qom Formation are mainly controlled by eustatic cycles. The variable combination of the systems tracts and special tectonic-depositional setting causally underpin multiple sequence stratigraphic framework styles seen in the carbonates of the back-arc basin revealing： （1） a continental margin basin that developed some form of barrier, characterized by the development of multiple cycles of carbonate-evaporites; （2） a flat carbonate ramp, which occurred on the southern shelf formed by the lack of clastic supply from nearby magmatic islands plus mixed siliciclastics and carbonates that occurred on the northern shelf due to a sufficient clastics supply from the land; and （3） a forced regressive stratigraphic stacking pattern that occured on the southern shelf and in basin lows due to the uplifting of the southern shelf. Thick and widespread aggradational framework limestone usually occurs in the initial sequences （S1 and S3） of the supersequence, which led to preferential oil reservoir deposition but a lack of source and cap rocks, whereas the retrogradational and progradational framework limestone usually occurs in the later sequences （S2 and S4-S5） of the supersequence, which results in two perfect sets of source, reservoir and cap rock assemblies, so that the limestone in sub-member C2-C4 and the F-Member can be predicted as important objects for oil exploration.

Bottom Simulating Reflector and Gas Seepage in Okinawa Trough:Evidence of Gas Hydrate in an Active Back-Arc Basin

To look for gas hydrate, 22 multi-channel and 3 single-channel seismic lines on the East China Sea （ECS） shelf slope and at the bottom of the Okinawa Trough were examined. It was found that there was indeed bottom simulating reflector （BSR） occurrence, but it is very rare. Besides several BSRs, a gas seepage was also found. As shown by the data, both the BSR and gas seepage are all related with local geological structures, such as mud diapir, anticline, and fault-controlled graben-like structure. However, similar structural ＂anomalies＂ are quite common in the tectonically very active Okinawa Trough region, but very few of them have developed BSR or gas seepage. The article points out that the main reason is probably the low concentration of organic carbon of the sediment in this area. It was speculated that the rare occurrence of gas hydrates in this region is governed by structure-controlled fluid flow. Numerous faults and fractures form a network of high-permeability channels in the sediment and highly fractured igneous basement to allow fluid circulation and ventilation. Fluid flow in this tectonic environment is driven primarily by thermal buoyancy and takes place on a wide range of spatial scales. The fluid flow may play two roles to facilitate hydrate formation： to help gather enough methane into a small area and to modulate the thermal regime.

Intra-continental back-arc basin inversion and Late Carboniferous magmatism in Eastern Tianshan,NW China:Constraints from the Shaquanzi magmatic suite

The Yamansu belt,an important tectonic component of Eastern Tianshan Mountains,of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt,NW China hosts many Fe-(Cu)deposit.In this study,we present new zircon U-Pb geochronology and geochemical data of the volcanic rocks of Shaquanzi Formation and diorite intrusions in the Yamansu belt.The Shaquanzi Formation comprises mainly basalt,andesite/andesitic tuff,rhyolite and sub-volcanic diabase with local diorite intrusions.The volcanic rocks and diorites contain ca.315-305 Ma and ca.298 Ma zircons respectively.These rocks show calc-alkaline affinity with enrichment in large-ion lithophile elements(LILEs),light rare-earth elements(LREEs),and depletion in high field strength elements(HFSEs)in primitive mantle normalized multi-element diagrams,which resemble typical back-arc basin rocks.They show depleted mantle signature with ε_(Nd)(t)ranging from+3.1 to +5.6 for basalt;+2.1 to+4.7 for andesite;-0.2 to+1.5 for rhyolite and the ε_(Hf)(t)ranges from-0.1 to +13.0 for andesites;+5.8 to +10.7 for andesitic tuffs.We suggest that the Shaquanzi Formation basalt might have originated from a depleted,metasomatized lithospheric mantle source mixed with minor(3-5%)subduction-derived materials,whereas the andesite and rhyolite could be fractional crystallization products of the basaltic magma.The Shaquanzi Formation volcanic rocks could have formed in an intracontinental back-arc basin setting,probably via the southward subduction of the Kangguer Ocean beneath the Middle Tianshan Massif.The Yamansu mineralization belt might have undergone a continental arc to back-arc basin transition during the Late Carboniferous and the intra-continental back-arc basin might have closed in the Early Permian,marked by the emplacement of dioritic magma in the Shaquanzi belt.

Generation of Back-Arc Basins as Side Effect of Shortening Processes: Examples from the Central Mediterranean

The evolution of the Mediterranean area since the Oligocene-Lower Miocene has been driven by the convergence of the surrounding plates. This implies that the observed deformation pattern in that region must be the most convenient shortening pattern, i.e. the one controlled by the minimum action principle. To understand why the fulfilment of such condition has required a complex spatio-temporal distribution of major tectonic events, such as uplift, lateral displacement and bending of orogenic belts, consumption of large lithospheric domains and formation of back arc basins, it may be very useful to take into account a basic tectonic concept, which helps to identify the process that can minimize the resistance of tectonic forces. Such concept starts from the fact that the most convenient consumption process is the one that involves low buoyancy oceanic lithosphere (Tethyan domains). However, such process is highly favoured where the oceanic lithosphere is stressed by vertical forces, a situation that develops when orogenic wedges are forced to over thrust and load the oceanic domain to be consumed. This interpretation can provide plausible and coherent explanations for the complex pattern of the observed deformations. In this view, the generation of back arc basins is taken as a side effect of an extrusion process, as suggested by numerical and mechanical experiments.

The Discovery of ～310 Ma Back-Arc Basin Basalt in the West Junggar,Xinjiang,NW China and its Geological Significance

Objective Mafic magmas can form in different tectonic settings with various geochemical characteristics depending on their mantle sources. Basalts generated in back-arc basins provide valuable perspectives on mantle structure and composition, on controls for melt generation, and on the sources responsible for arc magma genesis.

FROM BACK-ARC BASIN TO BACK-ARC FORELAND BASIN—THE SEDIMENTARY BASIN AND TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF THE LATE CALEDONIAN—EARLY HERCYNIAN STAGES IN CORRIDOR AND NORTH QILIAN MTS

Qilian orogenic belt is a typical orogenic belt formed by polycyclic collisions between the North China plate and Qaidam microplate. Qilian ocean originated from the rift of the late Proterozoic Rodinia continent(Pangea\|850), evolved through rift basin and became an archipelagic ocean in the Caledonian stage. The Lower Proterozoic strata in Qilian area are mid\|high\|rank metamorphic rocks that constitute the metamorphic basement of the area. The “Huangyuan Movement" (in South Qilian and Central Qilian) and "Alashan Movement" (in North Qilian) in the latest Late Proterozoic formed a regional unconformity. The middle Proterozoic in the area are mudstones and carbonate rocks with stromatolites and ooids. The Qingbaikou System of the upper Proterozoic in the North Qilian and Corridor region is also mudstone and carbonate rock with stromatolites. The Qingbaikou System in Central Qilian is sandstones and mudstones. There are alkaline and tholeiite in the Sinian System in North Qilian and Corridor. The contact between Qingbaikou System and Sinian System is a regional unconformity (Quanji Movement). Qilian ocean began to rift away in Caledonian tectonic stage on the Pre\|Sinian basement.

Origin of Cu in the PACMANUS hydrothermal field from the eastern Manus back-arc basin: evidence from mass balance modeling

Hydrothermal precipitates associated with active vents in the eastern Manus Basin, an actively opening back-arc basin in the Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea, are among the most Cu-rich on the modern seafloor. The volcanic rocks associated with this mineralization may be insufficiently enriched in Cu to account for the Cu content of the sulfides by simple leaching. The PACMANUS hydrothermal field lies in the eastern portion of the eastern Manus Basin. Mass balance modeling of the PACMANUS hydrothermal system indicates that simple leaching of a stationary reaction zone (0.144 km^3) by hydrothermal fluids cannot yield the Cu found in associated sulfide deposits because unacceptably high leaching, transportation and precipitation efficiencies are required to derive the Cu in sulfides by leaching processes. With 100% leaching, transport and precipitating efficiency, 0.166 km^3 of volcanic rocks would need to be leached to account for the Cu budget of hydrothermal sulfide deposits. The key requirement for forming metal-rich magmatic fluids is a large amount of metals available to enter the exsolved vapor phase. Magmas generated in the eastern Manus Basin inherently have high fO2 because of metasomatism of the mantle source by oxidized materials from the subducted slab, leading to copper enrichment in the magma chamber. Moreover, the presence of Cu in gas-rich melt inclusi on bubbles in Pual Ridge andesite is evidence that degassing and partitioning of Cu into the magmatic volatile phase has occurred in the eastern Manus Basin. Numerical mass balance modeling indicates that approximately 0.236 Mt Cu was potentially transferred to the hydrothermal system per cubic kilometer magma. Magmatic degassing seems to play a more significant role than leaching.

Influence of multi-stage volcanic events on the Late Cretaceous-Paleogene reservoirs and its geological significance in the northern Central Myanmar Basin

The northward subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic crust triggered multiple magmatic activities in the West Myanmar Arc,which in turn influenced the deposition of sedimentary pyroclastic rocks from the Cretaceous to Eocene strata in the Central Myanmar Basin(CMB).The pore structure of these lithologic reservoirs is complex and rich in tuffaceous sandstone,which plays an adverse role in reservoir development in this region.To understand the development characteristics and genetic mechanism of the pyroclastic rocks within three sets of reservoirs in this area,a comprehensive analysis was conducted through borehole core observations,thin section identification,scanning electron microscope analysis,and mercury injection tests.The tuffaceous sandstone from the upper Cretaceous to the Eocene is dominated by intermediate-acid volcanic rock debris.The pyroclastic rocks exhibit evident chloritization and ironization,with residual intergranular pores being the principal type accompanied by a smaller amount of intergranular dissolved pores and intragranular dissolved pores.The highest porosity is observed in the Eocene tuffaceous sandstone,ranging from 8%to 12%.The Late Cretaceous to Paleocene sandstones exhibit lower porosity levels of only 4%-6%.These reservoirs are characterized by their low porosity and low-permeability.Despite the presence of a good source rock in this area,the volcanic debris particles filling the pores,as well as their subsequent devitrification,chloritization,and limonite mineralization,result in pore throat blockage and narrowing.The reservoirs in this area are small in size,exhibit poor reservoir connectivity and lateral continuity,and fail to meet the necessary conditions for commercial-scale hydrocarbon accumulation and migration.

Fossil Equidae in the Linxia Basin with Biostratigraphic and Paleozoogeographic Significance

The Linxia Basin is characterized by an abundance of Cenozoic sediments,that contain exceptionally rich fossil resources.Equids are abundant in the Linxia Basin,the fossil record of equids in this region including 16 species that represent 10 genera.In comparison to other classic late Cenozoic areas in China,the Linxia Basin stands out,because the fauna and chronological data accompanying Linxia equids render them remarkably useful for biostratigraphy.The anchitheriines in the region,such as Anchitherium and Sinohippus,represent early equids that appeared in the late stages of the middle and late Miocene,respectively.Among the equines,most species of Chinese hipparions have been identified in the Linxia Basin and some species of the genera Hipparion and Hippotherium have FAD records for China.Furthermore,Equus eisenmannae is one of the earliest known species of Equus in the Old World and is well-represented at the Longdan locality.Some species with precise geohistorical distributions can serve as standards for high-resolution chronological units within this framework.Located at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and subject to considerable uplift,the Linxia Basin has served as a biogeographic transition area for equids throughout the late Cenozoic.

Geochemical characteristics and exploration significance of ultra-deep Sinian oil and gas from Well Tashen 5,Tarim Basin,NW China

The Well Tashen 5(TS5),drilled and completed at a vertical depth of 9017 m in the Tabei Uplift of the Tarim Basin,NW China,is the deepest well in Asia.It has been producing both oil and gas from the Sinian at a depth of 8780e8840 m,also the deepest in Asia in terms of oil discovery.In this paper,the geochemical characteristics of Sinian oil and gas from the well were investigated and compared with those of Cambrian oil and gas discovered in the same basin.The oil samples,with Pr/Ph ratio of 0.78 and a whole oil carbon isotopic value of31.6‰,have geochemical characteristics similar to those of Ordovician oils from the No.1 fault in the North Shuntuoguole area(also named Shunbei area)and the Middle Cambrian oil from wells Zhongshen 1(ZS1)and Zhongshen 5(ZS5)of Tazhong Uplift.The maturity of light hydrocarbons,diamondoids and aromatic fractions all suggest an approximate maturity of 1.5%e1.7%Ro for the samples.The(4-+3-)methyldiamantane concentration of the samples is 113.5 mg/g,indicating intense cracking with a cracking degree of about 80%,which is consistent with the high bottom hole temperature(179℃).The Sinian gas samples are dry with a dryness coefficient of 0.97.The gas is a mixture of kerogen-cracking gas and oil-cracking gas and has Ro values ranging between 1.5%and 1.7%,and methane carbon isotopic values of41.6‰.Based on the equivalent vitrinite reflectance(R_(eqv)=1.51%e1.61%)and the thermal evolution of source rocks from the Cambrian Yu'ertusi Formation of the same well,it is proposed that the Sinian oil and gas be mainly sourced from the Cambrian Yu'ertusi Formation during the Himalayan period but probably also be joined by hydrocarbon of higher maturity that migrated from other source rocks in deeper formations.The discovery of Sinian oil and gas from Well TS5 suggests that the ancient ultra-deep strata in the northern Tarim Basin have the potential for finding volatile oil or condensate reservoirs.

Geochemistry and origins of hydrogen-containing natural gases in deep Songliao Basin,China:Insights from continental scientific drilling

The different reservoirs in deep Songliao Basin have non-homogeneous lithologies and include multiple layers with a high content of hydrogen gas.The gas composition and stable isotope characteristics vary significantly,but the origin analysis of different gas types has previously been weak.Based on the geochemical parameters of gas samples from different depths and the analysis of geological settings,this research covers the diverse origins of natural gas in different strata.The gas components are mainly methane with a small amount of C_(2+),and non-hydrocarbon gases,including nitrogen(N_(2)),hydrogen(H_(2)),carbon dioxide(CO_(2)),and helium(He).At greater depth,the carbon isotope of methane becomes heavier,and the hydrogen isotope points to a lacustrine sedimentary environment.With increasing depth,the origins of N_(2)and CO_(2)change gradually from a mixture of organic and inorganic to inorganic.The origins of hydrogen gas are complex and include organic sources,water radiolysis,water-rock(Fe^(2+)-containing minerals)reactions,and mantle-derived.The shales of Denglouku and Shahezi Formations,as source rocks,provide the premise for generation and occurrence of organic gas.Furthermore,the deep faults and fluid activities in Basement Formation control the generation and migration of mantle-derived gas.The discovery of a high content of H_(2)in study area not only reveals the organic and inorganic association of natural-gas generation,but also provides a scientific basis for the exploration of deep hydrogen-rich gas.

Geological characteristics and exploration breakthroughs of coal rock gas in Carboniferous Benxi Formation,Ordos Basin,NW China

To explore the geological characteristics and exploration potential of the Carboniferous Benxi Formation coal rock gas in the Ordos Basin,this paper presents a systematic research on the coal rock distribution,coal rock reservoirs,coal rock quality,and coal rock gas features,resources and enrichment.Coal rock gas is a high-quality resource distinct from coalbed methane,and it has unique features in terms of burial depth,gas source,reservoir,gas content,and carbon isotopic composition.The Benxi Formation coal rocks cover an area of 16×104km^(2),with thicknesses ranging from 2 m to 25 m,primarily consisting of bright and semi-bright coals with primitive structures and low volatile and ash contents,indicating a good coal quality.The medium-to-high rank coal rocks have the total organic carbon(TOC)content ranging from 33.49%to 86.11%,averaging75.16%.They have a high degree of thermal evolution(Roof 1.2%-2.8%),and a high gas-generating capacity.They also have high stable carbon isotopic values(δ13C1of-37.6‰to-16‰;δ13C2of-21.7‰to-14.3‰).Deep coal rocks develop matrix pores such as gas bubble pores,organic pores,and inorganic mineral pores,which,together with cleats and fractures,form good reservoir spaces.The coal rock reservoirs exhibit the porosity of 0.54%-10.67%(averaging 5.42%)and the permeability of(0.001-14.600)×10^(-3)μm^(2)(averaging 2.32×10^(-3)μm^(2)).Vertically,there are five types of coal rock gas accumulation and dissipation combinations,among which the coal rock-mudstone gas accumulation combination and the coal rock-limestone gas accumulation combination are the most important,with good sealing conditions and high peak values of total hydrocarbon in gas logging.A model of coal rock gas accumulation has been constructed,which includes widespread distribution of medium-to-high rank coal rocks continually generating gas,matrix pores and cleats/fractures in coal rocks acting as large-scale reservoir spaces,tight cap rocks providing sealing,source-reservoir integration,and five types of efficient enrichment patterns(lateral pinchout complex,lenses,low-amplitude structures,nose-like structures,and lithologically self-sealing).According to the geological characteristics of coal rock gas,the Benxi Formation is divided into 8 plays,and the estimated coal rock gas resources with a buried depth of more than 2000 m are more than 12.33×10^(12)m^(3).The above understandings guide the deployment of risk exploration.Two wells drilled accordingly obtained an industrial gas flow,driving the further deployment of exploratory and appraisal wells.Substantial breakthroughs have been achieved,with the possible reserves over a trillion cubic meters and the proved reserves over a hundred billion cubic meters,which is of great significance for the reserves increase and efficient development of natural gas in China.

Multiple enrichment mechanisms of organic matter in the Fengcheng Formation of Mahu Sag,Junggar Basin,NW China

Based on core and thin section data,the source rock samples from the Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag of the Junggar Basin were analyzed in terms of zircon SIMS U-Pb geochronology,organic carbon isotopic composition,major and trace element contents,as well as petrology.Two zircon U-Pb ages of(306.0±5.2)Ma and(303.5±3.7)Ma were obtained from the first member of the Fengcheng Formation.Combined with carbon isotopic stratigraphy,it is inferred that the depositional age of the Fengcheng Formation is about 297-306 Ma,spanning the Carboniferous-Permian boundary and corresponding to the interglacial period between C4 and P1 glacial events.Multiple increases in Hg/TOC ratios and altered volcanic ash were found in the shale rocks of the Fengcheng Formation,indicating that multiple phases of volcanic activity occurred during its deposition.An interval with a high B/Ga ratio was found in the middle of the second member of the Fengcheng Formation,associated with the occurrence of evaporite minerals and reedmergnerite,indicating that the high salinity of the water mass was related to hydrothermal activity.Comprehensive analysis suggests that the warm and humid climate during the deposition of Fengcheng Formation is conducive to the growth of organic matter such as algae and bacteria in the lake,and accelerates the continental weathering,driving the input of nutrients.Volcanic activities supply a large amount of nutrients and stimulate primary productivity.The warm climate and high salinity are conducive to water stratification,leading to water anoxia that benefits organic matter preservation.The above factors interact and jointly control the enrichment of organic matter in the Fengcheng Formation of Mahu Sag.

Geochemical fingerprints and hydrocarbon potential of Paleocene mudrocks in the Tano Basin, Ghana: insights from biomarkers and stable carbon isotopes

The Paleocene mudrocks in Ghana’s Tano Basin have received limited attention despite ongoing efforts to explore hydrocarbon resources.A thorough geochemical analysis is imperative to assess these mudrocks’petroleum generation potential and formulate effective exploration strategies.In this study,a comprehensive geochemical analysis was carried out on ten Paleocene rock cuttings extracted from TP-1,a discovery well within the Tano Basin.Various analytical techniques,including total organic carbon(TOC)analysis,Rock–Eval pyrolysis,gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,and isotope ratio-mass spectrometry,were employed to elucidate their hydrocar-bon potential and organic facies.Thefindings in this study were subsequently compared to existing geochemical data on Paleocene source rocks in the South Atlantic marginal basins.The results indicated that the Paleocene samples have TOC content ranging from 0.68 to 2.93 wt%.The prevalent kerogen types identified in these samples were Type Ⅱ and Type Ⅲ.Molecular and isotope data suggest that the organic matter found in the Paleocene mudrocks can be traced back to land plants and lower aquatic organisms.These mudrocks were deposited in a transi-tional environment withfluctuating water salinity,charac-terized by sub-oxic redox conditions.Maturity indices,both bulk and molecular,indicated a spectrum of maturity levels within the Paleocene mudrocks,spanning from immature to marginally mature,with increasing maturity observed with greater depth.In comparison,the organic composition and depositional environments of Paleocene source rocks in the Tano Basin closely resemble those found in the Niger Delta Basin,Douala,and Kribi-Campo Basins,the Kwanza Formation in Angola,and certain Brazilian marginal basins.However,it is worth noting that Paleocene source rocks in some of the basins,such as the Niger Delta and Brazilian marginal basins,exhibit rela-tively higher thermal maturity levels compared to those observed in the current Paleocene samples from the Tano Basin.In conclusion,the comprehensive geochemical analysis of Paleocene mudrocks within Ghana’s Tano Basin has unveiled their marginal hydrocarbon generation potential.The shared geochemical characteristics between the Paleocene mudrocks in the Tano Basin and those in the nearby South Atlantic marginal basins offer valuable insights into source rock quality,which is crucial for shaping future strategies in petroleum exploration in this region.

Microscopic characteristics of tight sandstone reservoirs and their effects on the imbibition efficiency of fracturing fluids:A case study of the Linxing area,Ordos Basin

The Linxing area within the Ordos Basin exhibits pronounced reservoir heterogeneity and intricate micro-pore structures,rendering it susceptible to water-blocking damage during imbibition extraction.This study delved into the traits of tight sandstone reservoirs in the 8th member of the Shihezi Formation(also referred to as the He 8 Member)in the study area,as well as their effects on fracturing fluid imbibition.Utilizing experimental techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR),high-pressure mercury intrusion(HPMI),and gas adsorption,this study elucidated the reservoir characteristics and examined the factors affecting the imbibition through imbibition experiments.The findings reveal that:①The reservoir,with average porosity of 8.40%and average permeability of 0.642×10^(-3)μm^(2),consists principally of quartz,feldspar,and lithic fragments,with feldspathic litharenite serving as the primary rock type and illite as the chief clay mineral;②Nano-scale micro-pores and throats dominate the reservoir,with dissolution pores and intercrystalline pores serving as predominant pore types,exhibiting relatively high pore connectivity;③Imbibition efficiency is influenced by petrophysical properties,clay mineral content,and microscopic pore structure.Due to the heterogeneity of the tight sandstone reservoir,microscopic factors have a more significant impact on the imbibition efficiency of fracturing fluids;④A comparative analysis shows that average pore size correlates most strongly with imbibition efficiency,followed by petrophysical properties and clay mineral content.In contrast,the pore type has minimal impact.Micropores are vital in the imbibition process,while meso-pores and macro-pores offer primary spaces for imbibition.This study offers theoretical insights and guidance for enhancing the post-fracturing production of tight sandstone reservoirs by examining the effects of these factors on the imbibition efficiency of fracturing fluids in tight sandstones.

Natural gas exploration potential and favorable targets of Permian Fengcheng Formation in the western Central Depression of Junggar Basin,NW China

Based on the organic geochemical data and the molecular and stable carbon isotopic compositions of natural gas of the Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation in the western Central Depression of Junggar Basin,combined with sedimentary environment analysis and hydrocarbon-generating simulation,the gas-generating potential of the Fengcheng source rock is evaluated,the distribution of large-scale effective source kitchen is described,the genetic types of natural gas are clarified,and four types of favorable exploration targets are selected.The results show that:(1)The Fengcheng Formation is a set of oil-prone source rocks,and the retained liquid hydrocarbon is conducive to late cracking into gas,with characteristics of high gas-generating potential and late accumulation;(2)The maximum thickness of Fengcheng source rock reaches 900 m.The source rock has entered the main gas-generating stage in Penyijingxi and Shawan sags,and the area with gas-generating intensity greater than 20×10^(8) m^(3)/km^(2) is approximately 6500 km^(2).(3)Around the western Central Depression,highly mature oil-type gas with light carbon isotope composition was identified to be derived from the Fengcheng source rocks mainly,while the rest was coal-derived gas from the Carboniferous source rock;(4)Four types of favorable exploration targets with exploration potential were developed in the western Central Depression which are structural traps neighboring to the source,stratigraphic traps neighboring to the source,shale-gas type within the source,and structural traps within the source.Great attention should be paid to these targets.