Origin and Distribution of Grain Dolostone Reservoirs in the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation,Sichuan Basin,China

Dolostones in the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation have become one of the most significant gas exploration domains in China. Over a trillion cubic meters of gas reservoirs have been discovered in the Gaoshiti-Moxi area; however, the origins and distribution of the dolostone reservoirs are not well understood. This work discussed the geology and geochemistry of the dolostone reservoirs in the Longwangmiao Formation to determine their origin and distribution. Two understandings are acquired： firstly, a carbonate ramp provided excellent conditions for grain beach deposition, while the presence of a hypersaline lake was favorable for the contemporaneous dolomitization of grain beach deposits. Petrographic and geochemical evidence further confirm that the Longwangmiao dolostone was formed during the contemporaneous stage. Secondly, the reservoir characteristics indicate that the grain beach sediments provide material basis for the development of the Longwangmiao dolostone reservoirs. Reservoir dissolution simulation experiments show that the porosity of the reservoirs was formed by dissolution during contemporaneous and burial stages. The dissolution pores formed during the contemporaneous stage were controlled by sequence interfaces. The large scale dissolution vugs formed during the burial stage subsequently spread along the pre-existing porosity and fracture zones. This study therefore identified that the development of grain dolostone reservoirs in a shallow water ramp under arid climatic conditions generally met the following conditions：（1） reefal beach deposits lay a foundation for reservoir development;（2） superficial conditions are an important determining factor for reservoir porosity; and（3） burial conditions provide environment for porosity preservation and modification.

Petrologic characteristics and genesis of dolostone from the Campanian of the SK-I Well Core in the Songliao Basin,China

The well SK-I in the Songliao Basin is the first scientific borehole targeting the continental Cretaceous strata in China. Oval concretions, thin laminae and beds of dolostone are found intercalated within mudstone and organic-rich black shale in the Nenjiang Formation of Campanian age. Low ordered ferruginous dolomite is composed of euhedral--subhedral rhombs with cloudy nucleus and light rims formed during the diagenesis, which are typical features of replacement. The heavy carbon isotopes （δ13CPDB -- 1.16-16.0） are results of both the fermentation of organic matter by microbes and degassing of carbon dioxide during the period of diagenesis, and the presence of light oxygen isotopes （δ18OPDB- 18.53--5.1） is a characteristic feature of fresh water influence which means the carbonate may have been altered by ground water or rainwater in the late diagenesis. Marine water incursions into the nor- mally lacustrine basin have been proved by both the salinity of Z value and the occurrence of foraminifera in the same strata where dolomite occurs. Pyrite framboids observed by SEM are usually enclosed in the dolomite crystals or in the mudstones, supporting the sulfate reducing bacteria （SRB）. The formation of both dolomite and pyrite are associated with marine water incursions, which not only supply magnesium ion for dolomite, but also result in limited carbonate precipitation in the basin. The presence of pyrite framboids indicates the development of an anoxic environment associated with salinity stratification in the lake. The dolomite in the Nenjiang Formation is the results of marine water incursions, diagenetic replacement of calcareous carbonate and sulfate reducing bacteria （SRB）.

The Characteristics of the Hydrothermal Exhalative Dolostone of Lucaogou Formation in Santanghu basin and its Geology Setting Indication

The NW-SE trending Santanghu basin is located in Xinjiang,NW China,between Tianshan Mountains and Altai Mountains.The tectonic evolution history of north Xinjiang has long been debated,especially the question when did that area began its intraplate rift evolution stage.This abstract discusses the features and possible origin of the hydrothermal exhalative dolostone of Lucaogou Formation in Santanghu basin,aiming to provide relevant information about this question.The target dolostone are characterized by extreme thin lamina of 0.3cm–1 cm thick.Dolomite,ankerite,potassium feldspar and analcite are dominant composition.Most dolomite is poor crystallized and is in anhedral or subhedral shapes.Ankerite is generally porphyritic,few is in irregular shapes.It has to be noted that the porphyritic ankerite commonly develop zonal textures characterized by rings with various Fe O content.Potassium feldspar and analcite（<50%）are commonly observed in dolostones.Thin sections show some analcite is tetragonal trisoctahedron with harbour–like corrosion rims.Besides,few fragments of carbonatite rocks are observed in Lucaogou Formation and they perform intermittent or scattered distribution in rock layers.Previous work done by our study team showsδ13C PDB values are 4.8‰;1.4‰,6.93‰on average.Theδ18 O PDB values are between-5‰;21.1‰,-10.94‰on average.Paleosalinity calculated byδ13C andδ18 O is between 128.35 and 136.81,134.42 on average.Sr content of dolostones in study area reaches to164×10-6;37×10-6（379.1×10-6 on average）,most dolostone in target area are between 0.70457;.706194, average at 0.705360.Considering either accompanying residual tuff or residual leucite is found via electron probe,this indicates the analcite may derive form analcime phonolite.Furthermore,fragments of carbonatite rocks proves mantle-derived magmatism exist.The rapid variation ofδ18 O indicates multiple interactions of hydrothermal fluids with lake water during Lucaogou sedimentary period.87Sr/86Sr values are much lower than that of crustal silica rocks while are more close to mantle derived rocks,which indicates diagenetic hydrothermal fluid is mantle-origin.It has been reported that dolostone does not intergrow with iron-rich dolostone in study area.According to the latest X diffraction results of cores,iron-rich dolostone distributes rather locally.Given that ankerite commonly develop zonal textures characterized by various Fe O content,we confirm it is due to multiple hydrothermal fluids activities in different hydrothermal vents.There should be abundant hydrothermal vents during Lucaogou period.Deep faults and its relevant fractures built plenty paths for mantle-origin hydrothermal fluids to run up.Different vents owned various fluid properties,so did relevant sedimentation products.Hence we inclined to believe Santanghu basin was at intraplate rift evolution stage,under regional extension condition in late Carboniferous.During early-mid Permian the basin was a starved,deep lacustrine intracontinental rift basin.Accordingly,in northern Xinjiang,ocean basin may close in late Carboniferous and started continental sedimentary development in early Permian.

Comparisons on Mineralogy and Lithology between Paleozoic Marine and Lacustrine Dolostones, Northern China

1 Introduction Dolomite[Ca Mg(CO3)2],a common mineral in carbonate rocks,can be found in various geological settings from Precambrian to modern age,and is widely reported in almost all sedimentary and digenetic

The nature, type, and origin of diagenetic uids and their control on the evolving porosity of the Lower Cambrian Xiaoerbulak Formation dolostone, northwestern Tarim Basin, China

The study on Lower Cambrian dolostones in Tarim Basin can improve our understanding of ancient and deeply buried carbonate reservoirs.In this research,diagenetic fluid characteristics and their control on porosity evolution have been revealed by studying the petrography and in situ geochemistry of different dolomites.Three types of diagenetic fluids were identified:(1) Replacive dolomites were deviated from shallow burial dolomitizing fluids,which might probably be concentrated ancient seawater at early stage.(2) Fine-to-medium crystalline,planar-e diamond pore-filling dolomites(Fd1) were likely slowly and sufficiently crystallized from deep-circulating crustal hydrothermal fluids during Devonian.(3) Coarse crystalline,non-planar-a saddle pore-filling dolomites(Fd2) might rapidly and insufficiently crystallize from magmatic hydrothermal fluids during Permian.Early dolomitizing fluids did not increase the porosity,but transformed the primary pores to dissolution pores through dolomitization.Deep-circulating crustal hydrothermal fluids significantly increased porosity in the early stages by dissolving and then slightly decreased the porosity in the late stage due to Fd1 precipitation.Magmatic hydrothermal fluids only precipitated the Fd2 dolomites and slightly decreased the porosity.In summary,Devonian deep-circulating crustal hydrothermal fluids dominated the porosity evolution of the Lower Cambrian dolostone reservoir in the Tarim Basin.

Genesis of ultra-deep dolostone and controlling factors of largescale reservoir:A case study of the Sinian Dengying Formation and the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation in the Sichuan Basin

This paper investigates the origin of ultra-deep dolostone and the factors influencing large-scale dolostone reservoirs,focusing on the Sinian Dengying Formation and the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation in the Sichuan Basin.The study involves petrology,microscale X-ray diffraction,trace element analysis,and C-O-Sr-Mg isotope experiments to provide a detailed analysis.The research findings indicate that the Dengying and Longwangmiao formations comprise six types of matrix dolostone and four types of cement.The Dengying Formation,which developed under a sedimentary background of a restricted platform,contains special microbial and microcrystalline dolostones.The dolomite grains are small(<30μm)and have a low order degree(Min=0.55),with large unit cell parameters and an extremely high Na content(Max=788 ppm).The^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr value of the dolostone is consistent with contemporaneous seawater,while the δ^(13)C andδ^(18)O values are lower than those of the contemporaneous seawater.The δ^(26)Mg value is small(Min=-2.31‰).Powder crystal,fine-crystalline,and calcite dolostones with coarser and more ordered crystals exhibit similar δ^(13)C and^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr values to microbial and microcrystalline dolostone.During the sedimentary period of the Dengying Formation,ancient marine conditions were favorable for microbial survival.Microorganisms induced the direct precipitation of primary dolomite in seawater,forming microbial and microcrystalline dolostones during the seawater diagenesis period.During the subsequent diagenesis period,dolostones underwent the effects of dissolution-recrystallization,structures,and hydrothermal fluids.This resulted in the formation of dolostone with coarser crystals,a higher degree of order,and various types of cement.The Longwangmiao Formation was developed in an interplatform beach characterized by special particle dolostone.The particle dolostone has a large grain size(>30μm),high order degree(Min=0.7),small unit cell parameters,high Na content(Max=432 ppm),and low Fe and Mn content.The δ^(26)Mg and δ^(13)C values are consistent with the contemporaneous seawater,while the δ^(18)O and^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr values are higher than those of the contemporaneous seawater.There is mutual coupling between multiple-period varying δ^(26)Mg values and sedimentary cycles.The dolostone in the Longwangmiao Formation resulted from the metasomatism of limestone by evaporated seawater.The thickness and scale of the dolostone in the Longwangmiao Formation are controlled by the periodic changes in sea level.The period of dolostone development from the Sinian to the Cambrian coincides with the transition from Rodinia’s breakup to Gondwana’s convergence.These events have resulted in vastly different marine properties,microbial activities,and sedimentary climate backgrounds between the Sinian and the Cambrian.These differences may be the fundamental factors leading to the distinct origins of dolostone formed in the two periods.The distribution of sedimentary facies and deep tectonic activities in the Sichuan Basin from the Sinian to the Cambrian is influenced by the breakup and convergence of the supercontinent.This process plays a key role in determining the distribution,pore formation,preservation,and adjustment mechanisms of ultra-deep dolostone reservoirs.To effectively analyze the genesis and reservoir mechanisms of ultra-deep dolostone in other regions or layers,especially during the specific period of supercontinent breakup and convergence,it is crucial to consider the comprehensive characteristics of seawater properties,microbial activities,sedimentary environment,and fault systems driven by tectonic activities.This can help predict the distribution of high-quality and large-scale ultra-deep dolostone reservoirs.

The porosity origin of dolostone reservoirs in the Tarim, Sichuan and Ordos basins and its implication to reservoir prediction

Origin of dolostone remained a controversial subject, although numerous dolomitization models had been proposed to date. Because of the dolomitization＇s potential to be hydrocarbon reservoirs, one debatable issue was the role of dolomitization in porosity construction or destruction. Based upon case studies of dolostone reservoirs in various geological settings such as evaporative tidal flat （Ordos Basin, NW China）, evaporative platform （Sichuan Basin, SW China）, and burial and hydrothermal diagenesis （Tarim Basin, NW China）, here we systematically discuss the origin of porosity in dolostone reservoirs. Contrary to traditional concepts, which regarded dolomitization as a significant mechanism for porosity creation, we found two dominant factors controlling reservoir development in dolostones, i.e., porosity inherited from precursor carbonates and porosity resulted from post-dolomitization dissolution. Actually, dolomitization rarely had a notable effect on porosity creation but rather in many cases destroyed pre-existing porosity such as saddle dolostone precipitation in vugs and fractures. Porosity in dolostones associated with evaporative tidal flat or evaporative platform was generally created by subaerial dissolution of evaporites and/or undolomitized components. Porosity in burial dolostones was inherited mostly from precursor carbonates, which could be enlarged due to subsequent dissolution. Intercrystalline porosity in hydrothermal dolostones was either formed during dolo- mitization or inherited from precursor carbonates, whereas dissolution-enlarged intercrystalline pores and/or vugs were usually interpreted to be the result of hydrothermai alteration. These understandings on dolostone porosity shed light on reservoir pre- diction. Dolostone reservoirs associated with evaporative tidal flat were laterally distributed as banded or quasi-stratified shapes in evaporite-bearing dolostones, and vertically presented as multi-interval patterns on tops of shallowing-upward cycles Dolostone reservoirs associated with evaporative platform commonly occurred along epiplatforms or beneath evaporite beds, and vertically presented as multi-interval patterns in dolostones and/or evaporite-bearing dolostones of reef/shoal facies. Con- strained by primary sedimentary facies, burial dolostone reservoirs were distributed in dolomitized, porous sediments of reef/shoal facies, and occurred vertically as multi-intervai patterns in crystalline dolostones on tops of shallowing-upward cy- cles. Hydrothermal dolomitization was obviously controlled by conduits （e.g., faults, unconformities）, along which lenticular reservoirs could develop.

Primary dolostone formation related to mantle-originated exhalative hydrothermal activities,Permian Yuejingou section,Santanghu area, Xinjiang,NW China

The Permian Lucaogou Formation is an important hydrocarbon source rock in the Junggar, Turpan, and Santanghu basins in Xinjiang, NW China. For the first time, dolostones associated with mantle-originated exhalative hydrothermal fluid flows are discovered in Yuejingou section in the Santanghu Basin area. They include dolomicrite, doloarenite, and a small amount of dolorudite, and are finely (0.05-0.15 cm thick) interlaminated with lime micrite and dolomicritic analcime laminites. Alkali feldspar and analcime grains are common in doloarenite and are interpreted as having been derived from analcime phonolites and peralkaline magmatic rocks. These magmatic fragments were brought up from subsurface by hydrothermal fluid flow and had experienced exhalative brecciation, transport, and deposition on the lake floor. The matrix consists dominantly of dolomite and ankerite smaller than 0.01 mm. The dolostones can be subdivided into four types on the basis of mineral composition and content. The detrital analcime and alkaline feldspar grains and tuff lithics are interpreted as intraclasts, which were deposited in an under-filled starved lake basin. The δ18OPDB values of dolostones are -5‰ to -21.1‰, and -11.9‰ on average; the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of dolostones are 0.70457 to 0.706194, and 0.705005 on average. These values, in combination with evidence of multi-episodes of peralkaline extrusion, suggest a mantle origin of the hydrothermal fluids, which may have promoted primary dolomite formation. The fluid from the upper mantle caused serpentinization of ultramafic rocks that intruded into the lower crust to obtain Mg2+ and Fe2+, and injected the ions into the lake water as the Mg and Fe sources for dolomite and ankerite. Hydro- thermal fluids associated with peralkaline magmatic rocks also provided Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, and CO32-. Explosive breccias formed and dolostones were convoluted near the vent of hydrothermal fluid exhalation, whereas laminated dolostones formed farther away from the vent. The dolostones are primary dolomite deposition in an intracontinental rift basin and associated with mantle-originated hydrothermal fluids. They provide an insight into the origin of dolomite formation in the geologic history and clues to understand the sedimentary environments and tectonic conditions in northern Xinjiang during the late Paleozoic.

Primary dolostone related to the Cretaceous lacustrine hydrothermal sedimentation in Qingxi sag, Jiuquan Basin on the northern Tibetan Plateau

Based on comprehensive studies in petrography, petrofabric analysis and geochemistry, this paper describes a unique and rare laminated micritic ferruginous primary dolostone crystallized and precipitated from the alkaline hot brine under the conditions of the Mesozoic faulted lake basin. The main rock-forming mineral of this dolostone is ferruginous dolomite with a micritic structure. This dolomite mostly exhibits laminae of 0.1-1 mm thick and is often discovered with other minerals, such as albite, analcite, barite and dickite, which have at least two types of interbedded laminae. Petrogeochemistry reveals that this dolostone contains a large number of typomorphic elements of hydrothermal sedimentation, including Sb, Ba, Sr, Mn, and V. In addition, the LREE is in relatively high concentrations and possesses the typical REE distribution pattern with negative Eu anomaly. Oxygen isotope values （C^ISOpDB） range from 5.89%~ to 14.15%o with an average of 9.69%0. The ratio of 87Sr/86Sr is between 0.711648 and 0.719546, with an average of 0.714718. These data indicate that the depositional environment is a stable, blocked, anoxic low-lying hot brine pool in the bottom of deep lake controlled by basement faults. The hydrothermal fluid is the alkaline hot brine formed by the combination of the infiltration lake water and mantle-derived magmatic water, consisting of many ions, including Ca2＋, Mg2＋ and Fe2＋. Under the driving flow power of magmatic heat, gravity and compaction, the hy- drothermal fluid overcame the overburden pressure and hydrostatic pressure of the lake water body, and boiled to explosion, and then the explosion shattered the original laminated micritic ferruginous primary dolostone near the vent and then formed a new type of dolostone called shattered ＂hydroexplosion breccias＂. In the low-lying, unperturbed hot brine pool, far from the vent, the laminated micritic ferruginous primary dolostone was quickly crystallized and chemicals precipitated from the hy- drotherm. This study of special rocks contributes to research into the causes of the formation of lacustrine carbonate rocks and dolostone. In particular, it provides new examples and research insights for future studies of the lacustrine dolomite from the similar Mesozoic and Cenozoic basins in China.

Porosity and Pore Networks in Tight Dolostone—Mudstone Reservoirs:Insights from the Devonian Three Forks Formation,Williston Basin,USA

This study was performed to evaluate pore systems of reservoir lithofacies within the Devonian Three Forks Formation in the Williston Basin through micro-scale pore characterization.These lithofacies are from the Upper Three Forks section,which is a prominent drilling target within the BakkenThree Forks Petroleum System.Samples from the Formation were examined by(1)physical core description,(2)petrographic thin section microscopy,(3)x-ray diffractometry(XRD)minerals analysis,(4)scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and(5)porosity measurements from helium porosimetry,nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR),gas adsorption and mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP).These were done to provide better understanding of the local variations in pore structures and how such structures impact reservoir quality within the Three Forks Formation.Seven reservoir lithofacies were identified and described,including laminated lithofacies,massive dolostone,mottled dolostone,massive mudstone,mottled mudstone,mudstone conglomerates,and brecciated mudstone.Samples show a diverse variation in mineralogical composition,pore types,porosity,and pore-size distribution.Six types of pores were identified:interparticle,intercrystalline,intracrystalline,vuggy,microfractures,and mudstone microporosity.Dolostone-rich lithofacies have abundant dolomite and less siliciclastic minerals such as quartz,feldspar,and clays.They also have relatively low porosity and generally larger pore size.A general positive trend exists between porosity with clay minerals and feldspar,in contrast to a negative trend with dolomite,and no clear relationship with quartz content.Results from the gas adsorption analysis,NMR and MIP pore-size distribution confirm an abundance of macropores(>50 nm in diameters)in dolostone dominated lithofacies while other lithofacies generally have abundant mesopores(2–50 nm).

The primary dolostone in the Meso-Neoproterozoic:Cases study on platforms in China

Meso-Neoproterozoic dolostone is abnormally well-developed in the platform areas in China,detailly,in the Mesoproterozoic Calymmian Wumishan Formation of North China Basin,Neoproterozoic Ediacaran Qigbulak Formation of Tarim Basin,and the Neoproterozoic Ediacaran Dengying Formation of Sichuan Basin.The outcrops and drilling cores from these basins show that these dolostones are mostly thick-bedded to massive,with mud-sized to silt-sized crystalline dolostone reaching 86%-97%of the total dolostone thickness.These dolostones basically suffered no secondary metasomatism,regardless of containing microorganisms(such as algae and bacteria)or not.The analyses of sedimentary palaeogeographic features indicate that:(1)the Meso-Neoproterozoic dolostone nearly covered the entire area basins,and was widely deposited in supratidal to intertidal zones,as well as in open platform environments;(2)the dolostone was subdivided according to the crystalline size,with the distribution controlled by geomorphology,i.e.,the pure mud-sized crystalline dolostone developing in depression areas,whereas the grainy mud-sized crystalline dolostone or the mound stromatolitic mud-sized crystalline dolostone developing in uplift areas;(3)deep-water basins developed between the carbonate platforms,and the seismic profiles show that these basins were formed by syngenetic deep faults in the Meso-Neoproterozoic strata.These syngenetic faults increased Mg^(2+)concentration in the seawater by injecting rich-Mg2+-bearing hydrothermal fluids into the carbonate platforms.The analyses of geochemical and paleoclimatic indexes reveal that there is no obvious difference in carbon and oxygen isotope ratios between dolostones having different textures,with the ratios similar to those of the global seawater of the Meso-Neoproterozoic,indicating that the silt-sized crystalline dolostone has the same sedimentary origin as the mud-sized crystalline dolostone,i.e.,the former is from authigenic recrystallization of the latter rather than secondary metasomatism.Therefore,whatever the crystalline sizes are,the dolostones are all originated from sedimentation.All the petrological,sedimentary and geochemical data suggest that the dolostones covering almost the whole Meso-Neoproterozoic typical platform areas of China are of relatively primary sedimentary origin.

Rare earth elemental and Sr isotopic evidence for seawater intrusion event of the Songliao Basin 91 million years ago

Petrogenesis of lacustrine dolostone is closely related with paleo-lake water conditions.Here we report the high spatial-resolution petrographic and geochemical results of a lacustrine dolomite nodule from the Qingshankou Formation,the Songliao Basin.Sedimentary and elemental signatures confirm the protogenetic origin of this nodule and its effectiveness in recording geochemical characteristics of paleo-lake water during dolomitization.The low Y/Ho ratios,middle rare earth element(MREE)enrichment and subtle positive Eu anomalies within the nodule indicate a fresh water source.However,the Sr isotope values in the core of the nodule(0.7076-0.7080)are close to contemporaneous seawater(0.7074),yet different from the modern river(0.7120)and the host black shale(0.7100).On the premise of excluding the influence of hydrothermal fluids,the significantly low strontium isotope values of the lacustrine dolomite might be caused by seawater interference during dolomitization.Our findings demonstrate that lacustrine dolomite within black shales is not only a faithful tracer of diagenetic water environment,but also a novel and easily identified mineralogical evidence for episodic seawater intrusion event(91 Ma)in the Songliao Basin,which supplements other paleontological and geochemical evidence.

Genetic Mechanism of Dolomitization in Fengcheng Formation in the Wu-Xia area of Junggar Basin,China

The dolomitic rocks of the Fengcheng Formation are considered to be formed under special geologic conditions, and are significant hydrocarbon reservoir rocks in the Wu-Xia area in the Junggar Basin. Analyses of petrologic characteristics and stable isotope composition indicate that the dolomitizing host rock is volcanic and the dolomitizing fluids probably consists of brine from shore- shallow lakes with great evaporation and salinity in the Fengcheng Formation, which have formed under arid climatic conditions, as well as residual Mg-rich seawater from the underlying Jiamuhe Formation and Carboniferous. Dust tuff in the area has significant plagioclase content. Anorthite and labradorite hydrolysis by CO2 can be coupled with calcite precipitation. Late Mg-rich brine percolated and replaced calcite formed in the early time, which lead to precipitate dolostones with different occurrences, such as graniphyric, random bedded or lumpy. The diagenetic dolostones with different occurrences resulting from particular formation conditions occurred in different tectonic settings. The dolomitizing fluid has been driven by the thermal convection flow generated by volcanic eruptions. At the same time, the overthrusts of the Wu-Xia growth fault have speeded up the flow of deep Mg-rich water upwards, and induced the water to quickly penetrate and horizontally migrate in the strata. Fracture is the major and the most important reservoir space in dolomitic reservoir of the Fengcheng Formation. Fracture and fault plays a decisive role in controlling the formation of dolostone and the distribution of favorable reservoirs. The deliverability of oil and gas is determined by the development and match relations of dissolved pores and fractures to a certain degree.

Characteristics of porosity and permeability layer of fossil Halimeda reef mineral rock of Miocene in the Xisha Islands and its genetic model

Halimeda is one of the major reef-building algas in the middle Miocene of Xisha, and one of the significant reef-building algas in the algal reef oil and gas field of the South China Sea. However, there have been few reports regarding the characteristics of mineral rocks, reservoir porosity and permeability layers, and sedimentation-diagenetic-evolution of fossil Halimeda systems. The present paper briefly introduces the relevant studies on chlorophyta Halimeda and the research status of oil and gas exploration. Through the 1 043 m core of the Xichen-1 well, we studied the characteristics of the mineral rocks and porosity and permeability of the middle Miocene Halimeda of the Yongle Atoll, identified and described the segments of fossil Halimeda, and pointed out that most of the segment slides are vertical sections in ovular, irregular or long strips. The overwhelming majority of these fossil Halimeda found and studied are vertical sections instead of cross sections. In this paper, knowledge regarding the cross sections of fossil Halimeda is reported and proven to be similar with the microscopic characteristics of modern living Halimeda;fossil Halimeda are buried in superposition;it is shown that there are different structures present, including typical bio-segment structure, and due to its feature of coexisting with red alga, tying structure, twining structure and encrusting structure are all present;and finally, it is suggested to classify the fossil Halimeda into segment algal reef dolomites. In addition, all of the studied intervals are moderately dolomitized. Secondary microcrystalline-dolosparite dominates the original aragonite raphide zones, and aphanitic-micrite dolomite plays the leading role in the cortexes and medullas;in the aragonite raphide zones between medulla and cysts, secondary dissolved pores and intercrystalline pores are formed inside the segments, and algal frame holes are formed between segments;therefore, a pore space network system （dissolved pores＋intragranular dissolved pores—intercrystalline pores＋algal frame holes） is established. Segment Halimeda dolomite has a porosity of 16.2%–46.1%, a permeability of 0.203×10^–3–2 641×10^–3μm^2, and a throat radius of 23.42–90.43μm, therefore it is shown to be a good oil and gas reservoir. For the reasons mentioned above, we suggest building the neogene organic reef-modern reef sedimentation-diagenetic-evolution models for the Xisha Islands.

Characterization of the Microbial Dolomite of the Upper Sinian Dengying Formation in the Hanyuan Area of Sichuan Province,China

The algal dolostone of the Upper Sinian Dengying Formation （corresponding to the Ediacaran system） in the Upper Yangtze Platform of China possesses a rich diversity of microorganisms and is an ideal site for the study of ancient microbial dolomite. We focused on algal dolostone and its microbial dolomite in the Hanyuan area of Sichuan Province, China. The macroscopic petrological features, microscopic morphology, texture characteristics of the fossil microorganisms and microbial dolomite, and geochemical characteristics were investigated. We found rich fossil microorganisms and microbial dolomites in the laminated, stromatolithic, uniform and clotted （algal） dolostones. The microorganisms present were mainly body fossils of cyanobacteria （including Renalcis, Girvanella, Nanococcus, and Epiphyton） and their trace fossils （including microbial mats （biofilms）, algal traces, and spots）. In addition, there was evidence of sulfate-reducing bacteria （SRB）, moderately halophilic aerobic bacteria, and red algae. The microbial dolomites presented cryptocrystalline textures under polarizing microscope and nanometer-sized granular （including spherulitic and pene-cubical granular） and （sub） micron-sized sheet-like, irregular, spherical and ovoidal morphologies under scanning electron microscope （SEM）. The microbial dolomites were formed by microbialiy induced mineralization in the intertidal zone and lagoon environments during the depositional and syngenetic stages and microbially influenced mineralization in the supratidal zone environment during the penecontemporaneous stage. The microbial metabolic activities and extracellular polymeric substances （EPS） determined the morphology and element composition of microbial dolomite. During the depositional and syngenetic stages, the metabolic activities of cyanobacteria and SRB were active and EPS, biofilms and microbial mats were well-developed. EPS provided a large number of nucleation sites. Accordingly, many nanometer-sized pene-cubical granular and （sub） micron-sized sheet-like microbial dolomites were formed. During the penecontemporaneous stage, SBR, cyanobacteria, and moderately halophilic aerobic bacteria were inactive. Furthermore, nucleation sites reduced significantly and were derived from both the EPS of surviving microorganisms and un-hydrolyzed EPS from dead microorganisms. Consequently the microbial dolomites present nanometer-sized spherulitic and micron-sized irregular, spherical, and ovoidal morphologies. Overall, the microbial dolomites evolved from nanometer-sized granular （including spherulitic and pene-cubical granular） dolomites to （sub） micron-sized sheet-like, irregular, spherical and ovoidal dolomites, and then to macroscopic laminated, stromatolithic, uniform, and clotted dolostones. These findings reveal the correlation between morphological evolution of microbial dolomite and microbial activities showing the complexity and diversity of mineral （dolomite）-microbe interactions, and providing new insight into microbial biomineralization and microbial dolomite in the Precambrian era.

U–Pb zircon age of the base of the Ediacaran System at the southern margin of the Qinling Orogen

Global abrupt climate change from Marinoan snowball Earth to greenhouse Earth, recorded as cap carbonate overlain on diamictite, had shed the first light on Cambrian bio-radiation. The most documented cap carbonate sections are typical with comprehensive d13 C negative values and ubiquitous sedimentary structures, such as tepee-like, sheet-crack etc., which are associated with successive glacial eustatic variation caused by isostatic rebound in shallow-water facies. Here we report a deepwater basinal cap carbonate section with strong negative δ^(13) C values in the southern margin of the Qinling Orogen,Heyu, Chengkou County, Chongqing in China, which consists of massive dolostone with abundant carbonaceous laminae. However, it lacks the sedimentary structure as mentioned above and is overlain by thin-bedded silicious shales and cherts. A K-bentonite bed was discovered within the base of cap carbonates, about 0.7 m above the top of the Marinoan diamictite. Magmatic zircons that were separated from the K-bentonite bed yield a SIMS concordia U–Pb age of 634.1 ± 1.9 Ma(1 r, MSWDCE= 0.31,ProbabilityCE= 1.000, n = 20). The age is in good agreement with previously reported TIMS U–Pb ages for the termination of Marinoan glaciation and provides ageochronological constraint for the Ediacaran successions in the Qinling Orogen.

Implications of Non-Carbonate Dolomite Minerals in the Formation of Red Soils in a Paleokarstic Context in the Taoudeni Basin in Burkina Faso

Uncertainties remain as to the ability of certain carbonate rocks to form the red soils covering them. These doubts, which have been the subject of debate for several decades, become real when carbonate rocks are pure and low in insoluble residues. In the carbonate rocks of the Taoudeni basin in Burkina Faso, brown-red to red soils develop, at the top of hillsides and in karstic cavities. No study in the region has yet shown the existence in these carbonate rocks of sufficient insolubles to form soils after decalcification. The objective of this study was therefore to identify and quantify the minerals of carbonate rocks in order to identify the origin of red soils. Petrographic, chemical (XRF) and mineralogical (XRD) investigations on dominant carbonate rocks features in the study area show that the rocks studied are mainly magnesian dolomites (Dolomite > 50% of carbonate minerals and Ca/Mg ratio < 1.5). Non-carbonate residues from detrital and hydrothermal origin, negligible in certain pure dolomites (<2%), are on the other hand significant (>12%) in other dolomitic features. These insoluble silicates formed of quartz, potassium feldspar (orthoclase), clays (talc, phlogopite and kaolinite) and iron oxides constitute the main original material of reddened soils in karstic cavities.