The Early-Middle Triassic Supervolcano in the Yangtze Block,South China and associated obstacles to biotic recovery

The end-Permian mass extinction was one of the major global crises spanning the entire Early Triassic or longer.Eruptions of volcanos were one of the factors that delayed the biotic recovery after this event.Supervolcano eruptions can cause catastrophic effects on global environment,climate,and life.Here we investigate the tuff layers from Early-Middle Triassic boundary in the Yangtze Block and identify a supervolcano eruption event.The zircon U-Pb ages of the section-Langdai,section-Daijiagou and section-Longmendong tuff samples are 247.1±1.9 Ma,247.6±2.0 Ma and 247.7±1.7 Ma,respectively.These ages mark the Olenekian-Anisian boundary.The zircon grains from the tuff layers have negativeεHf(t)(-15.3 to-0.8),two-stage Hf model(TDM2)ages(1.7 to 2.2 Ga)and display high-δ18O values(mostly>10‰).Clay minerals and quartz dominate the rock composition.The whole rock compositions show that the tuff layers were derived from magma of intermediate to felsic composition,which formed by the remelting of Paleoproterozoic materials of continental crust.The volcanic eruption site is located in the Jinshajiang-Ailaoshan-Song Ma suture zone in the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block.A combination of the closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean Basin and the collision of the Indochina Block and South China contributed to the eruption,which was a supervolcano eruption under the active continental margin arc settings.We speculate that this supervolcano eruption might have contributed to the delayed biotic recovery after the end-Permian mass extinction.

Late Triassic Intracontinental Deformation of South Tianshan,Central Asia:Evidence from Syn-tectonic Sedimentation and Detrital Zircon Provenances of the Kuqa Depression

The Tianshan range,a Paleozoic orogenic belt in Central Asia,has undergone multiple phases of tectonic activities characterized by the N-S compression after the early Mesozoic,including the far-field effects of the Cenozoic Indian-Asian collision.However,there are limited reports on the tectonic deformation and initiation of Triassic intracontinental deformation in the Tianshan range.Understanding this structural context is crucial for interpreting the early intracontinental deformation history of the Eurasian continent during the early Mesozoic.Growth strata and syn-tectonic sediments provide a rich source of information on tectonic activities and have been extensively used in the studies of orogenic belts.Based on detail fieldwork conducted in this study,the middle-late Triassic Kelamayi Formation of the northern Kuqa Depression in the southern Tianshan fold-thrust belt has been identified as the typical syn-tectonic growth strata.The youngest detrital zircon component in two lithic sandstone samples from the bottom and top of the Kelamayi growth strata yielded U-Pb ages of 223.4±3.1 and 215.5±2.9 Ma,respectively,indicating that the maximum depositional age of the bottom and top of the Kelamayi growth strata is 226-220 and 218-212 Ma.The geochronological distribution of detrital samples from the Early-Middle Triassic and Late Triassic revealed abrupt changes,suggesting a new source supply resulting from tectonic activation in the Tianshan range.The coupling relationship between the syn-tectonic sedimentation of the Kelamayi Formation and the South Tianshan fold-thrust system provides robust evidence that the Triassic intracontinental deformation of the South Tianshan range began at approximately 226-220 Ma(during the Late Triassic)and ended at approximately 218-212 Ma.These findings provide crucial constraints for understanding the intraplate deformation in the Tianshan range during the Triassic.

Early Triassic Volcanic Rocks in the Western Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone:Implications for the Opening of the Neo-Tethys Ocean

In this study,zircon U-Pb dating of volcanic rocks from the Zhongba ophiolite of the Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone(YZSZ)in southern Xizang(Tibet)yielded an age of 247±3 Ma.According to whole rock geochemical and Sr-NdPb isotopic data,the Early Triassic samples could be divided into two groups:Group 1 with P-MORB affinity,showing initial^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratios of 0.70253–0.70602,ε_(Nd)(t)values of 4.2–5.3,(^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 16.353–18.222,(^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 15.454–15.564,and(^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 35.665–38.136;Group 2 with OIB affinity,showing initial^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratios of 0.70249–0.70513,ε_(Nd)(t)values of 4.4–4.9,(^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 17.140–18.328,(^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 15.491–15.575,and(^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 36.051–38.247.Group 2 rocks formed by partial melting of the mantle source enriched by a former plume,and assimilated continental crustal material during melt ascension.The formation of Group 1 rocks corresponds to the mixing of OIB melts,with the same components as Group 2 and N-MORBs.The Zhongba Early Triassic rocks belong to the continental margin type ophiolite and formed in the continental–oceanic transition zone during the initial opening of the Neo-Tethys in southern Xizang(Tibet).

Characteristics and control factors of feldspar dissolution in gravity flow sandstone of Chang 7 Member,Triassic Yanchang Formation,Ordos Basin,NW China

To clarify the formation and distribution of feldspar dissolution pores and predict the distribution of high-quality reservoir in gravity flow sandstone of the 7^(th) member of Triassic Yanchang Formation(Chang 7 Member)in the Ordos Basin,thin sections,scanning electron microscopy,energy spectrum analysis,X-ray diffraction whole rock analysis,and dissolution experiments are employed in this study to investigate the characteristics and control factors of feldspar dissolution pores.The results show that:(1)Three types of diagenetic processes are observed in the feldspar of Chang 7 sandstone in the study area:secondary overgrowth of feldspar,replacement by clay and calcite,and dissolution of detrital feldspar.(2)The feldspar dissolution of Chang 7 tight sandstone is caused by organic acid,and is further affected by the type of feldspar,the degree of early feldspar alteration,and the buffering effect of mica debris on organic acid.(3)Feldspars have varying degrees of dissolution.Potassium feldspar is more susceptible to dissolution than plagioclase.Among potassium feldspar,orthoclase is more soluble than microcline,and unaltered feldspar is more soluble than early kaolinized or sericitized feldspar.(4)The dissolution experiment demonstrated that the presence of mica can hinder the dissolution of feldspar.Mica of the same mass has a significantly stronger capacity to consume organic acids than feldspar.(5)Dissolution pores in feldspar of Chang 7 Member are more abundant in areas with low mica content,and they improve the reservoir physical properties,while in areas with high mica content,the number of feldspar dissolution pores decreases significantly.

LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of tuffites in the Sachakou Pb-Zn mining area, Karakorum, Xinjiang and its establishment of Early Triassic strata

1.Objective In the past decade,a group of medium to giant lead-zinc deposits,represented by Huoshaoyun,Sachakou,and Yuanbaoling,have been discovered in the Aksai Chin region of Karakoram,Xinjiang.They are all located in the Mesozoic carbonate and clastic rock formations.The Sachakou leadzinc mining area is adjacent to the northwest of the Huoshaoyun lead-zinc mining area and is in the same stratigraphic layer as Huoshaoyun.Although many scholars have been arguing about the type and age of Huoshaoyun lead-zinc mineralization,few scholars have paid attention to the classification of the ore-bearing strata in the area.The stratigraphy of the Lower Permian Shenxianwan Group to the Upper Cretaceous Tielongtan Group is exposed in the Sachakou area of Karakorum,Xinjiang,however,the Late Permian-Early Triassic stratigraphy is missing(Fig.1a).Due to the harsh natural conditions in the area and the low level of work,the stratigraphic delineation is not exhaustive,and the regional lithology is dominated by carbonates and clastic rocks,which makes it difficult to identify the age of the regional lithology and causes problems for the exploration and research of lead-zinc in the area.

Discovery and Significance of the Triassic–Late Paleozoic Double-layered Basement in the Songliao Basin:Based on the Complete Coring Data from ICDP Borehole SK2

The Songliao Basin(SLB)covers an area of approximately 260,000 km2in northeastern Asia and preserves a continuous and complete Cretaceous terrestrial record(Wang et al.,2021).The region is the most important petroliferous sedimentary basin in China because of its continual annual oil and gas equivalent production of tens of millions of tons(ca.220–440 million barrels per year)since 1959.The SLB was previously thought to have developed on Hercynian basement and accumulated continuous sedimentary deposits during the Late Jurassic and Cretaceous(Wan et al.,2013;Wang et al.,2016).

Teffichthys wui sp. nov., a new perleidid fish from the Early Triassic of Jiangsu and Anhui, China

Perleididae is a group of stem neopterygian fishes known only from the Triassic.Here,we report the discovery of a new perleidid,Teffichthys wui sp.nov.,based on six well-preserved specimens from the late Smithian(Olenekian,Early Triassic)marine deposits of Jurong,Jiangsu and Chaohu,Anhui,China.This new discovery documents the third and youngest species of Teffichthys,which is slightly younger than the Dienerian(Induan)T.elegans from Guizhou and the early Smithian T.madagascariensis from Madagascar.The new species shows diagnostic features of Teffichthys(presence of a spiracular,38-41 lateral line scales,and no more than three epaxial rays in the caudal fin)but differs from T.madagascariensis and T.elegans in some autapomorphies(e.g.,a horizontal opercle/subopercle contact and smooth scales with a nearly straight posterior margin).The diagnostic features for the genus Teffichthys and the family Perleididae are emended based on detailed comparisons of the new taxon with other perleidids.The phylogenetic relationships of perleidids with other stem neopterygians are discussed using a cladistic approach,and the results provide new insights into the phylogeny and classification of main stem neopterygian clades.

Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Xingxingxia Triassic A-type Granites in Central Tianshan,NW China:Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

The Triassic granitoids in Central Tianshan play a key role in determining the petrogenesis and tectonic evolution on the southern margin of the Central Asian orogenic belt.In this study,we present SHRIMP zircon U-Pb ages,Hf isotopic and geochemical data on the Xingxingxia biotite granite,amazonite granite and granitic pegmatite in Central Tianshan,NW China.Zircon U-Pb dating yielded formation ages of 242 Ma for the biotite granite and 240 Ma for the amazonite granite.These granitoid rocks have high K_(2)O with low MgO and CaO contents.They are enriched in Nb,Ta,Hf and Y,while being depleted in Ba and Sr,showing flat HREE patterns and negative Eu anomalies.They have typical A-type granite geochemical signatures with high Ga/A_(1)(8–13)and TFeO/(TFeO+MgO)ratios,showing an A_(2) affinity for biotite granite and an A_(1) affinity for amazonite granite and granitic pegmatite.Zircon ε_(Hf)(t)values of the granitoids are 0.45–2.66,with Hf model ages of 0.99–1.17 Ga.This suggests that these A-type granites originated from partial melting of the lower crust.We propose that Xingxingxia Triassic A-type granites formed under lithospheric extension from post-orogenic to anorogenic intraplate settings and NE-trending regional strike-slip fault-controlled magma emplacement in the upper crust.

A new small baurioid therocephalian from the Lower Triassic Jiucaiyuan Formation, Xinjiang, China

Several therocephalian species,mainly represented by cranial material from the late Permian,have been reported from China in recent years.Here we describe a tiny new baurioid therocephalian,Jiucaiyuangnathus confusus gen.et sp.nov.,from the Jiucaiyuan Formation,Xinjiang,China.The new taxon is represented by a partial snout with occluded partial lower jaw and two postcranial skeletons.Although juvenile in stage,the new species is diagnosed by the following features:round pit in middle of lateral surface of maxilla;lacrimal contact nasal;fossa for dentary tooth on the posterior end of the premaxilla,lateral to the anterior choana;two small vertical triangular ridges extending dorsally and ventrally on the vomerine anterior portion,and bordering a thin vomerine foramen laterally;anterior projection of the lateral part of the frontal on the nasal;symphyseal region of the dentary projected anteriorly;5 upper premaxillary teeth,upper and lower canines absent,diastema between the last premaxillary upper incisor and first maxillary tooth present,no diastema separating anterior from posterior dentition in the mandible,10 maxillary teeth and 12 dentary teeth,posterior postcanine expands mesiodistally,having a main large cusps and tiny anterior and posterior accessory cusps in line;neural arches of the atlas fused by the neural spine,neural spine of the axis projected posteriorly,procoracoid foramen lies between procoracoid and scapula.Features of the dentition resembles those of the small baurioid Ericiolacerta parva from South Africa and Silphedosuchus orenburgensis from Russia.The specimens provide the rare opportunity to know in detail the postcranial skeleton of baurioids.

Hydrocarbon Potential of the Triassic-Jurassic Sediments in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, Based on Lithofacies and Geochemical Analysis

Triassic-Jurassic carbonates widely distributed in Eastern Indonesia are believed as oils source rock. The Mesozoic Tokala Formation exhibit source rock potential, as evidenced by high contents of organic matter. Recent exploration has been conducted in southeastern Sulawesi, targeting the Mesozoic intervals. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to determine source rock potential of Tokala Formation outcropped in southeastern Sulawesi area and its capability to generate hydrocarbon. Five distinct lithofacies were delineated, emphasizing lithological and mineralogical features: foraminifera wackestone (FW), lime mudstone (LM), massive bioturbated calcareous-argillaceous shale (MBCAS), weakly laminated argillaceous-calcareous shale (WLACS), and strongly laminated calcareous-argillaceous shale (SLCAS). Subsequent analyses showed that carbonate-rich samples (FW and LM facies, >50% CaO) had poor source rock potential. Conversely, shale facies with moderate carbonate content (WLACS, MBCAS, and SLCAS, 15% - 50% CaO) had good to excellent source rock characteristics, qualifying them as preferable source rock. In addition, levels of SiO2 and Al2O3 should not be neglected, as these constituents play important roles in clay mineral adsorption. Laminated shale facies with moderate CaO content tended to be more promising as source rock than bioturbated facies. The shale facies of Tokala Formation indicate prospective source rock horizon.

Early-Middle Permian Reef Frameworks and Reef-building Models in the Eastern Kunlun Mountains

Reef frameworks and building models of the Early-Middle Permian in the eastern Kunlun Mountains have been verified through studies of reef-building communities, palaeoecology and carbonate facies. The eastern Kunlun reefs are built mainly by 6 reef-building communities, which include 11 major categories of frame-building organisms and 6 categories of reef-associated organisms. Eight types of reef-frames have been distinguished and eleven kinds of rocks identified to belong to 6 reef facies. Three sorts of reefs classified by previous researchers, namely mudmounds, knoll reefs and walled reefs, are well developed in the study area. Such reef-facies association and reef distribution show that there are 4 models of reef growth and development, i.e. the tidal-bank knoll-reef model, the plateau-margin wall-reef model, the composite wall-reef model and the deep-water mudmound model. The reefs are mainly constructed by calcareous sponge and calcareous algae, which are similar to all Permian reefs in other area

Early-Middle Paleozoic Andes-type Continental Margin in the Chifeng Area, Inner Mongolia: Framework, Geochronology and Geochemistry and Implications for Tectonic Evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

Three tectonic units have been recognized in the Chifeng area, Inner Mongolia, from north to south, including the Qiganmiao accretionary prism, Jiefangyingzi arc belt and Sidaozhangpeng molasse basin, which formed an Andeantype active continent margin during the early to middle Paleozoic. The Qiganmiao accretionary prism is characterized by a mélange that consists of gabbro, two-mica quartz schist and basic volcanic rock blocks and heterogeneously deformed marble matrix. Two zircon U-Pb ages of 446.0±6.3 Ma and 1104±27 Ma have been acquired and been interpreted as the metamorphic and forming ages for the gabbro and two-mica quartz schist, respectively. The prism formed during the early to middle Paleozoic southward subduction of the Paleo Asian Ocean(PAO) and represents a suture between the North China craton(NCC) and Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB). The Jiefangyingzi arc belt consists of pluton complex and volcanic rocks of the Xibiehe and Badangshan Formations, and Geochronology analysis indicates that the development of it can be divided into two stages. The first stage is represented by the Xibiehe Formation volcanic rocks, which belong to the subalkaline series, enriched LREE and LILE and depleted HFSE, with negative Eu anomalies, and plot in the volcanic arc field in discrimination diagrams. These characters indicate that the Xibiehe Formation results from to the continental arc magmatic activity related to the subduction of the PAO during 400–420 Ma. Magmatism of the second stage in 380–390 Ma consists of the Badangshan Formation volcanic rocks. Geochemistry analysis reveals that rhyolite, basaltic andesite and basalt of the Badangshan Formation were developed in continental margin arc setting. Moreover, the basaltic andesite and basalt display positive Sr anomalies, and the basalt have very low Nb/La values, suggesting that fluid is involved in magma evolution and the basalts were contaminated by continental crust. The sequence of Sidaozhangpeng molasse basin is characterized by proximity, coarseness and large thickness, similar to the proximity molasses basin. According to our field investigation, geochronological and geochemical data, combined with previous research in this area, a tectonic evolutionary model for Andes-type active continental margin of the CAOB has been proposed, including a development of the subduction-free PAO before 446 Ma, a subduction of the PAO and arc-related magmatism during 446–380 Ma, and formation of a molasse basin during 380–360 Ma.

Early-middle Mesoproterozoic tectonic evolutionary history of the southwestern Yangtze Block,China:lithostratigraphic,geochronologic and elemental geochemical constraints

During the Early-Middle Proterozoic era,three major lithostratigraphic unit associations,namely Hekou-Dahongshan,Dongchuan,and Kunyang-Huili Groups,were established for the metamorphosed volcanicsedimentary rocks exposed in the southwestern Yangtze Block (SWYB).The integration of petrology, geochemistry and geochronology constrains tectonic framework and evolution of the SWYB,in which four sets of SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages were obtained from the volcanic rocks interbedded within the Middle Proterozoic successions:1800-1600 Ma,1600-1300 Ma,1300-1100 Ma,and 1100-1000 Ma. Major and trace elemental analysis indicate that four key tectonic evolutionary stages,each coinciding with the above radiometric age set,of the SWYB during the Early-Middle Mesoproterozoic.The SWYB was characterized by an east-westerly trending rift in the Hekou,Dongshan,and Dongchuan areas,and separate basin-forming events during 1800-1600 Ma arid 1600-1300 Ma,respectively.In the SWYB,an intracontinental rift basin and a rift basin occurred in the Caiziyuan-Matang and Laowushan areas, respectively in 1300-1100 Ma ago.During 1100-1000 Ma,the SWYB was characterized by the closure of the Caiziyuan-Matang rift-ocean basin,collision between the Huili Blocks and Kunyang Blocks,and presence of volcanic ares in the Tianbaoshan and Fulingpen areas.Accordingly,the SWYB represents a new basin that records the relatively complete assembly process of the Rodina during the Early-Middle Mesoproterozoic era.

Triassic Nappe in the Central Part of the Southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt(Ejinaq,NW China):Evidence from Structural Analysis and Geothermochronology

The thrust nappe played an important role in the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the middle part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB).However,the timing,structural style and kinematic processes of the thrust nappe remain controversial,particularly the detail of the thrust nappe in the Guaizihu region(110 km east of Ejinaq).In this study,we investigate new field mapping,seismic sections,geochronology and low-temperature thermochronometric dating to provide constraints on the history of this thrust nappe in the Chaheilingashun area(northwestern Guaizihu region).The field mapping,seismic sections and structural analysis reveal that the autochthonous system had developed a series of strong fold structures in the upper Permian strata.The allochthonous system mainly contains Devonian monzogranite(U-Pb age,ranges from 386.7 to 389.0 Ma)and Meso–Neoproterozoic schists(the maximum depositional age,~880 Ma),which were thrust upon the upper Permian strata during Middle to Late Triassic.Based on similar rocks,geochronological dating and the Yagan thrust,we suggest that the postulated root zone of this allochthon might have originated from the Huhetaoergai area(40–60 km northwest of the study area).The geochronological results reveal that the lower age limit of this thrust nappe is constrained by the Lower–Middle Triassic syntectonic sediments(tuffaceous sandstone,~247 Ma),which is the sedimentary response of the fold structure.,The timing of the termination of this thrust nappe is defined by the cooling age(^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar data,217–211 Ma)of the Devonian monzogranite and Meso–Neoproterozoic schists.Thus,we consider this thrust event in the study area to potentially have occurred in the period from 247 Ma to 211 Ma,which may represent the tectonic response to the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean.

Types,characteristics and geological significance of event deposits of Chang 9 Member of Triassic Yanchang Formation in southwestern Ordos Basin,NW China

Through core observation,thin section identification,and logging and testing data analysis,the types and characteristics of event deposits in the ninth member of Yanchang Formation of Triassic(Chang 9 Member)in southwestern Ordos Basin,China,are examined.There are 4 types and 9 subtypes of event deposits,i.e.earthquake,gravity flow,volcanic and anoxic deposits,in the Chang 9 Member in the study area.Based on the analysis of the characteristics and distribution of such events deposits,it is proposed that the event deposits are generally symbiotic or associated,with intrinsic genetic relations and distribution laws.Five kinds of sedimentary microfacies with relatively developed event deposits are identified,and the genetic model of event deposits is discussed.Seismites are mainly developed in the lake transgression stage when the basin expands episodically,and commonly affected by liquefaction flow,gravity action and brittle shear deformation.Gravity flow,mainly distributed in the high water level period,sandwiched in the fine-grained sediments of prodelta or semi-deep lake,or creates banded or lobate slump turbidite fan.It is relatively developed above the seismites strata.The volcanic event deposits are only seen in the lower part of the Chang 9 Member,showing abrupt contact at the top and bottom,which reflects the volcanic activity at the same time.Anoxic deposits are mostly formed in the late stage of lake transgression to the highstand stage.Very thick organic-rich shales are developed in the highstand stage of Chang 9 Member,and the event deposits in the depositional period of these shales are conducive to potential reservoirs.

Characteristics and discovery significance of the Upper Triassic–Lower Jurassic marine shale oil in Qiangtang Basin,China

Mesozoic marine shale oil was found in the Qiangtang Basin by a large number of hydrocarbon geological surveys and shallow drilling sampling.Based on systematic observation and experimental analysis of outcrop and core samples,the deposition and development conditions and characteristics of marine shale are revealed,the geochemical and reservoir characteristics of marine shale are evaluated,and the layers of marine shale oil in the Mesozoic are determined.The following geological understandings are obtained.First,there are two sets of marine organic-rich shales,the Lower Jurassic Quse Formation and the Upper Triassic Bagong Formation,in the Qiangtang Basin.They are mainly composed of laminated shale with massive mudstone.The laminated organic-rich shale of the Quse Formation is located in the lower part of the stratum,with a thickness of 50–75 m,and mainly distributed in southern Qiangtang Basin and the central-west of northern Qiangtang Basin.The laminated organic-rich shale of the Bagong Formation is located in the middle of the stratum,with a thickness of 250–350 m,and distributed in both northern and southern Qiangtang Basin.Second,the two sets of laminated organic-rich shales develop foliation,and various types of micropores and microfractures.The average content of brittle minerals is 70%,implying a high fracturability.The average porosity is 5.89%,indicating good reservoir physical properties to the level of moderate–good shale oil reservoirs.Third,the organic-rich shale of the Quse Formation contains organic matters of types II1 and II2,with the average TOC of 8.34%,the average content of chloroform bitumen'A'of 0.66%,the average residual hydrocarbon generation potential(S1+S2)of 29.93 mg/g,and the Ro value of 0.9%–1.3%,meeting the standard of high-quality source rock.The organic-rich shale of the Bagong Formation contains mixed organic matters,with the TOC of 0.65%–3.10%and the Ro value of 1.17%–1.59%,meeting the standard of moderate source rock.Fourth,four shallow wells(depth of 50–250 m)with oil shows have been found in the organic shales at 50–90 m in the lower part of the Bagong Formation and 30–75 m in the middle part of the Quse Formation.The crude oil contains a high content of saturated hydrocarbon.Analysis and testing of outcrop and shallow well samples confirm the presence of marine shale oil in the Bagong Formation and the Quse Formation.Good shale oil intervals in the Bagong Formation are observed in layers 18–20 in the lower part of the section,where the shales with(S0+S1)higher than 1 mg/g are 206.7 m thick,with the maximum and average(S0+S1)of 1.92 mg/g and 1.81 mg/g,respectively.Good shale oil intervals in the Quse Formation are found in layers 4–8 in the lower part of the section,where the shales with(S0+S1)higher than 1 mg/g are 58.8 m thick,with the maximum and average(S0+S1)of 6.46 mg/g and 2.23 mg/g,respectively.

Petroleum geology of marl in Triassic Leikoupo Formation and discovery significance of Well Chongtan1 in central Sichuan Basin,SW China

In 2022,the risk exploration well Chongtan1(CT1)in the Sichuan Basin revealed commercial oil and gas flow during test in a new zone–the marl of the second submember of the third member of Leikoupo Formation(Lei-32)of Middle Triassic,recording a significant discovery.However,the hydrocarbon accumulation in marl remains unclear,which restricts the selection and deployment of exploration area.Focusing on Well CT1,the hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics of Lei-32 marl are analyzed to clarify the potential zones for exploration.The following findings are obtained.First,according to the geochemical analysis of petroleum and source rocks,oil and gas in the Lei-32 marl of Well CT1 are originated from the same marl.The marl acts as both source rock and reservoir rock.Second,the Lei-32 marl in central Sichuan Basin is of lagoonal facies,with a thickness of 40–130 m,an area of about 40000 km^(2),a hydrocarbon generation intensity of(4–12)×10^(8) m^(3)/km^(2),and an estimated quantity of generated hydrocarbons of 25×10^(12) m^(3).Third,the lagoonal marl reservoirs are widely distributed in central Sichuan Basin.Typically,in Xichong–Yilong,Ziyang–Jianyang and Moxi South,the reservoirs are 20–60 m thick and cover an area of 7500 km^(2).Fourth,hydrocarbons in the lagoonal marl are generated and stored in the Lei-32 marl,which means that marl serves as both source rock and reservoir rock.They represent a new type of unconventional resource,which is worthy of exploring.Fifth,based on the interpretation of 2D and 3D seismic data from central Sichuan Basin,Xichong and Suining are defined as favorable prospects with estimated resources of(2000–3000)×10^(8) m^(3).

Characteristics and exploration targets of Chang 7 shale oil in Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, NW China

The geological characteristics and enrichment laws of the shale oil in the third submember of the seventh member of Triassic Yanchang Formation(Chang 7_(3)) in the Ordos Basin were analyzed by using the information of core observations, experiments and logging, and then the exploration potential and orientation of the Chang 7_(3) shale oil were discussed. The research findings are obtained in three aspects. First, two types of shale oil, i.e. migratory-retained and retained, are recognized in Chang 7_(3). The former is slightly better than the latter in quality. The migratory-retained shale oil reservoir is featured with the frequent interbedding and overlapping of silty-sandy laminae caused by sandy debris flow and low-density turbidity current and semi-deep-deep lacustrine organic-rich shale laminae. The retained shale oil reservoir is composed of black shale with frequent occurrence of bedding and micro-laminae. Second, high-quality source rocks provide a large quantity of hydrocarbon-rich high-quality fluids with high potential energy. The source-reservoir pressure difference provides power for oil accumulation in thin interbeds of organic-poor sandstones with good seepage conditions and in felsic lamina, tuffaceous lamina and bedding fractures in shales. Hydrocarbon generation-induced fractures, bedding fractures and microfractures provide high-speed pathways for oil micro-migration. Frequent sandstone interlayers and felsic laminae provide a good space for large-scale hydrocarbon accumulation, and also effectively improve the hydrocarbon movability. Third, sand-rich areas around the depression are the main targets for exploring migratory-retained shale oil. Mature deep depression areas are the main targets for exploring retained oil with medium to high maturity. Theoretical research and field application of in-situ conversion in low-mature deep depression areas are the main technical orientations for exploring retained shale oil with low to medium maturity.

Geological characteristics and models of fault-foldfracture body in deep tight sandstone of the second member of Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Xinchang structural belt of Sichuan Basin,SW China

In the second member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation(T_(3)x_(2))in the Xinchang area,western Sichuan Basin,only a low percent of reserves has been recovered,and the geological model of gas reservoir sweet spot remains unclear.Based on a large number of core,field outcrop,test and logging-seismic data,the T_(3)x_(2) gas reservoir in the Xinchang area is examined.The concept of fault-fold-fracture body(FFFB)is proposed,and its types are recognized.The main factors controlling fracture development are identified,and the geological models of FFFB are established.FFFB refers to faults,folds and associated fractures reservoirs.According to the characteristics and genesis,FFFBs can be divided into three types:fault-fracture body,fold-fracture body,and fault-fold body.In the hanging wall of the fault,the closer to the fault,the more developed the effective fractures;the greater the fold amplitude and the closer to the fold hinge plane,the more developed the effective fractures.Two types of geological models of FFFB are established:fault-fold fracture,and matrix storage and permeability.The former can be divided into two subtypes:network fracture,and single structural fracture,and the later can be divided into three subtypes:bedding fracture,low permeability pore,and extremely low permeability pore.The process for evaluating favorable FFFB zones was formed to define favorable development targets and support the well deployment for purpose of high production.The study results provide a reference for the exploration and development of deep tight sandstone oil and gas reservoirs in China.

Palaeogeographic Position of the South China Plate During the Early-Middle Devonian

In Guangxi, the Lower-Middle Devonian boundary beds yield abundant corals, brachiopods,stromatoporoids and conodonts. The former three were common in tropical and subtropical zones, while thelast occurred only round the equator. This reveals that the South China Plate in the Early-Middle Devonianwas at or near the equator, which was also supported by palaeomagnetic study giving the palaeolatitude of theGuangxi Region at the time to be 0°36′N.