Geophysical prediction of organic matter abundance in source rocks based on geochemical analysis:A case study of southwestern Bozhong Sag,Bohai Sea,China

The Bozhong Sag is the largest petroliferous sag in the Bohai Bay Basin,and the source rocks of Paleogene Dongying and Shahejie Formations were buried deeply.Most of the drillings were located at the structural high,and there were few wells that met good quality source rocks,so it is difficult to evaluate the source rocks in the study area precisely by geochemical analysis only.Based on the Rock-Eval pyrolysis,total organic carbon(TOC)testing,the organic matter(OM)abundance of Paleogene source rocks in the southwestern Bozhong Sag were evaluated,including the lower of second member of Dongying Formation(E_(3)d2L),the third member of Dongying Formation(E_(3)d_(3)),the first and second members of Shahejie Formation(E_(2)s_(1+2)),the third member of Shahejie Formation(E_(2)s_(3)).The results indicate that the E_(2)s_(1+2)and E_(2)s_(3)have better hydrocarbon generative potentials with the highest OM abundance,the E_(3)d_(3)are of the second good quality,and the E_(3)d2L have poor to fair hydrocarbon generative potential.Furthermore,the well logs were applied to predict TOC and residual hydrocarbon generation potential(S_(2))based on the sedimentary facies classification,usingΔlogR,generalizedΔlogR,logging multiple linear regression and BP neural network methods.The various methods were compared,and the BP neural network method have relatively better prediction accuracy.Based on the pre-stack simultaneous inversion(P-wave impedance,P-wave velocity and density inversion results)and the post-stack seismic attributes,the three-dimensional(3D)seismic prediction of TOC and S_(2)was carried out.The results show that the seismic near well prediction results of TOC and S_(2)based on seismic multi-attributes analysis correspond well with the results of well logging methods,and the plane prediction results are identical with the sedimentary facies map in the study area.The TOC and S_(2)values of E_(2)s_(1+2)and E_(2)s_(3)are higher than those in E_(3)d_(3)and E_(3)d_(2)L,basically consistent with the geochemical analysis results.This method makes up the deficiency of geochemical methods,establishing the connection between geophysical information and geochemical data,and it is helpful to the 3D quantitative prediction and the evaluation of high-quality source rocks in the areas where the drillings are limited.

Paleosalinity reconstruction in offshore lacustrine basins based on elemental geochemistry:a case study of Middle Upper Eocene Shahejie Formation,Zhanhua Sag,Bohai Bay Basin

Salinity is a crucial property of water body and is essential for the restoration of paleoecology and paleoenvironment.However,the theoretical method of application of elemental geochemical proxies to paleosalinity reconstruction is still underdeveloped.Moreover,accurate determination and reconstruction of paleosalinity and its variation in an offshore lacustrine basin have been extremely challenging thus far.This study presents detailed elemental geochemical investigations from the Zhanhua Sag in the southern Bohai Bay Basin to reconstruct the salinity variation in the Paleogene Eocene Shahejie Formation(50.8-33.9 Ma).Based on the variation of strontium barium ratio(Sr/Ba)and boron gallium ratio(B/Ga),we determined three typical salinity types of water body:salty water(Sr/Ba>0.5,B/Ga>6),brackish water(0.2<Sr/Ba<0.5,3<B/Ga<6),and fresh water(Sr/Ba<0.2,B/Ga<3),after eliminating carbonate-sourced strontium(Sr).The salinity values following Couch’s paleosalinometer r anged from 3.1 to 11.9,reflecting the overall characteristics of oligohaline(0.5<salinity value<5)to mesohaline(5<salinity value<18)brackish water.All proxies yielded similar trends in paleosalinity variation,demonstrating a clear trend of rising and then declining from 50.8 Ma to 33.9 Ma.We considered that the B/Ga ratio had the highest reliability and resolution in determining the salinity types of water body in the study area.The environmental factors causing paleosalinity variation were also thoroughly analysed based on the temporal relationship among the salinity types of watermasses,paleoclimate characteristics from pollen records,and marine transgression events from marine fossils.Our research established a model of paleoclimatic and eustatic mechanisms to explain paleosalinity variation,providing reasonable and integral driving forces for the salinity variation of all offshore lacustrine basins.

Influence of Magmatic Intrusion on Abnormal Hydrocarbon Generation and Expulsion of Source Rock:A Case Study of the Dongying Sag,Bohai Bay Basin

How gabbro affects the generation and expulsion of hydrocarbons in muddy surrounding rocks is clarified by analyzing thin section,major and trace elements,total organic carbon(TOC),pyrolysis,extracts and vitrinite reflectance data from source rocks in the Chunxi area the Dongying Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,eastern China.The results show that a magma intrusion brings copious heat to the source rocks,which promotes abnormal maturation of organic matter(OM)and rapid hydrocarbon generation.The CH_(4)and H_(2)produced by gabbro alteration play a role in hydrocarbon generation of source rocks.The hydrothermal process during magma intrusion provides many different minerals to the source rock,resulting in carbonate-rich surrounding mudstone.The carbonate and clay minerals produced by volcanic mineral alteration jointly catalyze the hydrocarbon generation of the source rock.The high-temperature baking of the intrusion results in hydrothermal pressurization and hydrocarbon generation pressurization,causing many fractures in the surrounding rock.The generated oil and gas are discharged through the fractures under diffusion and pressure.Mantle-derived CO_(2)is also conducive to the expulsion of hydrocarbons because of its strong enrichment capacity for hydrocarbons.

Paleoenvironmental Characteristics of Paleogene Lacustrine Source Rocks in the Western Bozhong Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,China:Evidence from Biomarkers,Major and Trace Elements

The organic matter(OM)enrichment mechanisms and depositional environment characteristics of lacustrine source rocks in the western Bozhong Sag,Bohai Bay Basin in Northeast China remain controversial.To address these issues,based on Rock-Eval pyrolysis,kerogen macerals,H/C and O/C ratios,GC-MS,major and trace elements,the Dongying Formation Member(Mbr)3(E_(3)d_(3)),the Shahejie Formation mbrs 1 and 2(E_(2)s_(1+2)),and the Shahejie Mbr 3(E_(2)s_(3))source rocks in the western Bozhong Sag were studied.The above methods were used to reveal their geochemical properties,OM origins and depositional environments,all of which indicate that E_(2)s_(1+2)and E_(2)s_(3)are excellent source rocks,and that E_(3)d_(3)is of the second good quality.E_(3)d_(3)source rocks were formed under a warm and humid climate,mainly belong to fluvial/delta facies,the E_(3)d_(3)sediments formed under weakly oxidizing and freshwater conditions.Comparatively,the depositional environments of E_(2)s_(1+2)source rocks were arid and cold climate,representing saline or freshwater lacustrine facies,and the sediments of E_(2)s_(1+2)belong to anoxic or suboxic settings with large evaporation and salinity.During the period of E_(2)s_(3),the climate became warm and humid,indicating the freshwater lacustrine facies,and E_(2)s_(3)was characterized by freshwater and abundant algae.Moreover,compared with other intervals,the OM origin of E_(3)d_(3)source rocks has noticeable terrestrial input.The OM origin of the E_(2)s_(1+2)and E_(2)s_(3)are mainly plankton and bacteria.Tectonic subsidence and climate change have affected the changes of the depositional environment in the western Bozhong Sag,thus controlling the distribution of the source rocks,the geochemical characteristics in the three intervals of lacustrine source rocks have distinct differences.Overall,these factors are effective to evaluate the paleoenvironmental characteristics of source rocks by biomarkers,major and trace elements.The established models may have positive implications for research of lacustrine source rocks in offshore areas with few drillings.

Paleoenvironmental reconstruction and organic matter accumulation of the paleogene shahejie oil shale in the Zhanhua Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, Eastern China

The controlling factors of organic-rich shale accumulation is essential for the exploration and development of shale oil and gas resources.The sedimentary environment plays a vital role in the formation of organic-rich sediments in lacustrine facies.This article unravels the mineralogy,geochemistry,and paleoenvironmental evolution during the deposition of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation(Es_(3)^(L)).It discusses the effects of paleoclimate,paleosalinity,paleoredox conditions,paleowater depth,and paleoproductivity on organic matter(OM)enrichment.Finally,the OM enrichment model was established.The results show that the mineralogical compositions are mainly composed of calcite(avg.40.13%),quartz(avg.21.64%)and clay minerals(avg.24.07%),accompanied by dolomite(avg.7.07%),feldspar(avg.6.36%)and pyrite(avg.2.95%).The Es_(3)^(L) shale has a high abundance of OM,with total organic carbon(TOC)ranging from 1.07%to 5.12%.The organic matter type is mainly composed of type I-II_(1) kerogen,which is generally considered a good-quality source rock.The source of OM is a mixture of lower bacteria,algae,and plants.During the early sedimentary period,the paleoclimate was dry and cold,with high salinity,intense reducibility,and relatively low productivity.During the late sedimentary period,the climate became warmer and more humid.As a result,the salinity decreased to a level that was suitable for biological reproduction,and productivity increased gradually due to the input of terrigenous plants.Paleosalinity and paleoclimate determined the environment of the sedimentary period,in addition,paleoproductivity and paleoredox condition indicated the formation and preservation conditions of OM.The warm and humid climate,brackish water,suitable reduction conditions and high productivity are the favorable conditions for the generation and preservation of organic matter.The research results may have implications for the genetic mechanisms of organic matter accumulation.They will provide theoretical and technical insights into the exploration and development of shale oil.

Coupling relationship and genetic mechanisms of shelf-edge delta and deep-water fan source-to-sink:A case study in Paleogene Zhuhai Formation in south subsag of Baiyun Sag,Pearl River Mouth Basin,China

The coupling relationship between shelf-edge deltas and deep-water fan sand bodies is a hot and cutting-edge field of international sedimentology and deep-water oil and gas exploration.Based on the newly acquired high-resolution 3D seismic,logging and core data of Pearl River Mouth Basin(PRMB),this paper dissected the shelf-edge delta to deep-water fan(SEDDF)depositional system in the Oligocene Zhuhai Formation of Paleogene in south subsag of Baiyun Sag,and revealed the complex coupling relationship from the continental shelf edge to deep-water fan sedimentation and its genetic mechanisms.The results show that during the deposition of the fourth to first members of the Zhuhai Formation,the scale of the SEDDF depositional system in the study area showed a pattern of first increasing and then decreasing,with deep-water fan developed in the third to first members and the largest plane distribution scale developed in the late stage of the second member.Based on the development of SEDDF depositional system along the source direction,three types of coupling relationships are divided,namely,deltas that are linked downdip to fans,deltas that lack downdip fans and fans that lack updip coeval deltas,with different depositional characteristics and genetic mechanisms.(1)Deltas that are linked downdip to fans:with the development of shelf-edge deltas in the shelf area and deep-water fans in the downdip slope area,and the strong source supply and relative sea level decline are the two key factors which control the development of this type of source-to-sink(S2S).The development of channels on the continental shelf edge is conducive to the formation of this type of S2S system even with weak source supply and high sea level.(2)Deltas that lack downdip fans:with the development of shelf edge deltas in shelf area,while deep water fans are not developed in the downdip slope area.The lack of“sources”and“channels”,and fluid transformation are the three main reasons for the formation of this type of S2S system.(3)Fans that lack updip coeval deltas:with the development of deep-water fans in continental slope area and the absence of updip coeval shelf edge deltas,which is jointly controlled by the coupling of fluid transformation at the shelf edge and the“channels”in the continental slope area.

New model of linkage evolution for the transtensional fault systems in the Nanpu Sag of Bohai Bay Basin:Insight from seismic interpretation and analogue modelling

The evolution of faults within the same stress field is frequently influenced by numerous factors,involving the reactivation of pre-existing structures,stress transmission through ductile detachment layers,and the growth,interaction,as well as linkage of new fault segments.This study analyses a complex multi-phase oblique extension fault system in the Nanpu Sag(NPS)of the Bohai Bay Basin(BBB),China.High-resolution three-dimensional(3D)seismic data and analogue modelling indicate that the oblique extensional reactivation of pre-existing structures governs the sequential arrangement of fault segments in the caprock,and they dip synthetically to the reactivated fault at depth.During the NW-SE extension in the Eocene,the predominant movement of the pre-existing fault is strike-slip.Subsequently,during the N-S extension since the Oligocene,inclined at 20.to the pre-existing fault,forming splay fault segments and ultimately creating large en-echelon arcuate faults linked by relay ramps.Using fault throw-distance(T-D)and laser scanning,we reconstructed the fault evolution model of oblique extension reactivation in the presence of a ductile detachment basement.Our study illustrates that the arcuate faults can be categorized into linear master fault segments controlled by pre-existing structures,bending splay faults in the termination zone,and normal fault segments responding to the regional stress field.The interaction between faults occurs among normal faults and strike-slip faults,and the kinematic unification of the two fault systems is accomplished in the intersection zone.As the faults continue to evolve,the new fault segments tend to relinquish the control of pre-existing structures and concentrate more on the development of planar and continuous major faults.The ductile detachment layer significantly contributes to the uniform distribution of strain,resulting in narrow shear zones and discontinuous normal faults in its absence.

Igneous intrusion contact metamorphic system and its reservoir characteristics:A case study of Paleogene Shahejie Formation in Nanpu sag of Bohai Bay Basin,China

Taking the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in Nanpu sag of Bohai Bay Basin as an example,this study comprehensively utilizes seismic,mud logging,well logging,physical property analysis and core thin section data to investigate the metamorphic reservoir formed by contact metamorphism after igneous rock intrusion.(1)A geological model of the igneous intrusion contact met amorphic system is proposed,which can be divided into five structural layers vertically:the intrusion,upper metamorphic aureole,lower metamorphic aureole,normal sedimentary layers on the roof and floor.(2)The intrusion is characterized by xenoliths indicating intrusive facies at the top,regular changes in rock texture and mineral crystallization from the center to the edge on a microscopic scale,and low-angle oblique penetrations of the intrusion through sedimentary strata on a macroscopic scale.The metamorphic aureole has characteristics such as sedimentary rocks as the host rock,typical palimpsest textures developed,various low-temperature thermal metamorphic minerals developed,and medium-low grade thermal metamorphic rocks as the lithology.(3)The reservoir in contact metamorphic aureole has two types of reservoir spaces:matrix pores and fractures.The matrix pores are secondary"intergranular pores"distributed around metamorphic minerals after thermal metamorphic transformation in metasandstones.The fractures are mainly structural fractures and intrusive compressive fractures in metamudstones.The reservoirs generally have three spatial distribution characteristics:layered,porphyritic and hydrocarbon impregnation along fracture.(4)The distribution of reservoirs in the metamorphic aureole is mainly controlled by the intensity of thermal baking.Furthermore,the distribution of favorable reservoirs is controlled by the coupling of favorable lithofacies and thermal contact metamorphism,intrusive compression and hydrothermal dissolution.The proposal and application of the geological model of the intrusion contact metamorphic system are expected to promote the discovery of exploration targets of contact metamorphic rock in Nanpu sag,and provide a reference for the study and exploration of deep contact metamorphic rock reservoirs in the Bohai Bay Basin.

服务器机箱底座下沉量Sag仿真与测试研究

文章采用Abaqus仿真与批量测试的方法,对服务器机箱底座的下沉量进行深入研究分析。以2U通用机架服务器为例展开分析,通过进行仿真与实测对比,证明了仿真精度足够且演练了满载sag到空载sag的分析和管控过程。该研究提出了全新的空载sag管控理论,并根据满载建议值反推空载建议值,再由仿真计算出空满载差值,该方法有效提升了工厂端的sag管控,对服务器机箱的sag设计和生产有重要指导意义。

Tectonic-Hydrocarbon Accumulation of Laoyemiao Region in the Nanpu Sag,Bohai Bay Basin

This paper aims to gain insight into Laoyemiao （LYM） tectonic features and utilizes the tectonic-hydrocarbon accumulation model by integrated analysis tectonic controls on suitable reservoirs, trap styles, and hydrocarbon migration. On the basis of 3-D seismic data interpretation and the Xi＇nanzhuang （XNZ） Fault geometry analysis, it has been assessed that the LYM tectonics is essentially a transverse anticline produced by flexure of the XNZ Fault surface and superimposed by Neocene north-east-trending strike-slip faults. Transverse anticline is found to exert controls both on major sediment transportation pathways and sedimentary facies distribution. Fan-delta plains that accumulated on the anticline crest near the XNZ Fault scrap and fan-delta front on the anticline front and the upper part of both limbs slumps on synclines and the Linque subsag. In combination with the reservoir properties, suitable reservoirs are predicted in the subfacies of subaqueous distributary channel and mouth bar deposited on the anticline crest. The LYM-faulted anticline accounts for the following trap groups： faulted-block and anticline-dominated trap, fault-dominated traps, and combined and stratigraphic traps. Evidence from biomarkers of crude oil and hydrocarbon-filling period simultaneous, or a little later to the strike-slip fault activity, reveal that the strike.slip faults penetrating into the deep source rock, by connecting with shallow reservoirs, provide the major hydrocarbon migration pathways.

Present Geothermal Fields of the Dongpu Sag in the Bohai Bay Basin

The Dongpu sag is located in the south of the Bohai Bay basin,China,and has abundant oil and gas reserves.To date,there has been no systematic documentation of its geothermal fields.This study measured the rock thermal conductivity of 324 cores from 47 wells,and calculated rock thermal conductivity for different formations.The geothermal gradient and terrestrial heat flow were calculated for 192 wells on basis of 892 formation-testing data from 523 wells.The results show that the Dongpu sag is characterized by a medium-temperature geothermal field between stable and active tectonic areas,with an average geothermal gradient of 32.0℃/km and terrestrial heat flow of 65.6 mW/m2.The geothermal fields in the Dongpu sag is significantly controlled by the Changyuan,Yellow River,and Lanliao basement faults.They developed in the Paleogene and the Dongying movement occurred at the Dongying Formation depositional period.The geothermal fields distribution has a similar characteristic to the tectonic framework of the Dongpu sag,namely two subsags,one uplift,one steep slope and one gentle slope.The oil and gas distribution is closely associated with the present geothermal fields.The work may provide constraints for reconstructing the thermal history and modeling source rock maturation evolution in the Dongpu sag.

Sequence Thickness and its Response to Episodic Tectonic Evolution in Paleogene Qikou Sag, Bohaiwan Basin

The sequence stratigraphy framework of Paleogene of Qikou Sag has been built in this paper. The evolution law of episodic subsidence in Qikou Sag has been expounded, with the analysis of the characteristic of sequence thickness, as well as the study of consedimental tectonic activity, subsidence history, paleogeomorphology and the coupling relationship among them. The faults controlling action was the dominant mechanism during rifting stage I , as the depression was the dominant mechanism during rifting stage III, which embodies a process from intense disparity fault depression to integral subsidence. Meanwhile, under the control of regional faulting and later stage depression, subsidence rate centers and paleogeomorphic concave centers are always corresponding to the sequence thickness centers, and the changes of subsidence centers and paleogeomorphology concave centers are consistent with the migration of thickness centers, which presents the restriction, coupling and response among them and clarifies the law that tectonic activity controls the basin fill by means of controlling the subsidence rate and paleogeomorphology from contributing factor angle. On this basis, the dynamic evolution of the composite pattern of structure-subsidence-deposition in the fault controlling actic region during the three rifting stages and their petroleum geological significance has been discussed.

Characteristics and evolution of strike-slip tectonics of the Liaohe Western Sag,Bohai Bay Basin

Because of its rich oil and gas resources and the special tectonic location of the Liaohe Western Sag （the Tanlu Fault traverses the sag）, Bohai Bay Basin, a detailed study of its strike-slip tectonics is significant in revealing the sag＇s tectonic evolution, its control on hydrocarbon accumulation, and the activity history of the northern section of the Tanlu Fault in the Cenozoic. Through systematic structure analysis of 3D seismic data of the Liaohe Western Sag, combined with balanced section analysis, a variety of structural features in relation to right-lateral strike-slip faults, such as echelon normal faults, ＂comb＂ structure, ＂flower＂ structure,＂interpretable＂ and ＂buried＂ strike-slip faults have been revealed exist in the Liaohe Western Sag. According to the research in this paper, the complex structural phenomena in the Liaohe Western Sag could be reasonably interpreted as right-lateral strike-slip activity and the strike-slip activities of the Liaohe Western Sag began in the early Oligocene. The activity was weak at the beginning （E3s1-2）, then strengthened gradually and reached its strongest level in the late Oligocene （E3d1）. In the Miocene, the strike-slip activity was low and then strengthened significantly once again from the Pliocene to the present. It is speculated that the entire northern section of the Tanlu Fault has had a similar evolution history since the Oligocene.

Mechanism of diagenetic trap formation in nearshore subaqueous fans on steep rift lacustrine basin slopes—A case study from the Shahejie Formation on the north slope of the Minfeng Subsag, Bohai Basin, China

Diagenetic traps in conglomerate in nearshore subaqueous fans in the steep slope zones of rift basins have been important exploration targets for subtle reservoirs in eastern China. However, the mechanism of how those traps were formed is not clear, which inhibits further exploration for this type of reservoir. In order to solve the problem, we take as an example nearshore subaqueous fans in the upper part of the fourth member of the Shahejie Formation （Es4s） on the north slope of the Minfeng Subsag in the Dongying Sag. Combining different research methods, such as core observation, thin section examination, scanning electron microscope （SEM） observation, fluid-inclusion analysis, carbon and oxygen isotope analysis of carbonate cements, and analysis of core properties, we studied the genetic mechanisms of diagenetic traps on the basis of diagenetic environment evolution and diagenetic evolution sequence in different sub/micro-facies. Conglomerate in Es4s in the north Minfeng Subsag experienced several periods of transition between alkaline and acidic environments as ＂alkaline-acidic-alkaline-acidic-weak alkaline＂. As a result, dissolution and cementation are also very complex, and the sequence is ＂early pyrite cementation / siderite cementation / gypsum cementation / calcite and dolomite cementation- feldspar dissolution / quartz overgrowth quartz dissolution / ferroan calcite cementation / ankerite cementation / lime-mud matrix recrystallization / feldspar overgrowth carbonate dissolution / feldspar dissolution / quartz overgrowth / pyrite cementation＂. The difference in sedimentary characteristics between different sub/micro-facies of nearshore subaqueous fans controls diagenetic characteristics. Inner fan conglomerates mainly experienced compaction and lime-mud matrix recrystallization, with weak dissolution, which led to a reduction in the porosity and permeability crucial to reservoir formation. Lime-mud matrix recrystallization results in a rapid decrease in porosity and permeability in inner fan conglomerates in middle-to-deep layers. Because acid dissolution reworks reservoirs and hydrocarbon filling inhibits cementation, reservoirs far from mudstone layers in middle fan braided channels develop a great number of primary pores and secondary pores, and are good enough to be effective reservoirs of hydrocarbon. With the increase of burial depth, both the decrease of porosity and permeability of inner fan conglomerates and the increase of the physical property difference between inner fans and middle fans enhance the quality of seals in middle-to-deep layers. As a result, inner fan conglomerates can be sealing layers in middle-to-deep buried layers. Reservoirs adjacent to mudstones in middle fan braided channels and reservoirs in middle fan interdistributaries experienced extensive cementation, and tight cemented crusts formed at both the top and bottom of conglomerates, which can then act as cap rocks. In conclusion, diagenetic traps in conglomerates of nearshore subaqueous fans could be developed with inner fan conglomerates as lateral or vertical sealing layers, tight carbonate crusts near mudstone layers in middle fan braided channels as well as lacustrine mudstones as cap rocks, and conglomerates far from mudstone layers in middle fan braided channels as reservoirs. Lime-mud matrix recrystallization of inner fan conglomerates and carbonate cementation of conglomerates adjacent to mudstone layers in middle fan braided channels took place from 32 Ma B.R to 24.6 Ma B.P., thus the formation of diagenetic traps was from 32 Ma B.R to 24.6 Ma B.R and diagenetic traps have a better hydrocarbon sealing ability from 24 Ma B.P.. The sealing ability of inner fans gradually increases with the increase of burial depth and diagenetic traps buried more than 3,200 m have better seals.

Identification of the lower limit of high-quality source rocks and its relation to hydrocarbon accumulation——Taking the Beier Sag in the Hailaer Basin as an example

The theory of ＂source rock control＂ has evolved from source-rock-control hydrocarbon accumulation, to effective source-rock-control hydrocarbon accumulation, and to high-quality source- rock-control hydrocarbon accumulation. However, there are problems, such as whether high-quality source rocks exist or not？ What high-quality source rocks are, and how to identify them, are yet to be agreed upon. Aimed at this issue of concern to explorationists, and taking the Beier Sag in the Hailaer Basin as an example, this paper defines the high-quality source rocks and the lower limit for evaluation of high-quality source rocks, by using the inflection point on the relationship curve of hydrocarbon （oil） expulsion, which is calculated by the material balance principle, versus total organic carbon （TOC）. The results show that when TOC is low, all source rocks have limited hydrocarbon expulsion and slow growth rate, thus they cannot be high-quality source rocks. However, when TOC rises to some threshold, hydrocarbon expulsion increases significantly with TOC. This inflection point should be the lower limit of high-quality source rocks： those with TOC greater than the inflection-point value are high-quality source rocks. In addition, the lower limit of high-quality source rocks is also related to the type and maturity of organic matters in the source rocks, as well as the mineral components of the source rocks affecting the residual hydrocarbons. Theoretically, the lower limit of high-quality source rocks depends on geological conditions rather than being a constant value. However, for the sake of simplicity and practicability, in this paper TOC=2.0% is regarded as the lower limit of high-quality source rocks. The examination of such standard in the work area indicates that the high-quality source rocks in members K^n2 and K^n~ of the Nantun formation contribute 76% and 82% to oil generation, and 96% and 91% to oil expulsion, respectively. The distribution of high-quality source rocks is also closely related to the distribution of hydrocarbon reservoirs in the region, demonstrating that high-quality source rocks control hydrocarbon accumulation.

Relationship between salt diapirism and faulting in the central structural belt of the Dongying sag,Bohai Gulf basin,China

Many growth faults developed in the Dongying sag of the Jiyang depression of the Bohai Gulf basin, China. These normal growth faults consist of flower-like grabens in the hanging walls of the major faults, accompanied by reverse dragging. The central structural belt is an important structural unit in the Dongying sag, and is divided into a series of small blocks by these faults. These internal blocks can be classified into five structural classes, including parallel blocks, arc-shape blocks, plume-like blocks, ring-radial blocks, and splay blocks. It is shown that these complicated block classes and the 'negative flower-like' fault associations in the central structural belt resulted from regional NNW-SSE extension accompanying local salt diapirism and related reverse dragging, rather than strike-slip faulting. On the basis of the diapirism strength, diapers in the central structural belt can be divided into lower salt ridges and pillows, and blind piercing structures. Diapirs are mainly composed of some salts with a little soft mudstone and gypsum. These structures began forming during deposition of the Sha 3 member and terminated during deposition of the Guangtao formation.

Hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics of beachbar sandstones in the southern slope of the Dongying Sag, Jiyang Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China

A number of beach-bar sandstone reservoir beds are developed in the upper fourth member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation （Es4s） on the southern slope of the Dongying Sag.Based on the analysis of seismic and logging data,with characterization and petrographic studies of core and cutting samples,this paper analyzes the hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics in two typical blocks of the Boxing and Wangjiagang oilfields,especially reservoir bed heterogeneity and migration conditions that influence oil and gas distribution,calculates the index of reservoir bed quality （IRQ） with a mathematical method,and discusses the relationship between driving force and resistance of hydrocarbon accumulation.Taking into account the characteristics of thin interbeds in beach-bar sandstones,an experimental model simulated the characteristics of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation in thin interbedded sandstones with reservoir bed heterogeneity.The results showed that hydrocarbon distribution and properties were extremely non-uniform.Reservoir bed and migration conditions controlled hydrocarbon accumulation in beach-bar sandstones.IRQ is above 0.4 in the main hydrocarbon region.Sand body distribution,structural configuration and fault systems controlled the direction of regional migration and location of hydrocarbon accumulation.Simulation experiments indicated that the change of driving force for hydrocarbon migration affected selective accumulation mechanisms.Hydrocarbon moved vertically along fault zones to the reservoir and resulted in the distribution of hydrocarbon in the reservoir.Two kinds of hydrocarbon accumulation models exist in the study area.One is a hydrocarbon accumulation model controlled by reservoir bed heterogeneity and the second is a hydrocarbon accumulation model controlled by a complex migration system with faults connecting sandbodies.Finally,different exploration strategies should be adopted for the detailed exploration for beach-bar sandstone reservoirs according to different geological backgrounds.

Paleoporosity and critical porosity in the accumulation period and their impacts on hydrocarbon accumulation—A case study of the middle Es3 member of the Paleogene formation in the Niuzhuang Sag, Dongying Depression, Southeastern Bohai Bay Basin, East Chi

Similar reservoir sandbodies and fault conduit systems in the sandstone reservoirs in the middle Es3 member of the Niuzhuang Sag have been problematic for a long time. The following problems remain unsolved： 1） The distribution of sandstone porosity is inconsistent with the hydrocarbon accumulation. The oil sandstones have low porosity instead of high porosity. 2） Sandstones, which have the same properties, have different levels of oiliness, and the sandstones with almost the same properties show different degrees of oil-bearing capacity. This study analyzes the condition of reservoirs in the research area during the accumulation period in terms of paleoporosity estimation and discusses the critical porosity of the sandstone reservoirs during the same period. The following conclusions can be drawn from the results. 1） Although reservoir properties are low at present and some reservoirs have become tight, the paleoporosity ranging from 18% to 25% is greater than the critical porosity of 13.9%. As the： loss of porosity is different in terms of burial history, the present porosity cannot reflect porosity during the accumulation period. Similar/y, high porosity during the accumulation period does not indicate that tbe present porosity is high. 2） The present reservoir location is consistent with the distribution of high paleoporosity during the accumulation period. This result indicates that high porosity belts are prone to hydrocarbon accumulation because of the dominant migration pathways generated as a result of property discrepancies under similar fault conduit conditions. Consequently, the hydrocarbon mainly accumulates in high porosity belts. Paleoporosity during the accumulation period is found to be a vital controlling factor. Therefore, high paleoporosity sandstones in the middle Es3 member of the Niuzhuang Sag have great potential for future exploration.

Geologic Features of the Petroleum-rich Sags in the Bohai Bay Basin

More than 40 years have been passed since exploration and development of oil-gas began in the Bohai Bay Basin. Though we have faced with many difficulties during our exploration, exciting discoveries in petroleum-rich sags have been made in recent years. Studies show that the petroleumrich sags are characterized by multiple sets of oil-gas accumulation in the pre-Eogene to Neogene strata in profile and large-area connection or superimposition of oil-gas reservoirs in different strata. Therefore, petroleum-rich sags continue to be a focus of future oil-gas exploration in the Bohai Bay Basin. There is still a great potential of petroleum resources. Inshore and offshore areas, onshore stratigraphic reservoirs, high-precision exploration in old oilfields, reservoirs inside buried hills, and volcanic reservoirs will contribute a lot in increasing the annual oil-gas production and reserves in the basin.

Origin and Source of Deep Natural Gas in Nanpu sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China

Natural gas exploration in Nanpu sag, Bohai Bay Basin, has achieved breakthroughs in recent years, and a number of natural gas and condensate wells with high yield have been found in several structures in the beach area. Daily gas production of single wells is up to 170,000 m3, and high-yield wells are mainly distributed in？the Nanpu No. 1 structural belt.？Studies have shown that these natural gases are mainly hydrocarbon gases, with methane content about 80% to 90% and ethane 6%-9%, so they are mainly wet gas; and non-hydrocarbons are at a low level.？Carbon isotopes of methane range from -42‰ to -36‰, and ethane from -28‰ to -26‰. Calculated maturity based on the relationship between δ13C and Ro of natural gas, the gases are equivalent to those generated from organic matter when Ro is 1.0%-1.7% （mainly 1.25%-1.32%）. The natural gas is oil-type gas generated from the source rocks at mature to high mature stage, associated with condensate, so carbon isotopes of the gases are heavier. Natural gas in the Nanpu No.1 structural belt is mainly associated gas with condensate. The analysis of the origin and source of natural gas and condensate, combined with the monomer hydrocarbon carbon isotopes and biomarker, indicated that the main source rocks in the Nanpu No.1 structural belt were Es3 （the lower member of the Shahejie Formation）, followed by Es1 （the upper member of the Shahejie Formation）.？The high-mature hydrocarbons from source rocks in the deep sag mainly migrated through deep inherited faults into shallow traps and accumulated to form oil and gas pools. Therefore, there is a great potential for exploring gas in deep layers.