The Middle and Lower Cambrian salt tectonics in the central Tarim Basin,China:A case study based on strike-slip fault characterization

Due to the considerable depth of the salt layers and the lack of calibration by exploratory drilling,the interpretation of the Middle and Lower Cambrian salt formations in the central Tarim Basin poses a challenge.In this paper,we apply the coupling and decoupling deformation theory in salt tectonics to analyze the No.7 fault mapped in the seismic datasets by the response characteristics of the Middle and Lower Cambrian layers.By quantifying the stratigraphic framework of the Middle and Lower Cambrian strata,we define the position of the salt layer with the seismic data.Structural decoupling is observed in the Middle and Lower Cambrian sequences in the Shuntuoguole Low Uplift,while deformation coupling is observed in these two sequences in the Shaya Uplift.

Salt-Lake Basin Bedrock Weathered Crust Gas Reservoir in the Altun Mountains Front of the Qaidam Basin,Western China

The bedrock weathered crust in front of the Altun Mountains in the Qaidam Basin,western China,is different from others because this is a salt-lake basin,where saline water fluid infiltrates and is deposited in the overlying strata.A large amount of gypsum infills the bedrock weathered crust,and this has changed the pore structure.Using core observation,polarized light microscopy,electron probe,physical property analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy experiments,the characteristics of the weathered bedrock have been studied.There are cracks and a small number of dissolved pores in the interior of the weathered crust.Matrix micropores are widely developed,especially the various matrix cracks formed by tectonics and weathering,as well as the stress characteristics of small dissolved pores,and physical properties such as porosity and permeability.This‘dual structure’developed in the bedrock is important for guiding the exploration of the lake basin bedrock for natural gas.

Magnetostratigraphy and ^(230)Th dating of a drill core from the southeastern Qaidam Basin:Salt lake evolution and tectonic implications

The Qarhan Salt Lake area is the Quaternary depocenter of the Qaidam Basin, and carries thick lacustrine sediments, as well as rich potassium and magnesium salt deposits. The abundant resources and thick sediments in this lake provide an ideal place for the study of biogas formation and preservation, salt lake evolution, and the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, we attempt to construct a paleomagnetic and ^(230)Th age model and to obtain information on tectonic activity and salt lake evolution through detailed studies on a 1300-m-long drill core(15DZK01) from the northwestern margin of the Qarhan Salt Lake area(Dongling Lake). Based on gypsum ^(230)Th dating, the age of the uppermost clastic deposit was calculated to be around 0.052 Ma. The polarity sequence consist of 13 pairs of normal and reversed zones,which can be correlated with subchrons C2r.1r-C1n of the geomagnetic polarity timescale(GPTS 2012)(from ~2.070 Ma to ~0.052 Ma). Sedimentary characteristics indicate that Dongling Lake witnessed freshwater environment between ~ 2.070 Ma and 1.546 Ma. During this period, the sedimentary record reflects primarily lakeshore, shallow-water and swamp environments, representing favourable conditions for the formation of hydrocarbon source rocks. Between 1.546 Ma and ~ 0.052 Ma, the Dongling Lake was in sulphate deposition stage, which contrasts with the central Qarhan Salt Lake area, where this stage did not occur in the meantime. During this stage, Dongling Lake was in a shallow saltwater lake environment, but several periods of reduced salinity occurred during this stage. During the late Pleistocene at ~0.052 Ma, the Dongling Lake experienced uplift due to tectonic activity, and saltwater migrated through the Sanhu Fault to the central Qarhan Salt Lake area, resulting in the absence of halite deposition stage. The residual saline water was concentrated into magnesium-rich brine due to the lack of freshwater, and few potassium salt deposits occur in the Dongling Lake area.

A Large-scale Tertiary Salt Nappe Complex in the Leading Edge of the Kuqa Foreland Fold-Thrust Belt, the Tarim Basin, Northwest China

The tectono-stratigraphic sequences of the Kuqa foreland fold-thrust belt in the northern Tarim basin, northwest China, can be divided into the Mesozoic sub-salt sequence, the Paleocene-Eocene salt sequence and the Oligocene-Quaternary supra-salt sequence. The salt sequence is composed mainly of light grey halite, gypsum, marl and brown elastics. A variety of salt-related structures have developed in the Kuqa foreland fold belt, in which the most fascinating structures are salt nappe complex. Based on field observation, seismic interpretation and drilling data, a large-scale salt nappe complex has been identified. It trends approximately east-west for over 200 km and occurs along the west Qiulitag Mountains. Its thrusting displacement is over 30 km. The salt nappe complex appears as an arcuate zone projecting southwestwards along the leading edge of the Kuqa foreland fold belt. The major thrust fault is developed along the Paleocene-Eocene salt beds. The allochthonous nappes comprise large north-dipping faulting monoclines which are made up of Paleocene-Pliocene sediments. Geological analysis and cross-section restoration revealed that the salt nappes were mainly formed at the late Himalayan stage (c.a. 1.64 Ma BP) and have been active until the present day. Because of inhomogeneous thrusting, a great difference may exist in thrust displacement, thrust occurrence, superimposition of allochthonous and autochthonous sequences and the development of the salt-related structures, which indicates the segmentation along the salt nappes. Regional compression, gravitational gliding and spreading controlled the formation and evolution of the salt nappe complex in the Kuqa foreland fold belt.

Assessment of dam impacts on river flow regimes and water quality:a case study of the Huai River Basin in P.R.China

The Huai River Basin is a unique area in P.R.China with the highest densities of population and water projects.It is also subject to the most serious water pollution.We proposed a distributional SWAT(Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model coupled with a water quality-quantity balance model to evaluate dam impacts on river flow regimes and water quality in the middle and upper reaches of the Huai River Basin.We calibrated and validated the SWAT model with data from 29 selected cross-sections in four typical years(1971,1981,1991 and 1999) and used scenario analysis to compensate for the unavailability of historical data regarding uninterrupted river flows before dam and floodgate construction,a problem of prediction for ungauged basins.The results indicate that dam and floodgate operations tended to reduce runoff,decrease peak value and shift peaking time.The contribution of water projects to river water quality deterioration in the concerned river system was between 0 to 40%,while pollutant discharge contributed to 60% to 100% of the water pollution.Pollution control should therefore be the key to the water quality rehabilitation in the Huai River Basin.

Potash–Forming Regularity of the Ordovician Marine Northern Shaanxi Salt Basin: Insight from Review and Prospect of the Deep Geology of the Ordos Basin

The Ordovician Northern Shaanxi Salt Basin （ONSSB）, located in the east-central Ordos Basin, western North China Craton （NCC）, is one of the largest marine salt basins yet discovered in China. A huge amount of halite deposited in the Mid-Ordovician Majiagou Formation, and potash- containing indication and local thin layer of potash seam were discovered in O2m^65 （6th submember, 5th member of the Majiagou Formation）. This makes ONSSB a rare Ordovician potash-containing basin in the world, and brings new hope for prospecting marine solid potash in this basin. However, several primary scientific problems, such as the coupling relationship between ONSSB and the continent nucleus, how the high-precision basement fold controls the ONSSB, and how the basement faults and relief control ONSSB, are still unclear due to the limitations of the knowledge about the basement of the Ordos Basin. This has become a barrier for understanding the potash-forming regularity in the continental nucleus （CN） area in marine salt basin in China. Up to now, the material accumulation has provided ripe conditions for the answers to these questions. Latest zircon U-Pb ages for the basement samples beneath the Ordos Basin reveal that there exists a continental nucleus （Yi-Meng CN） beneath the northern Ordos Basin. And this brings light into the fact that the ONSSB lies not overlying on the Yi- Meng CN but to south Yi-Meng CN. Both do not have superimposed relationship in space. And borehole penetrating into the basement reached Palaeoproterozoic meta-sedimentary rocks, which suggests the ONSSB is situated in the accretion belt of Yi-Meng CN during geological history. Basement relief beneath the ONSSB area revealed by seismic tomography and aeromagnetic anomaly confirms the existence of basement uplift and faults, which provides tectonic setting for sedimentary center migration of the ONSSB. Comparative research with various data sources indicates that the expanding strata in the ONSSB adopted the shape of the basement folds. We found that the orientations of the potash sags showed high correlation with those of several basement and sedimentary cover faults in the ONSSB. The secondary depressions are also controlled by the faults. Comparative research between all the global salt basins and continental nuclei distribution suggests that distribution of the former is controlled by the latter, and almost all the salt basins developed in or at the margin of the continental nucleus area. The nature of the tectonie basement exerts a key controlling effect on potash basin formation. And on this basis we analyzed in detail the geological conditions of salt-forming and potash-forming in the ONSSB.

Connections between Evaporite Deposition and Glacial Periods since the Middle Pleistocene in Salt Lakes in the Western Qaidam Basin, China

The Quaternary was the main evaporite deposition period in the Qaidam Basin(QB), but the correlation between the evaporite deposition period and the glacial period is still unclear. In this study, the research objects are primarily evaporite-bearing strata in a 461.58 m-long drill core in the QB. X-ray powder diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) were applied to study the evaporite minerals, U-Th dating being applied to construct the ~(230)Th geochronological framework. Evaporite deposition from Marine Isotope Stage(MIS) 15 to MIS 4 in the borehole was reconstructed via mineralogical and geochronological data. The evaporite minerals are mainly halite(NaCl), mirabilite(Na_(2)SO_(4)·10H_(2)O), thenardite(Na_(2)SO_(4)) and gypsum(CaSO_(4)·2H_(2)O). A total of 9 effective ~(230)Th data points, ranging from 492.5 ± 43.0 ka to 62.0 ± 11.9 ka, were obtained. The depositional age of the earliest halite layer in the borehole is 592.5–563.0 ka. There were mirabilite deposits in the QB during the cold glacial environment of MIS 6. During MIS 4, the study area desiccated, with mirabilite and halite being deposited. This study suggests that mirabilite is an indicator mineral for the glacial environment in the QB, while halite deposition does not correspond well to glaciation.

Influence of Salt Beds on the Segmentation of Structure and Hydrocarbon Accumulation in Qiulitag Structural Belt,Tarim Basin,China

Seismic information and balanced profile technology were used to reveal the influence of the salt bed in segmentation of structure and hydrocarbon accumulation in Qiulitag structural belt in Tarim basin. From west to east, the shortening of strata above the salt beds gradually decreases, while, the shortening below the salt beds gradually increases, which shows that the segmentation of structure integrated the seismic profile. There is great difference of the deformation of strata below and above the salt beds between the west segment and the east segment. The analysis of the distribution of oil/gas fields and the hydrocarbon properties indicates the similar segmentation to the structure segmentation. The salt beds in relatively shallow layers change the stress condition from basement of Kuqa foreland basin, which leads to the segmentation of Qiulitag structural belt. Because the salt beds in the west segment came into being earlier than those in the east segment, the west segment captures hydrocarbon from two sets of source rock, while the east segment can only capture hydrocarbons from one set of source rock. So, the salt beds play an important role in the segmentation of structure and hydrocarbon accumulation.

The Extremely Hot and Dry Climatic Events and Potash Enrichment in Salt Lakes of the Jiangling Depression, Jianghan Basin

Objective A total of 820 million tons of potash reserves are predicted to exist in the Palaeocene-Eocene of the Jianghan Basin. However, the basin history is still unclear concerning the potash enriching conditions and mechanism. The Well SKDI is the first exploration well drilled in the Paleogene of Jianghan Basin with continuous coring, which was implemented in the south-central Jiangling Basin in 2013. It is essential to study the Palaeocene-Eocene paleoclimate, to further constrain the extreme draught events and the potash forming conditions.

Estimating daily actual evapotranspiration of a rice–wheat rotation system in typical farmland in the Huai River Basin using a two-step model and two one-step models

The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of three models for estimating daily evapotranspiration(ET) by employing flux observation data from three years(2007, 2008 and 2009) during the growing seasons of winter wheat and rice crops cultivated in a farmland ecosystem(Shouxian County) located in the Huai River Basin(HRB), China. The first model is a two-step model(PM-Kc);the other two are one-step models(e.g., Rana-Katerji(R-K) and advection-aridity(AA)). The results showed that the energy closure degrees of eddy covariance(EC) data during winter wheat and rice-growing seasons were reasonable in the HRB, with values ranging from 0.84 to 0.91 and R2 of approximately 0.80. Daily ET of winter wheat showed a slow decreasing trend followed by a rapid increase, while that of rice presented a decreasing trend after an increase. After calibrating the crop coefficient(Kc), the PM–Kc model performed better than the model using the Kc recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organization(FAO). The calibrated key parameters of the R-K model and AA model showed better universality. After calibration, the simulation performance of the PM-Kc model was satisfactory. Both the R-K model and AA model underestimated the daily ET of winter wheat and rice. Compared with that of the R-K model, the simulation result of the AA model was better, especially in the simulation of daily ET of rice. Overall, this research highlighted the consistency of the PM-Kc model to estimate the water demand for rice and wheat crops in the HRB and in similar climatic regions in the world.

Provenance and salt structures of gypsum formations in Pb-Zn ore-bearing Lanping basin,Southwest China

Large-scale gypsum rocks associated with world-class Pb-Zn ore formations are widely distributed in the Lanping Basin,Sowthwest China.Geochemical studies alongside field investigations were conducted in this study to determine the source and evolutionary processes of the gypsum rocks in this area.The gypsum sequences in the Lanping Basin developed in two formations:the Triassic Sanhedong Formation and the Paleogene Yunlong Formation.The gypsum hosted in the former displays a primary thick-banded structure withδ34SV-CDT values in the range of 14.5‰−14.8‰.Combined with the 87Sr/86Sr values(0.707737−0.707783)of limestone,it can be suggested that the Sanhedong Formation is of marine origin.In contrast,the gypsum from the Paleogene Yunlong Formation is characterized by the dome,bead and diapiric salt structures,wider range of both 87Sr/86Sr(0.707695−0.708629)andδ34SV-CDT values(9.6‰−17‰),thus indicating a marine source but with the input of continental materials.The initial layered salt formations were formed by chemical deposition in a basin and were later intensely deformed by collisional orogeny during the Himalaya period.As a result,variable salt structures were formed.We hereby propose an evolutionary model to elucidate the genesis of the gypsum formations in the Lanping Basin.

Dominant variation modes associated with Yangtze–Huai River Basin summer heavy rainfall events

The Yangtze–Huai River Basin(YHRB)always suffers from anomalously heavy rainfall during the warm season,and has been well explored as a whole area during the past several decades.In this study,the YHRB is divided into two core regions-the northern YHRB(nYHRB)and southern YHRB(sYHRB)-based on 29-year(1979–2007)June–July–August(JJA)temporally averaged daily rainfall rates and the standard deviation of rainfall.A spectral analysis of JJA daily rainfall data over these 29 years reveals that a 3–7-day synoptic-timescale high-frequency mode is absolutely dominant over the nYHRB,with 10–20-day and 15–40-day modes playing a secondary role.By contrast,3–7-day and 10–20-day modes are both significant over the sYHRB,with 7–14-day,15–40-day,and 20–60-day modes playing secondary roles.Based on a comparison between bandpass-filtered rainfall anomalies and original rainfall series,a total of 42,1,5,and 3 heavy rainfall events(daily rainfall amounts in the top 5%of rainy days)are detected over the nYHRB,corresponding to 3–7-day,7–14-day,10–20-day,and 15–40-day variation disturbances.Meanwhile,a total of 28,8,12,and 6 heavy rainfall events are detected over the sYHRB,corresponding to 3–7-day,7–14-day,10–20-day,and 20–60-day variation disturbances.The results have important implications for understanding the duration of summer heavy rainfall events over both regions.

Comparison of Kuqa foreland basin with Persian Gulf Basin in salt tectonics

Compared Kuqa foreland basin with Persian Gulf Basin in development of salt layers, salt tectonics, and the relation between salt tectonics and hydrocarbon, it is concluded that the salt diapirs are relative to hydrocarbon. Searching salt diapirs and related traps in Kuqa foreland basin is important. The forming mechanism of salt tectonic in Kuqa foreland basin is different from that of Hormuz Series, but similar to that of Lower Fars Series/Gachsaran Formation. Inspired by the role of salt tectonics of Lower Fars Series/Gaehsaran Formation in hydrocarbon accumulation, the authors considered that the exploration below salt layer should be enforced, and the traps below salt layer in the southern part of the Kuqa foreland basin would be found where salt layer is thicker. On the contrary, the traps should be found both above and below the salt layer in front of the northern mountain where salt layer is thin. The Triassic and Jurassic source rocks are rich in this area with great exploration prospective.

Geochemistry of Brines from Salt Ore Deposits in Western Tarim Basin

In the geological evolution of the Tarim Basin, many transgressions and relictions happened. So there have been plentiful sources of salt. Moreover, because of uttermost drought, a lot of salt has been deposited. It is possible to find potash salt in this area. In our fieldwork, we have found salt and brine in western Tarim Basin. Based on a geological survey and the characteristics of sedimentary facies and paleogeography, this paper deals with the geochemical parameters and discusses the possibility of formation of potash salt in terms of the chemical analyses of samples collected from western Tarim Basin. Results of brine analysis lead to some conclusions: most of these salt brines have eluviated from very thick halite beds, mainly chloride-type salt and this kind of halite does not reach the stage of potash deposition in all aspects; WKSL (Wukeshalu) occupies a noticeable place, and we should attach importance to this district because there have been some indicators of the occurrence of potash deposits as viewed from the contents of Br and K. Finally, low Br contents are recognized in the Tarim Basin as a result of salt aggradation, and this point of view has been proved by the results of this experiment and the data available. It cannot depend upon the index of Br to judge the evolution stage of halite. We must look for other facies of potash except marine facies.

Geological characteristics and genesis of subbottom pinnoite deposit of Da Qaidam salt lake in Qaidam Basin

Da Qaidam salt lake is known for its both liquid and solid boron resource.Data from previous investigation of the Da Qaidam salt lake provided a comparable framework for this study that focused on investigating the section beneath the bottom of the perennial salt lake,including the timing,

Discussion on the Scenario of Salt Accumulation in Yarkand Basin during Late Cretaceous

Large-scale accumulation of salt and formation of potash concentrated in Tethys domain during late Mesozoic to early Cenozoic.These events were typified by the formation of Laos-Thailand and Lanping-Simao

Enclosed Extent of the Saline Water and its Constraints on the Sedimentary and Salt Forming Characteristics:A Case Study of the Paleogene Playas in Hoh Xil Basin

1 Introduction There is a long period of hot,arid climates in the Jurassic-Neogene,in the eastern of the Neo-Tethys where is been called Western Yunnan—Qiangtang tectonic belt(Zheng et al.,2010).Especially in the Paleogene,under the control of the planetary winds and the north subtropical high pressure belts,a ribbon arid,semi-arid

Differences on Condition and Mechanism of Potash Deposited in O2 m5-6 Subsection of Northern Shaanxi Salt Basin

The Northern Shaanxi salt basin locates in the east of the Ordos basin.In this area,the thick layer salt sediment exists in the Majiagou Formation of Ordovician.Especial in the sixth subsection of the Majiagou fifth member,it

Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotopes of Fluid Inclusion in Halite,Northern Shaanxi Salt Basin China

The Ordovician was an important transitional period for global climate and organic evolution,the global was in the flood and glacial,Onganism was extinction(Zhan,2007;Trotter et al.,2008;Axel et al.,2010).Under the influence

Structural characteristics and deep-water hydrocarbon accumulation model of the Scotian Basin, Eastern Canada

Commercial hydrocarbon reservoirs have been discovered in shallow-water areas of the Scotian Basin, Eastern Canada. However, knowledge about the structure and hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics of the basin is still insufficient, which constrains the oil and gas exploration in deep-water areas. Based on comprehensive data of magnetic anomalies, seismic survey, and drilling, this study determines the structure characteristics of the Scotian Basin and its hydrocarbon accumulation conditions in deep waters and evaluates the deep-water hydrocarbon exploration potential. The transform faults and basement structures in the northern basin control the sedimentary framework showing thick strata in east and thin strata in west of the basin. The bowl-shaped depression formed by thermal subsidence during the transitional phase and the confined environment (micro basins) caused by salt tectonics provide favorable conditions for the development of source rocks during the depression stage (also referred to as the depression period sequence) of the basin. The progradation of large shelf-margin deltas during the drift phase and steep continental slope provide favorable conditions for the deposition of slope-floor fans on continental margins of the basin. Moreover, the source-reservoir assemblage comprising the source rocks within the depression stage and the turbidite sandstones on the continental margin in the deep waters may form large deep-water turbidite sandstone reservoirs. This study will provide a valuable reference for the deep-water hydrocarbon exploration in the Scotian Basin.