Multiphase tectonic movements, cap formations and evolution of the Majiang paleo-reservoir

The Majiang paleo-reservoir is a typical destroyed hydrocarbon reservoir, buried in carbonate strata of China＇s southern marine-facies. Field geological explorations, interpretations of seismic profiles and balanced cross-section restorations around this paleo-reservoir reveal that its formation and evolution have been restricted by multiphase tectonic movements of different intensities. A regional tectonic mechanism and model have been suggested for the formation and evolution of the Majiang paleo- reservoir. Geological field exploration has been carried out along three typical Silurian cross-sections and rock samples were tested in combination with water-rock interaction. Based on the result of cap tests, the planar distribution, the residual thickness, the erosion thickness and the preservation conditions, the Silurian mudstone cap is discussed around the Majiang paleo-reservoir. Combining the hydrodynamic conditions of its formation and evolution and its tectonic movements, we determined the fact that the thicker the cap is, the more resistant it is to hydrodynamic destruction. The multi-phase formation and destructive geological model of the paleo-reservoir is established through an overall analysis of multi- phase tectonic evolutions, cap developments, hydrodynamic conditions and solid mineral metallogenic ages measured by Rb-Sr, Pb and Sm-Nd isotope techniques.

Restoration of eroded stratal thickness in key periods of tectonic change in a multi-stage superimposed Tarim Basin in China

With an area of 56×104km2, the Tarim Basin is the largest inland basin in China and is also generally acknowledged as one of the most important areas for potential oil and gas exploration. On the basis of data from 22 regional seismic profiles and 40 drilling wells, 15 important first-order and second-order regional unconformities were defined.Almost all the main unconformities are superimposed unconfomities. Since the Cambrian, 5 key periods of tectonic change have occurred during the evolution of the Tarim Basin. The total eroded stratal thickness of the above-mentioned unconformities was calculated by using the method of virtual extrapolation of seismic reflection. The results indicate that the total eroded stratal thickness of different periods is quite different in different locations of the basin. Taking the Upper-Middle Ordovician as an example, its thickness restoration of eroded strata was calculated into individual stages i.e. its thickness restoration of eroded strata was calculated to different tectonic periods. Otherwise, as for the specific period of tectonic change, the underlying strata were, respectively eroded and thus the thickness restoration of eroded strata was calculated into individual intervals. Taking the Early Hercynian period as an example, the eroded stratal thickness was calculated into individual intervals to calculate the ratio of intervals of various ages occupying the total eroded thickness. The results show that for the same stratum, its degree of erosion is quite different in different periods and at different locations, due to the varying influence of tectonic movement. The unconformities of some key periods of tectonic change have different controls on the degree of erosion and the eroded range of the individual period of the underlying strata which are the typical characteristics of multi-stage superimposition of unconformities in the Tarim Basin.

Temporal and Spatial Evolution Analysis:The Early Paleozoic Paleo-Uplifts in the Tarim Basin

ABSTRACT： Twenty unconformities, primarily superimposed types, were identified based on inter pretation of a 46 000 km seismic profile combined with data from over 40 drilling wells. These respec tively correspond to the main tectonic evolution stages and the boundaries between those stages. Re construction of the original depths of eroded strata was conducted for the Middle Caledonian, Early Hercynian, Late Hercynian, Indosinian, Early Yanshanian and Late Yanshanian unconformities using the virtual extrapolation of seismic reflection. Eroded strata thicknesses were also calculated for indi vidual periods and intervals. Based on the reconstructed data, in combination with data from research on sedimentary facies, a paleogeomorphological profile was constructed for different tectonic evolution stages of the basin during the Early Paleozoic. The profile indicates the presence of obvious regularity in the temporal and spatial evolution of these unconformities. Based on the characteristics of paleouplift evolution and postlayering reconstruction, the paleouplifts were divided into inherited （e.g., Tazhong （塔中）, residual （e.g., North Tarim） and active （e.g., Southwest Tarim and Bachu （巴楚） types. The huge North Tarim uplift represents a typical form of residual paleouplift. The Paleozoic strata in the upper layers of the uplift is in poor condition for reservoir accumulation and preservation; however, the Upper MesozoicCenozoic structural layer can form a secondary reservoir that is rela tively rich in oil and gas. Furthermore, the flank slope area of the uplift is always a key source for oil and gas collection and the most advantageous position for the formation of the original reservoir. The Tazhong paleouplift has been stable since its formation in the Late Ordovician, where petroleum accumulation has been distributed not only in the uplift, but also in the deep and slope belts of the uplift. Important breakthroughs in petroleum exploration of the slope break in the North Tazhong area datingback to the Paleozoic have further confirmed the enrichment of oil and gas in this type of uplift. The Southwest Tarim paleouplift is a buried type, which has given it favorable properties for hydrocarbon migration over a long time. An open question is whether the large amount of oil and gas accumulated here was transported to the current Bachu uplift.