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.

Application of fluid modulus inversion to complex lithology reservoirs in deep-water areas

It has been a challenge to distinguish between seismic anomalies caused by complex lithology and hydrocarbon reservoirs using conventional fluid identification techniques,leading to difficulties in accurately predicting hydrocarbon-bearing properties and determining oil-water contacts in reservoirs.In this study,we built a petrophysical model tailored to the deep-water area of the Baiyun Sag in the eastern South China Sea based on seismic data and explored the feasibility of the tri-parameter direct inversion method in the fluid identification of complex lithology reservoirs,offering a more precise alternative to conventional techniques.Our research found that the fluid modulus can successfully eliminate seismic amplitude anomalies caused by lithological variations.Furthermore,the seismic databased direct inversion for fluid modulus can remove the cumulative errors caused by indirect inversion and the influence of porosity.We discovered that traditional methods using seismic amplitude anomalies were ineffective in detecting fluids,determining gas-water contacts,or delineating high-quality reservoirs.However,the fluid factor Kf,derived from solid-liquid decoupling,proved to be sensitive to the identification of hydrocarbon-bearing properties,distinguishing between high-quality and poor-quality gas zones.Our findings confirm the value of the fluid modulus in fluid identification and demonstrate that the tri-parameter direct inversion method can significantly enhance hydrocarbon exploration in deep-water areas,reducing associated risks.

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.

Sedimentary elements,evolutions and controlling factors of the Miocene channel system:a case study of the deep-water Taranaki Basin in New Zealand

Deep-water channel systems are important petroleum reservoirs,and many have been discovered worldwide.Understanding deep-water channel sedimentary elements and evolution is helpful for deep-sea petroleum exploration and development.Based on high-resolution 3D seismic data,the Miocene channel system in the deep-water Taranaki Basin,New Zealand,was analyzed by using seismic interpretation techniques such as interlayer attribute extraction and strata slicing.The channel system was divided into five composite channels(CC-I to CC-V)according to four secondary level channel boundaries,and sedimentary elements such as channels,slump deposits,inner levees,mass transport deposits,and hemipelagic drape deposits were identified in the channel system.The morphological characteristics of several composite channels exhibited stark variances,and the overall morphology of the composite channels changed from relatively straight to highly sinuous to relatively straight.The evolution of the composite channels involved a gradual and repeated process of erosion and filling,and the composite channels could be divided into three evolutionary stages:initial erosion-filling,later erosion-filling(multistage),and channel abandonment.The middle Miocene channel system may have formed as a consequence of combined regional tectonic activity and global climatic change,and its intricate morphological alterations may have been influenced by the channel's ability to self-regulate and gravity flow properties.When studying the sedimentary evolution of a large-scale deep-water channel system in the Taranaki Basin during the Oligocene-Miocene,which transitioned from a passive margin to plate convergence,it can be understood how tectonic activity affected the channel and can also provide a theoretical reference for the evolution of the deepwater channels in areas with similar tectonic conversion environments around the world.

Quantitative morphometric analysis of a deep-water channel in the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand

The morphological changes of deep-water channels have an important influence on the distributions of channel sand reservoirs,so it is important to explore the morphological change process of deep-water channel for the exploration and development of deep-water oil and gas.Based on a typical sinuous Quaternary channel(Channel I)in the Taranaki Basin,New Zealand,a variety of seismic interpretation techniques were applied to quantitatively characterize the morphological characteristics of the Channel I,and the relationships between the quantitative parameters and the morphological changes of the Channel I,as well as the controlling factors affecting those morphological changes,were discussed.The results are as follows:(1)in the quantitative analysis,six parameters were selected:the channel depth,width,sinuosity,and aspect ratio(width/depth),the channel swing amplitude(λ)and the channel bend frequency(ω);(2)according to the quantitative morphological parameters of the channel(mainly including three parameters such as channel sinuosity,ωandλ),the Channel I was divided into three types:the low-sinuous channel(LSC),the high-sinuous channel(HSC),the moderate-sinuous channel(MSC).U-shaped channel cross-sections developed in the LSC,V-shaped channel cross-sections developed in the HSC,including inclined-V and symmetric-V cross-sections,and dish-shaped channel cross-sections developed in the MSC;(3)the morphological characteristics of the LSC and MSC were related to their widths and depths,while the morphology of the HSC was greatly affected by the channel width,a change in depth did not affect the HSC morphology;(4)the morphological changes of the Channel I were controlled mainly by the slope gradient,the restricted capacity of the channel and the differential in fluid properties.

Theoretical and technical progress in exploration practice of the deep-water large oil fields, Santos Basin, Brazil

The history and results of petroleum exploration in the Santos Basin, Brazil are reviewed. The regularity of hydrocarbon enrichment and the key exploration technologies are summarized and analyzed using the seismic, gravity, magnetic and drilling data. It is proposed that the Santos Basin had a structural pattern of two uplifts and three depressions and the Aram-Uirapuru uplift belt controlled the hydrocarbon accumulation. It is believed that the main hydrocarbon source kitchen in the rift period controlled the hydrocarbon-enriched zones, paleo-structures controlled the scale and quality of lacustrine carbonate reservoirs, and continuous thick salt rocks controlled the hydrocarbon formation and preservation. The process and mechanism of reservoirs being transformed by CO_(2)charging were revealed. Five key exploration technologies were developed,including the variable-velocity mapping for layer-controlled facies-controlled pre-salt structures, the prediction of lacustrine carbonate reservoirs, the prediction of intrusive/effusive rock distribution, the detection of hydrocarbons in lacustrine carbonates, and the logging identification of supercritical CO_(2)fluid. These theoretical recognitions and exploration technologies have contributed to the discovery of deep-water super-large reservoirs under CNODC projects in Brazil, and will guide the further exploration of deep-water large reservoirs in the Santos Basin and other similar regions.

Distribution and influencing factors of acoustic characteristics of seafloor sediment in the Sunda Shelf

To understand the acoustic and physical properties of piston core samples collected from the Sunda continental shelf and analyze their distribution patterns,the samples were analyzed in laboratory,from which three provinces were divided in sound speed,sound speed ratio,porosity,wet bulk density,and maximum shear strength.ProvinceⅠhad lower sound speed and sound speed ratio(<1.04),high porosity,and low wet bulk density.ProvinceⅡhad higher sound speed and sound speed ratio(>1.04),low porosity,and high wet bulk density.ProvinceⅢhad the lowest sound speed and sound speed ratio(0.99),highest porosity(81%),and lowest wet bulk density(1.34 g/cm^(3)).The distribution pattern indicates that sediment movement,sediment source,topography,and hydrodynamic conditions influenced the distribution of acoustic and physical properties.Furthermore,we investigated the relationship of the maximum shear strength to the porosity and wet bulk density,and found that the maximum shear strength was proportional to both the porosity and wet bulk density.This finding has significant implications for ocean engineering applications.

Carbon Storage Dynamics in Lower Shimentan Formation of the Qiantang Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin: Stratigraphy, Reservoir ‒ Cap Analysis, and Source ‒ Sink Compatibility

Excessive carbon emissions have resulted in the greenhouse effect, causing considerable global climate change. Marine carbon storage has emerged as a crucial approach to addressing climate change. The Qiantang Sag(QTS) in the East China Sea Shelf Basin, characterized by its extensive area, thick sedimentary strata, and optimal depth, presents distinct geological advantages for carbon dioxide(CO_(2)) storage. Focusing on the lower section of the Shimentan Formation in the Upper Cretaceous of the QTS, this study integrates seismic interpretation and drilling data with core and thin-section analysis. We reveal the vertical variation characteristics of the strata by providing a detailed stratigraphic description. We use petrophysical data to reveal the development characteristics of high-quality carbon-storage layers and favorable reservoircaprock combinations, thereby evaluating the geological conditions for CO_(2) storage in various stratigraphic sections. We identify Layer B of the lower Shimentan Formation as the most advantageous stratum for marine CO_(2) storage. Furthermore, we analyze the carbon emission trends in the adjacent Yangtze River Delta region. Considering the characteristics of the source and sink areas, we suggest a strong correlation between the carbon emission sources of the Yangtze River Delta and the CO_(2) storage area of the QTS, making the latter a priority area for conducting experiments on marine CO_(2) storage.

A case study of continental shelf waves in the northwestern South China Sea induced by winter storms in 2021

This study aims to investigate characteristics of continental shelf wave(CSW)on the northwestern continental shelf of the South China Sea(SCS)induced by winter storms in 2021.Mooring and cruise observations,tidal gauge data at stations Hong Kong,Zhapo and Qinglan and sea surface wind data from January 1 to February 28,2021 are used to examine the relationship between along-shelf wind and sea level fluctuation.Two events of CSWs driven by the along-shelf sea surface wind are detected from wavelet spectra of tidal gauge data.The signals are triply peaked at periods of 56 h,94 h and 180 h,propagating along the coast with phase speed ranging from 6.9 m/s to18.9 m/s.The dispersion relation shows their property of the Kelvin mode of CSW.We develop a simple method to estimate amplitude of sea surface fluctuation by along-shelf wind.The results are comparable with the observation data,suggesting it is effective.The mode 2 CSWs fits very well with the mooring current velocity data.The results from rare current help to understand wave-current interaction in the northwestern SCS.

Sedimentary systems of the Oligocene Huagang Formation in the central anticline zone of the Xihu Depression,East China Sea Shelf Basin

The Xihu Depression is the largest hydrocarbon-bearing depression of the East China Sea Shelf Basin(also referred to as the ECSSB).However,the depositional systems and reservoir distribution of the Oligocene Huagang Formation in the Xihu Depression are still controversial.Under the guidance of sedimentology and stratigraphy,this study documented a marine-terrestrial transitional environment in the restricted bay setting of the Oligocene Huagang Formation through core description,well logging,and seismic data analysis.This study also revealed that the Oligocene Huagang Formation is dominated by tidal delta,estuary,and gravity flow deposits in the central anticline zone of the Xihu Depression.The new understanding of the sedimentary systems and the discovery of the transgressive gap in the eastern Diaoyu Islands uplift explain the origin of fine-grained sediments and the EW-trending sand bodies in the central depression and the sand bodies parallel to shoreline in the west slope belt,which cannot be explained by previous study results,such as southern transgression or fluvial deltas and even lacustrine deposition.Moreover,the tidal channels,tidal sand flats,and gravity flow sand bodies formed by the transgressive tides are high-quality reservoirs.The study will provide a basis for well placement and serve as guidance for the selection of favorable hydrocarbon exploration areas in the Xihu Depression.

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Two Tomato Cultivars with Different Shelf-Life Traits

Tomato(Solanum lycopersicum)is a perishable fruit because of its fast water loss and susceptibility to pathogens in the post-harvest stage,which leads to huge economic losses every year.In this study,firstly from 19 tomato cultivars,we screened out two cultivars,Riogrand and SalarF1,having long and short shelf-life spans,respectively.Secondly,shelf-life analysis was carried out for both cultivars at room temperature.Results exhibited that Riogrand showed higher firmness and less weight loss than SalarF1.The ethylene production was higher in SalarF1,compared with Riogrand during post-harvest storages.We performed transcriptomic analysis of both cultivars in different storage stages.We discovered 2913,2188,and 11,119 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)for three post-harvest stages(0,20,and 40 Days Post-Harvest(DPH)),respectively.These genes are enriched in ethylene biosynthesis and response,as well as cell wall-related genes.Ethylene response factor(ERF)ERF2 and ERF4 were highly expressed in SalarF1 with a short shelf life in 40 DPH,and the ethylene biosynthetic genes ACO1,ACO4,ACS6,and ACS2 were significantly upregulated in SalarF1.Regarding cell wall loosening and cell wall-related genes XTH3,XTH7,XTH23,1,3;1,4-β-D-Gluc-like,pGlcT1,Cellulase,PGH1,PL5,PL-like 1,PL-like 2 exhibited the highest levels of significance,being notably upregulated in the last stage of SalarF1.The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)analysis validated these gene expressions,which is in line with the transcriptome analysis.The findings suggested that the extension of tomato fruit shelf life is mostly dependent on ethylene biosynthesis,signaling pathway genes,cell wall loosening,and cell wall-associated genes.

Contributors to tidal duration asymmetry with varied coastline configurations on western shelf of Yellow Sea

Coastal management in China is confronted with an urgent choice between natural restoration and maintenance of existing seawalls and reclaimed land for economic development.A key criterion for making this decision is the resilience to coastal flooding,which depends on the ability to predict tidal level.Tidal duration asymmetry(TDA)is a key parameter in determination of the arrival and duration of flood tides.This study selected the western inner shelf of the Yellow Sea(WYS)as the study area and investigated the responses of TDA to different shoreline configurations and relative sea level rise.The responses of TDA to shoreline reconstruction yielded spatial variability locally and remotely.In the nearshore area,the responses of TDA to the complex ocean environment mainly originated from the combined functions of reflection,bottom friction,and advection,which controlled the energy transfer from M2 or S2 constituents to their overtides or compound tides.The sensitivity of TDA to coastline typologies was not limited to coastal waters but could stretch over the entire inner shelf.The vulnerability of tidal responses was due to the displacement of the M2 amphidrome of the Kelvin wave on the WYS,which in turn changed tidal energy fluxes over the regime.The relative sea level rise could intensify the feedback of TDA to seawalls and land reclamation.

The variation in basal channels and basal melt rates of Pine Island Ice Shelf

In recent years,there has been a significant acceleration in the thinning,calving and retreat of the Pine Island Ice Shelf(PIIS).The basal channels,results of enhanced basal melting,have the potential to significantly impact the stability of the PIIS.In this study,we used a variety of remote sensing data,including Landsat,REMA DEM,ICESat-1 and ICESat-2 satellite altimetry observations,and Ice Bridge airborne measurements,to study the spatiotemporal changes in the basal channels from 2003 to 2020 and basal melt rate from 2010 to 2017 of the PIIS under the Eulerian framework.We found that the basal channels are highly developed in the PIIS,with a total length exceeding 450 km.Most of the basal channels are ocean-sourced or groundingline-sourced basal channels,caused by the rapid melting under the ice shelf or near the groundingline.A raised seabed prevented warm water intrusion into the eastern branch of the PIIS,resulting in a lower basal melt rate in that area.In contrast,a deepsea trough facilitates warm seawater into the mainstream and the western branch of the PIIS,resulting in a higher basal melt rate in the main-stream,and the surface elevation changes above the basal channels of the mainstream and western branch are more significant.The El Ni?o event in 2015–2016 possibly slowed down the basal melting of the PIIS by modulating wind field,surface sea temperature and depth seawater temperature.Ocean and atmospheric changes were driven by El Ni?o,which can further explain and confirm the changes in the basal melting of the PIIS.

Deep Learning-Based Classification of Rotten Fruits and Identification of Shelf Life

The freshness of fruits is considered to be one of the essential characteristics for consumers in determining their quality,flavor and nutritional value.The primary need for identifying rotten fruits is to ensure that only fresh and high-quality fruits are sold to consumers.The impact of rotten fruits can foster harmful bacteria,molds and other microorganisms that can cause food poisoning and other illnesses to the consumers.The overall purpose of the study is to classify rotten fruits,which can affect the taste,texture,and appearance of other fresh fruits,thereby reducing their shelf life.The agriculture and food industries are increasingly adopting computer vision technology to detect rotten fruits and forecast their shelf life.Hence,this research work mainly focuses on the Convolutional Neural Network’s(CNN)deep learning model,which helps in the classification of rotten fruits.The proposed methodology involves real-time analysis of a dataset of various types of fruits,including apples,bananas,oranges,papayas and guavas.Similarly,machine learningmodels such as GaussianNaïve Bayes(GNB)and random forest are used to predict the fruit’s shelf life.The results obtained from the various pre-trained models for rotten fruit detection are analysed based on an accuracy score to determine the best model.In comparison to other pre-trained models,the visual geometry group16(VGG16)obtained a higher accuracy score of 95%.Likewise,the random forest model delivers a better accuracy score of 88% when compared with GNB in forecasting the fruit’s shelf life.By developing an accurate classification model,only fresh and safe fruits reach consumers,reducing the risks associated with contaminated produce.Thereby,the proposed approach will have a significant impact on the food industry for efficient fruit distribution and also benefit customers to purchase fresh fruits.

Habitat evaluation for target species following deep-water channel project in the Yangtze River

In order to optimize the design of a 12.5 m deepwater channel project and protect the ecological environment, it is necessary to study the habitat evaluation of species in the engineered area. A coupled eco-hydrodynamic model, which combines a hydrodynamic model （ADCIRC） and a habitat suitability index （HSI） model is developed for target fish （Coilia nasus） and benthos （Corbicula fluminea） in the Yangtze River in order to predict the ecological changes and optimize the regulation scheme. Based on the existing research concerning the characteristics of Coilia nasus and Corbicula fluminea, the relationship between the target species and water environment factors is established. The verification results of tidal level, velocity and biological density show that the proposed coupling model performs well when predicting ecological suitability in the studied region. The results indicate a slight improvement in the potential habitat availability for the two species studied as the natural hydraulic conditions change after the deep-water channel regulation works.

Deep-water Fan Systems and Petroleum Resources on the Northern Slope of the South China Sea

The shallow shelf delta/strand arenaceous-pelitic deposit region in the north of the Pearl River mouth basin, sitting on the northern continental shelf of the South China Sea, has already become an important oil production base in China. Recent researched has revealed that a great deal of deep-water fans of great petroleum potentiality exist on the Baiyun deep-water slope below the big paleo Pearl River and its large delta. Based on a mass of exploration wells and 2-D seismic data of the shallow shelf region, a interpretation of sequence stratigraphy confirmed the existence of deep-water fans. The cyclic falling of sea level, abundant detrital matter from the paleo Pearl River and the persistent geothermal subsidence in the Baiyun sag are the three prerequisites for the formation and development of deep-water fans. There are many in common between the deep-water shelf depositional system of the northern South China Sea and the exploration hotspots region on the two banks of the Atlantic. For example, both are located on passive continent margins, and persistent secular thermal subsidence and large paleo rivers have supplied abundant material sources and organic matter. More recently, the discovery of the big gas pool on the northern slope of the Baiyun sag confirms that the Lower Tertiary lacustrine facies in the Baiyun sag has a great potentiality of source rocks. The fans overlying the Lower Tertiary source rocks should become the main exploration areas for oil and gas resources.

Status and Trends in Research on Deep-Water Gravity Flow Deposits

Deep-water gravity flows are one of the most important sediment transport mechanisms on Earth. After 60 years of study, significant achievements have been made in terms of classification schemes, genetic mechanisms, and depositional models of deep-water gravity flows. The research history of deep-water gravity flows can be divided into five stages： incipience of turbidity current theory; formation of turbidity current theory; development of deep-water gravity flow theory; improvement and perfection of deep-water gravity flow theory; and comprehensive development of deep-water gravity flow theory. Currently, three primary classification schemes based on the sediment support mechanism, the rheology and transportation process, and the integration of sediment support mechanisms, rheology, sedimentary characteristics, and flow state are commonly used.Different types of deep-water gravity flow events form different types of gravity flow deposits. Sediment slump retransportation mainly forms muddy debris flows, sandy debris flows, and surge-like turbidity currents. Resuspension of deposits by storms leads to quasi-steady hyperpycnal turbidity currents （hyperpycnal flows）. Sustainable sediment supplies mainly generate muddy debris flows, sandy debris flows, and hyperpycnal flows. Deep-water fans, which are commonly controlled by debris flows and hyperpycnal flows, are triggered by sustainable sediment supply; in contrast, deep-water slope sedimentary deposits consist mainly of debris flows that are triggered by the retransportation of sediment slumps and deep-water fine-grained sedimentary deposits are derived primarily from fine- grained hyperpycnal flows that are triggered by the resuspension of storm deposits. Harmonization of classification schemes, transformation between different types of gravity flow deposit, and monitoring and reproduction of the sedimentary processes of deep-water gravity flows as well as a source-to-sink approach to document the evolution and deposition of deep-water gravity flows are the most important research aspects for future studies of deep-water gravity flows study in the future.

Microfacies of Deep-water Deposits and Forming Models of the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling-SKII

Extensive transgression of lake water occurred during the Cretaceous Qingshankou Stage and the Nengjiang Stage in the Songliao basin, forming widespread deep-water deposits. Eleven types of microfacies of deep-water deposits have been recognized in the continuous core rocks from the SKII, including mudstone of still water, marlite, dolostone, off shale, volcanic ashes, turbidite, slump sediment, tempestite, seismite, ostracoda limestone and sparry carbonate, which are divided into two types： microfacies generated due to gradually changing environments （Ⅰ） and microfacies generated due to geological events （Ⅱ）. Type Ⅰ is composed of some special fine grain sediments such as marlite, dolomite stone and oil shale as well as mudstone and Type Ⅱ is composed of some sediments related to geological events, such as volcanic ashes, turbiditie, slump sediment, tempestite, seismite, ostracoda limestone. The formation of sparry carbonate may be controlled by factors related to both environments and events. Generally, mudstone sediments of still water can be regarded as background sediments, and the rest sediments are all event sediments, which have unique forming models, which may reflect controlling effects of climatics and tectonics.

Reservoir Characteristics and Genetic Mechanisms of the Mesozoic Granite Buried Hills in the Deep-water of the Qiongdongnan Basin,Northern South China Sea

Due to its structure,rock and mineral composition,fluid and other factors,the granite Buried Hill Reservoir is highly heterogeneous with a complex longitudinal structure and a reservoir space made up of a combination of dissolution pores and fractures.This paper is based on current understanding of tectonic evolution in the northern part of the South China Sea,in conjunction with the seismic phase characteristics.It is determined that the meshed fault system was formed by three stages of movement-tectonic compression orogeny during the Indochinese epoch,strike-slip compression-tension during the Yanshanian Period,early fracture extension activation during the Himalayan-which controlled the distribution of the Buried Hill Reservoir.Drilling revealed two types of buried hills,faulted anticline and fault horst,their longitudinal structure and the reservoir space type being significantly different.The mineral composition,reservoir space and diagenetic characteristics of the reservoir rocks and minerals were analyzed by lithogeochemistry,micro section and logging etc.,it thus being determined that the Mesozoic rocks of the Songnan Low Uplift in the Qiongdongnan Basin are mainly composed of syenogranite,granodiorite,monzogranite,which is the material basis for the development of the Buried Hill Reservoir.The content of felsic and other brittle minerals is more than 70%,making it easy for it to be transformed into fractures.At the same time,the weathering resistance of granodiorite and monzogranite is weaker than that of syenogranite,which is easily weathered and destroyed,forming a thick sand gravel weathering zone.With increasing depth of burial,weathering and dissolution gradually weaken,the deep acidic fluid improving the reservoir property of internal fractures and expanding the vertical distribution range of the reservoirs.The research results lay a foundation for the exploration of Buried Hill in the deep-water area of the Qiongdongnan Basin.

Structural characteristics of central depression belt in deep-water area of the Qiongdongnan Basin and the hydrocarbon discovery of Songnan low bulge

The Qiongdongnan Basin has the first proprietary high-yield gas field in deep-water areas of China and makes the significant breakthroughs in oil and gas exploration.The central depression belt of deep-water area in the Qiongdongnan Basin is constituted by five sags,i.e.Ledong Sag,Lingshui Sag,Songnan Sag,Baodao Sag and Changchang Sag.It is a Cenozoic extensional basin with the basement of pre-Paleogene as a whole.The structural research in central depression belt of deep-water area in the Qiongdongnan Basin has the important meaning in solving the basic geological problems,and improving the exploration of oil and gas of this basin.The seismic interpretation and structural analysis in this article was operated with the 3D seismic of about 1.5×104 km2 and the 2D seismic of about 1×104 km.Eighteen sampling points were selected to calculate the fault activity rates of the No.2 Fault.The deposition rate was calculated by the ratio of residual formation thickness to deposition time scale.The paleo-geomorphic restoration was obtained by residual thickness method and impression method.The faults in the central depression belt of deep-water area of this basin were mainly developed during Paleogene,and chiefly trend in NE–SW,E–W and NW–SE directions.The architectures of these sags change regularly from east to west:the asymmetric grabens are developed in the Ledong Sag,western Lingshui Sag,eastern Baodao Sag,and western Changchang Sag;half-grabens are developed in the Songnan Sag,eastern Lingshui Sag,and eastern Changchang Sag.The tectonic evolution history in deep-water area of this basin can be divided into three stages,i.e.faulted-depression stage,thermal subsidence stage,and neotectonic stage.The Ledong-Lingshui sags,near the Red River Fault,developed large-scale sedimentary and subsidence by the uplift of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during neotectonic stage.The Baodao-Changchang sags,near the northwest oceanic sub-basin,developed the large-scale magmatic activities and the transition of stress direction by the expansion of the South China Sea.The east sag belt and west sag belt of the deep-water area in the Qiongdongnan Basin,separated by the ancient Songnan bulge,present prominent differences in deposition filling,diaper genesis,and sag connectivity.The west sag belt has the advantages in high maturity,well-developed fluid diapirs and channel sand bodies,thus it has superior conditions for oil and gas migration and accumulation.The east sag belt is qualified by the abundant resources of oil and gas.The Paleogene of Songnan low bulge,located between the west sag belt and the east sag belt,is the exploration potential.The YL 8 area,located in the southwestern high part of the Songnan low bulge,is a favorable target for the future gas exploration.The Well 8-1-1 was drilled in August 2018 and obtained potential business discovery,and the Well YL8-3-1 was drilled in July 2019 and obtained the business discovery.