A method for evaluating paleo hydrocarbon pools and predicting secondary reservoirs:a case study of the Sangonghe Formation in the Mosuowan area,Junggar Basin

Taking the Jurassic Sangonghe Formation in the Mosuowan-Mobei area of the Junggar Basin as an example, this paper provides a method that evaluates paleo hydrocarbon pools and predicts secondary reservoirs. Through Quantitative Grain Fluorescence （QGF） experiments, well-tie seismic correlation, and paleo structure analysis, the scale and distribution of paleo hydrocarbon pools in the study area are outlined. Combining current structural features and fault characteristics, the re-migration pathways of paleo oil and gas are depicted. Based on barrier conditions on the oil re-migration pathways and current reservoir distribution, we recognize three types of secondary reservoirs. By analyzing structural evolution and sand body-fault distribution, the major control factors of secondary reservoirs are specified and, consequently, favorable zones for secondary reservoirs are predicted. The results are mainly as follows. （1） In the primary accumulation period in the Cretaceous, paleo hydrocarbon pools were formed in the Sangonghe Formation of the Mosuowan uplift and their size and distribution were extensive and the exploration potential for secondary reservoirs should not be ignored. Besides, paleo reservoirs were also formed in the Mobei uplift, but just small scale. （2） In the adjustment period in the Neogene, traps were reshaped or destroyed and so were the paleo reservoirs, resulting in oil release. The released oil migrated linearly northward along the structural highs of the Mobei uplift and the Qianshao low-relief uplift and then formed secondary reservoirs when it met new traps. In this process, a structural ridge cooperated with sand bodies and faults, applying unobstructed pathways for oil and gas re-migration. （3） The secondary hydrocarbon pools are classified into three types： low-relief anticlinal type, lithologic pinch-out type and fault block type. The distribution of the first type is controlled by a residual low uplift in the north flank of the paleo-anticline. The second type is distributed in the lithologic pinch-out zones on the periphery of the inherited paleo uplift. The third type is controlled by fault zones of which the strikes are perpendicular to the hydrocarbon re-migration pathways. （4） Four favorable zones for secondary reservoirs are predicted： the low-relief structural zone of the north flank of the Mosuowan paleo-anticline, the fault barrier zone on the western flank of the Mobei uplift, the Qianshao low-relief uplift and the north area of the Mobei uplift that parallels the fault zone. The study above effectively supports the exploration of the Qianshao low-relief uplift, with commercial oil discovered in the Qianshaol well. Besides, the research process in this paper can also be applied to other basins to explore for secondary reservoirs.

Palaeogeomorphology and its control on the development of sequence stratigraphy and depositional systems of the Early Silurian in the Tarim Basin

The Silurian in the Tarim Basin was deposited on the basement deformed by the Caledonian tectonic movements at the end of the Late Ordovician. The development and distribution of sedimentary sequences of the Early Silurian have been clearly controlled by the palaeogeomorphology of the Late Ordovician. Based on unconformity characteristics and distribution of erosion, several zones can be differentiated including a high uplifted erosion zone, a transitional slope zone and a depression zone. The central and west Tabei Uplift zones show high angular unconformity and intense erosion. The Tarim Basin in the late Ordovician shows characteristics of higher in the west, lower in the east while higher in the south, lower in the north. The Early Silurian mainly developed transgressive and highstand systems tracts on the whole, while the lowstand systems tract only developed partly below the slope break. The palaeogeomorphology controlled the elastic source supply and deposit distribution. Braided delta system and tidal flat-estuary system were deposited. The duration of uplifting of the Tazhong paleo- uplift was longer than that of the Tabei paleo-uplift, and deposition was later. This led to the lower and middle members of the Kepingtage Formation missing in that area. As a large-scale transgression occurred during the deposition period of the upper member of the Kepingtage Formation, sediment from the west of the basin was transported and deposited by tides and waves, forming tidal-marine debris systems above the uplift. Proximal alluvial fan and fan delta coarse elastic deposits developed in proximal uplift zone in the east and southeast of the basin, and braided delta put forward to the transitional zone between the edge of uplift and the sea. Large-scale tidal channel, sub-distributary channel and mouth bar of the delta front can form favorable reservoirs, and they are primary targets for oil and gas exploration. This research on sequence-depositional systems development and distribution controlled by palaeogeomorphology is significant in guiding the prediction of reservoir sandstones.

Conglomerate Reservoir Pore Evolution Characteristics and Favorable Area Prediction: A Case Study of the Lower Triassic Baikouquan Formation in the Northwest Margin of the Junggar Basin, China

This study examines the characteristics and pore evolution of the Baikouquan conglomerate reservoir in the Mahu sag of the Junggar Basin from original sedimentation and diagenesis.Analysis is based on core observation,thin section,X-ray diffraction,cathodoluminescence and image analysis,and combined with physical property and well log data.The results show that conglomerate reservoir in the Baikouquan Formation can be divided into three lithofacies types:TypeⅠis argillaceous filling conglomerate facies,in which cementation and dissolution are not developed,and the interstitial material is mainly argillaceous;TypeⅡis tuffaceous filling in fine conglomerate facies,in which volcanic rock debris,illite and dissolution are developed;TypeⅢis sandstone filling conglomerate facies,in which cementation and dissolution are developed.The reservoir undergoes complex diagenesis,and the diagenetic sequence is:compaction→early chlorite film→early calcite cementation→detritus,feldspar and tuffaceous dissolution→quartz secondary enlargement→late calcite cementation→oil invasion→forming illite.Quantitative study of pore evolution shows that dissolution and calcite cementation are relatively developed in lithofacies Type III,and that compaction has a great influence on lithofacies TypeⅠand II.According to comprehensive evaluation of lithofacies,diagenesis and pore structure characteristics,the reservoir space type is mainly the dissolution pore.It is mainly primarily mainly composed of lithofacies Type III,thickness of the gravel body is more than 25 m,porosity is generally more than 12%,which represents favorable conditions for the distribution of favorable reservoir.

Control of paleogeographic pattern on sedimentary differentiation of evaporite-carbonate symbiotic system:A case study of the sixth sub-member of Ordovician Majiagou Formation M5 Member in central-eastern Ordos Basin,NW China

The relationship between paleogeographic pattern and sedimentary differentiation of evaporite-carbonate symbiotic system is examined based on logging,core and thin section data,by taking the sixth sub-member of fifth member of Ordovician Majiagou Formation(M56)in the central-eastern Ordos Basin as an example.(1)Seven sub-geomorphic units(Taolimiao west low,Taolimiao underwater high,Taolimiao east low,Hengshan high,East salt low,North slope and Southwest slope)developed in the study area.(2)The“three lows”from west to east developed dolomitic restricted lagoon,evaporite evaporative lagoon and salt evaporative lagoon sedimentary facies respectively,the"two highs"developed high-energy grain beach and microbial mound,and the north and south slopes developed dolomitic flats around land.(3)The paleogeographic pattern caused natural differentiation of replenishment seawater from the northwest Qilian sea,leading to the eccentric sedimentary differentiation of dolomite,evaporite and salt rock symbiotic system from west to east,which is different from the classic“bull's eye”and“tear drop”distribution patterns.(4)As the Middle Qilian block subducted and collided into the North China Plate,the far-end compression stress transferred,giving rise to the alternate highland and lowland in near north to south direction during the sedimentary period of M56 sub-member.(5)Taolimiao underwater high and Hengshan high developed favorable zones of microbial mounds and grain shoals in south to north strike in M56 sub-member,making them favorable exploration areas with great exploration potential in the future.

Accumulation conditions of outside source heavy oil in NepaBotuoba Sub-basin,Russia and prediction of distribution

In terms of tectonic evolution and petroleum geological conditions of the Nepa-Botuoba Sub-basin and its adjacent su4b-basins,the accumulation conditions of the heavy oil were analyzed. The studied area had plenty of oil and gas accumulation,but there were no developed source rocks. It is a typical outside source accumulation,whose origins from thick high-quality source rock deposited in the adjacent sub-basins. The shallow layer has favorable heavy oil reservoir conditions and poor sealing conditions,which benefits the thickening of hydrocarbon. The multi-periods of structural compression not only uplifted the studied area drastically,but also created a series of fault zones and large-scale slope belt. The structural compression also provided channel and sufficient power for migration of hydrocarbon to shallow layers. Based on these conditions,the favorable accumulation zone of heavy oil was predicted,which provided direction for heavy oil exploration in Nepa-Botuoba Subbasin.

Classification and characteristics of tight oil plays

Based on the latest conventional–unconventional oil and gas databases and relevant reports,the distribution features of global tight oil were analyzed.A classification scheme of tight oil plays is proposed based on developed tight oil fields.Effective tight oil plays are defined by considering the exploiting practices of the past few years.Currently,potential tight oil areas are mainly distributed in 137 sets of shale strata in 84 basins,especially South America,North America,Russia,and North Africa.Foreland,craton,and continental rift basins dominate.In craton basins,tight oil mainly occurs in Paleozoic strata,while in continental rift basins,tight oil occurs in Paleozoic–Cenozoic strata.Tight oil mainly accumulates in the Cretaceous,Early Jurassic,Late Devonian,and Miocene,which correspond very well to six sets of globaldeveloped source rocks.Based on source–reservoir relationship,core data,and well-logging data,tight oil plays can be classified into eight types,above-source play,below-source play,beside-source play,in-source play,between-source play,in-source mud-dominated play,insource mud-subordinated play,and interbedded-source play.Specifically,between-source,interbedded-source,and in-source mud-subordinated plays are major targets for global tight oil development with high production.Incontrast,in-source mud-dominated and in-source plays are less satisfactory.