Subaqueous volcanic eruptive facies,facies model and its reservoir significance in a continental lacustrine basin:A case from the Cretaceous in Chaganhua area of southern Songliao Basin,NE China

The conventional lithofacies and facies model of subaerial and marine pyroclastic rocks cannot reflect the characteristics of subaqueous volcanic edifice in lacustrine basins.In order to solve this problem,the lithofacies of subaqueous eruptive pyroclastic rocks is discussed and the facies model is established by taking the tuff cone of Cretaceous Huoshiling Formation in the Chaganhua area of the Changling fault depression,Songliao Basin as the research object.The results indicate that the subaqueous eruptive pyroclastic rocks in the Songliao Basin can be divided into two facies and four subfacies.The two facies are the subaqueous explosive facies and the volcanic sedimentary facies that is formed during the eruption interval.The subaqueous explosive facies can be further divided into three subfacies:gas-supported hot pyroclastic flow subfacies,water-laid density current subfacies and subaqueous fallout subfacies.The volcanic sedimentary facies consists of pyroclastic sedimentary rocks containing terrigenous clast subfacies.A typical facies model of the tuff cone that is formed by subaqueous eruptions in the Songliao Basin was established.The tuff cone is generally composed of multiple subaqueous eruption depositional units and can be divided into two facies associations:near-source facies association and far-source facies association.The complete vertical succession of one depositional unit of the near-source facies association is composed of pyroclastic sedimentary rocks containing terrigenous clast subfacies,gas-supported hot pyroclastic flow subfacies,water-laid density current subfacies and subaqueous fallout subfacies from bottom to top.The depositional unit of the far-source facies association is dominated by the subaqueous fallout subfacies and contains several thin interlayered deposits of the water-laid density current subfacies.The gas-supported hot pyroclastic flow subfacies and the pyroclastic sedimentary rocks containing terrigenous clast subfacies are favorable subaqueous eruptive facies for reservoirs in continental lacustrine basins.

Effects of deep alkaline and acidic fluids on reservoir developed in fault belt of saline lacustrine basin

Through the long development processes of reservoir sedimentation and diagenesis, acidic and alkaline fluids play key roles in controlling deep reservoir development. However, the ways in which deep fluids control and transform the reservoir under complex fault conditions remain unclear. In this study, a 2D model was established based on a typical sub-salt to intra-salt vertical profile in the Qaidam Basin, China. Based on measured data, multiphase flow reaction and solute transport simulation technology were used to analyze fluids flow and migration in the intra-salt and sub-salt reservoirs, determine the mineral dissolution, precipitation, and transformation in the reservoir caused by the deep fluids, and calculate the changes in reservoir porosity. Results show that deep fluid migrates preferentially along dominant channels and triggers a series of fluid–rock chemical reactions. In the first stage, a large amount of anhydrite precipitated in the fault as a result of upward migration of deep saline fluid, resulting in the formation of anhydrite veins and blockage at the base of the fault. In the second stage, organic acids caused minerals dissolution and a vertical channel was opened in previously blocked area, which promoted continuous upward migration of organic acids and the formation of secondary pores. This study clarifies the transformative effects of deep alkaline and acidic fluids on the reservoir. Moreover, the important fluid transport role of faults and their effect on reservoir development were determined.

Lacustrine Basin Slope Break — A New Domain of Strata and Lithological Trap Exploration

Based on the studies of the Songliao Basin characterized by Cretaceous down-warping, of the Jurassic compressional flexural Junggar basin and of the Bohai Bay Basin characterized by Paleogene rifting, the multiple-grades slope break has developed in lacustrine basins of different origins. Their genetic types can be divided into tectonic slope break, depositional slope break and erodent slope break. The dominant agent of the slope break is tectogenesis, and the scale of slope breaks relates with the size of tectogenesis. The results of the study show that control of mutual grades slope breaks on atectonic traps mainly represent: 1) Atectonic traps develop close to mutual grades slope breaks, with beads-shaped distribution along the slope breaks. 2) In the longitudinal direction, the development of atectonic traps is characterized by the inheritance. 3) Different slope breaks and their different geographical positions can lead to different development types of atectonic traps. 4) A slope break can form different kinds of atectonic traps because of its great lateral variation. 5) The existence of mutual-grade slope breaks leads to different responses of erosion and deposition at different geographical positions in the basin. The oil source bed, reservoir and cap rock combination of atectonic traps is fine. 6) The oil-bearing condition of atectonic traps controlled by slope breaks is very favorable.

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.

Discovery of shale oil in alkaline lacustrine basins:The Late Paleozoic Fengcheng Formation,Mahu Sag,Junggar Basin,China

A new type of shale oil in alkaline lacustrine sediments has been discovered in the Late Paleozoic Fengcheng Formation,Mahu Sag,Junggar Basin,China.The fine-grained sedimentary rocks deposited in this alkaline lacustrine environment can be divided into four types and eight sub-types:mudstone(with no alkali minerals),including massive dolomitic mudstone,and massive and laminated calcareous mudstone;dolomite,including massive argillaceous dolomite(with alkali minerals),and massive and laminated argillaceous dolomite(with no alkali minerals);evaporites;and pyroclastic rocks.The massive argillaceous dolomite(with alkali minerals)and pyroclastic rocks have the highest shale oil potential,with average oil saturation index(OSI)values of 344.67 and 124.65 mg HC/g TOC,respectively.Shale oil exploration in the representative well MY1 indicates that the Fengcheng Formation is thick and contains abundant natural fractures,brittle minerals,and mobile oil.The entire Fengcheng Formation is oilbearing and contains three concentrated stratigraphic intervals of shale oil(i.e.,sweet spots).Well MY1 indicates that,compared with source rocks developed in marine and sulfate-type saline basins,the fine-grained sedimentary rocks deposited in alkaline lacustrine environments can also have high shale oil potential.The co-existence and regular distribution of conventional and unconventional reservoirs in the Fengcheng Formation indicate that it is an ideal exploration target for multiple resource types.

A Climatic Sequence Stratigraphic Model in the Terrestrial Lacustrine Basin:A Case Study of Green River Formation,Uinta Basin,USA

In recent years, with the development of terrestrial sequence stratigraphy, more attention has been focused on the study of the terrestrial lacustrine sequence stratigraphic model globally. Different viewpoints are preferred by researchers. Under the guidance of the theory of sequence stratigraphy, the findings of this paper indicate that climate is a major factor controlling the formation of the fourth-order sequence, based upon the study of the sequence stratigraphy in the Green River Formation of the Uinta basin in the USA. It also divides the fourth-order sequence in the terrestrial lacustrine basin into two system tracts： the wet （rising） half-cycle and the dry （falling） half- cycle, establishing a new-style fourth-order sequence stratigraphic model for the terrestrial lacustrine basin, that is, the climate-genetic sequence stratigraphic model. As a result, the theory of sequence stratigraphy is greatly enriched.

Multiple-stacked Hybrid Plays of lacustrine source rock intervals：Case studies from lacustrine basins in China

Hydrocarbon-producing lacustrine basins are widely developed in the world, and China has a large number of lacustrine basins that have developed since the early Permian. The organic-rich shale-dominated heterogeneous source rock intervals in Chinese lacustrine basins generally contain frequent thin interbeds of stratigraphically associated sandstone, siltstone, marl, dolomite, and limestone. The concept of ‘‘Hybrid Plays＇ ＇ as put forth in this article recognizes this pattern of alternating organicrich shale and organic-lean interbeds and existence of mixed unconventional and conventional plays. Hybrid Plays in lacustrine source rock intervals present a unique closed petroleum system hosting continuous hydrocarbons.The interbedded organic-lean siliciclastic and/or carbonateplays are efficiently charged with hydrocarbons via short migration pathways from the adjacent organic-rich shale that is often also a self-sourced play. We assert ‘‘Hybrid Plays＇ ＇ provide the most realistic exploration model for targeting multiple-stacked and genetically related very tight shale, tight and conventional plays together in the entire source rock interval rather than individual plays only. The Hybrid Play model has been proven and works for a wide variety of lacustrine rift, sag and foreland basins in China.

Paleotopographic controls on facies development in various types of braid-delta depositional systems in lacustrine basins in China

Braid-delta depositional systems are widely developed in most continental basins in China. Research indicates that, for different types of braid delta, the facies sequence and association, which are critical to the prediction of the distribution of reservoirs, differ greatly. This study illustrates the differences in braid-delta depositional systems in terms of sedimentary characteristics, associated systems and reser- voir distributions using three typical paleodeltas in western China： the Zhenbei delta of the upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin, the Yuanba delta of the upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the Sichuan Basin and the Jimsar delta of the upper Permian Wutonggou Formation in the Junggar Basin. A stratigraphic framework was established using seismic data, logs and cores by choosing stable mud sections as regional correlation markers and, topographies of these deltas were reconstructed based on the decompaction and paleobathymetric corrections. Based on both the paleotopography of these deltas and the differences of their sedimentary facies, these braided deltas can be classified into two systems： steep-gradient braid-delta-turbidite system and low-gradient braid-delta-lacustrine system. Moreover, the low-gradient braid-delta-lacustrine system can be further divided into interfingered and sharp contact sub-types according to the contact relation between the delta sands and lacustrine muds. This study shows that the paleotopography of basin margins strongly controls the accommodation as braid deltas prograde into lacustrine basins and, influences the location of the shoreline in response to changes in the lake level. Furthermore, paleotopography plays a significant role in facies and reservoir distribution which is important for petroleum exploration and development.

Mixed carbonate rocks lithofacies features and reservoirs controlling mechanisms in a saline lacustrine basin in Yingxi area,Qaidam Basin,NW China

Taking the mixed pre-salt carbonate rocks in the upper member of Eocene Xiaganchaigou Formation(E_(3)^(2))of Yingxi area in the Qaidam Basin as an example,the lithofacies and controlling mechanisms of reservoir formation are analyzed based on a large dataset of cores,thin sections and geochemical analysis.The reservoirs in E_(3)^(2)pre-salt layers have five types of lithofacies,of them,mixed granular calcareous dolostone,massive calcareous dolostone,plaque calcareous dolostone,and laminated dolomtic limestone are of sedimentary origin,and breccia calcareous dolostone is of tectonic origin.The four types of sedimentary lithofacies are divided into two types of saline sedimentary sequence lithofacies combinations,low-energy type in the sag area and low to high-energy type in the slope and paleo-uplift zone in the depression.Affected by high-frequency supply of continental clastic material,the two types of salty sedimentary sequences are mostly incomplete subtypes of lithofacies.Lithofacies have strong impacts on pre-salt reservoirs in E_(3)^(2):(1)Lithofacies type and sedimentary sequence controlled the formation and distribution of dolomite intercrystalline pores and dissolved pores during the pene-sedimentary period.(2)The structure of laminated dolomitic limestone controlled the formation of large-scale laminated fractures and high permeability channels during the diagenetic period.(3)Granular,massive,plaque calcareous dolostones have low mud content and strong brittleness,in the late tectonic reactivation period,the distribution of the three types of lithofacies,together with their distance from the top large slip faults and secondary faults,controlled the formation and distribution of high-efficiency fracture-cave brecciaed calcareous dolostone reservoirs.The above research led to the composite lithofacies-tectonic formation model of pre-salt reservoir in E_(3)^(2)of Yingxi area.The tempo-spatial distribution of tectonic breccia calcareous dolostone reservoirs,laminated dolomitic limestone shale oil reservoirs and granular,massive calcareous dolostone dissolved-intercrystalline pore tight reservoirs in various structural belts of the studied area have been figured out.These findings gave new insights into tight-shale oil accumulation theory in mixed carbonate successions from saline lacustrine basins,aiding in high efficient exploration and development of petroleum in the studied area.

Geochemistry and heterogeneous accumulation of organic matter in lacustrine basins:A case study of the Eocene Liushagang Formation in the Fushan Depression,South China Sea

Determining the spatial distributions of organic-rich mudstones in hydrocarbon-bearing lacustrine basins is crucial for targeting exploration wells and discovering commercially viable petroleum accumulations.However,the strong heterogeneity of sedimentary systems and organic matter(OM)input and accumulations make it difficult to identify OM-rich mudstones in lacustrine deposits.This paper takes the Eocene Liushagang Formation,in the Fushan Depression,South China Sea,as an example to clarify the relationship between the geochemical characteristics of OM and sedimentary facies.A practical approach is proposed for predicting the spatial distribution of good-quality source rocks with high OM contents.The method used is a combination of logging-based surface fitting and the mudstone to stratum thickness ratio(M/S ratio)of different depositional systems.It was found that this approach improved TOC content prediction both vertically and laterally.The results suggest that semi-deep lacustrine mudstones with predominantly aquatic organism input,deposited in suboxic-anoxic saline stratified water,contain more preserved OM than other mudstones.Using this method,limited areas on the southern slope of the lower Liushagang sequence(SQls3),the central part of the Huangtong Sag in the middle Liushagang sequence(SQls2),and the northern part of the Huangtong Sag in the upper Liushagang sequence(SQls1)are determined to be the best-quality source rocks in the development area.

Wave-Enhanced Sediment-Gravity Flows in Bohai Bay Lacustrine Basin, Eastern China

Sequences of wave-enhanced sediment-gravity flows(WESGFs) have been widely recognized in the marine shelf environment. In this study, we show observations of WESGF deposits in lacustrine settings using well core and thin section data from the Paleogene in the Jiyang sub-basin, Bohai Bay basin, eastern China. The findings of this study include the following: 1) the sequence of WESGFs in the lacustrine basin is similar to that of marine; it consists of three units, MF1 unit: siltstone with basal erosion surface, MF2 unit: silt-streaked claystone, and MF3 unit: silty-mudstone; and 2) prodelta sand sheets are found in the lacustrine WESGF sequence and are classified as the MFd unit: clay-streaked siltstone. However, because the system size and variability in hydrodynamic conditions are different between the lacustrine and marine basins, lacustrine WESGFs do appear to have three distinguishable features: 1) the sediment grain size and sand content are slightly higher than those of the marine WESGFs; 2) lacustrine WESGFs may contain prodelta sediments or sedimentary sequences of other types of gravity flows, such as hyperpycnal flows; and 3) the scale of the sedimentary structures for lacustrine WESGFs is smaller. The WESGFs found in the continental lacustrine basin provide a new model for sediment dispersal processes in lake environments and may be helpful to explain and predict the distribution of sandy reservoirs for oil and gas exploration.

Prediction and quantification of effective gas source rocks in a lacustrine basin:Western Depression in the Liaohe Subbasin,China

Due to limited data on the geochemical properties of natural gas,estimations are needed for the effective gas source rock in evaluating gas potential.However,the pronounced heterogeneity of mudstones in lacustrine successions complicates the prediction of the presence and geochemical characteristics of gas source rocks.In this paper,the Liaohe Subbasin of Northeast China is used as an example to construct a practical methodology for locating effective gas source rocks in typical lacustrine basins.Three types of gas source rocks,microbial,oil-type,and coal-type,were distinguished according to the different genetic types of their natural gas.A practical three-dimensional geological model was developed,refined,and applied to determine the spatial distribution of the mudstones in the Western Depression of the Liaohe Subbasin and to describe the geochemical characteristics(the abundance,type,and maturation levels of the organic matter).Application of the model in the subbasin indicates that the sedimentary facies have led to heterogeneity in the mudstones,particularly with respect to organic matter types.The effective gas source rock model constructed for the Western Depression shows that the upper sequence(SQ2)of the Fourth member(Mbr 4)of the Eocene Shahejie Formation(Fm)and the lower and middle sequences(SQ3 and SQ4)of the Third member(Mbr 3)form the principal gas-generating interval.The total volume of effective gas source rocks is estimated to be 586 km^(3).The effective microbial,oil-type,and coal-type gas source rocks are primarily found in the shallow western slope,the central sags,and the eastern slope of the Western Depression,respectively.This study provides a practical approach for more accurately identifying the occurrence and geochemical characteristics of effective natural gas source rocks,enabling a precise quantitative estimation of natural gas reserves.

Sedimentary Processes and Depositional Characteristics of Coarse-grained Subaqueous Fans along Steep Slopes in a Lacustrine Rift Basin:A Case Study from the Dongying Depression,Bohai Bay Basin,China

Coarse-grained subaqueous fans are vital oil and gas exploration targets in the Bohai Bay basin,China.The insufficient understanding of their sedimentary processes,depositional patterns,and controlling factors restricts efficient exploration and development.Coarse-grained subaqueous fans in the Yong′an area,Dongying Depression,are investigated in this study.These fans include nearshore subaqueous fans,and sublacustrine fans,and their sedimentary processes,depositional patterns and distribution characteristics are mainly controlled by tectonic activity and paleogeomorphology.Nearshore subaqueous fans developed near the boundary fault during the early–middle deposition stage due to strong tectonic activity and large topographic subsidence.Early sublacustrine fans developed at the front of the nearshore subaqueous fans in the area where the topography changed from gentle to steep along the source direction.While the topography was gentle,sublacustrine fans did not develop.During the late weak tectonic activity stage,late sublacustrine fans developed with multiple stages superimposed.Frequent fault activity and related earthquakes steepened the basin margin,and the boundary fault slopes were 25.9°–34°.During the early–middle deposition stage,hyperpycnal flows triggered by outburst floods developed.During the late deposition stage,with weak tectonic activity,seasonal floods triggered hyperpycnal flows,and hybrid event beds developed distally.

Lacustrine basin evolution and coal accumulation of the Middle Jurassic in the Saishiteng coalfield, northern Qaidam Basin, China

Based on an extensive borehole survey of the Middle Jurassic coat-bearing sequences in the Saishiteng coalfield, northern Qaidam Basin （NQB）, a total of 20 rock types and 5 sedimentary facies were identified, including braided river, meandering river, braided delta, meandering river delta, and lacustrine facies. The distribution of rock types and sedimentary facies contributed to the reconstruction of three periods＇ sedimentary facies maps of the Middle Jurassic in the Saishiteng coalfield, namely, the Dameigou age, the early Shimengou age and the late Shimengou age. That also provided the basis for the development of a three-stage depositional model of the Middle Jurassic in the NQB, indicating the lacustrine basin of the NQB in the Dameigou age and early Shimengou age were corresponding to an overfill basin, and that in the late Shimengou age was related to a balanced-fill basin. The analysis of the stability and structure of coat seams based on sedimentary facies maps showed that the preferred coal-forming facies in the Saishiteng coalfield were inter-delta bay and interdistributary bay of lower delta plain in the Dameigou age. In particular, the swamps that developed on the subaqueous pataeohigh favored the development of thick coat seams. Thus, ruinable coal seams may also be found along the Pingtai pataeohigh in the western part of the Saishiteng coalfield.

Reservoirs properties of slump-type sub-lacustrine fans and their main control factors in first member of Paleogene Shahejie Formation in Binhai area, Bohai Bay Basin, China

High-yielding oil wells were recently found in the first member of Paleogene Shahejie Formation,the Binhai area of Qikou Sag,providing an example of medium-and deep-buried high-quality reservoirs in the central part of a faulted lacustrine basin.By using data of cores,cast thin sections,scanning electron microscope and physical property tests,the sedimentary facies,physical properties and main control factors of the high-quality reservoirs were analyzed.The reservoirs are identified as deposits of slump-type sub-lacustrine fans,which are marked by muddy fragments,slump deformation structure and Bouma sequences in sandstones.They present mostly medium porosity and low permeability,and slightly medium porosity and high permeability.They have primary intergranular pores,intergranular and intragranular dissolution pores in feldspar and detritus grains,and structural microcracks as storage space.The main factors controlling the high quality reservoirs are as follows:(1)Favorable sedimentary microfacies of main and proximal distributary gravity flow channels.The microfacies with coarse sediment were dominated by transportation and deposition of sandy debris flow,and the effect of deposition on reservoir properties decreases with the increase of depth.(2)Medium texture maturity.It is shown by medium-sorted sandstones that were formed by beach bar sediment collapsing and redepositing,and was good for the formation of the primary intergranular pores.(3)High content of intermediate-acid volcanic rock detritus.The reservoir sandstone has high content of detritus of various components,especially intermediate-acid volcanic rock detritus,which is good for the formation of dissolution pores.(4)Organic acid corrosion.It was attributed to hydrocarbon maturity during mesodiagenetic A substage.(5)Early-forming and long lasting overpressure.A large-scale overpressure compartment was caused by under-compaction and hydrocarbon generation pressurization related to thick deep-lacustrine mudstone,and is responsible for the preservation of abundant primary pores.(6)Regional transtensional tectonic action.It resulted in the structural microcracks.

Basin-filling processes and hydrocarbon source rock prediction of low-exploration degree areas in rift lacustrine basins:a case from the Wenchang Formation in low-exploration degree areas,northern Zhu I Depression,Pearl River Mouth Basin,E China

Hydrocarbon source rocks, as a main geologic factor of petroliferous systems in a sedimentary basin, play a key role in the accumulation of oil and gas and the formation of hydrocarbon accumulations. This study, which focuses on difficulties in prediction of hydrocarbon source rocks in basins or sags with low exploration degree and insufficient hydrocarbon source rock indicators, taking the Wenchang Formation of northern Zhu I Depression, Pearl River Mouth Basin as an example, proposed a hypothesis of “finding lakes and hydrocarbon source rocks”. Detailed steps include, first, determination of the lacustrine basin boundary according to analysis of seismic foreset facies, determination of the depositional area based on the compilation of strata residual thickness maps, determination of the lacustrine basin shape according to deciphering slope break belt system, determination of the fluctuation of paleo-water depth according to biogeochemical indicators of mature exploration areas, determination of the lacustrine basin scale based on analyses of tectonics intensity and accommodation space, which prove the existence of the lacustrine basin and identify the range of semi deep-deep lake;second, further analyses of tectonopalaeogeomorphology, paleo-provenance,palaeoclimate and paleo-water depth to reconstruct the geologic background of the original basin and semideep-deep lacustrine facies, to determine the distribution of semi-deep/deep lacustrine sediments in combination with studies of logging facies, core facies, seismic facies and sedimentary facies, and to rank the sags’ potential of developing hydrocarbon source rocks from controlling factors of source-to-sink system development;third, on the basis of regional sedimentary facies analysis, through identification and assessment of seismic facies types of semi-deep/deep lacustrine basins in mature areas, establishing “hydrocarbon source rock facies” in mature areas to instruct the identification and depicting of hydrocarbon source rocks in semideep/deep lacustrine basins with low exploration degree;fourth, through systematical summary of hydrocarbon-rich geological factors and lower limit index of hydrocarbon formation of the sags already revealed by drilling wells(e.g., sag area, tectonic subsidence amount, accommodation space, provenance characteristic, mudstone thickness, water body environment, sedimentary facies types of hydrocarbon source rocks), in correlation with corresponding indexes of sags with low exploration degree, then the evaluation and sorting of high-quality source rocks in areas with sparsely distributed or no drilling wells can be conducted with multi-factors and multiple dimensions. It is concluded that LF22 sag, HZ10 sag and HZ8 sag are II-order hydrocarbon rich sags;whereas HZS, HZ11 and HZ24 are the III-order hydrocarbon-generating sags.

Key factors controlling shale oil enrichment in saline lacustrine rift basin:implications from two shale oil wells in Dongpu Depression,Bohai Bay Basin

Comparative analyses of petroleum generation potential,reservoir volume,frackability,and oil mobility were conducted on 102 shale cores from the Dongpu Depression.Results show the shale has high organic matter contents composed of oil-prone type I and type II kerogens within the oil window.Various types of pores and fractures exist in the shale,with a porosity of up to 14.9%.The shale has high brittle mineral contents,extensive fractures,and high potential for oil mobility due to high seepage capacity and overpressure.Although the petroleum generation potential of the shale at Well PS18-8 is relatively greater than that at Well PS18-1,oil content of the latter is greater due to the greater TOC.The porosity and fracture density observed in Well PS18-1 are greater and more conducive to shale oil enrichment.Although the shales in Wells PS18-1 and PS18-8 have similar brittle mineral contents,the former is more favorable for anthropogenic fracturing due to a higher preexisting fracture density.Besides,the shale at Well PS18-1 has a higher seepage capacity and overpressure and therefore a higher oil mobility.The fracture density and overpressure play key roles in shale oil enrichment.

The Late Cretaceous source-to-sink system at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau:Insights from the provenance of the Lanping Basin

The surface uplift of the Tibetan Plateau(TP)and its geomorphology evolution has triggered aridification of Asia's interior and drainage development at the eastern margin of the plateau.However,how the pre-Cenozoic early growth histories of the TP impact the drainage system and climate is poorly constrained.The Late Mesozoic Lacustrine evaporite-bearing basins on the eastern margin of the TP record significant information on the uplift of the source terranes,source-to-sink system development and climate change.In this study,we presented detrital zircon U-Pb ages from the Upper Cretaceous Yunlong Formation in the Lanping Basin,as well as Hf isotopic,petrographic,direct statistical,and multidimensional scaling analyses,and use them to characterize the provenance and reconstruct the drainage system.All of the samples have five major age peaks at 200-290 Ma,400-490 Ma,750-1000 Ma,1750-1950 Ma,and 2400-2600 Ma with mostly negativeε_(Hf)(t)values(81%).We infer the sediments are primarily derived from recycled sediments of the Songpan-Garze terrane,and partly from the Sichuan Basin and the Southern Qiangtang terrane,as well as the exposed magmatic rocks of the Yidun Arc and SongpanGarze terrane.The provenance features of the contemporaneous sediments from the Sichuan,Xichang,Chuxiong,and Simao basins indicate a complex hierarchical drainage pattern on the eastern margin of the TP during the Late Cretaceous.The hierarchical drainage system exhibits a complete gradational cycle of lake-basin types from overfilled freshwater Sichuan Basin through balanced fill saline Xichang Basin and underfilled hypersaline Chuxiong,Lanping,Simao,and Khorat Plateau basins from proximal to distal.The early growth of the TP primarily controlled the drainage and lake-basin evolution by not only causing the uplift and exhumation of the source areas and providing large amounts of clastic material to the proximal sub-drainage areas but also intensifying the aridity and deposition of evaporites.

Formation conditions and exploration direction of large natural gas reservoirs in the oil-prone Bohai Bay Basin, East China

The Bohai Bay Basin is a typical oil-prone basin, in which natural gas geological reserves have a small proportion. In this basin, the gas source rock is largely medium-deep lake mudstone with oil-prone type Ⅱ2-Ⅱ1 kerogens, and natural gas preservation conditions are poor due to active late tectonic movements. The formation conditions of large natural gas fields in the Bohai Bay Basin have been elusive. Based on the exploration results of Bohai Bay Basin and comparison with large gas fields in China and abroad, the formation conditions of conventional large-scale natural gas reservoirs in the Bohai Bay Basin were examined from accumulation dynamics, structure and sedimentation. The results show that the formation conditions of conventional large natural gas reservoirs in Bohai Bay Basin mainly include one core element and two key elements. The core factor is the strong sealing of Paleogene "quilt-like" overpressure mudstone. The two key factors include the rapid maturation and high-intensity gas generation of source rock in the late stage and large scale reservoir. On this basis, large-scale nature gas accumulation models in the Bohai Bay Basin have been worked out, including regional overpressure mudstone enriching model, local overpressure mudstone depleting model, sand-rich sedimentary subsag depleting model and late strongly-developed fault depleting model. It is found that Bozhong sag, northern Liaozhong sag and Banqiao sag have favorable conditions for the formation of large-scale natural gas reservoirs, and are worth exploring. The study results have important guidance for exploration of large scale natural gas reservoirs in the Bohai Bay Basin.

Variation in Pore Space and Structure of Organic-rich Oilprone Shales from a Non-marine Basin:Constraints from Organic Matter and Minerals

Organic matter(OM)and minerals are major particle components of lacustrine shales.The influence of OM and minerals on pore space and structure in organic-rich oil-prone shales containing a large range of total organic carbon(TOC)contents is poorly understood.In this study,we investigated the variation in pore space and structure of low mature lacustrine shales in the Songliao Basin(NE China),based on a study of the mineralogy,petrography,geochemistry,and geophysical properties of shales.Different pore types make markedly different contributions to the mineral surface area(MSA)and pore volume(PV)of the shales.There exists a negative correlation between MSA/PV and TOC in mesopores(r^(2)=0.75/0.65)and macropores(r^(2)=0.74/0.68),and a positive correlation in micropores(r^(2)=0.59/0.64),which are associated with the variation of mineral and TOC contents.A positive relationship between the throat/pore ratio and TOC(r^(2)=0.82)shows an increase in throat radius and decrease in pore radius with increasing TOC content.This relationship is supported by the reduction in mean pore diameter(MPD)for large pores and increase in MPD for small pores.These variations are related to the decreased pores by quartz plus feldspar(Q+F)content,increased throats by clay minerals,an d enhanced pore-fill by OM.We propose that the variation of OM and minerals is a key control on the pore space and structure of low mature organic-rich oil-prone shales.