Overpressure origins and evolution in deep-buried strata:A case study of the Jurassic Formation,central Junggar Basin,western China

Overpressure is significant to the exploration and exploitation of petroleum due to its influence on hydrocarbon accumulation and drilling strategies.The deep-burial hydrocarbon reservoirs of Jurassic strata in the central Junggar Basin are characterized by intensive overpressure,whose origins are complex and still unclear.In this study,Bowers'method and sonic velocity-density crossplot method based on well logging data were used as a combination for overpressure judgements in geophysics.Furthermore,the corresponding geological processes were analysed in quality and quantity to provide a rational comprehension of the overpressure origins and the model of overpressure evolution and hy-drocarbon accumulation processes.The results showed that hydrocarbon generation in the Jurassic source rocks led to overpressure in the mudstones,while hydrocarbon generation in Permian source rocks led to overpressure in the sandstone reservoirs in Jurassic strata by vertical pressure transfer.The burial and thermal history indicated that the aquathermal effect of pore fluids by temperature increase in deep strata is also an important origin of overpressure,while disequilibrium compaction may not be the dominant cause for the overpressure in deep-buried strata.Furthermore,the continuous tectonic compression in both the north-south and west-east trends from the Jurassic period to the present may also have enhanced the overpressure in deep strata.Meanwhile,the developed faults formed by intensive tectonic compression led to pressure transfer from source rocks to the Jurassic reservoirs.Overpressured geofluids with hydrocarbons migrated to sandstone reservoirs and aggravated the over-pressure in the Jurassic strata.To conclude,the intensive overpressure in the central Junggar Basin is attributed to the combination of multiple mechanisms,including hydrocarbon generation,the aqua-thermal effect,tectonic compression and pressure transfer.Furthermore,the developed overpressure indicated hydrocarbon migration and accumulation processes and the potential of oil and gas reservoirs in deeply buried strata.We hope this study will provide a systematic research concept for overpressure origin analysis and provide guidance for petroleum exploration and exploitation in deep-buried strata.

Characteristics,origin and controlling effects on hydrocarbon accumulation of overpressure in foreland thrust belt of southern margin of Junggar Basin,NW China

Aiming at the differential distribution of overpressure in vertical and lateral directions in the foreland thrust belt in the southern margin of Junggar Basin,the study on overpressure origin identification and overpressure evolution simulation is carried out.Based on the measured formation pressure,drilling fluid density and well logging data,overpressure origin identification and overpressure evolution simulation techniques are used to analyze the vertical and lateral distribution patterns of overpressure,genetic mechanisms of overpressure in different structural belts and causes of the differential distribution of overpressure,and the controlling effects of overpressure development and evolution on the formation and distribution of oil and gas reservoirs.The research shows that overpressure occurs in multiple formations vertically in the southern Junggar foreland thrust belt,the deeper the formation,the bigger the scale of the overpressure is.Laterally,overpressure is least developed in the mountain front belt,most developed in the fold anticline belt,and relatively developed in the slope belt.The differential distribution of overpressure is mainly controlled by the differences in disequilibrium compaction and tectonic compression strengths of different belts.The vertical overpressure transmission caused by faults connecting the deep overpressured system has an important contribution to the further increase of the overpressure strength in this area.The controlling effect of overpressure development and evolution on hydrocarbon accumulation and distribution shows in the following aspects:When the strong overpressure was formed before reservoir becoming tight overpressure maintains the physical properties of deep reservoirs to some extent,expanding the exploration depth of deep reservoirs;reservoirs below the overpressured mudstone cap rocks of the Paleogene Anjihaihe Formation and Lower Cretaceous Tugulu Group are main sites for oil and gas accumulation;under the background of overall overpressure,both overpressure strength too high or too low are not conducive to hydrocarbon enrichment and preservation,and the pressure coefficient between 1.6 and 2.1 is the best.