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.

Types,Characteristics and Significances of Migrating Pathways of Gas-bearing Fluids in the Shenhu Area,Northern Continental Slope of the South China Sea

The first marine gas hydrate expedition in China has been conducted by Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey in the Shenhu Area, northern continental slope of the South China Sea. Previous study has analyzed the P-T conditions, geophysical anomalies and saturation calculations of these gas hydrates, but has not documented in detail the migration of gas-bearing fluids in the study area. Based on the interpretations of 2D/3D seismic data, this work identified two types of migration pathways for gas-bearing fluids in the Shenhu area, i.e., vertical and lateral pathways. The vertical pathways（largescale faults, gas chimneys and mud diapirs） presented as steep seismic reflection anomalies, which could be traced downward to the Eocene source rocks and may penetrate into the Late Miocene strata. The deeper gases/fluids might be allowed migrating into the shallower strata through these vertical conduits. However, the distributions showed distinct differences between these pathways. Large-scale faults developed only in the north and northeast of the Shenhu area, while in the drilling area gas chimneys were the sole vertical migration pathways. Since the Pliocene, normal faults, detachment faults and favorable sediments have constituted the lateral pathways in the Shenhu gas hydrate drilling area. Although these lateral pathways were connected with gas chimneys, they exerted different effects on hydrate formation and accumulation. Gas-bearing fluids migrated upward along gas chimneys might further migrate laterally because of the normal faults, thereby enlarging the range of the chimneys. Linking gas chimneys with the seafloor, the detachment faults might act as conduits for escaping gases/fluids. Re-deposited sediments developed at the early stage of the Quaternary were located within the gas hydrate stability zone, so hydrates would be enriched in these favorable sediments. Compared with the migration pathways（large-scale faults and mud diapirs） in the LW3-1 deep-sea oil/gas field, the migration efficiency of the vertical pathways（composed of gas chimneys） in the gas hydrate drilling area might be relatively low. Description and qualitative discrimination of migration pathways in the Shenhu gas hydrate drilling area are helpful to further understand the relationship between good-quality deep source rocks and shallow, mainly biogenicallyproduced, hydrates. As the main source rocks of the Baiyun sag, lacustrine mudstones in the Wenchang and Enping Formations may provide thermogenic methane. Gas chimneys with relatively low migration efficiency created the vertical pathways. Caused by the Dongsha tectonic movement, the release of overpressured fluids might reduce the vertical migration rates of the thermogenic methane. The thick bathyal/abyssal fine-grained sediments since the Late Miocene provided migration media with low permeability. These preconditions may cause carbon isotopic fractionation ofthermogenic methane during long-distance vertical migrations. Therefore, although geochemical analyses indicate that the methane forming gas hydrate in the Shenhu area was mainly produced biogenically, or was mixed methane primarily of microbial origin, thermogenic methane still contribute significantly.

The Relationship between Tectonic Subsidence and BSR of Upper Neogene in the Deep-Water Area of the Northern Continental Slope, South China Sea

BSR （Bottom Simulating Reflector） occurs widely in the strata since the late Miocene in the deep-water area of the northern continental slope of South China Sea （SCS）. It is an important seismic reference mark which identifies the gas hydrate and its distribution influenced by the tectonic movements. Single-point basin modeling was conducted using 473 points in the study area. To discuss the relationships between the tectonic subsidence and BSR, the volume and rate of tectonic subsidence in each geological time have been simulated. The results show that there are three tectonic accelerate subsidence processes in the study area since the late Miocene, especially since 1.8Ma the tectonic subsidence accelerates more apparently. Since the Late Miocene to Pleistocene, the rate of tectonic subsidence in deep-water underwent a transformation from weak to strong. The ratio of tectonic subsidence to the total subsidence was relatively high （65-70%）. Through the superposition of the BSR developed areas and the contours of tectonic subsidence in this area, it was discovered that more than 80% of BSR tend to be distributed at the slope break or depression-uplift structural transfer zone and the average tectonic subsidence rate ranges from 70 m/Ma to 125 m/Ma.

GRAVITY-DRIVEN SEDIMENTATION ON THE NORTHWESTERN CONTINENTAL SLOPE IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA:RESULTS FROM HIGH-RESOLUTION SEISMIC DATA AND PISTON CORES

A distinct echo-character was assigned to sedimentation processes, which were then verified using data from surface sediment samples and piston cores. of echo types on the continental slope perfectly reflecting both sediment erosion and deposition, four edimentary types have been recognized:(1) submarine clides distributed on the shelfbreak and characterized by high silt and water conten, loose struture, poor consolidation and low shearing strength; (2) slumps occurring on the shelfbreak, middle slope channel and reef margin near Dongsha Islands, but having different origins; (3) debris flow occurring either in sea areas around Dongsha Atoll, or on the continental slope’s three channels, where the transparent debris flow deposits often overlie or abruptly truncate highly stratified hemipelagic sediments;are of limited to local extent, ranging from a few square kilometers to hundreds of square kilometers in area; but on the lowr slope, usually occur as 1000 km2, about 100 km2 individual complexes; and (4) turbidites, limited on the continental slope; are occurring as migrating waves of sediments at the the of the slope, and are rhythmically-bedded, coarse-grained. Their migration is a result of overbank flow downslope through the submarine channel at the west. The slope faces are dominated by mass wasting deposition, and a few turbidite current sediments. As wasting is an important process. Some debris flow eomplexes on the west are buried by well-stratified confomable sediments, whereas others on the east appear on the present seafloor and therefore are relatively recent.

Liquid-plastic Limit of Surface Sediments in North Slope of South China Sea

1 Introduction China has a vast area of continental shelf and is very rich in marine resources,but because of the complex geological environment and frequent geological disasters,the utilization of marine resources and the construction of marine engineering are limited(Zhu et al.,2016).As the

A continental slope stability evaluation in the Zhujiang River Mouth Basin in the South China Sea

In nature, a slope stability is determined by the ratio of a sliding resistance to a slide force. The slide force of a marine deep-water continental slope is mainly affected by sediment mechanics properties, a topography, and a marine seismic. However, the sliding resistance is mainly affected by sedimentary patterns and a sedimentary stress history. Both of these are different from case to case, and their impact can be addressed when the data are organized in a geographic information system（GIS）. The study area on the continental slope in Zhujiang River Mouth Basin in South China Sea provides an excellent opportunity to apply GIS spatial analysis technology for the evaluation of the slope stability. In this area, a continental slope topography and a three-dimension（3-D） topography mapping show a sea-floor morphology and the distribution of a slope steepness in good detail, and the sediment analysis of seabed samples and an indoor appraisal reveals the variability of a sediment density near the sea-floor surface. On the basis of the results of nine geotechnical studies of submarine study areas, it has worked out that an equivalent cyclic shear stress ratio is roughly between 0.158 and 0.933, which is mainly depending on the initial water content of sediment. A regional density, slope and level of anticipated seismic shaking information are combined in a GIS framework to yield a map that illustrates a continental slope stability zoning under the influencing factors in Zhujiang River Mouth Basin in the South China Sea. The continental slope stability evaluation can contribute to north resources development in the South China Sea, the marine functional zoning, the marine engineering construction and adjust measures to local conditions, at the same time also can provide references for other deep-water slope stability analysis.

Surface Sediment Density and Moisture Content in North slope of South China Sea

Marine engineering geology is mainly based on the actual project to study the seabed.This provides a variety of engineering geological parameters for the development of marine engineering(Zhu et al.,2016).This is an early

Statistical characteristics of mesoscale eddies on the continental slope in the northern South China Sea

The continental slope in the northern South China Sea(SCS) is rich in mesoscale eddies which play an important role in transport and retention of nutrients and biota. In this study, we investigate the statistical properties of eddy distributions and propagation in a period of 24 years between 1993 and 2016 by using the altimeter data. A total of 147 eddies are found in the continental slope region(CSR), including 70 cyclonic eddies(CEs) and 77 anticyclonic eddies(ACEs). For those eddies that appear in the CSR, the surrounding areas of Dongsha Islands(DS) and southwest of Taiwan(SWT) are considered as the primary sources, where eddies generated contribute more than 60% of the total. According to the spatial distribution of eddy relative vorticity, eddies are weakening as propagating westward. Although both CEs and ACEs roughly propagate along the slope isobaths, there are discrepancies between CEs and ACEs. The ACEs move slightly faster in the zonal direction, while the CEs tend to cross the isobaths with large bottom depth change. The ACEs generally move further into the basin areas after leaving the CSR while CEs remain around the CSR. The eddy propagation on the continental slope is likely to be associated with mean flow at a certain degree because the eddy trajectories have notable seasonal signals that are consistent with the seasonal cycle of geostrophic current. The results indicate that the eddy translation speed is statistically consistent with geostrophic velocity in both magnitude and direction.

Gravity Flow on Slope and Abyssal Systems in the Qiongdongnan Basin,Northern South China Sea

The study of new seismic data permits the identification of sediment gravity flows in terms of internal architecture and the distribution on shelf and abyssal setting in the Qiongdongnan Basin （QDNB）. Six gravity flow types are recognized： （1） turbidite channels with a truncational basal and concordant overburden relationship along the shelf edge and slope, comprising laterally-shifting and vertically-aggrading channel complexes; （2） slides with a spoon-shaped morphology slip steps on the shelf-break and generated from the deformation of poorly-consolidated and high water content sediments; （3） slumps are limited on the shelf slope, triggered either by an anomalous slope gradient or by fault activity; （4） turbidite sheet complexes （TSC） were ascribed to the basin-floor fan and slope fan origin, occasionally feeding the deep marine deposits by turbidity currents; （5） sediment waves occurring in the lower slope-basin floor, and covering an area of approximately 400 km2, were generated beneath currents flowing across the sea bed; and （6） the central canyon in the deep water area represents an exceptive type of gravity flow composed of an association of debris flow, turbidite channels, and TSC. It presents planar multisegment and vertical multiphase characteristics. Turbidite associated with good petrophysical property in the canyon could be treated as a potential exploration target in the QDNB.

Submarine Landslide Identified in DLW3102 Core of the Northern Continental Slope, South China Sea

In this paper, we take DLW3101 core obtained at the top of the canyon(no landslide area) and DLW3102 core obtained at the bottom of the canyon(landslide area) on the northern continental slope of the South China Sea as research objects. The chronostratigraphic framework of the DLW3101 core and elemental strata of the DLW3101 core and the DLW3102 core since MIS5 are established by analyzing oxygen isotope, calcium carbonate content, and X-Ray Fluorescence(XRF) scanning elements. On the basis of the information obtained by analyzing the sedimentary structure and chemical elements in the landslide deposition, we found that the DLW3102 core shows four layers of submarine landslides, and each landslide layer is characterized by high Si, K, Ti, and Fe contents, thereby indicating terrigenous clastic sources. L1(2.15–2.44 m) occurred in MIS2, which is a slump sedimentary layer with a small sliding distance and scale. L2(15.48–16.00 m) occurred in MIS5 and is a debris flow-deposited layer with a scale and sliding distance that are greater than those of L1. L3(19.00–20.90 m) occurred in MIS5; its upper part(19.00–20.00 m) is a debris flow-deposited layer, and its lower part(20.00–20.90 m) is a sliding deposition layer. The landslide scale of L3 is large. L4(22.93–24.27 m) occurred in MIS5; its upper part(22.93–23.50 m) is a turbid sedimentary layer, and its lower part(23.50–24.27m) is a slump sedimentary layer. The landslide scale of L4 is large.

Comprehensive Investigation of Submarine Slide Zones and Mass Movements at the Northern Continental Slope of South China Sea

Multi-beam bathymetry and seismic sequence surveys in the northern slope of the South China Sea reveal detailed geomorphology and seismic stratigraphy characteristics of canyons, gullies, and mass movements. Modern canyons and gullies are roughly elongated NNW–SSW with U-shaped cross sections at water depths of 400–1000 m. Mass movements include slide complexes, slide scars, and debris/turbidity flows. Slide complexes and slide scars are oriented in the NE–SW direction and cover an area of about 1790 and 926 km^2, respectively. The debris/turbidity flows developed along the lower slope. A detailed facies analysis suggests that four seismic facies exist, and the late Cenozoic stratigraphy above the acoustic basement can be roughly subdivided into three sequences separated by regional unconformities in the study area. The occurrence of gas hydrates is marked by seismic velocity anomalies, bottom-simulating reflectors, gas chimneys, and pockmarks in the study area. Seismic observations suggest that modern canyons and mass movements formed around the transition between the last glacial period and the current interglacial period. The possible existence and dissociation of gas hydrates and the regional tectonic setting may trigger instability and mass movements on the seafloor. Canyons may be the final result of gas hydrate dissociation. Our study aims to contribute new information that is applicable to engineering construction required for deep-water petroleum exploration and gas hydrate surveys along any marginal sea.

The Upper 1000-m Slope Currents North of the South Shetland Islands and Elephant Island Based on Ship Cruise Observations

While the Antarctic Slope Current(ASC) has been intensively studied for the East Antarctica slope area and the Weddell Sea, its fate in the western Antarctic Peninsula(WAP) region remains much less known. Data from two cruises conducted near the South Shetland Islands(SSIs) and the Elephant Island(EI), one in austral summer of 2004 and one in austral winter of 2006, were analyzed to provide a broad picture of the circulation pattern over the continental slope of the surveyed area, and an insight into the dynamical balance of the circulation. The results indicate that southwestward currents are present over the upper slope in the study area, indicating the ASC in the WAP region. Near the Shackleton Gap(SG) north of the EI, the southwestward slope currents near the shelf break are characterized by a water mass colder and fresher than the ambient water, which produces cross-slope density gradients and then vertical shear of the along-slope(or along-isobath) velocity. The vertical shear is associated with a reversal of the along-slope current from northeastward at surface to southwestward in deeper layers, or a depth-intensification of the southwestward slope currents. The water mass with temperature and salinity characteristics similar to the observed cold and fresh water is also revealed on the southern slope of the Scotia Sea, suggesting that this cold and fresh water is originated from the Scotia Sea slope and flows southwestward through the SG. Over the shelf north of the SSIs, the cold and fresh water mass is also observed and originates mainly from the Bransfield Strait. In this area, vertical structure of the southwestward slope currents is associated with the onshore intrusion of the upper Circumpolar Deep Water that creates cross-slope density gradients.

Effects of igneous bodies on modification of modern slope morphology: Insights from the continental slope offshore Dongsha Islands, South China Sea

A statistical analysis for the morphological parameters extracted from numerous seismic profiles, and a highresolution seismic study of the southeastern slope of the Dongsha Islands(South China Sea) with water depth between approximately 500 and 3 100 m, has revealed the variation of morphological features due to the intrusion of igneous bodies and associated sedimentary processes. Three types of the continental slope are distinguished:(1) a rough and steep slope with multiple igneous bodies(Type 1),(2) a relatively smooth and gentle slope with the single igneous body(Type 2), and(3) a smooth and gentle slope without igneous bodies(Type 3). These igneous bodies, formed in the post-seafloor spreading of the South China Sea, are often characterized by high positive seismic amplitudes, and chaotic reflections with complex shapes. The igneous bodies in Type 1 separated the slope into two or more upper sub-sags and a lower main-sag, in which the sub-sags and main-sag could be filled with sediments transported by alongslope bottom currents at the same time. Whereas, the igneous body in Type 2 just separated the slope into an upper sub-sag and a lower main-sag, in which the sediments could be transported into the lower main-sag only after the upper sub-sag has been filled up. Type 3 represents a normal slope with common clinoform progradation. The modern slope morphologies in the study area are the results of adjustments of the continental slope due to the intrusion of igneous bodies and associated sedimentary processes. The distinctions among three types of modern slope morphologies indicate different depositional conditions and adjustments of slope morphologies.

Types of the Continental Slope System Since Miocene in Qiongdongnan Basin,Offshore Hainan,Northern South China Sea

Very high resolution seismic record were used to study the sedimentary processes and morphosedimentary features of the continental slope system since Miocene in Qiongdongnan Basin(QDNB),offshore Hainan,northern South China Sea.It can be divided into four types based on the sedimentary processes and morphology:wide and gentle slope,sigmoid-progradational slope,slumping slope and channeled slope.Different features of

Sediment Provenance and Climate Changes Since the Middle Pleistocene in the Yingqiong Continental Slope of the South China Sea

The age,grain size compositions and major elemental compositions for sediments in core YQ1 from the Yingqiong continental slope in the South China Sea was determined in this paper.It is noted that the periodically cyclic change of sedimentation rates occurred in the Yingqiong continental slope in the South China Sea.During the interglacial periods,the sedimentation rates were high,while the sedimentation rates exhibited low values during the glacial periods.During Marine Isotope Stage 1(MIS1),the sedimentary rate could reach about 800 cm kyr-1 and during the MIS6 this area is characterized by the lowest sedimentary rate,which is lower than 3 cm kyr-1.According to the R-mode factor analysis of the major element data,three factors F1(Al2O3,Fe2O3,TiO2 and K2O),F2(MgO and MnO)and F3(Na2O and P2O5)were obtained,which shows that vertical change of the major elemental concentrations in the core was mainly controlled by the nearby terrestrial inputs and the early diagenesis,while the effect of volcanic and biogenous inputs was less.The obvious glacial-interglacial cyclic features are presented in the changes of the typical terrestrial element ratios contained in factor F1,which reflects the impact of glacial-interglacial climatic cycle on the evolution of the East Asian monsoon.This indicates that the major element ratios in terrestrial sediments are significant indicators of regional climate changes.

The Gravity Flow on a Shelf-Edge-Slope-Basin-Floor Complex in Qiongdongnan Basin,Northern South China Sea

The Qiongdongnan Basin lies in the west part of the northern South China Sea.To the west the basin is bound by the Red River Fault and the Yinggehai Basin,to the east by the Pearl River Mouth Basin,and to the south by the Xisha Rise.In this study,the sequence stratigraphic framework was set up and 11 third-order sequences were distinguished.Based

基于最小数据集的祁连山南坡不同土地利用方式土壤质量评价

为了评估高寒地区不同土地利用方式下的土壤质量状况,明确不同土地利用方式下的土壤质量的关键影响因子,在祁连山南坡采集了林地、灌丛、草地及耕地4种主要土地利用类型的土壤样品174份,通过主成分分析(Principal component analysis,PCA)建立最小数据集(Minimum data set,MDS),综合评估研究区不同土地利用方式下的土壤质量。结果表明:林地、灌丛、草地和耕地土壤质量指数值分别为0.535,0.519,0.466和0.544,表现为耕地>林地>灌丛>草地,对土壤质量分级为Ⅰ~Ⅵ级,对应指数分别为≤0.3,(0.3~0.4],(0.4~0.5],(0.5~0.6],(0.6,0.7]和>0.7,草地等级为Ⅲ级,处于“中等”水平;耕地、林地和灌丛土壤质量等级为Ⅳ级,处于“中等偏上”水平。土壤质量关键指标间存在互相影响,因此,建议研究区域土地要实施分类科学管理。此外,合理开发和应用绿色高效的新型生物技术是应对影响研究区土壤质量的微生物指标的有效措施。

南海西北陆坡次表层异常反气旋涡声传播特征研究

基于2018年4月温盐流断面观测、卫星遥感和模式再分析数据,本文分析了南海西北部陆坡海区一个异常反气旋涡的声场特性与声传播效应。结果表明,该反气旋具有透镜式温盐结构、表层冷核和更浅的混合层深度,流速次表层强化。不同于正常反气旋涡声速等值线的下凹,异常反气旋涡声速分布呈现上凸下凹的透镜式结构。涡心表层声速小于涡外,呈现负异常(<-2 m/s),次表层则为正异常(>11 m/s),这使得原有海区声速双跃层厚度上下延伸共47 m。当声源位于涡外陆架向外海传播时,与正常反气旋涡旋相反,异常反气旋涡破坏表面声道,减小声传播距离;声源在涡外深海向陆架传播时,异常反气旋涡则与正常反气旋涡类似,声能汇聚区的位置相比无涡旋时后移和下移,最大距离分别超过24 km和0.3 km。声源位于涡旋内部向外海传播时,异常反气旋涡使得声线反转深度加深,声能汇聚区间距加大1倍,正常反气旋涡中则未见这一现象。

祁连山南坡土地利用变化及碳储量研究

祁连山区域作为中国西北地区的生态过渡带,其陆地生态系统具有巨大的固碳能力。了解土地利用和碳储量变化并预测其时空演变格局,可为生态固碳提供参考,对优化区域国土空间规划措施和维护生态环境可持续发展具有重要意义。以祁连山南坡为例,基于2000、2010和2020年3期土地利用数据,运用GIS技术分析2000-2020年研究区土地利用变化,在此基础上,利用CA-Markov模型和InVEST模型,通过实地调查与当地政策相结合,选取高程、坡度、坡向、距道路距离、适宜开发性等作为影响性因子,预测2030年研究区土地利用变化下的碳储量格局。结果表明,1)研究区2000-2020年土地利用类型以草地为主,并逐年减少,其次为裸地和林地,建设用地面积最小。同时各用地类型均在发生相互转化,在空间上具有可逆性。在土地利用变化上,建设用地土地利用动态度最快,表明该地区研究时段内城建面积扩张迅速。2)利用CA-Markov模型对研究区2030年土地利用变化进行预测模拟,预测精度Kappa值88.9%,表明该预测模拟在复杂的祁连山区可行。预测显示,2030年祁连山南坡土地利用以草地、裸地和林地为主。耕地、林地、建设用地、湿地和裸地均呈增加趋势,草地呈现减少趋势。3)估算研究区2000、2010和2020年的碳储量分别为4.03×10^(8)、4.13×10^(8)、4.22×10^(8)t。2030年碳储量将达到4.49×10^(8)t,较2020年增长6.40%,碳储量呈稳步增加趋势,主要原因是林地及湿地的扩张,使碳储量的净固持量大于了净释放量,有利于碳的固存。该研究可为祁连山生态环境治理和土地利用管理决策提供科学依据。

涠西南凹陷南部斜坡带油气运移地球化学与成藏特征

涠西南凹陷南部斜坡带是重要的油气聚集区,在角尾组、涠洲组、流沙港组和石炭系地层中均发现了油气显示。通过原油地球化学特征分析,本区原油主要为凹陷中央流沙港组二段下部烃源岩生成的成熟原油,原油以轻质油为主,为咸水湖相环境形成原油。油源精细对比揭示,涠西南凹陷流沙港组二段、三段、角尾组和石炭系地层均属于同一类原油,通过全烃谱图中正构烷烃分布特征建立适合本区的运移分馏指数FI=(nC8~nC12)/(nC25~nC32),并结合饱和烃、芳烃比值和油气运移分馏指数关系分析,WB到WC流沙港组二段和流沙港组三段原油样品均呈现出运移分馏指数增加,饱芳比增加的趋势,指示WB构造流沙港组二段和流沙港组三段原油为侧向运移至WC构造。同时通过WA构造含氮化合物含量与深度关系分析,揭示浅部含氮化合物屏蔽型异构体相对富集,暴露型异构体相对减少,指示垂向上具有明显的沿断裂带从深部向浅部运移的特征。综合考虑本地区输导体系的空间叠置关系,认为南部斜坡带是洼陷中央烃源生成油气经由断层、砂体等输导体系运聚到浅部和斜坡带成藏,此次研究对本区带下步油气勘探具有重要意义。