Stratigraphic Framework of the Cryogenian in China

The Cryogenian is a critical period in the history of the Earth. It is marked by multiple extreme climate changes that caused alternating global glacial and interglacial intervals. These dramatically changed the sedimentary system, and metal ores and source rocks distributed widely during this period. Therefore, studying the Cryogenian stratigraphic framework and sedimentary basins is important to improve the stratigraphic resolution for metal mineral and hydrocarbon prospecting and exploration in China. This review paper firstly divides three tectonic-stratigraphic regions in China in the Cryogenian, including the tectonic-stratigraphic regions of Great South China, Xingmeng-Tarim, and North China. Secondly, geochronologic data and geological records are combined to clearly depict the Cryogenian sedimentary sequence of continental blocks and micro-continental blocks in different tectonic-stratigraphic regions. The results were used to propose a new comparison scheme of stratigraphy for the Cryogenian in China. Finally, according to differences of sedimentary evolution and tectonic evolvement, sedimentary basins and their lithofacies paleogeography are identified and summarized, respectively.

Tertiary Sea Level Changes and Sequence Stratigraphic Framework in East China Sea Shelf Basin

The East China Sea shelf basin is a key area for setting up the sea level changes of Cenozoic in the West Pacific. Based upon the characteristics of seismic reflection, the analysis of sequence stratigraphy and depositional system, the high resolution chronostratigraphic framework has been set up by using the data of micropaleontologic biozone fossils. The relative sea level change curve has been set up by combining analysis of paleoecology, genetic facies, specific sedimentary structures and on lap recognized from the seismic profiles with study of geochemical characteristics. There are 4 2nd order basin cycles showing the long term sea level changes, and 22 3rd order cycles showing short term ones with relative changing ranges of 0-150 m. Transgression and regression showing long term sea level changes bear asymmetric feature, which indicates that the speed of transgression is faster than that of regression. There are a lot of differences when compared with Haq ’s curve. The sequence stratigraphic framework has also been set up and 3 tectonic sequences, 7 supersequences and 19 sequences have been subdivided for Tertiary in the East China Sea shelf basin. On the basis of detailed analysis of genetic facies and log facies, 9 sedimentary systems, 20 depositional assemblages and many genetic facies have also been recognized and investigated. Based on the studies mentioned above, the favorable source and reservoir facies of gas and petroleum are indicated.

Late Permian Sequence Stratigraphic Framework and Controlling Factors in Southern Yangtze Platform and Its Margin

Late Permian stratigraphic, sedimentary and paleotectonic studies along a corridor profile across the Yangtze paleocontinent and its southern margin reveal the sedimentary evolution, subdivide the depositional sequences, and reconstruct the stratigraphic framework based on lateral correlation and tracing of the bounding surfaces and depositional systems. This corridor profile transects the Yangtze craton and a molasse sag zone in its southern margin. It is demonstrated that the Late Permian sedimentary evolution along the investigated profile evidently resulted from the interplay of sea level change, differential subsidence and sediment supply within the given tectonic units. In the cratonic interior, high frequency sea level fluctuation exerts an important control on the formation of the third order and fourth order sequences, and is the basis for transfacies correlation. The evolution of sequence succession in the taphrogenic zone is so much affected by the intense tectonic subsidence that it is hardly correlatable to that in the cratonic interior.

Sedimentary architecture and distribution of intra-platform shoal in sequence framework of Permian Changxing Formation in central Sichuan Basin,SW China

Based on the comprehensive analysis of core, thin section, logging and seismic data, this study carried out the identification and comparison of Permian Changxing Formation sequences, clarified the typical sedimentary architectures of intra-platform shoal, investigated the vertical and horizontal development and distribution of intra-platform shoal in each sequence, and thus established the sedimentary evolution model of shoal body. The study results are reflected in four aspects.First, there are two complete third-order sequences(SQ1 and SQ2) in Changxing Formation in central Sichuan Basin. SQ1 is generally thick in the north and thin in the south, and SQ2 shows a thickness differentiation trend of “two thicknesses and three thinnesses”. Second, the Changxing Formation in central Sichuan Basin mainly develops intra-platform shoal, inter-shoal sea and intra-platform depression subfacies. In the vertical direction, the intra-platform shoal mainly presents two typical sedimentary sequences: stable superposed and high-frequency interbedded. Third, the stable superimposed sedimentary sequence is developed in the shoal belt at the edge of intra-platform depression, which is composed of two shoal-forming periods and located in the highstand systems tracts(HSTs) of SQ1 and SQ2. The high-frequency interbedded sedimentary sequence is developed in the southern shoal belt of intra-platform depression, which is composed of four shoal-forming periods and mainly located in the HST of SQ2. Fourth, during the SQ1 deposition, the intra-platform shoal was mainly developed at the edge of the intra-platform depression on the north side of the study area, and the inter-shoal sea subfacies was mainly developed on the south side. During the SQ2 deposition, the intra-platform shoal was widely developed in the area, forming two nearly parallel intra-platform shoal belts. The study results provide direction and ideas for exploration of Changxing Formation intra-platform shoal reservoirs in central Sichuan Basin.

Distribution regularity of the Ordovician reef-bank reservoir inside sequence stratigraphic ework in central Tarim Basin

Based on the integrated study of the outcrops, the seismic, drilling and logging data of Lianglitage formation in central Tarim Basin, the sequence stratigraphic framework of the platform margin is built, and the Lianglitage formation is divided into 3 third-order sequences. The vertical pattern and lateral distribution for carbonate reef-bank reservoir in sequence stratigraphic framework are analyzed. The reef-bank reservoir mainly developed in highstand system tract of sequence Ssq2, and distributed along the carbonate platform margin of the Middle-Late Ordovician in central Tarim Basin. The mudstone mound, organic reef, granule bank are vertically stacked. Laterally, the area of well shun3-shun4-shun2-shun6 are characterized by multiphase bank reservoir overlapping, and the area of well TZ82 -TZ44 - TZ161 -TZ24 - TZ26 are characterized by multiphase organic reef and bank overlapping. The reef-bank complexes in sequence Ssq2 are the main targets of exploration in central Tarim Basin.

Simulation of the Subsidence and Deposition Processes of the Foreland Basin in the Southwestern Margin of Ordos

Characteristics of deformation in the thrust belt and sequence stratigraphic framework in the foreland basin, structural features of the basin margin, and the episodic thrusting are studied in this paper by combining the eastern Qilian thrust belt and the Late Triassic foreland basin on the southwestern margin of Ordos. On this basis, a geological model and a mechanical model of coupling mechanism were established for the pair of thrust belt and foreland basin, and the subsidence and deposition process of the foreland basin were simulated on given parameters.

Evolution of the Extensional Rifted Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi Oceanic Basin During the Late Hercynian to Middle Indosinian Stage

On the basis of exhaustive researches on the facies sequences and depositlonal evolutionary process of various depositional systems, the genetic stratigraphic framework of the extensional rifted oceanic basin, which has undergone strong structural destruction, has been reconstructed by means of dynamic genetic stratigraphic analysis. Five depositional episodes have been distinguished from various isochronous stratigraphic boundaries and stratigraphic sequences with the three-dimensional structure of each depositional episode analysed in detail. The tectonic paleogeographic environment corresponding to different stages of each depositional episode has been reconstructed for individual depositional system tracts. And the evolution history of this rifted basin has been divided into four stages' initial rifting and oceanization of continental crust, stretching and spreading of the basin, subduction and basin differentiation, and convergence and collision. A NNE-trending intracontinental soft collision suture was left after the closing of the basin.

Depositional Sequences of Yitong Graben (Eastern China) and Its Response to Transform-Extensional Processes

The Yitong graben is located in the northeastern segment of the Tertiary rift system in East China. The graben is bounded by a steep dipping transform fault on the northwestern side and subparallel normal faults on the southeastern side, with very thick marginal fan complexes indicating syntectonic sedimentation. The graben is infilled with Tertiary sediments up to 6 000 m thick, in which a series of different scaled hiatuses and tectonic inversion events have been discerned during hydrocarbon exploration. According to regional and local conformities, the basin infill may be divided into three tectonic sequences, among which the major sequence TS2 is further subdivided into three sequence sets and fourteen subsequences. Based on the sequence stratigraphic framework, depositional system tracts which are characterized by marginal fan complexes on both sides of basin and deep or shallow lacustrine deposits in the central part are reconstructed. The subsidence curves show that the graben had undergone several rapid subsidence episodes, which is interpreted to have been caused by multiple stretching of the lithosphere. Integrative analysis of the depositional structural features shows that the regional tectonic stress system experienced a transformation from dextral transformational shear through thermal subsidence to sinistral compressional shear with a general extensional setting. Extension and wrenching dominated the graben evolution and affected the depositional style in different evolutionary stages, the spatial configuration of depositional system and its relationship with unconformities. The conclusions have been applied with some successes to studying the reservoir and hydrocarbon source rock distribution and lithologic stratigraphic traps in this basin.

Mesozoic “Red Beds” and its Evolution in the Hefei Basin

The Hefei Basin is the largest basin in the North China landmass with complete and well-preserved Mesozoic and Cenozoic strata. In the basin there developed a suite of extremely thick ＂red beds＂ in the Mesozoic. Owing to complex evolution processes and a lack of paleontological traces, there have been controversies regarding the division and correlation of this suite of red beds. Based on results obtained in recent years in drilling, seismic and surface geological investigations and in consideration of relationships between seismic sequences and regional tectonic events, as well as evidence in paleontology, petrology and isotopic dating, this paper preliminarily puts forward the following ideas about the sequence stratigraphic framework of the continental ＂red beds＂ in the Hefei Basin. （1） The Zhougongshan Formation and the Yuantongshan Formation have similar lithologic, geophysical and paleontological characteristics, so we incorporate them into a single formation, called the Yuantongshan Formation, and the original Zhougongshan and Yuantongshan Formations are regarded as the upper and the lower parts of the newly defined Yuantongshan Formation. Its age is the Middle Jurassic; （2） the Zhuxiang Formation belongs to the Upper Jurassic Series and （3） the age of the Xiangdaopu Formation is the Lower Cretaceous. Furthermore, signatures of depositional evolution are analyzed in the paper based on features of seismic reflection, outcrops and drilling data. The Early and Middle Jurassic is characterized by a foreland basin, which is influenced mainly by uplift and longitudinal compression of the Dabieshan Mountains; the Lower Jurassic System has a relatively small depositional area; the Middle Jurassic strata are distributed extensively over the whole basin, marking the summit of basin development; a flexure basin is characteristic of the Late Jurassic, manifesting a joint effect of the Dabieshan and Zhangbaling Mountains with the former being more significant. In the Early Cretaceous, the Xiangdaopu Formation was distributed in the Daqiao depression, evidently affected by extension of the Tanlu fault; in the Late Cretaceous, the Hefei Basin was subjected to dismembering and the Zhangqiao Formation was distributed in the east-west direction along the downthrown side of the fault.

Geometric and Dynamical Characteristics of Sequences in Yitong Graben

Yitong graben belongs to the north segment of the Tanlu fault belt .It was infilled with Eogene, Neogene and Quaternary clastic deposits, each Of them represents a distinct tectonic sequence.Six types of systems association characteristics of distinct depositional systems and spatial disposition are identified in different evolutionary period of the graben.Sequence Stratigraphic framework of the graben is mainly controlled by structural framework,tectonic movement, sources supply, expanding and contracting cycle of lake, position of depositional center. The key factors are structural framework and tectonic movemeat.Through systematic analysis Of regional tectonic settings, it is recognized that Eogene tectonic sequence of Yitong graben was formed under tenso-shear regime. It includes four sequences indicating four tectonic events attributed to tectonic movement of marginal faults.Neogene tectonic sequence was formed under compresso-shear regime, which includes coarse clastic deposits with a thicknessof 0-500m.Pattern of in the Yitong graben indicates the asymmetrical subsisence of marginal faults along two sides and the complicated structural framework.

Study on Carbonate Sequence Stratigraphy of Ordovician in Northern Ordos Basin

The formation of carbonates is different from that of siliciclastics. The controlling factors, such as the in-situ production of carbonates the transport, local variation in depositional processes and the way of dispersal are unique to carbonates systems, and have resulted in the formation of a wide variety of stratal patterns. The authors believe that all the factors influencing the formation of carbonates, such as the evolution of carbonate platform, transgression and regression, drowning and exposing of the platform, should be taken into consideration during the study of carbonate sequence stratigraphy.This paper attempts to summarize the study procedure in outcrop sequence stratigraphy and to describe the integrated identification of condensed section, first flooding surface and maximum flooding surface, so that the framework of high-resolution sequence stratigraphy can be constructed. During the Sandokan in early Ordovician, a carbonate-siliciclastic ramp was developed in northern Ordos, which changed into a carbonate rimmed shelf or a distally steepened ramp during the Zhuozishan and Kelimoli. It was the break in the Wulalike and Middle Ordovician,changing the sedimentary setting into an aulacogen According to the basin evolution, the authors have established some different idealized models for depositional sequences and systems tracts.

Holocene delta evolution and sequence stratigraphy of the Pearl River Delta in South China

We analyzed the sedimentary characteristics and chronostratigraphy of the Pearl River Delta in South China, and discussed the Holocene stratigraphic characteristics and the filling process since the Holocene, based on 90 boreholes. Our results showed that the maximum transgressive surface of the Pearl River Delta was located in the soft marine silt horizons, whereas it was shown as an erosion surface in areas with tidal scour. From bottom to top, Holocene sedimentary sequences were fluvial facies, floodplain-estuary facies, and estuary-delta facies in the paleo-valley, while the paleo-interfluve sequences were described as littoral facies, estuary facies, and delta facies. Vertical accumulation sequences of Holocene sediments were shown primarily as positive tapering-shaped sequences with no typical foreset, topset, or other sedimentary sequences of the Gilbert Delta. The paleo-Pearl River estuary had different evolution models in the highstand systems tract (HST) compared with other large deltas worldwide, in that it is dominated by a unique and complex geomorphologic boundary, and that it is a multi-sourced delta compounded by the independent and parallel development of fluvial sedimentary bodies with different scales. A huge estuary was formed in the present Pearl River Delta area when the post-glacial transgression reached maximum at about 6 ka BP. The estuary was divided into two parts by obstruction of a series of islands, an upper part composed of the semi-enclosed inner paleo-bay connected to rivers and a lower part consisting of the outer paleo-bay connected to the ocean. Both of these areas were interlinked by only a few narrows, in which the fluvial sediments are accumulated primarily in the inner paleo-bay. During 6-2 ka BP, the sedimentation in various regions of the inner paleo-bay occurred simultaneously with independent development under the remodeling and transformation effect of complex boundaries on river and ocean dynamics. After 2 ka BP, the evolution of the delta is no longer a simple natural process, but rather a common remodeling process accomplished by nature and humans.

The Cenozoic sedimentary environment and sedimentary filling evolution of Wan'an Basin in the western South China Sea

As one of the basins with extremely abundant oil and gas resources in South China Sea,the Wan'an Basin has attracted great attention from domestic and international geologists and hydrocarbon explorers.Currently,the sequence stratigraphic framework,distribution of sedimentary systems and sedimentary filling evolution of the Wan'an Basin are still not clear,consequently,it bring some difficulties for hydrocarbon exploration.Based on the palaeobios,well drilling,well logging,and seismic and other data,the sequence stratigraphic framework of the Wan'an Basin is established,and the sequence interfaces of T100,T60,T50,T40 and T30 in this study are identified.On this basis,the sedimentary environment and sedimentary filling evolution of the Wan'an Basin are systematically analyzed.The results show that the basin had experienced three tectonic evolution periods since Cenozoic,i.e.,the OligoceneeEarly Miocene extensional fault-depression period,Middle Miocene strike-slip reformation period and Late Miocene eQuaternary regional depression period.Thereinto,the provenance in the extensional faultdepression period(OligoceneeEarly Miocene)was mainly from the western uplift of the basin,where the deltaeshore-shallow lacustrineebathylimnetic sedimentary system during Early Oligocene and delta elittoral-neritic sedimentary system during Late OligoceneeEarly Miocene were developed respectively.The provenance during the strike-slip reformation period(Middle Miocene)was still mainly from the western uplift of the basin,where the deltaelittoral-neriticecarbonate platform sedimentary system was developed,and the carbonate platform began to develop abundantly.The provenance during the regional depression period(Late MioceneeQuaternary)is mainly supplied by input of the western distal large rivers,the deltaelittoral-shallow seaecarbonate platformebathyal sea sedimentary system was developed in the Late Miocene,and the shelf-margin deltaecontinental slopeebathyal sea sedimentary system was developed during Pliocene-Quaternary.Therefore,the Wan'an Basin has a favorable hydrocarbon resource potential.

The marine Triassic sequence stratigraphy of Lower Yangtze

Based on detailed field observation and multidisciplinary studies of integrated stratigraphy, the marine Lower and Middle Triassic of Lower Yangtze region is divided into five third order sequences, the general approach of the outcrop sequence stratigraphical study of carbonate ramp is proposed, the pattern in the development of the Early and Middle Triassic sequence under the major regression is summarized, and the sequence stratigraphical and chronostratigraphical frameworks across various paleogeographical facies zones on the marginal platform are established.