Geological characteristics and models of fault-foldfracture body in deep tight sandstone of the second member of Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Xinchang structural belt of Sichuan Basin,SW China

In the second member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation(T_(3)x_(2))in the Xinchang area,western Sichuan Basin,only a low percent of reserves has been recovered,and the geological model of gas reservoir sweet spot remains unclear.Based on a large number of core,field outcrop,test and logging-seismic data,the T_(3)x_(2) gas reservoir in the Xinchang area is examined.The concept of fault-fold-fracture body(FFFB)is proposed,and its types are recognized.The main factors controlling fracture development are identified,and the geological models of FFFB are established.FFFB refers to faults,folds and associated fractures reservoirs.According to the characteristics and genesis,FFFBs can be divided into three types:fault-fracture body,fold-fracture body,and fault-fold body.In the hanging wall of the fault,the closer to the fault,the more developed the effective fractures;the greater the fold amplitude and the closer to the fold hinge plane,the more developed the effective fractures.Two types of geological models of FFFB are established:fault-fold fracture,and matrix storage and permeability.The former can be divided into two subtypes:network fracture,and single structural fracture,and the later can be divided into three subtypes:bedding fracture,low permeability pore,and extremely low permeability pore.The process for evaluating favorable FFFB zones was formed to define favorable development targets and support the well deployment for purpose of high production.The study results provide a reference for the exploration and development of deep tight sandstone oil and gas reservoirs in China.

Characteristics and control factors of feldspar dissolution in gravity flow sandstone of Chang 7 Member,Triassic Yanchang Formation,Ordos Basin,NW China

To clarify the formation and distribution of feldspar dissolution pores and predict the distribution of high-quality reservoir in gravity flow sandstone of the 7^(th) member of Triassic Yanchang Formation(Chang 7 Member)in the Ordos Basin,thin sections,scanning electron microscopy,energy spectrum analysis,X-ray diffraction whole rock analysis,and dissolution experiments are employed in this study to investigate the characteristics and control factors of feldspar dissolution pores.The results show that:(1)Three types of diagenetic processes are observed in the feldspar of Chang 7 sandstone in the study area:secondary overgrowth of feldspar,replacement by clay and calcite,and dissolution of detrital feldspar.(2)The feldspar dissolution of Chang 7 tight sandstone is caused by organic acid,and is further affected by the type of feldspar,the degree of early feldspar alteration,and the buffering effect of mica debris on organic acid.(3)Feldspars have varying degrees of dissolution.Potassium feldspar is more susceptible to dissolution than plagioclase.Among potassium feldspar,orthoclase is more soluble than microcline,and unaltered feldspar is more soluble than early kaolinized or sericitized feldspar.(4)The dissolution experiment demonstrated that the presence of mica can hinder the dissolution of feldspar.Mica of the same mass has a significantly stronger capacity to consume organic acids than feldspar.(5)Dissolution pores in feldspar of Chang 7 Member are more abundant in areas with low mica content,and they improve the reservoir physical properties,while in areas with high mica content,the number of feldspar dissolution pores decreases significantly.

Imaging-Based Characterization of Perthite in the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation Tight Sandstone of the Ordos Basin,China

This work investigated the element distribution of perthite from the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation tight sandstone in the Ordos Basin of northern China by field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS). FE-SEM results indicate significant differences in the morphology of Na-rich feldspar when K-rich feldspar is the main component of the perthite. EDS results show that different types of perthite have clearly defined differences on different element indexes. Additionally, indexes such as average-weight-K(K-rich)/Na(Na-rich), maximumweight-K(Na-rich)/Na(Na-rich) and average-atomic-K(K-rich)/Na(Na-rich) might be the most effective ones to identify perthite types. Perthite is divided into six main types, i.e., perthite with thick parallel stripe distribution, with thin parallel stripe distribution, with lumpy stripe distribution, with dendritic stripe distribution, with encircling stripe distribution, and with mixed stripe distribution.

Characteristics and discovery significance of the Upper Triassic–Lower Jurassic marine shale oil in Qiangtang Basin,China

Mesozoic marine shale oil was found in the Qiangtang Basin by a large number of hydrocarbon geological surveys and shallow drilling sampling.Based on systematic observation and experimental analysis of outcrop and core samples,the deposition and development conditions and characteristics of marine shale are revealed,the geochemical and reservoir characteristics of marine shale are evaluated,and the layers of marine shale oil in the Mesozoic are determined.The following geological understandings are obtained.First,there are two sets of marine organic-rich shales,the Lower Jurassic Quse Formation and the Upper Triassic Bagong Formation,in the Qiangtang Basin.They are mainly composed of laminated shale with massive mudstone.The laminated organic-rich shale of the Quse Formation is located in the lower part of the stratum,with a thickness of 50–75 m,and mainly distributed in southern Qiangtang Basin and the central-west of northern Qiangtang Basin.The laminated organic-rich shale of the Bagong Formation is located in the middle of the stratum,with a thickness of 250–350 m,and distributed in both northern and southern Qiangtang Basin.Second,the two sets of laminated organic-rich shales develop foliation,and various types of micropores and microfractures.The average content of brittle minerals is 70%,implying a high fracturability.The average porosity is 5.89%,indicating good reservoir physical properties to the level of moderate–good shale oil reservoirs.Third,the organic-rich shale of the Quse Formation contains organic matters of types II1 and II2,with the average TOC of 8.34%,the average content of chloroform bitumen'A'of 0.66%,the average residual hydrocarbon generation potential(S1+S2)of 29.93 mg/g,and the Ro value of 0.9%–1.3%,meeting the standard of high-quality source rock.The organic-rich shale of the Bagong Formation contains mixed organic matters,with the TOC of 0.65%–3.10%and the Ro value of 1.17%–1.59%,meeting the standard of moderate source rock.Fourth,four shallow wells(depth of 50–250 m)with oil shows have been found in the organic shales at 50–90 m in the lower part of the Bagong Formation and 30–75 m in the middle part of the Quse Formation.The crude oil contains a high content of saturated hydrocarbon.Analysis and testing of outcrop and shallow well samples confirm the presence of marine shale oil in the Bagong Formation and the Quse Formation.Good shale oil intervals in the Bagong Formation are observed in layers 18–20 in the lower part of the section,where the shales with(S0+S1)higher than 1 mg/g are 206.7 m thick,with the maximum and average(S0+S1)of 1.92 mg/g and 1.81 mg/g,respectively.Good shale oil intervals in the Quse Formation are found in layers 4–8 in the lower part of the section,where the shales with(S0+S1)higher than 1 mg/g are 58.8 m thick,with the maximum and average(S0+S1)of 6.46 mg/g and 2.23 mg/g,respectively.

Quantitative identification of relatively highlevel radioactive sandstone in the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation of the Ordos Basin, China

Most relatively high-level radioactive sandstone(HRSS)reservoir has considerable oil(or gas)resource potential.HRSS is often wrongly identified due to its similar logging response characteristics as mudstone,which leads to the omission of effective reservoirs.In this paper,a quantitative identification method for HRSS is proposed after the analyzing of the response characteristics and relationship between spontaneous potential log and natural gamma-ray log in conventional sandstone and mudstone strata.Take the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin as an example:the responses of spontaneous potential log and the responses of natural gamma-ray log are synchronized and positively correlated in conventional sandstone and mudstone strata,but they are not synchronized in HRSS.Quantitative identification of HRSS was realized based on this synchronization feature,and a"virtual compensation"of natural gamma-ray log was performed.At the same time,logging evaluation method about HRSS has been discussed.The final results shows that this identification method work effectively,and can reduce the misjudgment and omission of effective reservoirs.

Coal petrology,sedimentology and depositional environment of the Parvadeh coais in the Upper Triassic,Tabas Block of Central-East Iran

Peat forming environment strongly influences the economic value of any coal seam and coal-bearing strata.Hence,pal-aeoenvironmental studies provide important information for coal resource exploration.In this context,detailed studies on selected coals from the Parvadeh Area,Iran,were conducted using sedimentology,coal petrology,X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analyzer(SEM-EDX),and proximate analysis.The sedi-mentary facies above and below the coal seams are mainly marine or marine-influenced facies,supporting that the coal-forming mires in the Parvadeh Area developed in a paralic environment,where the base level must be closely related to sea level.Sulfur contents are moderate to high and mark the influence of brackish/marine water,especially during transgres-sion after peat growth in a lower delta plain environment.The peat-forming mires extended on coastal/delta plain lobes.The lower delta plain/coastal plain coals are characterized by lateral continuity and substantial thickness,whereas few coals possibly representing the upper delta plain are thin and more discontinuous.The detrital nature and composition of the numerous partings and the overall high ash yield in the coal seams indicate an active tectonic area with high rates of creation of accommodation space over peat growth.Coal petrology and coal facies analysis exhibits a permanently high water table within a forest swamp and mostly rheotrophic conditions,sometimes with connection to the seawater.Accord-ing to paleoenvironmental reconstructions,it seems that coal layers may be thicker,with less sulfur(pyrite),but more clastic minerals and partings toward the western part of the area.Although these coal seams presently have low economic potential for the mining operation,partly due to great depth,this humic,high-volatile to medium-volatile bituminous coal may be suitable for exploration of coal bed methane resources.

Genesis of the low-permeability reservoir bed of upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Xinchang gas field,western Sichuan Depression

The genesis of a reservoir is a result of the combined action of deposition, diagenesis, tectonic reworking, and interaction of rock and fluid and the evolutionary environment. We discuss the genetic and evolution mechanism of a low-permeability reservoir bed of the Xujiahe Formation in the western Sichuan Depression on the basis of the study of diagenesis, diagenetic reservoir facies and the diagenetic evolution sequence. The research indicated that this reservoir bed can be divided into five types of diagenetic reservoir facies, namely strong dissolution, chlorite-lined intergranular pores, compaction and pressure solution, carbonate cementation and secondary quartz increase. There are, however, just two diagenetic reservoir facies which provide low-permeability reservoir beds, namely strong dissolution and chlorite-lined intergranular pores. We also analyzed their diagenetic evolution sequences and the origin of the low-permeability reservoir bed. Besides, it was also indicated that the composition and structure of sandstones, types of sedimentary microfacies, diagenesis history as well as the tectonic reworking in later periods are the main factors controlling the formation of the low-permeability reservoir bed. The above- mentioned factors establish the foundation for the forecasting the distribution of high quality reservoir beds.

Petrophysical and capillary pressure properties of the upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation tight gas sandstones in western Sichuan,China

The tight sandstones of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation（T_3x） constitute important gas reservoirs in western Sichuan.The Xujiahe sandstones are characterized by low to very low porosity （av.5.22%and 3.62%） for the T_3x^4 and T_3x^2 sandstones,respectively）,extremely low permeability（av. 0.060 mD and 0.058 mD for the T_3x^4 and T_3x^2 sandstones,respectively）,strong heterogeneity,micronano pore throat,and poor pore throat sorting.As a result of complex pore structure and the occurrence of fractures,weak correlations exist between petrophysical properties and pore throat size,demonstrating that porosity or pore throat size alone does not serve as a good permeability predictor.Much improved correlations can be obtained between permeability and porosity when pore throat radii are incorporated. Correlations between porosity,permeability,and pore throat radii corresponding to different saturations of mercury were established,showing that the pore throat radius at 20%mercury saturation（R_（20）） is the best permeability predictor.Multivariate regression analysis and artificial neural network（ANN） methods were used to establish permeability prediction models and the unique characteristics of neural networks enable them to be more successful in predicting permeability than the multivariate regression model.In addition, four petrophysical rock types can be identified based on the distributions of R_（20）,each exhibiting distinct petrophysical properties and corresponding to different flow units.

Laminae combination and shale oil enrichment patterns of Chang 73 sub-member organic-rich shales in the Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, NW China

The Chang 73 sub-member of Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin was taken as an example and the lamina types and combinations,reservoir space features and shale oil enrichment patterns in organic-rich shale strata were investigated using core observation,thin section analysis,XRF element measurement,XRD analysis,SEM,high solution laser Raman spectroscopy analysis,and micro-FTIR spectroscopy analysis,etc.According to the mineral composition and thickness of the laminae,the Chang 73 organic-rich shales have four major types of laminae,tuff-rich lamina,organic-rich lamina,silt-grade feldspar-quartz lamina and clay lamina.They have two kinds of shale oil-bearing layers,"organic-rich lamina+silt-grade feldspar-quartz lamina"and"organic-rich lamina+tuff-rich lamina"layers.In the"organic-rich+silt-grade feldspar-quartz"laminae combination shale strata,oil was characterized by relative high maturation,and always filled in K-feldspar dissolution pores in the silt-grade feldspar-quartz laminae,forming oil generation,migration and accumulation process between laminae inside the organic shales.In the"organic-rich+tuff-rich lamina"binary laminae combination shale strata,however,the reservoir properties were poor in organic-rich shales,the oil maturation was relatively lower,and mainly accumulated in the intergranular pores of interbedded thin-layered sandstones.The oil generation,migration and accumulation mainly occurred between organic-rich shales and interbedded thin-layered sandstones.

Types,characteristics and geological significance of event deposits of Chang 9 Member of Triassic Yanchang Formation in southwestern Ordos Basin,NW China

Through core observation,thin section identification,and logging and testing data analysis,the types and characteristics of event deposits in the ninth member of Yanchang Formation of Triassic(Chang 9 Member)in southwestern Ordos Basin,China,are examined.There are 4 types and 9 subtypes of event deposits,i.e.earthquake,gravity flow,volcanic and anoxic deposits,in the Chang 9 Member in the study area.Based on the analysis of the characteristics and distribution of such events deposits,it is proposed that the event deposits are generally symbiotic or associated,with intrinsic genetic relations and distribution laws.Five kinds of sedimentary microfacies with relatively developed event deposits are identified,and the genetic model of event deposits is discussed.Seismites are mainly developed in the lake transgression stage when the basin expands episodically,and commonly affected by liquefaction flow,gravity action and brittle shear deformation.Gravity flow,mainly distributed in the high water level period,sandwiched in the fine-grained sediments of prodelta or semi-deep lake,or creates banded or lobate slump turbidite fan.It is relatively developed above the seismites strata.The volcanic event deposits are only seen in the lower part of the Chang 9 Member,showing abrupt contact at the top and bottom,which reflects the volcanic activity at the same time.Anoxic deposits are mostly formed in the late stage of lake transgression to the highstand stage.Very thick organic-rich shales are developed in the highstand stage of Chang 9 Member,and the event deposits in the depositional period of these shales are conducive to potential reservoirs.

Characteristics and exploration targets of Chang 7 shale oil in Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, NW China

The geological characteristics and enrichment laws of the shale oil in the third submember of the seventh member of Triassic Yanchang Formation(Chang 7_(3)) in the Ordos Basin were analyzed by using the information of core observations, experiments and logging, and then the exploration potential and orientation of the Chang 7_(3) shale oil were discussed. The research findings are obtained in three aspects. First, two types of shale oil, i.e. migratory-retained and retained, are recognized in Chang 7_(3). The former is slightly better than the latter in quality. The migratory-retained shale oil reservoir is featured with the frequent interbedding and overlapping of silty-sandy laminae caused by sandy debris flow and low-density turbidity current and semi-deep-deep lacustrine organic-rich shale laminae. The retained shale oil reservoir is composed of black shale with frequent occurrence of bedding and micro-laminae. Second, high-quality source rocks provide a large quantity of hydrocarbon-rich high-quality fluids with high potential energy. The source-reservoir pressure difference provides power for oil accumulation in thin interbeds of organic-poor sandstones with good seepage conditions and in felsic lamina, tuffaceous lamina and bedding fractures in shales. Hydrocarbon generation-induced fractures, bedding fractures and microfractures provide high-speed pathways for oil micro-migration. Frequent sandstone interlayers and felsic laminae provide a good space for large-scale hydrocarbon accumulation, and also effectively improve the hydrocarbon movability. Third, sand-rich areas around the depression are the main targets for exploring migratory-retained shale oil. Mature deep depression areas are the main targets for exploring retained oil with medium to high maturity. Theoretical research and field application of in-situ conversion in low-mature deep depression areas are the main technical orientations for exploring retained shale oil with low to medium maturity.

Distribution of shallow water delta sand bodies and the genesis of thick layer sand bodies of the Triassic Yanchang Formation, Longdong Area, Ordos Basin

Based on the cores from 47 wells and logging data of 130 wells,the main types of sand bodies in the shallow water delta of the Chang 8_(2) sub-member in the Triassic Yanchang Formation,Longdong Area,Ordos Basin were comprehensively analyzed,the distribution characteristics of sand bodies more than 20 m thick were identified,and the genetic types of the thick sand bodies were sorted out.In this region,thick-bed sand bodies can be divided into two types according to the shape and position:type 1 is the sand body in wide strip and is distributed between the average high water mark and the average low water mark;type 2 is distributed on both sides of the average low water mark and is in irregular lump shape.Based on the principle of the volume distribution of sediments and the change rule of accommodation space,the genetic models of two types of thick-bed sand bodies in the Chang 8_(2) sub-member are superimposed distributary channel sand bodies in high accommodation space and superimposed composite sand bodies in low accommodation space.

Geological characteristics and exploration of shale oil in Chang 7 Member of Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, NW China

A set of shale-dominated source rocks series were deposited during the heyday of lake basin development in the Member 7 of Triassic Yanchang Formation,Ordos Basin,and the thickness is about 110 m.Aimed at whether this layer can form large-scale oil enrichment of industrial value,comprehensive geological research and exploration practice have been carried out for years and obtained the following important geologic findings.Firstly,widely distributed black shale and dark mudstone with an average organic matter abundance of 13.81%and 3.74%,respectively,lay solid material foundation for the formation of shale oil.Secondly,sandy rocks sandwiched in thick organic-rich shale formations constitute an oil-rich"sweet spot",the average thickness of thin sandstone is 3.5 m.Thirdly,fine-grained sandstone and siltstone reservoirs have mainly small pores of 2–8μm and throats of 20–150 nm in radius,but with a large number of micro-pores and nano-throats,through fracturing,the reservoirs can provide good conductivity for the fluid in it.Fourthly,continued high-intensity hydrocarbon generation led to a pressure difference between the source rock and thin-layer reservoir of up to 8–16 MPa during geological history,driven by the high pressure,the oil charged into the reservoirs in large area,with oil saturation reaching more than 70%.Under the guidance of the above theory,in 2019,the Qingcheng Oilfield with geologic oil reserves of billion ton order was proved in the classⅠmulti-stage superimposed sandstone shale reservoir of Chang 7 Member by the Changqing Oilfield Branch through implementation of overall exploration and horizontal well volume fracturing.Two risk exploration horizontal wells were deployed for the classⅡthick layer mud shale interbedded with thin layers of silt-and fine-sandstones reservoir in the Chang 73 submember,and they were tested high yield oil flows of more than 100 tons per day,marking major breakthroughs in petroleum exploration in classⅠshale reservoirs.The new discoveries have expanded the domain of unconventional petroleum exploration.

Sedimentary characteristics and model of gravity flow channel-lobe complex in a depression lake basin:A case study of Chang 7 Member of Triassic Yanchang Formation in southwestern Ordos Basin,NW China

To reveal the development characteristics and distribution of gravity flow sedimentary system under micro-paleogeomorphologic units of the Chang 7 Member of Triassic Yanchang Formation in the southwestern Ordos Basin,on the basis of the restoration of the paleogeomorphological form of the Chang 7 depositional period by the impression method,each micro-paleogeomorphologic unit was depicted in-depth,and the characteristics and development models of gravity flow deposits in the study area were studied in combination with outcrop,core,mud logging and log data.The results show that:(1)The paleogeomorphology in the Chang 7 depositional period was an asymmetrical depression,wide and gentle in the northeast and steep and narrow in the southwest.Three sub-paleogeomorphologic units were developed in the basin,including gentle paleo-slope,paleo-slope and paleo-depression,and they can be further subdivided into eight micro-paleogeomorphologic units:bulge,groove,slope break belt,plain of lake bottom,deep depression of lake bottom,paleo-channel,paleo-ridge of lake bottom,and paleo-uplift of lake bottom.(2)There are 9 types of lithofacies and 4 types of lithofacies assemblages of Chang 7 Member.According to lithofacies composition and lithofacies vertical combination,the gravity flow deposit is further divided into 5 types of microfacies:restricted channel,unrestricted channel,natural levee,inter-channel,lobe.(3)Paleogeomorphology plays an important role in controlling sediment source direction,type and spatial distribution of sedimentary microfacies,genetic types and distribution of sand bodies in Chang 7 Member.

Micro pore and throat characteristics and origin of tight sandstone reservoirs: A case study of the Triassic Chang 6 and Chang 8 members in Longdong area, Ordos Basin, NW China

The microstructure differences of the Triassic Chang 6 and Chang 8 members tight reservoirs in the Longdong area of Ordos Basin were compared by means of cast thin sections, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and constant rate mercury injection. Their pore evolution models were established, and the effects of main diagenesis on densification were examined. The throat is the main factor controlling the physical properties of the Chang 6 and Chang 8 members reservoirs: The lower the permeability, the smaller and the more concentrated the throat radius and the larger the proportion of the throats in the effective storage space. There are several obvious differences between Chang 6 and Chang 8 members:(1) with the increase of permeability, the contribution of the relative large throats to the permeability in the Chang 8 member reservoir is more than that in the Chang 6 member reservoir;(2) the control effect on pore-throat ratio of the nano-throats in the Chang 6 member reservoir is more significant. The sedimentary action determines the primary pore structure of the Chang 6 and Chang 8 members sand bodies, and the diagenesis is the main factor controlling the densification of the reservoirs. Because of the difference in rock fabrics and the chlorite content of Chang 6 and Chang 8, the strong compaction resulted in less porosity reduction(17%) of the Chang 81 reservoir with larger buried depth and larger ground temperature than the Chang 63 reservoir(19%). The siliceous, calcareous and clay minerals cement filling the pores and blocking the pore throat, which is the key factor causing the big differences between the reservoir permeability of Chang 6 and Chang 8 members.

Formation patterns of Chang 9 oil reservoir in Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, NW China

Based on analysis of main controlling factors of Chang 9, the source rock, driving force of migration, migration and accumulation modes, reservoir forming stages and model and enrichment law of Chang 9 reservoir were examined. The study showed that the oil of Chang 9 reservoir in the Jiyuan and Longdong(Eastern Gansu) areas came primarily from the source rock of Chang 7 Member, but the oil of Chang 9 reservoir in the Zhidan area came primarily from the source rock of Chang 9 Member. There developed lithologic-structural oil reservoirs in Gufengzhuang-Mahuangshan area in northwest Jiyuan, structural-lithologic oil reservoirs in east Jiyuan, and lithologic reservoirs in Huachi–Qingcheng area and Zhidan area. The overpressure of Chang 7 Member was the driving force of oil migration. The burial history showed that Chang 9 Member experienced two stages of reservoir forming, the reservoir formed in the Late Jurassic was smaller in charging scope and scale, and the Early Cretaceous was the period when the source rock generated oil and gas massively and the Chang 9 reservoir came into being. Along with the tectonic movements, Chang 7 bottom structure turned from high in the west and lower in the East in the sedimentary stage to high in the east and lower in the west in the hydrocarbon accumulation stage and at last to gentle western-leaning monoclinal structure at present. In Early Cretaceous, the Chang 7 bottom structure was the lowest in the west of Huanxian-Huachi-Wuqi-Dingbian areas, so the oil migrated laterally towards the higher positions around after entering the reservoir. In the main reservoir forming period, Chang 7 bottom had an ancient anticline in Mahuangshan-Hongjingzi area of west Jiyuan, controlling the oil reservoir distribution in west Jiyuan.

Sedimentary microfacies of Member 5 of Xujiahe Formation in the Dongfengchang area, Sichuan Basin

Member 5 of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation(T_(3)X_(5))in central Sichuan Basin has made a breakthrough in exploration recently.However,this new stratum has not been investigated sufficiently with respect to basic geology,making its types and distribution of sedimentary facies unclear,which severely restricts its subsequent exploration evaluation.In this study,types of sedimentary microfacies in the first sand group of T_(3)X_(5)(T_(3)X_(5)^(1))are clarified through core observation and logging interpretation using core,log and seismic data,and then distribution of sedimentary microfacies in T_(3)X_(5)^(1) is determined according to seismic waveform features and seismic prediction.The results show that T_(3)X_(5)^(1) in the Dongfengchang area is mainly composed of deltaic deposits of several microfacies,such as delta front underwater distributary channel,sheet sand,and interdistributary bay.On seismic sections,different microfacies are significantly different in waveform features,the underwater distributary channel is characterized by one trough between two peaks,while diversion bay exhibits chaotic reflections between T6 and T51.The sedimentary microfacies varied greatly during the depositional period of T_(3)X_(5)^(1) in the Dongfengchang area,this is because that the sediment supply was mainly controlled by the southwest and southeast provenance regions.Three superimposed underwater distributary channels are developed in the Dongfengchang area.The phase-1 superimposed underwater distributary channel in the northwest transition to sheet sand in the northeast,the phase-2 superimposed underwater distributary channel in the south extends shortly,the phase-3 superimposed underwater distributary channel in the northeast has a large development scale.These research findings are helpful to guide the subsequent exploration of T_(3)X_(5) gas reservoir and also theoretically significant for investigating the depositional evolution of the Xujiahe Formation in central Sichuan Basin.

Palynomorphs and Oribatid Mites—From the Denwa Formation, Satpura Basin, Madhya Pradesh, India

Palynological investigation of the Denwa Formation exposed along Denwa river succession at Saptadara picnic point near village Jhirpa, Satpura Basin, Madhya Pradesh, has revealed the presence of spore-pollen, fungal remains and Oribatid mites. Here, the mites are on record for the first time. Presence of fungal remains strongly depicts the prevalence of a very humid climate with high temperature and rainfall in the region. Poor occurrence of spore-pollen restricts the age determination of the studied section;hence, its age assessment is relative. Thus, an over-view of spore-pollen along with dinocysts and insects reported earlier from the subsurface strata comprising Denwa Formation, from other two localities in the nearby area of village Anhoni, is dealt herein, and that had inferred an age—range from Carnian to Rhaetic for the palynoflora and fauna.

Subdivision and age of the Yanchang Formation and the Middle/Upper Triassic boundary in Ordos Basin, North China

The Yanchang Formation is extensively developed in the Ordos Basin and its surrounding regions. As one of the best terrestrial Triassic sequences in China and the major oil-gas bearing formations in the Ordos Basin, its age determination and stratigraphic assignment are important in geological survey and oil-gas exploration. It had been attributed to the Late Triassic and regarded as the typical representative of the Upper Triassic in northern China for a long time, although some scholars had already proposed that the lower part of this formation should be of the Middle Triassic age in the mid-late 20 th century. In this paper, we suggest that the lower and middle parts of the Yanchang Formation should be of the Ladinian and the bottom possibly belongs to the late Anisian of the Middle Triassic, mainly based on new fossils found in it and high resolution radiometric dating results. The main source rocks, namely the oil shales and mudstones of the Chang-7, are of the Ladinian Age. The upper part of the Yanchang Formation, namely the Chang-6 and the above parts, belongs to the Late Triassic. The uppermost of the Triassic is missed in most parts of the Ordos Basin. The Middle-Upper Triassic Series boundary lies in the Yanchang Formation, equivalent to the boundary between Chang-7 and Chang-6. The Ladinian is an important palaeoenvironmental turning point in the Ordos Basin. Palaeoenvironmental changes in the basin are coincidence with that of the Sichuan Basin and the main tectonic movement of the Qinling Mountains. It indicates that tectonic activities of the Qinling Mountains are related to the big palaeoenvironmental changes in both the Ordos and Sichuan Basins, which are caused by the same structural dynamic system during the Ladinian.

Biostratigraphy of Triassic Marine Reptiles in Southwest Guizhou and Its Adjacent Area

This paper briefly reviews the Triassic marine reptile fossils in Guizhou Province, especially the fossils that have been recently found in the Guanling area. Based on three sections at Guanling and Xingyi, Guizhou Province and Luoping, Yunnan Province, four horizons with vertebrate fossils are recognized in the Middle and Upper Triassic of this area; They are from bottom to top: Member I and Member II of the Guanling Formation, and the Zhuganpo Member and the Wayao Member of the Falang Formation.