Discovery and petroleum geological significance of delta in the third member of Oligocene Lingshui Formation in southern Baodao Sag,Qiongdongnan Basin,South China Sea

Based on the 3D seismic data and the analysis and test data of lithology,electricity,thin sections and chronology obtained from drilling of the Qiongdongnan Basin,the characteristics and the quantitative analysis of the source-sink system are studied of the third member of the Upper Oligocene Lingshui Formation(Ling 3 Member)in the southern fault step zone of the Baodao Sag.First,the YL10 denudation area of the Ling 3 Member mainly developed two fluvial systems in the east and west,resulting in the formation of two dominant sand transport channels and two delta lobes in southern Baodao Sag,which are generally large in the west and small in the east.The evolution of the delta has experienced four stages:initiation,prosperity,intermittence and rejuvenation.Second,the source-sink coupled quantitative calculation is performed depending on the parameters of the delta sand bodies,including development phases,distribution area,flattening thickness,area of different parent rocks,and sand-forming coefficient,showing that the study area has the material basis for the formation of large-scale reservoir.Third,the drilling reveals that the delta of the Ling 3 Member is dominated by fine sandstone,with total sandstone thickness of 109-138 m,maximum single-layer sandstone thickness of 15.5-30.0 m,and sand-to-strata ratio of 43.7%-73.0%,but the physical properties are different among the fault steps.Fourth,the large delta development model of the small source area in the step fault zone with multi-stage uplift is established.It suggests that the episodic uplift provides sufficient sediments,the fluvial system and watershed area control the scale of the sand body,the multi-step active fault steps dominate the sand body transport channel,and local fault troughs decide the lateral propulsion direction of the sand body.The delta of the Ling 3 Member is coupled with fault blocks to form diverse traps,which are critical exploration targets in southern Baodao Sag.

Screening for genetic loci affecting the active zone formation in C. elegans

Objective To screen and identify genetic loci affecting the active zone formation in C. elegans. Methods A SYD-2：：GFP reporter was constructed and used as an active zone marker for forward genetic screen to identify genetic loci affecting the active zone formation. Results Eight isolated mutant alleles were characterized from 15,000 haploid genomes. The SYD-2：：GFP phenotypes of these mutants are mainly reflected as the changes of number, morphology, distribution of puncta and the gaps appearance. Some mutants also exhibit visible behavioral or physical phenotypes, and aldicarb resistant or sensitive phenotypes. Conclusion These mutants provide the opportunity for further systematic research on the active zone formation and the neurotransmission.

Contribution of groundwater to the formation of sand dunes in the Badain Jaran Desert, China

The tallest sand dune worldwide is located in the Badain Jaran Desert(BJD),China,and has been standing for thousands of years.Previous studies have conducted limited physical exploration and excavation on the formation of sand dunes and have proposed three viewpoints,that is,bedrock control,wind dominance,and groundwater maintenance with no unified conclusion.Therefore,this study analyzed the underlying bedding structure of sand dunes in the BJD.Although the bedrock of sand dunes is uplifted and wind controls the shape of dunes,the main cause of dune formation is groundwater that maintains the deposition of calcareous sandstone and accumulation of aeolian sand.According to water transport model and vapor transports in the unsaturated zone of sand dunes,capillary water transport height is limited with film water constituting the main form of water in dunes.Chemical properties and temperature of groundwater showed that aquifers in different basins receive relatively independent recharge from deep sources in the crater.Result of dune formation mechanism is of considerable importance in understanding groundwater circulation and provides a new perspective on water management in arid desert areas.

Oxygen Isotope Characteristics of the Footwall Alteration Zones in the Hongtoushan Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposit,Liaoning Province,China and Restoration of Their Formation Temperatures

The Hongtoushan Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide Deposit（VMSD）occurs in the Hunbei granite-greenstone terrane,Liaoning Province,NE China.Rocks in the mining area have been metamorphosed around 3.0-2.8 Ga to upper amphibolite facies at temperatures between 600℃and 650℃.Cordierite-anthophyllite gneiss（CAG）in the Hongtoushan mining area,which occurs hundreds of meters below the ore horizon,corresponds to the metamorphosed semi-conformable alteration zone of the VMSD hydrothermal system,whereas the one immediately below the main ore layer represents the metamorphosed pipe-like alteration zone.Whole-rock oxygen isotope signatures were well preserved in both types of CAGs,although the mineral components have been entirely changed during regional metamorphism.Therefore,whole-rock oxygen isotopes can be used to estimate the formation temperature of both types of alteration zone.Calculations show that the semi-conformable and pipelike alteration zones for the Hongtoushan submarine hydrothermal system were formed at 290-360℃and 285-320°C,respectively,whereas estimates for the former were slightly higher than that of the latter,indicating that the semi-conformable alteration zone represents the deep part of the Hongtoushan seafloor hydrothermal system,while the pipe-like alteration zone represents the discharge conduits for metal-rich fluids,which is closer to the seafloor.

New U-Pb Geochronological Constraints on Formation and Evolution of the Susong Complex Zone in the Dabie Orogen

Objective The Susong complex zone（SCZ）is a relatively lowgrade metamorphic unit mostly with an epidoteamphibolite facies,located in the southernmost part of the Dabie orogen.However,its rock compositions,ages,

Sedimentary characteristics and processes of the Paleogene Dainan Formation in the Gaoyou Depression, North Jiangsu Basin, eastern China

In this paper,the type,vertical evolution,and distribution pattern of sedimentary facies of the Paleogene Dainan Formation in the Gaoyou Depression of the North Jiangsu Basin are studied in detail.Results show that fan delta,delta,nearshore subaqueous fan,and lacustrine facies developed during the Dainan Formation period and their distribution pattern was mainly controlled by tectonics and paleogeography.The fan delta and nearshore subaqueous fan facies predominantly occur in the southern steep slope region where fault-induced subsidence is thought to have created substantial accommodation,whereas the delta facies are distributed on the northern gentle slope which is thought to have experienced less subsidence.Finally,the lacustrine facies is shown to have developed in the center of the depression,as well as on the flanks of the fan delta,delta,and nearshore subaqueous fan facies.Vertically,the Dainan Formation represents an integrated transgressiveregressive cycle,with the E2d1being the transgressive sequence and the E2d2being the regressive sequence.This distribution model of sedimentary facies plays an important role in predicting favorable reservoir belts for the Dainan Formation in the Gaoyou Depression and similar areas.In the Gaoyou Depression,sandstones of the subaqueous distributary channels in the fan delta and the subaqueous branch channels in the delta are characterized by physical properties favorable for reservoir formation.

The aggregation characteristics and formation mechanism of nanoparticles in ductile shear zone

1 Introduction Nanoparticles are widely found in the ductile shear zone and it is considered to have a close relation with faulting.The sizes of these nanoparticles are generallyless than 100 nm.They have a variety of morphologies like globular structure rod-like and tubular,by the order aggregating of these nanoparticles various aggregations

Recognition and Depiction of the Special Geologic Bodies of the Member 3 of Dongying Formation in Littoral Slope Zone,Qikou Sag

The key of finding hydrocarbon reservoir is to find the profitable oil and gas reservoir.This paper uses the conception of"special geologic bodies"to study the profitable reservoir.Constrained by the sequence stratigraphy framework,this paper recognizes and describes the special geologic bodies of the Member 3 of Dongying Formation in Littoral Slope Zone of Qikou Sag,which have important

The Aghajari (Upper Fars) Formation in the Folded Zagros Zone, Iran: Insights to Identify Facies, Architectural Elements, Fluvial Systems, Petrography and Provenance

The Aghajari Formation, called also the Upper Fars, develops throughout the Folded Zagros Zone and its thickness in the type section in southwest of Iran is 2966 meters. To analyze the sedimentary basin of this Formation, lithofacies, architectural elements and petrofacies of the related deposits in a section in southeast of Sarvestan in Fars Province of Iran with a thickness of 2221.45 meters were examined. Microscopically studying thin sections, the petrography and the occurrence of the deposits were determined. In this section, 16 lithofacies, 10 architectural elements and 2 sandstone petrofacies were identified. The lithofacies were divided into two major and minor groups, in which the major lithofacies consist of coarse-grained （Gh, Gp, Gt and Gm）, medium-grained （Sh, Sp, St, Sl, Sm, Sr and Ss and fine-grained ones （Fm, Fl and Fsm）, and the minor lithofacies were evaporative and mixed silisiclastic-carbonate. The identified architectural elements are CH, SB, GB, LA, DA, CR, CS, LV, LS, CH （FF） and FF. By combining evidences from facies analysis and architectural elements together, the Aghajari Formation was divided into three parts in which the related sedimentation environments, from top to bottom, are gravel, gravel-sand and fine-grained meandering river respectively. There have also been playas and shoreface in the lower part. Based on petrography, the sandstones of this formation were classified into two groups： litharenite and sublitharenite. The origin of these deposits （sandstones） was appointed to the recycled orogeny and the source of quartz is low and medium to high metamorphic rank. Using the field evidences, the paleocurrent direction was achieved indicating the direction of the paleocurrent from northwest to southeast at the time of deposition. It is hoped that these data can be used in the interpretation of the basin and reconstruction of the paleogeography in the local and regional scales.

Investigating the Stratigraphy and the Gender of Nano-Fossils in the Lower Part of the Abtalkh Formation in Kopet Dagh Zone

A structural-sediment zone of Kopet Dagh is one of the geological units. The southern Kopet Dagh zone is limited to Binalood and the northern limit is with the Turan plateau fault and is created as sediment (Trough) in the late Triassic. The main fault zones are divided into two groups of foundation faults and overthrust. Kopet Dagh is a giant gas field between Turkmenistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Most areas of the region have a temperate climate so cold. From the middle Cambrian to the present, five phases of orogeny have occurred in the region. The geographic location of the study area is 37°43'03"N latitude and 55°35'47"E. In terms of stratigraphic formations in the Cretaceous period, Kopet Dagh area, respectively, is from old to new, including: Shurijeh, Zard, Tiregan, Sar Cheshmeh, Sanganeh, Aitamir, Abderaz, Abtalkh, Neyzar and Kalat. Abtalkh formation is one of the most important rock units in the late Cretaceous in the Kopet Dagh Basin. Abtalkh formation is 489 m and its stratigraphic units are 80 meters of dark grayshale, 20 km dark grayshale with calcareous layers with Inoseramus, 50 m gray marl tend to bluish with Siliceous limestone interlayers, 19 meters of gray-blueshale, 320 meters of light gray shale withthinlayer limestone interlayers. To take pictures of the samples, 100× objective lens and digital camera were used. In the course of this study, the lower part of Abtalkh formation was in Itamir cutting of the study and 9 genera were identified. Recognized calcareous Nannofossil had diversity and abundance. In general, in the greater thickness of the study, samples have moderate preservation. In some cases, the impact of dissolution phenomenon was so great that the main part of the species were corroded. Paying attention to the range of the rise and fall of index species and fossil assemblages, 4 biozones were identified for cutting according to the zones (CC18-CC21) of Sysyngzoning, 1977.

Diamonds and Other Exotic Minerals Recovered from Peridotites of the Dangqiong Ophiolite, Western Yarlung-Zangbo Suture Zone, Tibet

Various combinations of diamond, moissanite, zircon, quartz, corundum, rutile, titanite, almandine garnet, kyanite, and andalusite have been recovered from the Dangqiong peridotites. More than 80 grains of diamond have been recovered, most of which are pale yellow to reddish-orange to colorless. The grains are all 100-200 μm in size and mostly anhedral, but with a range of morphologies including elongated, octahedral and subhedral varieties. Their identification was confirmed by a characteristic shift in the Raman spectra between 1325 cm^-1 and 1333 cm^-1, mostly at 1331.51 cm^-1 or 1326.96 cm^-1. Integration of the mineralogical, petrological and geochemical data for the Dongqiong peridotites suggests a multi-stage formation for this body and similar ophiolites in the Yarlung-Zangbo suture zone. Chromian spinel grains and perhaps small bodies of chromitite crystallized at various depths in the upper mantle, and encapsulated the UHP, highly reduced and crustal minerals. Some oceanic crustal slabs containing the chromian spinel and their inclusion were later trapped in suprasubduction zones（SSZ）, where they were modified by island arc tholeiitic and boninitic magmas, thus changing the chromian spinel compositions and depositing chromitite ores in melt channels.

Ostracod Biostratigraphy of the Late Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao Basin

An ostracod biostratigraphic study was performed on 425 samples from the composite geological section constructed by using cores taken from five selected wells drilled in the Late Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao basin. A total of 19 ostracod zones are established in the formation, of which 3 are newly established and 3 are revised. The 19 ostracod zones are described in detail. This study provides a basis for the detailed stratigraphic division and correlation of the Qingshankou Formation and the Gaotaizi oil reservoir in the oilfield in the Songliao basin.

Research of the electrical anisotropic characteristics of water-conducting fractured zones in coal seams

Water flooding disasters are one of the five natural coal-mining disasters that threaten the lives of coal miners. The main causes of this flooding are water-conducting fractured zones within coal seams. However, when resistivity methods are used to detect water-conducting fractured zones in coal seams, incorrect conclusions can be drawn because of electrical anisotropy within the water-conducting fractured zones. We present, in this paper, a new geo-electrical model based on the geology of water-conducting fractured zones in coal seams. Factors that influence electrical anisotropy were analyzed, including formation water resistivity, porosity, fracture density, and fracture surface roughness, pressure, and dip angle. Numerical simulation was used to evaluate the proposed electrical method. The results demonstrate a closed relationship between the shape of apparent resistivity and the strike and dip of a fracture. Hence, the findings of this paper provide a practical resistivity method for coal-mining production.

Recognition and depiction of special geologic bodies of Member 3 of Dongying Formation in Littoral Slope Zone,Qikou Sag

The purpose of this study is to forecast the profitable oil and gas reservoir,which is the key of finding hydrocarbon,based on the conception of special geologic bodies.With the guiding methodology of the research thinking of integration of point-line-surface by using the methods and techniques of logging,seismic,seismic attribute,and logging constrained inversion in 3D data volume,the special geologic bodies of Member 3 of Dongying Formation in Littoral Slope Zone of Qikou Sag,which has important hydrocarbon exploration potential,are recognized and described under the constraint of sequence stratigraphic framework.As a result,the developed scale,geometric shape and space distribution feature of the special geologic bodies are forecasted;the inner structure and sequence structure patterns of the geologic bodies are also ascertained.From the lowstand system tract (LST) and lacustrine expanding system tract (EST) to the highstand system tract (HST),the geologic bodies have evolved from relative centralization of lake basin reducing period to three relative dispersive isolated parts of broad lake basin period.According to the relevance and regularity of the development of geologic bodies,the conclusions can be obtained that three types of potential profitable reservoir traps,including the lithologic lens traps,lithologic updip pinchout traps and structural-lithologic composite traps,are forecasted.In addition,scientific basis for further hydrocarbon exploration in new area (few-well area and no-well area) is offered in the guidance of sequence stratigraphic model.

Biostratigraphy and reservoir characteristics of the Ordovician Wufeng Formation-Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale in the Sichuan Basin and its surrounding areas,China

Through graptolite identification in profiles,graptolite zone division,contour map compilation,and analysis of mineral composition,TOC content,lamina distribution features of shale samples,the biostratigraphic and reservoir characteristics of Ordovician Wufeng Formation-Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan Basin and its peripheral are sorted out.There are 4 graptolite zones(WF1 to WF4)in Wufeng Formation and 9(LM1 to LM9)in Longmaxi Formation,and the different graptolite zones can be calibrated by lithology and electrical property.The shale layers of these graptolite zones have two depocenters in the southwest and northeast,and differ in mineral composition,TOC,and lamina types.Among them,the graptolite zones of lower WF2 and WF4 are organic matter-poor massive hybrid shale,the upper part of WF1-WF2 and WF3 have horizontal bedding hybrid shale with organic matter,the LM1-LM4 mainly consist of organic-rich siliceous shale with horizontal bedding,and the LM5-LM9 graptolite zones consist of organic-lean hybrid shale with horizontal bedding.The mineral composition,TOC and lamina types of shale depend on the paleo-climate,paleo-water oxidation-reduction conditions,and paleo-sedimentation rate during its deposition.Deposited in oxygen-rich warm water,the lower parts of WF1 and WF2 graptolite zones have massive bedding,low TOC and silicon content.Deposited in cooler and oxygen-rich water,the WF4 has massive bedding,high calcium content and low TOC.Deposited in anoxic water with low rate,the upper part of WF2,WF3,and LM1-LM4 are composed of organic rich siliceous shale with horizontal bedding and high proportion of silt laminae.Deposited in oxygen rich water at a high rate,the graptolite zones LM5-LM9 have low contents of organic matter and siliceous content and high proportions of silt lamina.

Control of paleogeographic pattern on sedimentary differentiation of evaporite-carbonate symbiotic system:A case study of the sixth sub-member of Ordovician Majiagou Formation M5 Member in central-eastern Ordos Basin,NW China

The relationship between paleogeographic pattern and sedimentary differentiation of evaporite-carbonate symbiotic system is examined based on logging,core and thin section data,by taking the sixth sub-member of fifth member of Ordovician Majiagou Formation(M56)in the central-eastern Ordos Basin as an example.(1)Seven sub-geomorphic units(Taolimiao west low,Taolimiao underwater high,Taolimiao east low,Hengshan high,East salt low,North slope and Southwest slope)developed in the study area.(2)The“three lows”from west to east developed dolomitic restricted lagoon,evaporite evaporative lagoon and salt evaporative lagoon sedimentary facies respectively,the"two highs"developed high-energy grain beach and microbial mound,and the north and south slopes developed dolomitic flats around land.(3)The paleogeographic pattern caused natural differentiation of replenishment seawater from the northwest Qilian sea,leading to the eccentric sedimentary differentiation of dolomite,evaporite and salt rock symbiotic system from west to east,which is different from the classic“bull's eye”and“tear drop”distribution patterns.(4)As the Middle Qilian block subducted and collided into the North China Plate,the far-end compression stress transferred,giving rise to the alternate highland and lowland in near north to south direction during the sedimentary period of M56 sub-member.(5)Taolimiao underwater high and Hengshan high developed favorable zones of microbial mounds and grain shoals in south to north strike in M56 sub-member,making them favorable exploration areas with great exploration potential in the future.

A Study on the Plate Tectonics in the Early Earth Period Based on the Core-Magma Angular Momentum Exchange

By using a dynamical approach of core-magma angular momentum exchange, this study theoretically explains the continental formation and plate drift as well as main mountain uplifts in the early Earth period. The present mantle and lithosphere were the partial part of magma fluid layer (mantle currents) before and after the Earth’s crust formation. Thus, a theory is presented regarding the driving forces of plate drift, in the form of planetary scale mantle currents. The origin of mantle currents is traced back to the formation of the solar system. It is assumed that small particles (nebula matter) orbiting the Sun assembled, and a molten sphere of primordial Earth with different minerals evenly distributed throughout the total mass came into existence. Subsequently, a process called planetary differentiation took place, as the core and mantle currents (magma layer) started separating. This will inevitably cause the Earth to spin faster, and it is presumed that the inner core first gained angular velocity, thereby spinning faster than the material found at a shallower depth. The time interval of the angular momentum exchange between the core and the magma should have lasted for at least 0.1 - 0.2 billion years. Planetary scale vertical and horizontal circulations of mantle currents took place, and angular momentum exchange was realized through the vertical component. The horizontal part of the mantle currents, near the bottom of the lithosphere, became a real force to drive continental split and plate drift. The acceleration and deceleration of the core compared with the mantle currents then caused different flow directions in the two hemispheres. When the inner core rotates faster from west to east, upper mantle currents will tend to flow westwards and towards the two poles. Surface lighter materials converged towards the two poles so that two continental polar crust caps appeared when the magma surface was cooling. This caused two original supercontinents to form about 4.54 billion years ago, while an original oceanic zone formed in the tropics. The uneven latitudinal variation of crustal thickness did lead to thermal differences within the mantle currents. This caused the core-magma angular momentum exchange. Deceleration of the core will cause two flow vectors, northwesterly in the Northern Hemisphere and southwesterly in the Southern Hemisphere. The history of plate drift is then driven by the motion of upper mantle currents. A distinct Equatorial Convergence Zone of magma flow which developed early in Earth’s history, gave way to the Intertropical Convergence Zone, serving as a border for the magma fluids and continents from the two hemispheres. A possible mechanism for the formation of the Himalayans is the maximum shear stress created by an orthogonal convergence or collision between two continental plates driven by the upper mantle currents.

Sequence sedimentary evolution and reservoir distribution in the third and fourth members of Sinian Dengying Formation,Gaomo area,Sichuan Basin,SW China

Based on comprehensive analysis of cores,thin sections,logging and seismic data,the sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary evolution of the third and fourth members of Sinian Dengying Formation(Deng 3 and Deng 4 members for short)in the Gaomo area of Sichuan Basin were investigated,and the favorable zones for reservoir development in the Deng 3 Member and Deng 4 Member were predicted.(1)Two Type I and one Type II sequence boundaries are identified in the Deng 3 and Deng 4 members.Based on the identified sequence boundaries,the Deng 3 and Deng 4 members can be divided into two third order sequences SQ3 and SQ4,which are well-developed,isochronal and traceable in this area;the SQ3 thins from west to the east,and the SQ4 thins from northwest to southeast.(2)The sedimentary environment from the depositional period of SQ3 to SQ4 has experienced the evolution from mixed platform to rimmed platform,and the platform rimmed system on the west side is characterized by the development of platform margin microbial mound and grain shoal assemblages.The intraplatform area is a restricted platform facies composed of a variety of dolomites,and there are local micro-geomorphic highlands of different scales and scattered intraplatform mounds and shoals.(3)The Deng 4 Member reservoirs,with obvious facies-controlled characteristic,are mainly distributed in the upper part of high-frequency upward shallow cycle and the high-stand systems tract of the third-order sequence vertically,and are more developed in the platform margin belt than in the intraplatform belt,and more developed in the Gaoshiti platform margin belt than in the west Suining platform margin belt on the plane.(4)Three types of favorable reservoir zones of Deng 4 Member have been finely delineated with 3D seismic data;among them,the mound and shoal facies zones developed in the ancient highlands of the intraplatform are the first choice for the next exploration and development of the Deng 4 Member.

Structural formation and evolution mechanisms of fracture plugging zone

A coupled CFD-DEM method is used to simulate the formation process of fracture plugging zone.A photo-elastic system characterizing mesoscale force chain network developed by our own is used to model the pressure evolution in fracture plugging zone to reveal the evolution mechanism of the structure of fracture plugging zone.A theoretical basis is provided for improving the lost circulation control effect in fractured reservoirs and novel methods are proposed for selecting loss control materials and designing loss control formula.CFD-DEM simulation results show that bridging probability is the key factor determining the formation of fracture plugging zone and fracture plugging efficiency.Critical and absolute bridging concentrations are proposed as the key indexes for loss control formula design.With the increase of absolute bridging concentration,the governing factor of bridging is changed from material grain size to the combination of material grain size and friction force.Results of photo-elastic experiments show that mesoscale force chain network is the intrinsic factor affecting the evolution of pressure exerting on the fracture plugging zone and determines the macroscopic strength of fracture plugging zone.Performance parameters of loss control material affect the force chain network structure and the ratio of stronger force chain,and further impact the stability and strength of fracture plugging zone.Based on the study results,the loss control formula is optimized and new-type loss control material is designed.Laboratory experiments results show that the fracture plugging efficiency and strength is effectively improved.