Types,composition and diagenetic evolution of authigenic clay minerals in argillaceous limestone of sepiolite-bearing strata:A case study of Mao-1 Member of Middle Permian Maokou Formation,eastern Sichuan Basin,SW China

The types,occurrence and composition of authigenic clay minerals in argillaceous limestone of sepiolite-bearing strata of the first member of the Middle Permian Maokou Formation(Mao-1 Member)in eastern Sichuan Basin were investigated through outcrop section measurement,core observation,thin section identification,argon ion polishing,X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscope,energy spectrum analysis and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.The diagenetic evolution sequence of clay minerals was clarified,and the sedimentary-diagenetic evolution model of clay minerals was established.The results show that authigenic sepiolite minerals were precipitated in the Si4+and Mg2+-rich cool aragonite sea and sepiolite-bearing strata were formed in the Mao-1 Member.During burial diagenesis,authigenic clay minerals undergo two possible evolution sequences.First,from the early diagenetic stage A to the middle diagenetic stage A1,the sepiolite kept stable in the shallow-buried environment lack of Al3+.It began to transform into stevensite in the middle diagenetic stage A2,and then evolved into disordered talc in the middle diagenetic stage B1and finally into talc in the period from the middle diagenetic stage B2to the late diagenetic stage.Thus,the primary diagenetic evolution sequence of authigenic clay minerals,i.e.sepiolite-stevensite-disordered talc-talc,was formed in the Mao-1 Member.Second,in the early diagenetic stage A,as Al3+carried by the storm and upwelling currents was involved in the diagenetic process,trace of sepiolite started to evolve into smectite,and a part of smectite turned into chlorite.From the early diagenetic stage B to the middle diagenesis stage A1,a part of smectite evolved to illite/smectite mixed layer(I/S).The I/S evolved initially into illite from the middle diagenesis stage A2to the middle diagenesis stage B2,and then totally into illite in the late diagenesis stage.Thus,the secondary diagenetic evolution sequence of authigenic clay minerals,i.e.sepiolite-smectite-chlorite/illite,was formed in the Mao-1 Member.The types and evolution of authigenic clay minerals in argillaceous limestone of sepiolite-bearing strata are significant for petroleum geology in two aspects.First,sepiolite can adsorb and accumulate a large amount of organic matters,thereby effectively improving the quality and hydrocarbon generation potential of the source rocks of the Mao-1 Member.Second,the evolution from sepiolite to talc is accompanied by the formation of numerous organic matter pores and clay shrinkage pores/fractures,as well as the releasing of the Mg2+-rich diagenetic fluid,which allows for the dolomitization of limestone within or around the sag.As a result,the new assemblages of self-generation and self-accumulation,and lower/side source and upper/lateral reservoir,are created in the Middle Permian,enhancing the hydrocarbon accumulation efficiency.

K-Ar Dating of Authigenic Illites and Its Applications to the Study of Hydrocarbon Charging Histories of Typical Sandstone Reservoirs in Tarim Basin, China

The Tarim Basin in China comprises eight sets of sandstone reservoirs, five of which are investigated in detail in this study. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the hydrocarbon charging histories of reservoirs by applying K-Ar dating of authigenic illites. The ages of authigenic illites from the Lower Silurian bituminous sandstones in the Central Uplift area range from 383.5 to 235.2 Ma, suggesting that the Silurian oil accumulations were formed from the late Caledonian till the late Hercynian. The ages of authigenic illites from the Upper Devonian Donghe Sandstone reservoirs range from 263.8 to 231.3 Ma, indicating that hydrocarbon accumulations within the Donghe sandstone were formed mainly in the late Hercynian. The authigenic illites ages from the Lower Jurassic Yangxia Group sandstones in the Yinan-2 gas reservoir (Yinan-2, Kuqa Depression) range from 28.1 to 23.9 Ma, suggesting that the initial hydrocarbon charging occurred in the Miocene. The ages of the authigenic illites from the Lower Cretaceous sandstones in the Akemomu gas field (Ake-1, Kashi Sag, Southwest Depression) range from 22.6 to 18.8 Ma, indicating a probable early oil accumulation or early migration of hydrocarbon within this area. The illites from the Paleogene sandstones in the Dina-2 gas reservoir (Dina-201, Kuqa Depression) have a detrital origin; they cannot be used to study the hydrocarbon charging histories. The ages of authigenic illites in the underlying Cretaceous sandstones in the same well (Dina-201) range from 25.5 to 15.5 Ma, indicating that hydrocarbon charging in this reservoir probably occurred within the Miocene. This study highlights the potential of applying K-Ar dating of authigenic illites to investigate the timing of hydrocarbon charging histories of the Tarim Basin reservoir sandstones.

Authigenic Gypsum in Gas-Hydrate Associated Sediments from the East Coast of India (Bay of Bengal)

Authigenic gypsum crystals, along with pyrite and carbonate mineralization, predominantly calcites were noticed in distinct intervals in a 32 m long piston core, collected in the gas hydratebearing sediments in the northern portion of the Krishna-Godavari basin, eastern continental margin of India at a water depth of 1691 m. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectrum studies confirm presence of pyrite, gypsum, calcite, and other mineral aggregates. The occurrence of gypsum in such deep sea environment is intriguing, because gypsum is a classical evaporite mineral and is under saturated with respect to sea water. Sedimentological, geochemical evidences point to diagenetic formation of the gypsum due to oxidation of sulphide minerals （i.e. pyrite）. Euhedral, transparent gypsum crystals, with pyrite inclusions are cemented with authigenic carbonates, possibly indicating that they were formed authigenically in situ in the gas hydrate-influenced environment due to late burial diagenesis involving sulphate reduction and anaerobic oxidation of methane （AOM）. Therefore, the authigenic gypsums found in sediments of the Krishna-Godavari and Mahanadi offshore regions could be seen as one of the parameters to imply the presence of high methane flux possibly from gas hydrate at depth.

Detrital and authigenic(?) baddeleyite(ZrO_2) in ferromanganese nodules of Central Indian Ocean Basin

Occurrence of baddeleyite（ZrO_2） which is a rare mineral has been recorded in ferromanganese nodules of Central Indian Ocean Basin（CIOB）.The mineral occurs either as independent isolated sub-rounded to elliptical grains or in clusters forming fine subhedral crystals（〈3μm） within ferromanganese concretionary growth bands.The mode of occurrence,texturai features and chemistry of the mineral suggest detrital and possibly an authigenic origin for baddeleyite.For authigenic origin it is proposed that zirconium might have got released either from the terrigenous sediments or the altered seafloor rocks forming halogen complexes and subsequently it has re-precipitated in me form of baddeleyite within manganese nodules under oxic to sub-oxic conditions.

Evaluation of 40^Ar/39^Ar Geochronology of Authigenic Illites in Determining Hydrocarbon Charge Timing： A Case Study from the Silurian Bituminous Sandstone Reservoirs, Tarim Basin, China

The Silurian bituminous sandstones（SBS） in the Tarim Basin, China are important basinwide reservoirs with an estimated area of approximately 249000 km^2. We investigated the ages of authigenic illites in the SBS reservoirs and constrained their formation timing by using the 40^Ar/39^Ar step wise heating method. The age spectra, 39^Ar recoil loss and their controlling factors were investigated systematically. The 40^Ar/39^Ar ages were compared with the conventional K/Ar ages of identical clay fractions. The clay in the SBS reservoirs is dominated by orderly mixed-layer illite/smectite（I/S） with 5%–30% smectite layers. The I/S minerals morphology comprises primarily honeycomb, short filamentous and curved-lath particles, characteristic of authigenic illites. The unencapsulated 40^Ar/39^Ar total gas ages（UTGA） of the authigenic illites range from 188.56 ± 6.20 Ma to 491.86 ± 27.68 Ma, which are 7% to 103% older than the corresponding K/Ar ages of 124.87 ± 1.11 Ma to 383.45 ± 2.80 Ma, respectively. The K-Ar ages indicate multistage accumulations with distinct distribution patterns in the Tarim Basin： older（late Caledonian-early Hercynian） around the basin margin, younger（late Hercynian） in the basin centre, and the youngest（middle to late Yanshanian） in the Ha-6 well-block, central area of the North Uplift. The age difference is believed to have been caused by the 39^Ar recoil loss during the irradiation process. Compared with the K/Ar ages, the estimated 39^Ar recoil losses in this study are in the range from 7% to 51%. The 39^Ar recoil loss appears to increase not only with the decreasing particle sizes of the I/S, but also with increasing percentage of smectite layers（IR） of the I/S, and smectite layer content（SLC） of the samples. We conclude that due to significant 39^Ar recoil losses, UTGA may not offer any meaningful geological ages of the authigenic illite formation in the SBS and thus can not be used to represent the hydrocarbon charge timing. 39^Ar recoil losses during 40^Ar/39^Ar dating can not be neglected when dating fine authigenic illite, especially when the ordered mixed-layer I/S containing small amount of smectite layers（IR30%） in the reservoir formations. Compared with the unencapsulated Ar-Ar method, the conventional K-Ar method is less complicated, more accurate and reliable in dating authigenic illites in petroleum reservoirs.

Characteristics of Authigenic Pyrite and its Sulfur Isotopes Influenced by Methane Seep--Taking the Core A at Site 79 of the Middle Okinawa Trough as an Example

Objective Authigenic pyrite often develops extensively in marine sediments,which is an important product of sulfate reduction in an anoxic environment.It has a specific appearance and complicated sulfur isotopic properties,and acts as important evidence of methane seep in marine sediments.Strong AOM（anaerobic oxidation of methane）activity has developed in the Okinawa Trough.

Distribution and composition of authigenic minerals in surface sediments of the western Gulf of Thailand

Generation, morphology, and distribution of authigenic minerals directly reflect sedimentary environment and material sources. Surface sediments were collected from the western Gulf of Thailand during 2011–2012, and 159 samples were analyzed to determine detrital minerals. Authigenic minerals, including siderite, pyrite, and glauconite, are abundant whereas secondary minerals, such as chlorite and limonite, are distributed widely in the study area. Siderite has a maximum content of 19.98 g/kg and appears in three types from nearshore to continental shelf, showing the process of forming-maturity-oxidation. In this process, the Mn O content in siderite decreases, but FeOand Mg O content increase. Colorless or transparent siderite pellets are fresh grains generated within a short time and widely distributed throughout the region; high content appears in coastal area where river inputs are discharged. Translucent cemented double pellets appearing light yellow to red are mature grains; high content is observed in the central shelf. Red-brown opaque granular pellets are oxidized grains,which are concentrated in the eastern gulf. Pyrite is mostly distributed in the central continental shelf with an approximately north–south strip. Pyrite are mainly observed in foraminifera shell and distributed in clayey silt sediments, which is similar to that in the Yangtze River mouth and the Yellow Sea. The pyrite in the gulf is deduced from genetic types associated with sulfate reduction and organic matter decomposition. Majority of glauconite are granular with few laminar. Glauconite is concentrated in the northern and southern parts within the boundary of 9.5° to 10.5°N and is affected by river input diffusion. The distribution of glauconite is closely correlated with that of chlorite and plagioclase, indicating that glauconite is possibly derived from altered products of chlorite and plagioclase. The KO content of glauconite is low or absent, indicating its short formation time.

Evolution of Authigenic Minerals and Porosity in the Deep Formation of Paleogene of Jiyang Sub-basin

The clastic rocks in the depth of 2800-6000 m of the Paleogene in Jiyang sub-basin had undergone the middle diagenesis and late diagenesis.The reservoirs in main areas of the sub-basin developed 2-6 secondary pores zones.The reservoirs in the stage A of middle diagenesis of Bonan fault zone in Zhanhua depression and of the gentle slope belt of Chezhen depression are controlled by the acidic diagenetic medium and developed one secondary pores zone in each diagenetic sub-stage respectively.The contents ofautogenic quartz,pyrite and kaolinite are quite high in these reservoirs.The reservoirs’

Authigenic silica in continental lacustrine shale and its hydrocarbon significance

Taking lake basin shales of the Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin,NW China and the Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao Basin,NE China as research objects,the characteristics and origins of different types of silica in the shales have been studied by means of core observation,thin section identification,cathodoluminescence,X-ray diffraction analysis,scanning electron microscope(SEM),electron probe and rock pyrolysis.The results shows that the origins of silica include felsic mineral dissolution,tuffite devitrification,clay mineral transformation and siliceous mineral metasomatism.The silica formed by feldspar dissolution commonly appears as spots and veins,with low degree of crystallization,and is largely aqueous opal mineral,with an average Si O2 content of 67.2%.Silica formed by devitrification of tuffite mainly occurs in two forms,amorphous silica and authigenic quartz with better crystal shape.The authigenic silica formed during the transformation of clay minerals is embedded in the clay minerals in the form of micron-scale plates and small flakes,or mixed with clay minerals in a dispersed state.The authigenic quartz formed by siliceous mineral metasomatism is in better angular crystal shape,and has an average Si O2 content of 87%.The authigenic siliceous mineral content is positively correlated with the content of terrigenous felsic minerals.The pressure solution of felsic minerals is the main source of authigenic siliceous minerals,followed by the transformation of clay minerals,and the organic matter has some boost on the formation of authigenic silica.The authigenic siliceous materials of different origins have different geological characteristics and occurrence states from terrigenous quartz,which would affect the storage performance,seepage capacity and fracturing effect of continental shale.Although the organic-rich shale has high silica content,different from terrigenous quartz,authigenic silica in this kind of shale mostly floats and disperse in clay minerals,which would have negative effect on the formation of complex fractures in fracturing,fracture support ability after fracturing,and formation of effective seepage channels.Calculating the brittleness index of shale intervals only based on the composition of brittle minerals cannot accurately characterize mechanical characteristics of continental shale oil reservoirs,and would affect comprehensive evaluation and selection of continental shale oil“sweet spots”.

Influences of different alkaline and acidic diagenetic environments on diagenetic evolution and reservoir quality of alkaline lake shales

Thin section and argon-ion polishing scanning electron microscope observations were used to analyze the sedimentary and diagenetic environments and main diagenesis of the Permian Fengcheng Formation shales in different depositional zones of Mahu Sag in the Junggar Basin,and to reconstruct their differential diagenetic evolutional processes.The diagenetic environment of shales in the lake-central zone kept alkaline,which mainly underwent the early stage(Ro<0.5%)dominated by the authigenesis of Na-carbonates and K-feldspar and the late stage(Ro>0.5%)dominated by the replacement of Na-carbonates by reedmergnerite.The shales from the marginal zone underwent a transition from weak alkaline to acidic diagenetic environments,with the early stage dominated by the authigenesis of Mg-bearing clay and silica and the late stage dominated by the dissolution of feldspar and carbonate minerals.The shales from the transitional zone also underwent a transition from an early alkaline diagenetic environment,evidenced by the formation of dolomite and zeolite,to a late acidic diagenetic environment,represented by the reedmergnerite replacement and silicification of feldspar and carbonate minerals.The differences in formation of authigenic minerals during early diagenetic stage determine the fracability of shales.The differences in dissolution of minerals during late diagenetic stage control the content of free shale oil.Dolomitic shale in the transitional zone and siltstone in the marginal zone have relatively high content of free shale oil and strong fracability,and are favorable“sweet spots”for shale oil exploitation and development.

Authigenic gypsum found in gas hydrate-associated sediments from Hydrate Ridge, the eastern North Pacific

Characteristic gypsum micro-sphere and granular mass were discovered by bin-ocular microscope in the gas hydrate-associated sediments at cores SO143-221 and SO143/TVG40-2A respectively on Hydrate Ridge of Cascadia margin, the eastern North Pacific. XRD patterns and EPA analyses show both micro-sphere and granular mass of the crystals have the typical peaks and the typical main chemical compositions of gypsum, although their weight percents are slightly less than the others in the non-gas hydrate-associated marine regions. SEM pictures show that the gypsum crystals have clear crystal boundaries, planes, edges and cleav-ages of gypsum in form either of single crystal or of twin crystals. In view of the fact that there are meanwhile gas hydrate-associated authigenic carbonates and SO42--rich pore water in the same sediment cores, it could be inferred reasonably that the gypsums formed also authigenically in the gas hydrate-associated environment too, most probably at the interface between the down-ward advecting sulfate-rich seawater and the below gas hydrate, which spilled calcium during its formation on Hydrate Ridge. The two distinct forms of crystal intergrowth, which are the granular mass of series single gypsum crystals at core SO143/TVG40-2A and the microsphere of gypsum crystals accompanied with detrital components at core SO143-221 respectively, indicate that they precipitated most likely in different interstitial water dynamic environments. So, the distinct authigenic gypsums found in gas hydrate-associated sediments on Hydrate Ridge could also be believed as one of the parameters which could be used to indicate the presence of gas hydrate in an unknown marine sediment cores.

Evolution of Authigenic Glauconite in Early Diagenesis

According to the data of the mineral assemblages, the sediment layers with authigenic glauconite were found in the X1 core collected from the northeast of the Beibu Gulf. Pliocene sediment layer containing a lot of foraminifera shows a shallow sea facies. Its thickness is larger than 30 m and is located at the depth below 59 m of the core.

A Kungurian Oceanic Upwelling on Yangtze Platform: Evidenced by δ^(13) C_(org) and Authigenic Silica in the Lower Chihsia Formation of Enshi Section in South China

The Late Paleozoic Ice Age across Carboniferous and Permian had a significant impact on the Kungurian （Upper Cisuralian series of Permian） Chihsia Formation in South China. This re- suited in a unique interval with features such as the lack of reef in Chihsian limestone, widespread stinkstone and nodular/bedded chert. The Chihsia limestone （Kungurian stage） deposited during a time of cooling was resulted from oceanic upwelling. Here we present evidence for this upwelling using sev- eral geochemical analyses： bulk organic carbon isotope, biomarker molecular geochemical data, and authigenic silica of the stinkstone member in the lower Chihsia Formation of the Kuangurian stage from the Enshi Section in western Hubei Province, South China. The lower part of the stinkstone member shows a rapid organic carbon isotope excursion with a -3%o shift triggered by the upwelling of 13C-depleted bottom water. The concurrent rapid increasing of authigenic silica content resulted from the enhanced supply of dissolved silica in the upwelling water mass. This upwelling at the Enshi Section also led to relative high TOC content, accounting for the widespread stinkstone in the lower Chihsia Formation during the Kungurian stage in Permian.

What Caused the Inconsistency between Rb-Sr and^(40)Ar-^(39)Ar Ages of Authigenic Illites?

Radiogenic isotope dating of illitic clays has been widely used to reconstruct thermal and fluid flow events in siliciclastic sedimentary basins,the information of which is critical to investigate mechanisms of hydrocarbon maturation.This study carried out Rb-Sr and^(40)Ar-^(39)Ar dating of authigenic illitic clay samples separated from the Palaeogene sandstone in the northern South China Sea.Our Rb-Sr data further confirm the previously reported three periods of fluid flow events(at 34.5±0.9,31.2±0.6,and 23.6±0.8 Ma,respectively)in the northern South China Sea,which are related to regional episodic tectonism.However,^(40)Ar-^(39)Ar ages of illite obtained in this study are significantly younger than the corresponding Rb-Sr ages.The significantly younger^(40)Ar-^(39)Ar ages were probably due to ^(40)Ar loss caused by later dry heating events on the Hainan Island that have not affected the Rb-Sr isotopic systematics.The inconsistency between Rb-Sr and^(40)Ar-^(39)Ar data should be attributed to different isotopic behaviors of K-Ar and Rb-Sr isotopic systematics in illite.Our results indicate that Rb-Sr isotopic dating method may be a preferential approach for clay dating in geological settings where exist younger dry heating events.

Methane seepage intensities traced by sulfur isotopes of pyrite and gypsum in sediment from the Shenhu area,South China Sea

The northern slope of the South China Sea is a gas-hydrate-bearing region related to a high deposition rate of organic-rich sediments co-occurring with intense methanogenesis in subseafloor environments.Anaerobic oxidation of methane（AOM） coupled with bacterial sulfate reduction results in the precipitation of solid phase minerals in seepage sediment,including pyrite and gypsum.Abundant aggregates of pyrites and gypsums are observed between the depth of 667 and 850 cm below the seafloor（cmbsf） in the entire core sediment of HS328 from the northern South China Sea.Most pyrites are tubes consisting of framboidal cores and outer crusts.Gypsum aggregates occur as rosettes and spheroids consisting of plates.Some of them grow over pyrite,indicating that gypsum precipitation postdates pyrite formation.The sulfur isotopic values（δ^34 S） of pyrite vary greatly（from –46.6‰ to –12.3‰ V-CDT） and increase with depth.Thus,the pyrite in the shallow sediments resulted from organoclastic sulfate reduction（OSR） and is influenced by AOM with depth.The relative high abundance and δ^34 S values of pyrite in sediments at depths from 580 to 810 cmbsf indicate that this interval is the location of a paleo-sulfate methane transition zone（SMTZ）.The sulfur isotopic composition of gypsum（from–25‰ to –20.7‰） is much lower than that of the seawater sulfate,indicating the existence of a 34 S-depletion source of sulfur species that most likely are products of the oxidation of pyrites formed in OSR.Pyrite oxidation is controlled by ambient electron acceptors such as MnO2,iron（Ⅲ） and oxygen driven by the SMTZ location shift to great depths.The δ^34 S values of gypsum at greater depth are lower than those of the associated pyrite,revealing downward diffusion of 34 S-depleted sulfate from the mixture of oxidation of pyrite derived by OSR and the seawater sulfate.These sulfates also lead to an increase of calcium ions from the dissolution of calcium carbonate mineral,which will be favor to the formation of gypsum.Overall,the mineralogy and sulfur isotopic composition of the pyrite and gypsum suggest variable redox conditions caused by reduced seepage intensities,and the pyrite and gypsum can be a recorder of the intensity evolution of methane seepage.

Coupled carbon and sulfur isotope behaviors and other geochemical perspectives into marine methane seepage

Methane seepage is the signal of the deep hydrocarbon reservoir. The determination of seepage is significant to the exploration of petroleum, gas and gas hydrate. The seepage habits microbial and macrofaunal life which is fueled by the hydrocarbons, the metabolic byproducts facilitate the precipitation of authigenic minerals. The study of methane seepage is also important to understand the oceanographic condition and local ecosystem. The seepage could be active or quiescent at different times. The geophysical surveys and the geochemical determinations reveal the existence of seepage. Among these methods, only geochemical determination could expose message of the dormant seepages. The active seepage demonstrates high porewater methane concentration with rapid SO42- depleted, low HaS and dissolved inorganic carbon （DIC）, higher rates of sulfate reduction （SR） and anaerobic oxidation of methane （AOM）. The quiescent seepage typically develops authigenic carbonates with specific biomarkers, with extremely depleted 13C in gas, DIC and carbonates and with enriched 34S sulfate and depleted 34S pyrite. The origin of methane, minerals precipitation, the scenario of seepage and the possible method of immigration could be determined by the integration of solutes concentration, mineral composition and isotopic fractionation of carbon, sulfur. Numerical models with the integrated results provide useful insight into the nature and intensity of methane seepage occurring in the sediment and paleo- oceanographic conditions. Unfortunately, the intensive investigation of a specific area with dormant seep is still limit. Most seepage and modeling studies are site-specific and little attempt has been made to extrapolate the results to larger scales. Further research is thus needed to foster our understanding of the methane seepage.

An insight into shallow gas hydrates in the Dongsha area,South China Sea

Previous studies of gas hydrate in the Dongsha area mainly focused on the deep-seated gas hydrates that have a high energy potential,but cared little about the shallow gas hydrates occurrences.Shallow gas hydrates have been confirmed by drill cores at three sites(GMGS208,GMGS209 and GMGS216)during the GMGS2 cruise,which occur as veins,blocky nodules or massive layers,at 8–30 m below the seafloor.Gas chimneys and faults observed on the seismic sections are the two main fluid migration pathways.The deep-seated gas hydrate and the shallow hydrate-bearing sediments are two main seals for the migrating gas.The occurrences of shallow gas hydrates are mainly controlled by the migration of fluid along shallow faults and the presence of deep-seated gas hydrates.Active gas leakage is taking place at a relatively high-flux state through the vent structures identified on the geophysical data at the seafloor,although without resulting in gas plumes easily detectable by acoustic methods.The presence of strong reflections on the high-resolution seismic profiles and dim or chaotic layers in the subbottom profiles are most likely good indicators of shallow gas hydrates in the Dongsha area.Active cold seeps,indicated by either gas plume or seepage vent,can also be used as indicators for neighboring shallow gas hydrates and the gas hydrate system that is highly dynamic in the Dongsha area.

MINERALOGY OF COASTAL DEPOSITS OF NORTH-WESTERN SEA OF JAPAN

Distribution of heavy, light and clay minerals in Late Pleistocene—Holocene deposits from different coastal environments (beaches, lagoons, dunes, relict lakes, ria bays and inlets, open inlets) was analysed. It was established that mineralogical composition of coastal deposits was a result of provenance and its hypergenous changes, transformation of material within transit zone, and accumulative conditions of inshore zone. Contents of stable minerals increase in deposits of the inlets confined to mouths of the small streams and in horizons of the sections, formed during regressive phases. Unstable minerals amount is higher in deposits of inlets, confined to mouths of the large river. The clay mineral fraction of shelf sediments consists mostly of illite. Authigenous pyrites dominate in deposits of ria bays, lagoons and relict lakes, formed during transgressive phases. Volcanic glass, found in deposits, is product of Holocene eruptions of Baegdusan (Baitushen) Volcano.

Origin of Quartz Cement in the Paleogene Sandstone Reservoir of Shahejie Formation,Bohai Bay Basin,China

The precipitation of authigenic quartz plays a significant role to reduce the reservoir characteristics and enhance the stiffness of the rock.The Es_(1) sandstone of Shahejie Formation is acting as a significant hydrocarbon producing rock in the Nanpu Sag.Various methods like thin section petrography,cathodoluminescence(CL),scanning electron microscope(SEM,with EDS),and electron microprobe analysis has been used to reveal the origin of quartz cement as well as to evaluate the effect of quartz cement on reservoir quality.The studied sandstone is classified as immature to mature feldspathic litharenite and lithic arkose and consists of quartz,feldspar,rock fragments and micas.Petrographic studies and SEM analysis shows that the authigenic quartz is acting a significant cement that reduces the reservoir quality.Whereas clay minerals(kaolinite and mixed layer illite to smectite)are dominant in the Es_(1) sandstone,that can reduce the reservoir quality.SEM,CL and thin section analysis reveal that there are two stages of quartz cement in the studied samples;that are pore filling authigenic cement and quartz overgrowth cement.Fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures shows that stages of quartz cement were developed with continuous process from 70℃ to 130℃.Quartz cements were generally originated from I/S reaction,feldspar dissolution,conversion of rock fragments and pressure solution.Feldspar dissolution(K-feldspar)and kaolinite to illite reaction is an insignificant silica source for the silica cement which is internally precipitated in a close system with diffusion transporting mechanism.Overall,quartz cement significantly enhance the rock strengthen and brittleness effectively as well as it reduce the overall reservoir quality.

Fracture development and hydrocarbon accumulation in tight sandstone reservoirs of the Paleogene Huagang Formation in the central reversal tectonic belt of the Xihu Sag, East China Sea

By using thin section identification, cathodoluminescence, major and trace elements and fluid inclusion tests and authigenic illite dating, based on observation of core cracks, combined with the microscopic characteristics and imaging logging characteristics of fractures, the stages of the fractures in the Huagang Formation of the central reversal tectonic belt of the Xihu Sag in the East China Sea, and the matching relationship between the fracture development stages and the oil and gas charging stages are clarified. There are diagenetic fractures and tectonic fractures in the reservoirs of the Huagang Formation in the study area. The diagenetic fractures developed during the diagenetic stage of the reservoirs and have less effect on oil and gas migration and transport. The tectonic fractures are divided into three stages based on tectonic movements controlling the fractures and their relationships with hydrocarbon charging: The first stage of fractures was generated in the early stage of the Himalayan Movement–Longjing Movement(12–13 Ma ago), when the tectonic stress caused the sutures and shale strips to twist, deform, and break. Tectonic microfractures generated in this period had short extension, narrow width, and poor effectiveness, and had little effect on oil and gas migration and transport. The second stage of fractures came up during the middle-late period of Himalayan Movement–Longjing Movement(9–12 Ma ago), when tectonic movements caused the development of tectonic fractures in the central reversal tectonic belt, these fractures are of large scale, long extension, and good effectiveness, and matched with the first stage of large scale oil and gas charging(9–12 Ma ago), so they play an important role in oil and gas migration, transportation, and accumulation. The third stage of fractures were created from Himalayan Movement–Okinawa Trough movement to the present day(0–3 Ma ago), the fractures are tectonic ones developing successively;matching with the second stage(0–3 Ma ago) of large-scale oil and gas charging, they created conditions for continuous natural gas migration and transportation. All these prove that the development of reservoir fractures in the Huagang Formation of Xihu Sag can provide seepage space and continuous and effective channels for efficient migration and accumulation of oil and gas.