Braided river and distribution patterns of sand bodies of Jurassic Badaowan formation in Block T13 of Junggar basin

In order to determine the planar and volume distribution of sand bodies of the Jurassic Badaowan formation in Block T13 of Junggar basin,we used analysis of field outcrop and 3D seismic data,which play an essential role in areas of sparse well coverage.We describe sedimentary facies characteristics,sand body planforms,width and connectivity patterns of sand bodies,and vertical associations and successions by acoustic impedance inversion technology and sedimentological theory.Results of our study show braided fluvial strata deposits in the Jurassic Badaowan formation.Each sand body is approximately lenticular in shape.The width of each sand body falls in the range 100～800 m,with most between 200 and 400 m.The sand bodies vary in thickness from 4 to 13 m,with most below 9 m.The width/thickness ratios lie in the range 20～55.The connectivity of braided fluvial channel sand bodies is controlled by changes of accommodation space.One fining-upward sedimentary cycle of base-level rise is recognized in Badaowan formation,representing an upward rise of base level.The connectivity of sand bodies was found to be greatest in the early stage of base-level rise,becoming progressively worse with increasing base-level rise.

Application of integrated formation evaluation and three-dimensional modeling in shale gas prospect identification

Identifying the shale gas prospect is crucial for gas extraction from such reservoirs.Junggar Basin(in Northwest China)is widely considered to have high potential as a shale gas resource,and the Jurassic,the most significant gas source strata,is considered as prospective for shale gas exploration and development.This study evaluated the Lower Jurassic Badaowan Formation shale gas potential combined with geochemical,geological,and well logging data,and built a three-dimensional(3D)model to exhibit favorable shale gas prospects.In addition,methane sorption capacity was tested for verifying the prospects.The Badaowan shale had an average total organic carbon(TOC)content of 1.30 wt.%and vitrinite reflectance(Ro)ranging from 0.47%to 0.81%with dominated type III organic matter(OM).X-ray diffraction(XRD)analyses showed that mineral composition of Badaowan shale was fairly homogeneous and dominated by clay and brittle minerals.67 wells were used to identify prospective shale intervals and to delineate the area of prospects.Consequently,three Badaowan shale gas prospects in the Junggar Basin were identified:the northwestern margin prospect,eastern Central Depression prospect and Wulungu Depression prospect.The middle interval of the northwestern margin prospect was considered to be the most favorable exploration target benefitted by wide distribution and high lateral continuity.Generally,methane sorption capacity of the Badaowan shale was comparable to that of the typical gas shales with similar TOC content,showing a feasible gas potential.