S, C, O, H Isotope Data and Noble Gas Studies of the Maoniuping LREE Deposit, Sichuan Province, China: A Mantle Connection for Mineralization

The Maoniuping REE deposit, located about 22 km to the southwest of Mianning, Sichuan Province, is the second largest light REE deposit in China, subsequent to the Bayan Obo Fe-Nb-REE deposit in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Tectonically, it is located in the transitional zone between the Panxi rift and the Longmenshan-Jinpingshan orogenic zone. It is a carbonatite vein-type deposit hosted in alkaline complex rocks. The bastnaesite-barite, bastnaesite-calcite, and bastnaesite- microcline lodes are the main three types of REE ore lodes. Among these, the first lode is distributed most extensively and its REE mineralization is the strongest. The δ^34Sv.cDT values of the barites in the ore of the deposit vary in a narrow range of ＋5.0 to ＋5.1‰ in the bastnaesite-calcite lode and ＋3.3 to ＋5.9‰ in the bastnaesite-barite lode, showing the isotopic characteristics of magma-derived sulfur. The δ^13Cv-PDB values and the δ^Ov.SMOW values in the bastnaesite-calcite lode range from -3.9 to -6.9‰ and from ＋7.3 to ＋9.7 ‰, respectively, which fall into the range of ＂primary carbonatltes＂, showing that carbon and oxygen in the ores of the Maoniuping deposit were derived mainly from a deep source. The δ^13Cv.PDB values of fluid inclusions vary from -3.0 to -5.6‰, with -3.0 to -4.0‰ in the bastnaesitecalcite lode and -3.0 to -5.6‰ in the bastnaesite-barite lode, which show characteristics of mantle- derived carbon. The δDv-SMOW values of fluid inclusions range from -57 to -88‰, with -63 to -86‰ in the bastnaesite-calcite lode and -57 to -88‰ in the bastnaesite-barite lode, which show characteristics of mantle-derived hydrogen. The δ^18OH2OV.SMOW values vary from ＋7.4 to ＋8.6‰ in the bastnaesitecalcite lode, and ＋6.7 to ＋7.8‰ in the bastnaesite-barite lode, almost overlapping the range of ＋5.5 to ＋9.5‰ for magmatic water. The 4He content, R/Ra ratios are （13.95 to 119.58）×10^-6 （cm^3/g）STP and 0.02 to 0.11, respectively, and ^40Ar/^36Ar is 313± 1 to 437 ± 2. Considering the 4He increase caused by high contents of radioactive elements, a mantle-derived fluid probably exists in the inclusions in the fluorite, calcite and bastnaesite samples. The Maoniuping deposit and its associated carbonatite-alkaline complex were formed in 40.3 to 12.2 Ma according to K-Ar and U-Pb data. All these data suggest that large quantities of mantle fluids were involved in the metallogenic process of the Maoniuping REE deposit through a fault system.

A New Discovery on the Deformation Behavior of Shale Gas Reservoirs Affecting Pore Morphology in the Juhugeng Coal Mining Area of Qinghai Province, Northwest China

Objective The Juhugeng mining area in Qinghai Province of northwest China has attracted wide attention among geologists for it hosts typical coal measure gases.The shale gas reservoirs were reformed by intensive structural movements during geological periods,

Inventory Research of Greenhouse Gas about Energy Sector Activities in Jiangsu Province and Analysis on Relevant Problems

The emission of greenhouse gas generated by energy activity had the maximum influence on total emission. We introduced research content and method of inventory for greenhouse gas generated by energy activity in Jiangsu in 2005 and 2010, and obtained finial results. According to the sum of green gas emission from various parts, greenhouse gas emission of energy activity in Jiangsu occupied 76% -79% of total emission in 2005 and 2010. Meanwhile, the problems encountering in preparation process of inventory were summed and deeply analyzed, such as data ob- taining and processing, inconsistent statistical channel and actual measurement of emission factor. Finally, some suggestions about carrying out provincial greenhouse gas inventory work of energy activity in the future were put forward.

Protoconodont fossils for refining the Cambrian bottom and the contribution to shale gas formation along the southwest margin of Yangtze Block

It has been an intense debate on the exact boundary between Ediacaran and Cambrian in the southwest Yangtze Block.The calibration of this critical boundary has a remarkable influence on the further investigation of the break-up of the Rodinia Supercontinent,the early life evolution,and the mechanism of the phosphorite deposit.Ediacaran and Cambrian strata and fossils are widely distributed in Anning,Yunnan Province in China.In recent years,the Xiaowaitoushan Member from the Lower Yuhucun Formation has been studied.Through this interval with continuous collections,the first appearance datums(FADs)of the protoconodont(Fomitchella cf.inchoate Yang et He,Protohertzina cf.anabarica Missarzhevsky)and globular embryos fossil(Olivooides sp.)earlier than these in the Lower Cambrian strata of the Meishucun Formation were discovered.This discovery indicates that the Xiaowaitoushan Member has included more FADs than the previously discovered single FAD of Anabarites primitivus Qian et Jiang,and the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary in southwest China should be replaced below the Point“A”of the Meishucun Formation in Yunnan Province.The Point“B”of the Meishucun Formation is younger than the suggested age 541 Ma of the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary and can no longer reference the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point(GSSP)correlation in southwest China.It can be suggested based on the previous stratigraphy and palaeontology studies from northern Sichuan and southern Shaanxi and the FAD of the globular embryos fossils that the Ediacaran‒Cambrian boundary in the southwest Yangtze Block should be placed at the base of the Xiaowaitoushan Member;other phosphorite strata refer to Xiaowaitoushan Member.The discovery of the FADs of the shelly fossils in the Xiaowaitoushan Member provides new evidence for the global correlation of the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary in the southwest Yangtze Block.The conodont discoloration index(CAI)of the specimens in Anning is between 2 and 3,which indicates that the organic matter in Xiaowaitoushan Member is matured and has high potential to form a shale gas reservoir.

The influence factors of gas-bearing and geological characteristics of Niutitang Formation shale in the southern margin of Xuefeng Mountain ancient uplift: A case of Well Huangdi 1

In order to evaluate the geological characteristics and gas-bearing factors of Niutitang Formation within the Lower Cambrian of northern Guizhou,the Huangping area located at the southern edge of the ancient uplift belt of Xuefeng Mountain was selected as the target area,and Well Huangdi 1 was drilled for the geological survey of shale gas.Through geological background analysis and well logging and laboratory analysis such as organic geochemical test,gas content analysis,isothermal adsorption,and specific surface area experiments on Well Huangdi 1,the results show that the Niutitang Formation is a deep-water shelf,trough-like folds and thrust fault.The thickness of black shale is 119.95 m,of which carbonaceous shale is 89.6 m.The average value of organic carbon content is 3.55%,kerogen vitrinite reflectance value is 2.37% and kerogen type is sapropel-type.The brittle mineral content is 51%(quartz 38%),clay mineral content is 38.3%.The value of porosity and permeability are 0.5%and 0.0014 mD,which the reservoir of the Niutitang Formation belongs to low permeability with characteristics of ultra-low porosity.The gas content is 0.09‒1.31 m^3/t with a high-value area and a second high-value area.By comparing with the geological parameters of adjacent wells in the adjacent area,the accumulation model of“sediment control zone,Ro control zone,structure controlling reservoir”in the study area is proposed.Therefore,deep-water shelf-slope facies,Ro is between high maturity-early stage of overmaturity and well-preserved zones in the Niutitang Formation in this area are favorable direction for the next step of shale gas exploration.

Effect analysis of borehole microseismic monitoring technology on shale gas fracturing in western Hubei

Hydraulic fracturing technology is an important means of shale gas development,and microseismic monitoring is the key technology of fracturing effect evaluation.In this study,hydraulic fracturing and microseismic monitoring were simultaneously conducted in the Eyangye 2HF well(hereinafter referred to as EYY2HF well).The target stratum of this well is the second member of the Doushantuo Formation of the Sinian System,which is the oldest stratum of horizontal shale gas wells in the world.A total of 4341 microseismic fracturing events were identified,and 23 fracturing stages of the well were defined.The fluctuation of the number of events showed a repeating“high-low”pattern,and the average energy of these events showed minimal differences.These findings indicate that the water pressure required for the reconstruction of the EYY2HF well is appropriate.The main body of the fracture network extended from northwest to southeast,consistent with the interpretation of regional geological and seismic data.The stimulated rock volumes showed a linear increase with the increase of the fracturing stage.Some technological measures,such as quick lift displacement,quick lift sand ratio,and pump stop for secondary sand addition,were adopted during fracturing to increase the complexity of the fracture network.Microseismic fracture monitoring of the well achieved expected eff ects and guided real-time fracturing operations and fracturing eff ect evaluation.

Paleo-oil reservoir pyrolysis and gas release in the Yangtze Block imply an alternative mechanism for the Late Permian Crisis

The causes of the global mass extinction that occurred around the Permian-Triassic boundary have been widely studied through the geological record and in various locations.The results show that volcanic activity was a key factor in initiating the crisis during the Late Permian.Compared to other thermal events triggered by volcanic activity,pyrolysis of petroleum in Pre-Permian reservoirs has rarely been suggested as a significant source of the greenhouse gases that caused the mass extinction.In this study,geochemical analysis is carried out of a huge paleo-oil reservoir in the Yangtze Block(YB),South China.The detection of mineral inclusions and pyrobitumens is evidence of rapid pyrolysis of accumulated oil in the Ediacaran reservoir.New evidence from hydrothermal minerals and the presence of domain mesophase in the pyrobitumen suggest that the pyrolysis process occurred abruptly and that greenhouse gases were rapidly released through venting pipes.The dating of such a complex geological event in this old and deeply buried reservoir is inevitably difficult and potentially unreliable.However,cross-validation of the multiple evidence sources,including hydrothermal minerals and domain mesophase,indicates that the rapid oil pyrolysis must have been driven by a major thermal event.Reconstruction of burial and thermal histories suggests that the thermal event was most likely to have been triggered by the Emeishan Large Igneous Province(ELIP),which was in a period of significant volcanic activity during the Late Permian.Massive volumes of gases,including methane,carbon dioxide,and possibly hydrogen sulfide,were released,causing a significant increase in greenhouse gases that may have contributed to global warming and the resulting mass extinction during the Late Permian Crisis(LPC).

Lower limits of evaluation parameters for the lower Paleozoic Longmaxi shale gas in southern Sichuan Province

Here we present six key parameters that have been applied to evaluate the Silurian Longmaxi shale gas accumulations of southern Sichuan Province.These parameters include richness of organic matter,single layer shale thickness,burial depth of the shale,maturity,shale properties,and brittle mineral content.In combination with drilling data,the lower limits of these six parameters for marine shale gas have been evaluated and the following conclusions are drawn:(1)Organic carbon recovery, gas content inversion,and production tests have been applied for the first time to measure the lower limit of TOC,which is determined to be 1.0%.(2)Based on the hydrocarbon generation and expulsion theory for source rocks and the characteristics of Longmaxi shale,the lower limit of the single-layer thickness is estimated to be 30 m,of which a thickness of at least 15 m should contain high-quality shale.(3)Based on the correlation of TOC and porosity,the lower limit of gas-filled porosity is 1.2%.(4)Other parameters,such as maturity,burial depth,and brittle mineral content have also been studied with regard to the geologic conditions of southern Sichuan.Based on the study results,an evaluation index system has been established for highly evolved marine shale gas,and the system has been applied successfully to geologically screened shale gas occurrences in southern Sichuan Province.

Geological characteristics of large gas provinces and large gas fields in China

Based on the examination of the global researches on oil and gas provinces and large gas fields and the analysis of the features,attributes and distribution of large gas provinces and gas fields,this paper puts forward three indicators of determining large oil and gas provinces:spatial indicator,reservoir-forming indicator and resource indicator.It classifies the gas accumulated areas and large gas provinces in China and analyzes the controlling factors on the distribution of large gas provinces and large gas fields:the lateral distribution is mainly controlled by high-energy sedimentary facies and constructive diagenetic facies,palaeo-highs and their periclinal zones,deep faults,etc,and the vertical distribution is mainly controlled by unconformities,series of evaporates and deep low-velocity highly-conductive beds,etc.It also reveals the main geological characteristics of large gas provinces and large gas fields in China.Large gas fields in four-type basins have their own characteristics and onland large gas fields are dominantly developed in foreland basins and craton basins;there are three types of gas sources,of which,coal is the main source with high gas generating intensity and varying origins;reservoir rocks of the large gas fields(provinces)are of various types and dominated generally by low-middle permeability and porosity pore-type reservoirs;structural traps and litho-stratigraphic traps coexist in Chinese large gas fields and form dense high abundance and large-area low and middle-abundance large gas fields;most of the large gas fields have late hydrocarbon-generation peaks and reservoir formation,and experienced the process of multiple-stage charging and late finalization; large gas provinces(fields)have good sealing and preservation conditions,and evaporates seals are largely developed in large and extra-large gas fields.This paper intends to shed light on the exploration and development of large gas fields(provinces)through analyzing their geological characteristics.

Sedimentary lithofacies characteristics and sweet-spot interval characterization of the Sinian Doushantuo Formation in Upper Yangtze Platform, South China

The Sinian Doushantuo Formation is the oldest shale gas reservoir discovered in the world, which contains good shale gas shows as the Eyangye-1 and Zidi-1 wells in the Yichang Region of western Hubei province, China. The shales in the Doushantuo Formation feature considerable thickness (135 m), high gas content (4.83 m^3/t) and high fragile mineral content (up to 75%). Due to the influences of the sedimentary environment, the shale reservoirs here have high dolomitic content (54%) and abruptly changes in vertical lithofacies. Moreover, the characteristics of the shale sweet-spot differ significantly from that in the Wufeng Formation and Longmaxi Formation in southeast Sichuan Basin. A high-resolution sequence stratigraphic correlation was performed on the shales of the Doushantuo Formation at the Eyangye-1 well, Zidi-1 well, Zidi-2 well and some outcrop profiles in Yichang area for the identification of their sedimentary microfacies characteristics. A comprehensive comparative analysis was made by incorporating the elemental geochemistry, wireline and mud logging data of the well to further identify the sweet-spot interval therein. With the analysis of Eyangye-1 well, the sweet-spot interval of the Doushantuo Formation is 3360?3408 m, of which sedimentary microfacies is deepwater reduced environment with many pyrite laminaes, and the TOC is high to 3.42%, the Ro is 3.3%, the organic and matrix pore are well developed and the aperture more than 50 nm, the porosity is 2.7%, the desorption gas content average is 2.16%, and the main mineral is dolomitic (54%) and siliceous quartz (21%). Additionally, these parameters combined with previous studies will shed light on evaluating and characterizing the layers therein, also provide referential geological data for the following exploration and development activities of this shale system.

MIDDLE AND LATE CARBONIFEROUS CHENIER DEPOSITS IN ORDOS REGION

Ordos is located in the western part of North China Platform and was subjected to erosion at the late stage of Caledonian movement when the platform was uplifted. Later, Variscian movement made this region subside and the paleo-North China Sea and Qilian Sea transgressed onto Ordos, from both the east and west sides during the