Evaluating the hydrocarbon generation potential of the Paleocene–Eocene carbonaceous rocks in the Barmer and Bikaner-Nagaur Basins, western Rajasthan, India

The Bikaner-Nagaur and Barmer Basins(Rajasthan)are the most important petroliferous sedimentary basins in India.For over a decade,the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons in these basins.Paleocene-Eocene age rocks bear organic-rich sediments in these basins,including lignite and carbonaceous shale deposits.The present research investigates the source rock properties,petroleum potential and thermal maturity of the carbonaceous shale partings from the lignite mines of Gurha(Bikaner-Nagaur Basin)and Kapurdi(Barmer Basin)using petrographical and geochemical tools.The carbonaceous shales have high organic matter(OM),with considerable total organic carbon(TOC)contents ranging from 13%to 39%.Furthermore,they contain hydrogen-rich kerogen,including types II and II/III,as evidenced by the Rock-Eval and elemental analysis results.The existence of these kerogen types indicates the abundance of reactive(vitrinite and liptinite)macerals.However,the carbonaceous shales from the Bikaner–Nagaur Basin have oil generation potentials,with a high hydrogen index(up to 516 mg HC/g TOC)and a H/C ratio(up to 1.5)along with a significant presence of oil-prone liptinitic macerals.Apart from the geochemical and petrological results,the studied shales have low huminite reflectance(0.31%–0.48%),maximum temperature(S_(2) peak;Tmax)between 419℃ and 429℃,and low production index values(PI:0.01–0.03).These results indicate that these carbonaceous shales contain immature OM,and thereby,they cannot yet release commercial amount of oil.This immaturity level in the studied outcrop section is due to the shallow burial depth.Geochemical proxies further indicate the presence of both oil and gas-prone source rocks.

Mesozoic multi-direction collision tectonic evolution of the Ordos Basin, China: Insights from the detrital zircon and apatite (U-Th)/He analyses

The Ordos Basin(OB)in the western part of the North China Craton(NCC),was located at the jointed area of multi-plates and has recorded the Mesozoic tectonic characteristics.Its tectonic evolution in the Mesozoic is significant to understand the tectonic transformation of the northern margin of the NCC.In this work,the detrital zircon and apatite(U-Th)/He chronological system were analyzed in the northern part of the OB,and have provided new evidence for the regional tectonic evolution.The(U-Th)/He chronological data states the weighted ages of 240‒235 Ma,141 Ma with the peak distribution of 244 Ma,219 Ma,173 Ma,147‒132 Ma.The thermal evolution,geochronological data,and regional unconformities have proved four stages of regional tectonic evolution for the OB and its surroundings in the Mesozoic:(1)The Late Permian-Early Triassic;(2)the Late Triassic-Early Jurassic;(3)the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous;(4)the Late Cretaceous-Early Paleogene.It is indicated that the multi-directional convergence from the surrounding tectonic units has controlled the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the OB.Four-stage tectonic evolution reflected the activation or end of different plate movements and provided new time constraints for the regional tectonic evolution of the NCC in the Mesozoic.

Chemical weathering in Manas River Basin:Driven by sulfuric acid or carbonic acid?

Carbonic acid produced by the dissolution of atmospheric and soil CO_(2)in water is usually the most dominant catalyst for chemical weathering,but a sulfuric aciddriven phenomenon,different from usual,was found in the orogenic belt watersheds dominated by silicate bedrock.This study,rooted in comprehensive field investigations in the Manas River Basin(MRB)north of the Tianshan Mountains,delves into the mechanisms and impacts of sulfuric and carbonic acid as catalysts driving diff erent types of chemical weathering in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.Quantitative analyses elucidate that carbonate weathering constitutes 52.4%of the total chemical weathering,while silicate and evaporite account for 18.6%and 25.3%,respectively,with anthropogenic activities and atmospheric precipitation having little eff ect.The estimated total chemical weathering rate in MRB is approximately 0.075×10^(6)mol/km^(2)/year.Quantitative findings further suggest that,preceding carbonate precipitation(<10^(4)year),chemical weathering can absorb CO_(2).Subsequently,and following carbonate precipitation(10^(4)-10^(7)year),it will release CO_(2).The release significantly surpasses the global average CO_(2)consumption,contributing to a noteworthy climate impact.This study underscores the distinctive weathering mechanisms,wherein sulfuric acid emerges as the predominant catalyst.The quantity of sulfuric acid as a catalyst is approximately three times that of carbonic acid.Sulfuric acid-driven carbonate rock weathering(SCW)is identified as the sole chemical weathering type with a net CO_(2)release eff ect.SCW CO_(2)release flux(5176 mol/km^(2)/year)is roughly 2.5 times the CO_(2)absorption by Ca-Mg silicate weathering,highlighting the pivotal role of chemical weathering in sourcing atmospheric CO_(2)over the timescales of carbonate precipitation and sulfate reduction.Lastly,this study posits that catalyst and transport limitations are the most plausible critical factors in MRB.The interplay between sulfuric acid and dissolved CO_(2)competitively shapes the types and rates of chemical weathering reactions.

Dynamic Variation of Vegetation NPP and Its Driving Forces in the Yellow River Basin, China

The productivity of vegetation is influenced by both climate change and human activities.Understanding the specific contributions of these influencing factors is crucial for ecological conservation and regional sustainability.This study utilized a combination of multi-source data to examine the spatiotemporal patterns of Net Primary Productivity(NPP)in the Yellow River Basin(YRB),China from 1982 to 2020.Additionally,a scenario-based approach was employed to compare Potential NPP(PNPP)with Actual NPP(ANPP)to determine the relative roles of climatic and human factors in NPP changes.The PNPP was estimated using the Lund-Potsdam-Jena General Ecosystem Simulator(LPJ-GUESS)model,while ANPP was evaluated by the Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach(CASA)model using different NDVI data sources.Both model simulations revealed that significant greening occurring in the YRB,with a gradual decrease observed from southeast to northwest.According to the LPJ_GUESS model simulations,areas experiencing an increasing trend in NPP accounted for 86.82% of the YRB.When using GIMMS and MODIS NDVI data with CASA model simulations,areas showing an increasing trend in NPP accounted for 71.42% and 97.02%,respectively.Furthermore,both climatic conditions and human factors had positive effects on vegetation restoration;approximated 41.15% of restored vegetation areas were influenced by both climate variation and human activities,while around 31.93% were solely affected by climate variation.However,it was found that human activities served as the principal driving force of vegetation degradation within the YRB,impacting 26.35% of degraded areas solely due to human activities.Therefore,effective management strategies encompassing both human activities and climate change adaptation are imperative for facilitating vegetation restoration within this region.These findings will valuable for enhancing our understanding in NPP changes and its underlying factors,thereby contributing to improved ecological management and the pursuit of regional carbon neutrality in China.

Carboniferous-Early Permian heterogeneous distribution of porous carbonate reservoirs in the Central Uplift of the South Yellow Sea Basin and its hydrocarbon potential analysis

Mesozoic-Palaeozoic marine carbonate rocks are crucial hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Central Uplift area of the South Yellow Sea Basin(SYSB).Due to the scarcity of boreholes and the significant heterogeneity of carbonate reservoirs,the distribution of porous carbonate reservoirs and their related key controlling factors remain unclear.In this study,factors affecting the distribution of porous Carboniferous-Early Permian carbonate reservoirs in the SYSB were investigated through seismic inversion and isotope analysis.The log-seismic characteristics of porous carbonate reservoirs,sensitive lithology parameters,and physical property parameters were extracted and analyzed.The pre-stack simultaneous inversion technique was applied to predict the lithology and physical properties of porous carbonate reservoirs.Moreover,the sedimentary of carbonate was analyzed using isotopes of carbon,oxygen,and strontium.The results show that porous carbonate reservoirs are mainly developed in the open platform sediments with porosities of 3%-5%and are mainly distributed in the paleo-highland(Huanglong Formation and Chuanshan Formation)and the slope of paleo-highland(Hezhou Formation).The porous carbonate reservoirs of the Qixia Formation are only locally developed.In addition,the negativeδ13C excursions indicate a warm and humid tropical climate with three sea-level fluctuations in the study area from the Carboniferous to Early Permian.The favorable conditions for developing porous carbonate rocks include the sedimentary environment and diagenetic process.The primary pore tends to form in high-energy environments of the paleo-highland,and the secondary pore is increased by dissolution during the syngenetic or quasi-syngenetic period.According to the hydrocarbon potential analysis,the Late Ordovician Wufeng Formation and Lower Silurian Gaojiabian Formation are the source rocks in the high-maturity-over-maturity stage,the Carboniferous-Lower Permian carbonate is the good reservoirs,and the Late Permian Longtan-Dalong Formation is the stable seal,ensuring a huge hydrocarbon accumulation potential in SYSB.The methods proposed in this study can be applied to other carbonate-dominated strata worldwide.

Runoff simulation and hydropower resource prediction of the Kaidu River Basin in the Tianshan Mountains,China

The Tianshan Mountains of Central Asia,highly sensitive to climate change,has been comprehensively assessed for its ecosystem vulnerability across multiple aspects.However,studies on the region's main river systems and hydropower resources remain limited.Thus,examining the impact of climate change on the runoff and gross hydropower potential(GHP)of this region is essential for promoting sustainable development and effective management of water and hydropower resources.This study focused on the Kaidu River Basin that is situated above the Dashankou Hydropower Station on the southern slope of the Tianshan Mountains,China.By utilizing an ensemble of bias-corrected global climate models(GCMs)from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6(CMIP6)and the Variable Infiltration Capacity(VIC)model coupled with a glacier module(VIC-Glacier),we examined the variations in future runoff and GHP during 2017-2070 under four shared socio-economic pathway(SSP)scenarios(SSP1-2.6,SSP2-4.5,SSP3-7.0,and SSP5-8.5)compared to the baseline period(1985-2016).The findings indicated that precipitation and temperature in the Kaidu River Basin exhibit a general upward trend under the four SSP scenarios,with the fastest rate of increase in precipitation under the SSP2-4.5 scenario and the most significant changes in mean,maximum,and minimum temperatures under the SSP5-8.5 scenario,compared to the baseline period(1980-2016).Future runoff in the basin is projected to decrease,with rates of decline under the SSP1-2.6,SSP2-4.5,SSP3-7.0,and SSP5-8.5 scenarios being 3.09,3.42,7.04,and 7.20 m^(3)/s per decade,respectively.The trends in GHP are consistent with runoff,with rates of decline in GHP under the SSP1-2.6,SSP2-4.5,SSP3-7.0,and SSP5-8.5 scenarios at 507.74,563.33,1158.44,and 1184.52 MW/10a,respectively.Compared to the baseline period(1985-2016),the rates of change in GHP under the SSP1-2.6,SSP2-4.5,SSP3-7.0,and SSP5-8.5 scenarios are-20.66%,-20.93%,-18.91%,and-17.49%,respectively.The Kaidu River Basin will face significant challenges in water and hydropower resources in the future,underscoring the need to adjust water resource management and hydropower planning within the basin.

Geochemistry and origins of hydrogen-containing natural gases in deep Songliao Basin,China:Insights from continental scientific drilling

The different reservoirs in deep Songliao Basin have non-homogeneous lithologies and include multiple layers with a high content of hydrogen gas.The gas composition and stable isotope characteristics vary significantly,but the origin analysis of different gas types has previously been weak.Based on the geochemical parameters of gas samples from different depths and the analysis of geological settings,this research covers the diverse origins of natural gas in different strata.The gas components are mainly methane with a small amount of C_(2+),and non-hydrocarbon gases,including nitrogen(N_(2)),hydrogen(H_(2)),carbon dioxide(CO_(2)),and helium(He).At greater depth,the carbon isotope of methane becomes heavier,and the hydrogen isotope points to a lacustrine sedimentary environment.With increasing depth,the origins of N_(2)and CO_(2)change gradually from a mixture of organic and inorganic to inorganic.The origins of hydrogen gas are complex and include organic sources,water radiolysis,water-rock(Fe^(2+)-containing minerals)reactions,and mantle-derived.The shales of Denglouku and Shahezi Formations,as source rocks,provide the premise for generation and occurrence of organic gas.Furthermore,the deep faults and fluid activities in Basement Formation control the generation and migration of mantle-derived gas.The discovery of a high content of H_(2)in study area not only reveals the organic and inorganic association of natural-gas generation,but also provides a scientific basis for the exploration of deep hydrogen-rich gas.

Fossil Equidae in the Linxia Basin with Biostratigraphic and Paleozoogeographic Significance

The Linxia Basin is characterized by an abundance of Cenozoic sediments,that contain exceptionally rich fossil resources.Equids are abundant in the Linxia Basin,the fossil record of equids in this region including 16 species that represent 10 genera.In comparison to other classic late Cenozoic areas in China,the Linxia Basin stands out,because the fauna and chronological data accompanying Linxia equids render them remarkably useful for biostratigraphy.The anchitheriines in the region,such as Anchitherium and Sinohippus,represent early equids that appeared in the late stages of the middle and late Miocene,respectively.Among the equines,most species of Chinese hipparions have been identified in the Linxia Basin and some species of the genera Hipparion and Hippotherium have FAD records for China.Furthermore,Equus eisenmannae is one of the earliest known species of Equus in the Old World and is well-represented at the Longdan locality.Some species with precise geohistorical distributions can serve as standards for high-resolution chronological units within this framework.Located at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and subject to considerable uplift,the Linxia Basin has served as a biogeographic transition area for equids throughout the late Cenozoic.

Geochemical characteristics and exploration significance of ultra-deep Sinian oil and gas from Well Tashen 5,Tarim Basin,NW China

The Well Tashen 5(TS5),drilled and completed at a vertical depth of 9017 m in the Tabei Uplift of the Tarim Basin,NW China,is the deepest well in Asia.It has been producing both oil and gas from the Sinian at a depth of 8780e8840 m,also the deepest in Asia in terms of oil discovery.In this paper,the geochemical characteristics of Sinian oil and gas from the well were investigated and compared with those of Cambrian oil and gas discovered in the same basin.The oil samples,with Pr/Ph ratio of 0.78 and a whole oil carbon isotopic value of31.6‰,have geochemical characteristics similar to those of Ordovician oils from the No.1 fault in the North Shuntuoguole area(also named Shunbei area)and the Middle Cambrian oil from wells Zhongshen 1(ZS1)and Zhongshen 5(ZS5)of Tazhong Uplift.The maturity of light hydrocarbons,diamondoids and aromatic fractions all suggest an approximate maturity of 1.5%e1.7%Ro for the samples.The(4-+3-)methyldiamantane concentration of the samples is 113.5 mg/g,indicating intense cracking with a cracking degree of about 80%,which is consistent with the high bottom hole temperature(179℃).The Sinian gas samples are dry with a dryness coefficient of 0.97.The gas is a mixture of kerogen-cracking gas and oil-cracking gas and has Ro values ranging between 1.5%and 1.7%,and methane carbon isotopic values of41.6‰.Based on the equivalent vitrinite reflectance(R_(eqv)=1.51%e1.61%)and the thermal evolution of source rocks from the Cambrian Yu'ertusi Formation of the same well,it is proposed that the Sinian oil and gas be mainly sourced from the Cambrian Yu'ertusi Formation during the Himalayan period but probably also be joined by hydrocarbon of higher maturity that migrated from other source rocks in deeper formations.The discovery of Sinian oil and gas from Well TS5 suggests that the ancient ultra-deep strata in the northern Tarim Basin have the potential for finding volatile oil or condensate reservoirs.

Geological characteristics and exploration breakthroughs of coal rock gas in Carboniferous Benxi Formation,Ordos Basin,NW China

To explore the geological characteristics and exploration potential of the Carboniferous Benxi Formation coal rock gas in the Ordos Basin,this paper presents a systematic research on the coal rock distribution,coal rock reservoirs,coal rock quality,and coal rock gas features,resources and enrichment.Coal rock gas is a high-quality resource distinct from coalbed methane,and it has unique features in terms of burial depth,gas source,reservoir,gas content,and carbon isotopic composition.The Benxi Formation coal rocks cover an area of 16×104km^(2),with thicknesses ranging from 2 m to 25 m,primarily consisting of bright and semi-bright coals with primitive structures and low volatile and ash contents,indicating a good coal quality.The medium-to-high rank coal rocks have the total organic carbon(TOC)content ranging from 33.49%to 86.11%,averaging75.16%.They have a high degree of thermal evolution(Roof 1.2%-2.8%),and a high gas-generating capacity.They also have high stable carbon isotopic values(δ13C1of-37.6‰to-16‰;δ13C2of-21.7‰to-14.3‰).Deep coal rocks develop matrix pores such as gas bubble pores,organic pores,and inorganic mineral pores,which,together with cleats and fractures,form good reservoir spaces.The coal rock reservoirs exhibit the porosity of 0.54%-10.67%(averaging 5.42%)and the permeability of(0.001-14.600)×10^(-3)μm^(2)(averaging 2.32×10^(-3)μm^(2)).Vertically,there are five types of coal rock gas accumulation and dissipation combinations,among which the coal rock-mudstone gas accumulation combination and the coal rock-limestone gas accumulation combination are the most important,with good sealing conditions and high peak values of total hydrocarbon in gas logging.A model of coal rock gas accumulation has been constructed,which includes widespread distribution of medium-to-high rank coal rocks continually generating gas,matrix pores and cleats/fractures in coal rocks acting as large-scale reservoir spaces,tight cap rocks providing sealing,source-reservoir integration,and five types of efficient enrichment patterns(lateral pinchout complex,lenses,low-amplitude structures,nose-like structures,and lithologically self-sealing).According to the geological characteristics of coal rock gas,the Benxi Formation is divided into 8 plays,and the estimated coal rock gas resources with a buried depth of more than 2000 m are more than 12.33×10^(12)m^(3).The above understandings guide the deployment of risk exploration.Two wells drilled accordingly obtained an industrial gas flow,driving the further deployment of exploratory and appraisal wells.Substantial breakthroughs have been achieved,with the possible reserves over a trillion cubic meters and the proved reserves over a hundred billion cubic meters,which is of great significance for the reserves increase and efficient development of natural gas in China.

Geochemical prerequisites for the formation of oil and gas accumulation zones in the South Turgay basin,Kazakhstan

This study predicts favorable oil and gas source-rock formation conditions in the Aryskum Depression of the South Turgay Basin,Kazakhstan.This study assesses the thermal maturity and characteristics of organic matter by determining its environmental conditions using data from geochemical analysis of core(pyrolysis)and oil(biomarkers and carbon isotopic compositions)samples.According to the geochemical parameters obtained by pyrolysis,the oil generation potential of the original rocks of most studied samples varies from poor to rich.The facies–genetic organic matter is predominantly humic and less frequently humus–sapropel,indicating organic matter accumulation in the studied samples were under moderately reducing conditions(kerogenⅢand Ⅱ types)and coastal–marine environments(kerogen typeⅠ).The carbon isotopic compositions of oils derived from the Jurassic deposits of the Aryskum Depression also indicate the sapropelic and mixed humic–sapropelic type of organic matter(kerogenⅡandⅠ).Biomarker analysis of oils indicates original organic matter formation in an anoxic environment.

Deep-large faults controlling on the distribution of the venting gas hydrate system in the middle of the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea

Many locations with concentrated hydrates at vents have confirmed the presence of abundant thermogenic gas in the middle of the Qiongdongnan Basin(QDNB).However,the impact of deep structures on gasbearing fluids migration and gas hydrates distribution in tectonically inactive regions is still unclear.In this study,the authors apply high-resolution 3D seismic and logging while drilling(LWD)data from the middle of the QDNB to investigate the influence of deep-large faults on gas chimneys and preferred gasescape pipes.The findings reveal the following:(1)Two significant deep-large faults,F1 and F2,developed on the edge of the Songnan Low Uplift,control the dominant migration of thermogenic hydrocarbons and determine the initial locations of gas chimneys.(2)The formation of gas chimneys is likely related to fault activation and reactivation.Gas chimney 1 is primarily arises from convergent fluid migration resulting from the intersection of the two faults,while the gas chimney 2 benefits from a steeper fault plane and shorter migration distance of fault F2.(3)Most gas-escape pipes are situated near the apex of the two faults.Their reactivations facilitate free gas flow into the GHSZ and contribute to the formation of fracture‐filling hydrates.

Geochemical fingerprints and hydrocarbon potential of Paleocene mudrocks in the Tano Basin, Ghana: insights from biomarkers and stable carbon isotopes

The Paleocene mudrocks in Ghana’s Tano Basin have received limited attention despite ongoing efforts to explore hydrocarbon resources.A thorough geochemical analysis is imperative to assess these mudrocks’petroleum generation potential and formulate effective exploration strategies.In this study,a comprehensive geochemical analysis was carried out on ten Paleocene rock cuttings extracted from TP-1,a discovery well within the Tano Basin.Various analytical techniques,including total organic carbon(TOC)analysis,Rock–Eval pyrolysis,gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,and isotope ratio-mass spectrometry,were employed to elucidate their hydrocar-bon potential and organic facies.Thefindings in this study were subsequently compared to existing geochemical data on Paleocene source rocks in the South Atlantic marginal basins.The results indicated that the Paleocene samples have TOC content ranging from 0.68 to 2.93 wt%.The prevalent kerogen types identified in these samples were Type Ⅱ and Type Ⅲ.Molecular and isotope data suggest that the organic matter found in the Paleocene mudrocks can be traced back to land plants and lower aquatic organisms.These mudrocks were deposited in a transi-tional environment withfluctuating water salinity,charac-terized by sub-oxic redox conditions.Maturity indices,both bulk and molecular,indicated a spectrum of maturity levels within the Paleocene mudrocks,spanning from immature to marginally mature,with increasing maturity observed with greater depth.In comparison,the organic composition and depositional environments of Paleocene source rocks in the Tano Basin closely resemble those found in the Niger Delta Basin,Douala,and Kribi-Campo Basins,the Kwanza Formation in Angola,and certain Brazilian marginal basins.However,it is worth noting that Paleocene source rocks in some of the basins,such as the Niger Delta and Brazilian marginal basins,exhibit rela-tively higher thermal maturity levels compared to those observed in the current Paleocene samples from the Tano Basin.In conclusion,the comprehensive geochemical analysis of Paleocene mudrocks within Ghana’s Tano Basin has unveiled their marginal hydrocarbon generation potential.The shared geochemical characteristics between the Paleocene mudrocks in the Tano Basin and those in the nearby South Atlantic marginal basins offer valuable insights into source rock quality,which is crucial for shaping future strategies in petroleum exploration in this region.

Multiple enrichment mechanisms of organic matter in the Fengcheng Formation of Mahu Sag,Junggar Basin,NW China

Based on core and thin section data,the source rock samples from the Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag of the Junggar Basin were analyzed in terms of zircon SIMS U-Pb geochronology,organic carbon isotopic composition,major and trace element contents,as well as petrology.Two zircon U-Pb ages of(306.0±5.2)Ma and(303.5±3.7)Ma were obtained from the first member of the Fengcheng Formation.Combined with carbon isotopic stratigraphy,it is inferred that the depositional age of the Fengcheng Formation is about 297-306 Ma,spanning the Carboniferous-Permian boundary and corresponding to the interglacial period between C4 and P1 glacial events.Multiple increases in Hg/TOC ratios and altered volcanic ash were found in the shale rocks of the Fengcheng Formation,indicating that multiple phases of volcanic activity occurred during its deposition.An interval with a high B/Ga ratio was found in the middle of the second member of the Fengcheng Formation,associated with the occurrence of evaporite minerals and reedmergnerite,indicating that the high salinity of the water mass was related to hydrothermal activity.Comprehensive analysis suggests that the warm and humid climate during the deposition of Fengcheng Formation is conducive to the growth of organic matter such as algae and bacteria in the lake,and accelerates the continental weathering,driving the input of nutrients.Volcanic activities supply a large amount of nutrients and stimulate primary productivity.The warm climate and high salinity are conducive to water stratification,leading to water anoxia that benefits organic matter preservation.The above factors interact and jointly control the enrichment of organic matter in the Fengcheng Formation of Mahu Sag.

Hydrocarbon Generation Characteristics of Coal-measure Source Rocks and their Contribution to Natural Gas:A Case Study of Middle and Lower Jurassic Targets from the Southern Junggar Basin Margin

In order to study the hydrocarbon generation(HCGE)characteristics of coal-bearing basins,the coal-measure source rocks of the Middle Jurassic-Lower Jurassic(MLJ)of the piedmont thrust belt in the southern margin of the Junggar Basin in Northwest China are taken as research objects.More than 60 MLJ samples were collected from outcrops and wells.Total organic carbon(TOC),rock pyrolysis(Rock-Eval),organic petrological,vitrinite reflectance(%Ro),and hydrous pyrolysis were performed to analyze the relevant samples.The pyrolysis gases and liquid products were measured,and then the chemical composition,as well as carbon isotopes of the gases,were analyzed.The results indicate that the MLJ source rocks have the capacity for large-scale gas generation.In addition,for coal-measure source rocks,the heavier the carbon isotope of kerogen(δ^(13)C_(kerogen)),the lower the liquid hydrocarbon and hydrocarbon gas yield,and the easier it is to produce non-hydrocarbon gas.It is worth noting that when theδ^(13)C_(kerogen)in organic matter(OM)is relatively heavier,the fractionation of its products may become weaker in the evolutionary process.The vital contribution of the MLJ source rock to natural gas resources in the study area was further confirmed by comparing it with the Jurassic source gas.

Genetic mechanism and main controlling factors of high-quality clastic rock reservoirs in deep and ultradeep layers:A case study of Oligocene Linhe Formation in Linhe Depression,Hetao Basin,NW China

Based on new data from cores,drilling and logging,combined with extensive rock and mineral testing analysis,a systematic analysis is conducted on the characteristics,diagenesis types,genesis and controlling factors of deep to ultra-deep abnormally high porosity clastic rock reservoirs in the Oligocene Linhe Formation in the Hetao Basin.The reservoir space of the deep to ultra-deep clastic rock reservoirs in the Linhe Formation is mainly primary pores,and the coupling of three favorable diagenetic elements,namely the rock fabric with strong compaction resistance,weak thermal compaction diagenetic dynamic field,and diagenetic environment with weak fluid compaction-weak cementation,is conducive to the preservation of primary pores.The Linhe Formation clastic rocks have a superior preexisting material composition,with an average total content of 90%for quartz,feldspar,and rigid rock fragments,and strong resistance to compaction.The geothermal gradient in Linhe Depression in the range of(2.0–2.6)°C/100 m is low,and together with the burial history of long-term shallow burial and late rapid deep burial,it forms a weak thermal compaction diagenetic dynamic field environment.The diagenetic environment of the saline lake basin is characterized by weak fluid compaction.At the same time,the paleosalinity has zoning characteristics,and weak cementation in low salinity areas is conducive to the preservation of primary pores.The hydrodynamic conditions of sedimentation,salinity differentiation of ancient water in saline lake basins,and sand body thickness jointly control the distribution of high-quality reservoirs in the Linhe Formation.

Microscopic characteristics of tight sandstone reservoirs and their effects on the imbibition efficiency of fracturing fluids:A case study of the Linxing area,Ordos Basin

The Linxing area within the Ordos Basin exhibits pronounced reservoir heterogeneity and intricate micro-pore structures,rendering it susceptible to water-blocking damage during imbibition extraction.This study delved into the traits of tight sandstone reservoirs in the 8th member of the Shihezi Formation(also referred to as the He 8 Member)in the study area,as well as their effects on fracturing fluid imbibition.Utilizing experimental techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR),high-pressure mercury intrusion(HPMI),and gas adsorption,this study elucidated the reservoir characteristics and examined the factors affecting the imbibition through imbibition experiments.The findings reveal that:①The reservoir,with average porosity of 8.40%and average permeability of 0.642×10^(-3)μm^(2),consists principally of quartz,feldspar,and lithic fragments,with feldspathic litharenite serving as the primary rock type and illite as the chief clay mineral;②Nano-scale micro-pores and throats dominate the reservoir,with dissolution pores and intercrystalline pores serving as predominant pore types,exhibiting relatively high pore connectivity;③Imbibition efficiency is influenced by petrophysical properties,clay mineral content,and microscopic pore structure.Due to the heterogeneity of the tight sandstone reservoir,microscopic factors have a more significant impact on the imbibition efficiency of fracturing fluids;④A comparative analysis shows that average pore size correlates most strongly with imbibition efficiency,followed by petrophysical properties and clay mineral content.In contrast,the pore type has minimal impact.Micropores are vital in the imbibition process,while meso-pores and macro-pores offer primary spaces for imbibition.This study offers theoretical insights and guidance for enhancing the post-fracturing production of tight sandstone reservoirs by examining the effects of these factors on the imbibition efficiency of fracturing fluids in tight sandstones.

Discovery of nano organo-clay complex pore-fractures in shale and its scientific significance:A case study of Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation shale,Songliao Basin,NE China

A new pore type,nano-scale organo-clay complex pore-fracture was first discovered based on argon ion polishing-field emission scanning electron microscopy,energy dispersive spectroscopy and three-dimensional reconstruction by focused ion-scanning electron in combination with analysis of TOC,R_(o)values,X-ray diffraction etc.in the Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation shale in the Songliao Basin,NE China.Such pore characteristics and evolution study show that:(1)Organo-clay complex pore-fractures are developed in the shale matrix and in the form of spongy and reticular aggregates.Different from circular or oval organic pores discovered in other shales,a single organo-clay complex pore is square,rectangular,rhombic or slaty,with the pore diameter generally less than 200 nm.(2)With thermal maturity increasing,the elements(C,Si,Al,O,Mg,Fe,etc.)in organo-clay complex change accordingly,showing that organic matter shrinkage due to hydrocarbon generation and clay mineral transformation both affect organo-clay complex pore-fracture formation.(3)At high thermal maturity,the Qingshankou Formation shale is dominated by nano-scale organo-clay complex pore-fractures with the percentage reaching more than 70%of total pore space.The spatial connectivity of organo-clay complex pore-fractures is significantly better than that of organic pores.It is suggested that organo-complex pore-fractures are the main pore space of laminar shale at high thermal maturity and are the main oil and gas accumulation space in the core area of continental shale oil.The discovery of nano-scale organo-clay complex pore-fractures changes the conventional view that inorganic pores are the main reservoir space and has scientific significance for the study of shale oil formation and accumulation laws.

Natural gas exploration potential and favorable targets of Permian Fengcheng Formation in the western Central Depression of Junggar Basin,NW China

Based on the organic geochemical data and the molecular and stable carbon isotopic compositions of natural gas of the Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation in the western Central Depression of Junggar Basin,combined with sedimentary environment analysis and hydrocarbon-generating simulation,the gas-generating potential of the Fengcheng source rock is evaluated,the distribution of large-scale effective source kitchen is described,the genetic types of natural gas are clarified,and four types of favorable exploration targets are selected.The results show that:(1)The Fengcheng Formation is a set of oil-prone source rocks,and the retained liquid hydrocarbon is conducive to late cracking into gas,with characteristics of high gas-generating potential and late accumulation;(2)The maximum thickness of Fengcheng source rock reaches 900 m.The source rock has entered the main gas-generating stage in Penyijingxi and Shawan sags,and the area with gas-generating intensity greater than 20×10^(8) m^(3)/km^(2) is approximately 6500 km^(2).(3)Around the western Central Depression,highly mature oil-type gas with light carbon isotope composition was identified to be derived from the Fengcheng source rocks mainly,while the rest was coal-derived gas from the Carboniferous source rock;(4)Four types of favorable exploration targets with exploration potential were developed in the western Central Depression which are structural traps neighboring to the source,stratigraphic traps neighboring to the source,shale-gas type within the source,and structural traps within the source.Great attention should be paid to these targets.

Reservoir characteristics and formation model of Upper Carboniferous bauxite series in eastern Ordos Basin,NW China

Through core observation,thin section identification,X-ray diffraction analysis,scanning electron microscopy,and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption and isothermal adsorption experiments,the lithology and pore characteristics of the Upper Carboniferous bauxite series in eastern Ordos Basin were analyzed to reveal the formation and evolution process of the bauxite reservoirs.A petrological nomenclature and classification scheme for bauxitic rocks based on three units(aluminum hydroxides,iron minerals and clay minerals)is proposed.It is found that bauxitic mudstone is in the form of dense massive and clastic structures,while the(clayey)bauxite is of dense massive,pisolite,oolite,porous soil and clastic structures.Both bauxitic mudstone and bauxite reservoirs develop dissolution pores,intercrystalline pores,and microfractures as the dominant gas storage space,with the porosity less than 10% and mesopores in dominance.The bauxite series in the North China Craton can be divided into five sections,i.e.,ferrilite(Shanxi-style iron ore,section A),bauxitic mudstone(section B),bauxite(section C),bauxite mudstone(debris-containing,section D)and dark mudstone-coal section(section E).The burrow/funnel filling,lenticular,layered/massive bauxite deposits occur separately in the karst platforms,gentle slopes and low-lying areas.The karst platforms and gentle slopes are conducive to surface water leaching,with strong karstification,well-developed pores,large reservoir thickness and good physical properties,but poor strata continuity.The low-lying areas have poor physical properties but relatively continuous and stable reservoirs.The gas enrichment in bauxites is jointly controlled by source rock,reservoir rock and fractures.This recognition provides geological basis for the exploration and development of natural gas in the Upper Carboniferous in the study area and similar bauxite systems.