Classification and exploration potential of sedimentary basins based on the superposition and evolution process of prototype basins

Classification,superimposed evolution and sedimentary filling of prototype basins are analyzed based on the Wilson cycle principle of plate theory,by dissecting the evolution history of 483 sedimentary basins around the world since the Pre-cambrian,combined with the three stress environments of tension,compression and shear.It is found that plate tectonic evo-lution controls the superimposed development process and petroleum-bearing conditions of the prototype basins in three as-pects:first,more than 85%of the sedimentary basins in the world are developed from the superimposed development of two or more prototype basins;second,the superposition evolution process of the prototype basin takes Wilson cycle as the cycle and cycles in a fixed trajectory repeatedly.In each stage of a cycle,a specific type of prototype basin can be formed;third,each prototype basin can form a unique tectonic-sedimentary system,which determines its unique source,reservoir,cap conditions etc.For hydrocarbon accumulation,the later superimposed prototype basin can change the oil and gas accumulation conditions of the earlier prototype basin,and may form new petroleum systems.Based on this,by defining the type of a current basin as its prototype basin formed by the latest plate tectonic movement,14 types of prototype basins can be classified in the world,namely,intracontinental growth rift,intr acontinental aborted rift,intercontinental rift,passive continental margin,interior craton,trench,fore-arc rift,ba ck-arc rift,back-arc de pression,back-arc small ocean,peri pheral foreland,back-arc foreland,strike-slip pull-apart,and strike-slip flexural basins.The classification scheme can ensure the uniqueness of the types of in di-vidual sedimentary basin,and make it possible to predict their oil and gas potential scientifically through analogy.

Geochemical Constraints of Sediments on the Provenance, Depositional Environment and Tectonic Setting of the Songliao Prototype Basin

The geochemistry of sediments is primarily controlled by their provenances,and different tectonic settings have distinctive provenance characteristics and sedimentaryprocesses. So, it is possible to distinctive provenances, depositional environments and tectonicsettings in the development of a sedimentary basin with the geochemistry of the clastic rocks. Theanalytical results of the present paper demonstrate that sediments in the Songliao prototype basinare enriched in silica (SiO_2=66.48-80.51 percent), and their sumREE are 30-130 times of that ofchondrite with remarkable Eu anomalies. In discriminating diagrams of Eu/Eu* vs sumREE and (La/Yb)_Nvs sumREE, most samples locate above the line Eu/Eu*=1, on the right of the line Eu/Eu*/sumREE=1and under the line La/Yb)_N/sumREE=1/8, which indicates that the depositional environment ofsediments in the basin was oxidizing. In addition, variations of MgO, TiO_2, Al_2O_3, FeO + Fe_2O_3,Na_2O and CaO vs SiO_2 reflect a tendency of increasing mineral maturity of sediments in the basin.Analyses also show that the protolytes of the sediments in the basin were felsic igneous rocks, andthe Songliao prototype basin was in a tectonic setting of an island arc on an active continentalmargin, with violent sinistral strike-slip.

Temporo-spatial Coordinates of Evolution of the Ordos Basin and Its Mineralization Responses

The Ordos basin was developed from Mid-Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous, and then entered into its later reformation period since the Late Cretaceous. Its main body bears the features of an intra-cratonic basin. The basin also belongs to a multi-superposed basin which has overlapped on the large-scale basins of the Early and Late Paleozoic. Currently, Ordos basin has become a residual basin experienced reformation of various styles since the Late Cretaceous. It＇s suggested that there were at least four obvious stages of tectonic deformations existing during the basin＇s evolution, dividing the evolution and sedimentation into four stages. The prior two stages were of the most prosperous, during which the lake basin was broad, the deposition range was more than twice larger than the current residual basin, resulting in major oil- and coal-bearing strata. The two stages were separated by regional uplift fluctuations in the area. At the end of the Yan＇an Stage, the depositional interruption and erosion were lasting for a short period of time. The third one is the Mid- Jurassic Zhiluo-Anding stage, in which the sedimentation extent was still broad but the lake area was obviously reduced. In the Late Jurassic tectonic deformation was intensive. A thrust-nappe belt was formed on the basin＇s western margin while conglomerate of different thickness were accumulated within the foredeep of the eastern side. The central and eastern parts of the basin were subject to erosion and reformation. A regional framework with ＂uplift in the east and depression in the west＂ took shape in the area west of the Yellow River. In the Early Cretaceous sediments were widely distributed, unconformably overlapping the former western margin thrust belt and the ridges on the northern and southern borders. There are abundant energy resources such as oil, natural gas, coal and uranium deposits formed in Ordos Basin. The main stages of generation, mineralization and positioning of the multiple energy resources have obvious responding connection and close coupling relationships with those of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic evolution and reformation in Ordos Basin.

Prototypes,modifications,and hydrocarbon enrichment variations in basins influenced by Tethyan evolution:A comparative analysis of the Persian Gulf Basin and the Sichuan Basin

The hydrocarbon accumulation modes and differences in the Tethyan realm serve as a hot research topic in the petroleum geology community at home and abroad.Both the Persian Gulf Basin in the Middle East and the Sichuan Basin in China,situated on the southern and northern sides of the Tethyan realm,respectively,record the whole geological process of the opening and closure of the Prototethys,the Paleotethys,and the Neotethys sequentially,exhibiting anomalous hydrocarbon enrichment.Based on the analysis of the plate tectonic evolution in the Tethyan realm,this study dissects the structures and hydrocarbon accumulation conditions of both basins.Followed by a systematic comparative analysis of the factors controlling hydrocarbon enrichment in the process of plate breakup and convergence in the Tethyan realm,this study proposes petroleum exploration targets in the realm.The results are as follows:(1)Since the Meso-Neoproterozoic,the Persian Gulf Basin and the Sichuan Basin have undergone similar tectonic evolution in the early stage but different in the late stage.Under the influence of the formation and evolution of the Prototethys,Paleotethys,and Neotethys oceans,both basins experienced multi-stage development and modification,forming two major extension-convergence cycles.Consequently,both basins are characterized by the vertical orderly superimposition of various basin prototypes in the order of rift-intracratonic basin(passive continental margin)-foreland.(2)The fact that the Tethyan realm was long located at medium-low latitudes and the local anoxic environment formed in the process of plate breakup and convergence played a vital role in the formation of extensive source rocks.The source rocks are predominantly distributed in underfilled rifts and deep depressions that were connected to the ocean in the unidirectional continental breakup process;basin-slopes and intra-shelf basins on passive continental margins;basinal lows within intracratonic basins,and underfilled foredeeps in foreland basins.The favorable areas for the formation of carbonate reservoirs include platform margins,submarine highs and paleo-uplifts within platforms,and fault zones.The evaporite cap rocks,intimately associated with the basin evolutionary stages and global dry-hot events,are critical for large-scale hydrocarbon preservation.(3)Under the influence of Tethyan evolution,the Persian Gulf Basin and the Sichuan Basin share similar primary factors controlling hydrocarbon enrichment.The moderate tectono-sedimentary differentiation and structural modification in the process of prototype basin superimposition,as well as the spatio-temporal matching of elements critical for hydrocarbon accumulation,are beneficial for the development of large oil and gas fields.The macroscopic hydrocarbon distribution is dictated by source rock-cap rock assemblages,while the local hydrocarbon distribution is governed by trap-reservoir assemblages.The critical factors determining the differential hydrocarbon enrichment in the Persian Gulf Basin and the Sichuan Basin include plate size and position,basement stability,eustatic movement,paleoclimate,and tectonic transformation.Besides,different tectonic modification intensities are closely related to the type,enrichment degree,and distribution of hydrocarbon reservoirs.