Exoscopy of Detrital Zircons from Niamey Neoproterozoic Sandstones (Eastern Edge of the West African Craton, Southwestern Niger): Interpretation of Detrital Sediments Provenance

This study focuses on exoscopic analyses of detrital zircon grains of Archean and Paleoproterozoic age, contained in the sediments from the Niamey Neoproterozoic sandstones (Niamey region), with a view to confirming the sediments sources already proposed (Kénéma-Man domain for Archean-age zircons and Baoulé Mossi domain for Paleoproterozoic-age zircons). Exoscopic analysis reveals that Archean zircon grains are more corroded, with rounded to sub-rounded shapes, while Paleoproterozoic zircon grains are less corroded and mostly angular in shape. The strong corrosion of Archean zircon grains, implying long-distance transport, is consistent with the remoteness of the Kenema-Man domain which are the source these sediments. The fact that the Paleoproterozoic zircon grains show little or no wear implies a proximal source of sediments, corresponding to the Baoulé Mossi domain.

Statistical analysis of physico-mechanical parameters of sandstones occurring in orogenic settings

In northeastern Sicily(Italy),sandstone rock masses widely crop out as cover deposits over crystalline terrains belonging to the orogenic belt.Despite being part of the same geological formation,these sandstones are characterized by highly different features in terms of texture and physico-mechanical properties.This poses a scientific question on the possibility of tracing these rocks to a single statistical model,which could be representative of their main engineering geological properties.Therefore,it is worth investigating on the possible reasons of such differences,that should be searched either in the current geographical sandstone distribution or in the rock texture.For this study,sandstone samples were collected from different sites and were analyzed at both the hand and thin section scales.Three sandstone types were recognized,characterized by a different texture.Then,the laboratory characterization allowed estimating their main physico-mechanical and ultrasonic properties,such as porosity,density,mechanical strength,deformability,and ultrasonic velocities.The rock mechanical strength proved linked to the rock compactness and to the presence of lithic fragments,while pores and a pseudo-matrix between grains represent weakening features.Rock data were also statistically analyzed by grouping the specimens according to a geographical criterion,with respect to their sampling area,but no link was found between location and rock properties.Finally,with the aim of achieving mathematical laws that could be used to predict some rock properties from others,useful for practical purposes when dealing with such a high property variability,single and multiple regression analyses were carried out.Results show that the Uniaxial Compressive Strength,porosity,and P-wave velocity are the best predictors for a quick,indirect estimation of the main physico-mechanical parameters.The methodological approach developed for this research can be taken as reference to study other worldwide cases,involving rocks characterized by a wide range of physico-mechanical properties and covering large regional territories.

“Green Bank”Atop SandStones

The Pisha sandstone region in Jungar Banner once suffered the most severe water loss and soil erosion in the world.In just a couple of decades,the apple industry has become a major business for the local economy.

The effective pressure law for permeability of clay-rich sandstones

To study the relative sensitivity of permeability to pore pressure Pp and confining pressure Pc for clay-rich rocks, permeability measurements were performed on samples of four clay-rich sandstones. A new method （hereafter denoted the ＂slide method＂） was developed and used for analyzing the permeability data obtained. The effective pressure coefficients for permeability nk were calculated. The values of nk were found to be greater than 1.0 and insensitive to changes in pressure. These results confirmed observations previously made on clay-rich rocks. Also, the coefficients nk obtained had different characteristics for different samples because of differences in the types of clay they contained. The effective pressure law （σeff=Pc-nkPp） determined using the slide method gave better results about k（oefr） than classic Terzaghi＇s law （σeff=Pc-nkPp）.

How important is carbonate dissolution in buried sandstones:evidences from petrography,porosity,experiments,and geochemical calculations

Burial dissolution of feldspar and carbonate minerals has been proposed to generate large volumes of secondary pores in subsurface reservoirs. Secondary porosity due to feldspar dissolution is ubiquitous in buried sandstones;however, extensive burial dissolution of carbonate minerals in subsurface sandstones is still debatable. In this paper, we first present four types of typical selective dissolution assemblages of feldspars and carbonate minerals developed in di erent sandstones. Under the constraints of porosity data, water–rock experiments, geochemical calculations of aggressive fluids, diagenetic mass transfer, and a review of publications on mineral dissolution in sandstone reservoirs, we argue that the hypothesis for the creation of significant volumes of secondary porosity by mesodiagenetic carbonate dissolution in subsurface sandstones is in conflict with the limited volume of aggressive fluids in rocks. In addition, no transfer mechanism supports removal of the dissolution products due to the small water volume in the subsurface reservoirs and the low mass concentration gradients in the pore water. Convincing petrographic evidence supports the view that the extensive dissolution of carbonate cements in sandstone rocks is usually associated with a high flux of deep hot fluids provided via fault systems or with meteoric freshwater during the eodiagenesis and telodiagenesis stages. The presumption of extensive mesogenetic dissolution of carbonate cements producing a significant net increase in secondary porosity should be used with careful consideration of the geological background in prediction of sandstone quality.

Petrophysical and capillary pressure properties of the upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation tight gas sandstones in western Sichuan,China

The tight sandstones of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation（T_3x） constitute important gas reservoirs in western Sichuan.The Xujiahe sandstones are characterized by low to very low porosity （av.5.22%and 3.62%） for the T_3x^4 and T_3x^2 sandstones,respectively）,extremely low permeability（av. 0.060 mD and 0.058 mD for the T_3x^4 and T_3x^2 sandstones,respectively）,strong heterogeneity,micronano pore throat,and poor pore throat sorting.As a result of complex pore structure and the occurrence of fractures,weak correlations exist between petrophysical properties and pore throat size,demonstrating that porosity or pore throat size alone does not serve as a good permeability predictor.Much improved correlations can be obtained between permeability and porosity when pore throat radii are incorporated. Correlations between porosity,permeability,and pore throat radii corresponding to different saturations of mercury were established,showing that the pore throat radius at 20%mercury saturation（R_（20）） is the best permeability predictor.Multivariate regression analysis and artificial neural network（ANN） methods were used to establish permeability prediction models and the unique characteristics of neural networks enable them to be more successful in predicting permeability than the multivariate regression model.In addition, four petrophysical rock types can be identified based on the distributions of R_（20）,each exhibiting distinct petrophysical properties and corresponding to different flow units.

Geochemistry of Rare Earth Elements of Mesozoic-Cenozoic Sandstones in North Margin of Dabie Mountains and Adjacent Areas: Constraints to Source Rocks

Based on the study of REE in Mesozoic-Cenozoic sandstones, the paper indicates that Jurassic Fanghushan and Yuantongshan Formations and Lower Cretaceous Zhougongshan Formation have ∑REE of 157 μg·g^(-1), δ_(Eu) of 0.69 and (La/Yb)_N of 11.1, which are similar to the Foziling and Luzhenguan Groups, and it implies that the latter may be the source rocks of the former. The Sanjianpu and Heishidu Formations have high REE concentrations (∑REE=264.8 μg·g^(-1), 328.2 μg·g^(-1) respectively), high Eu anomaly (δ_(Eu)=0.57, 0.67 respectively) and lower Eu/Sm ratios (0.18～0.19), which differs from existent metamorphic rocks in the Dabie Mountains, so where their source rocks came from remains to be studied. The REE features of the Zhengyangguan Formation can be comparable to the Dabie complex and Luzhenguan Group, which shows that the Dabie complex had suffered unroofing in Neocene and constituted the source rocks. Mesozoic sandstones in Huainan area have lower REE concentrations (∑REE=80.9 μg·g^(-1)), high Eu anomaly (δ_(Eu)=0.66) and (La/Yb)_N of 5.7, and it indicates that their source rocks may not come from the Dabie Mountains.

Palaeotemperatures and Diagenetic Phases of the Upper Triassic Oil-bearing Sandstones in the Eastern Part of the Ordos Basin

The maximum palaeotemperature of oil-bearing sandstones in the UpperTriassic in the eastern Ordos basin has been determined by using many methods including thevitrinite reflectance, fluid inclusion, apatite fission track, illite crystallinity, chlorite polytypeand diagenetic change of authigenic minerals. The thermal gradient in the Late Mesozoic wasabout 2.9-3.0℃/100m. The Upper Triassic was in a mature stage of organic matter andhydrocarbon began to be generated and migrated during this period. The palaeotemperatures ofoil-bearing sandstones were in the range of 88-110℃; those for the generation and migrationof oil ranged from 112 to 122℃. The thickness of the denuded strata overlying the UpperTriassic was 2465-2750m. The present burial depth of oil-bearing sandstones is generally from400 to 1200m. At a depth of ca. 1900m, the temperature may reach 140℃. Below this depth,organic matter was supermature and mainly generated gas.

Application of Pore Evolution and Fracture Development Coupled Models in the Prediction of Reservoir "Sweet Spots" in Tight Sandstones

The Chang-63 reservoir in the Huaqing area has widely developed tight sandstone ＂thick sand layers, but not reservoirs characterized by rich in oil＂, and it is thus necessary to further study its oil and gas enrichment law. This study builds porosity and fracture development and evolution models in different deposition environments, through core observation, casting thin section, SEM, porosity and permeability analysis, burial history analysis, and ＂four-property-relationships＂ analysis.

Discovery and significance of Quaternary aqueously deposited aeolian sandstones in the Sanhu area, Qaidam Basin, China

Influenced by neo-tectonic movement, the Sanhu area of China＇s Qaidam Basin formed in the Quaternary in response to migration of its depocentre. A study of core material from the Qijia 1 Well reveals novel Quaternary aqueously deposited aeolian sandstones in the Qigequan Formation of the Sanhu area. Here we report the sedimentary petrology and geochemistry data of these deposits that constrain their depositional history. Evidence for aeolian influence during deposition includes： sorting and roundness, pure quartz sand with single mode grain size distribution and few suspension materials,very fine sand grain size distribution indicating sorting by saltation and suspension transport, dish-shaped and crescentshaped pits in grain surfaces indicating aeolian transport and chemical composition similar to that observed in active or recent dune deposits, namely enrichment in Si O_2, Na_2 O, and Mg O relative to the sand dam sediment in the lakeshore.Identification of these aqueously deposited aeolian sandstones expands the range of sedimentary deposit types found in the Sanhu area and improves understanding of its paleoclimatic history.

Heavy Minerals and Geochemical Characteristics of Sandstones as Indices of Provenance and Source Area Tectonics of the Ogwashi-Asaba Formation, Niger Delta Basin

Heavy mineral petrographic and geochemical compositions (major and trace/rare earth elements)?of sandstones obtained from the Oligocene-Miocene Ogwashi-Asaba Formation, Niger Delta were studied to determine their provenance, source area weathering conditions and tectonic setting. The heavy mineral suite (opaque minerals, zircon, tourmaline, and rutile) revealed that the sandstones are mineralogically mature and implied rapid disintegration and chemical decomposition of sediments mostly of recycled orogen. The sandstones were geochemically classified as Fe-sand and partly quartz arenitic. Chemical Index of Alteration and Chemical Index of Weathering values of 89.92% and 91.87% respectively suggest that the source region was predominantly felsic and was subjected to intense chemical weathering probably under tropical palaeoclimatic conditions with abundant rainfall that enhanced sediment recycling. Major element concentration discriminant plots also indicated that the sediments were derived from mixed sources (granitic, gneissic or recycled orogen) under passive margin setting. Chondrite normalized plot of the rare earth element pattern is marked by light rare earth element enrichment and negative Eu anomalies, interpreted to mean that provenance was mainly continental crustal rocks. Trace elemental ratios that are provenance diagnostic (La/Sc, Th/Sc, Cr/Th, La/Co, Th/Co, Th/Cr, Eu/Eu*, and Eu*) all point to sediments derived from felsic source and upper continental crust. The mixed provenance of the sandstones can be traced to the southwestern and southeastern Basement Complex (consisting of granites, gneisses, etc.) and sediments derived from the adjacent sedimentary basins (Anambra and Benue Trough).

Classification and Diagenetic Characteristics of the Cretaceous Sandstones in the Southern Bredasdorp Basin,Offshore South Africa

A systematic petrographic and geochemical studies of 92 representative sandstone samples from exploration wells E-AH1,E-AJ1,E-BA1,E-BB1 and E-D3 in the southern part of the Bredasdorp Basin was undertaken to classify the sandstones as well as unravel the main diagenetic processes and their time relations.Petrographic study shows that the sandstones are largely subarkosic arenite and arkosic litharenite,which have underwent series of diagenetic processes as a result burial,rifting and subsequent uplift.The main diagenetic processes that have affected the reservoir properties of the sandstones are cementation by authigenic clay,carbonate and silica,growth of authigenic glauconite,dissolution of minerals and load compaction.The major diagenetic processes reducing the porosity are calcite cementation in the subarkosic arenite,and compaction and quartz cementation in arkosic litharenite.On the other hand,the formation of secondary porosity due to the partial to complete dissolution of early calcite cement,feldspars and minor grain fracturing has improved the reservoir property of the sandstone to some extent.The clay minerals in the sandstones commonly acts as pore choking cement,which reduces porosity.In general,there is no particular diagenetic process that exclusively controls the type or form of porosity evolution in the sandstones.

Geochemical characteristics of Neogene sandstones of the East and West Siang Districts of Arunachal Pradesh,NE India:implications for source-area weathering,provenance,and tectonic setting

Sandstones from the Neogene Siwalik successions of the East and West Siang Districts of Arunachal Pradesh were analyzed to evaluate source-area weathering,provenance,and tectonic setting by using major,trace,and rare earth elements(REEs)as proxies.The sandstones are classified as lithic arenite and wacke arenite based on their mineralogical compositions.The values of different weathering indices such as Chemical Index of Alteration(CIA;60.93–89.86)and Chemical Index of Weathering(CIW;40–96.8)suggest moderate to intense weathering in the source area.The plot of Th/Sc versus Zr/Sc indicates enrichment of zircon by sediment sorting and/or recycling from a weathered source.The high positive correlation between Al2 O_(3) and K2 O points towards a strong influence of the constituent clay minerals on the major oxide composition of the sandstones.Petrographic analysis together with enriched LREE,flat HREE,negative Eu anomalies(Eu/Eu^(*)=0.47 to 0.90)in the chondrite-normalized diagrams,and the ratios of La/Sc,La/Co,Th/Sc,Th/Co,Cr/Th collectively suggests that the Neogene sediments were derived from felsic igneous and/or reworked sedimentary/metasedimentary sources in an upper continental crustal setting.The geochemical characteristics of the studied Neogene Siwalik sandstones indicate that the sediments were sourced from pre-Himalayan gneisses and granitoids together with metabasic rocks,which had formed in a passive margin tectonic setup.

REE Characteristics and REE Mixing Modeling of the Proterozoic Quartzites and Sandstones

Rare earth elements (REE) in sedimentary rocks are most suitable for source rock characterization. Rare earth element data of the sandstones of the unmetamorphosed Meso-Neoproterozoic Chhattisgarh and Indravati basins and the metamorphosed Paleoproterozoic Sakoli and Saucer basins of the Bastar craton have been studied for source rock characterization. The quartzites have higher ∑R EE mean value (145 ppm) compared to the sandstones (34 ppm). The REE patterns of all the three formations of the Chandarpur Group of the Chhattisgarh basin and the Tiratgarh Formation of the Indravati basin are uniform and there are no systematic differences in REE patterns among different formations of the Chandarpur Group and the Tiratgarh Formation. The REE patterns of the quartzites are similar to the REE patterns of the sandstones. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns with LREE enrichment and a strong negative Eu anomaly of the sandstones and quartzites gives a broad hint about felsic source rocks. The source rocks are identified as Archean granite and gneiss of the Bastar craton. The REE mixing modeling of the sandstones and quartzites suggest that the exposed the Proterozoic upper crust of the Bastar craton during the sedimentation of the Paleoproterozoic Sakoli and saucerand the Meso-Neoproterozoic Chhattisgarh and Indravati basins of the Bastar craton was largely consisted of gneissic rocks (70%), with a little contribution (20%) from Late Archean (2.5 Ga) granites. The present study does not suggest any significant change in the upper crustal composition during Proterozoic in the Bastar craton.

Geochemistry of Tikak Parbat Sandstones and Tipam Sandstones Occurring in and around Dilli Area, Sivasagar District, Assam, India

This study presents a geochemical investigation of Tikak Parbat and Tipam Sandstone Formations occurring in and around Dilli area, Sivasagar, Assam. Petrographically Tikak Parbat and Tipam sandstones are mainly quartzose arenite to sublitharenite types with their constituents being derived from recycled orogen provenance under sub-humid to humid climatic conditions. Geochemically, sandstones of both the formations range from sublitharenite to wacke. They indicate a recycled orogen source and influence of humid to arid condition. Source rocks of Tikak Parbat sandstones were more weathered than the Tipam sandstones. While Tikak Parbat sandstones show affinity towards passive margin, Tipam sandstones hint at active continental margin setup, where clasts were supplied from uplifted areas. Upliftment of provenance covering areas of Naga Patkai Range in the south east and Eastern Himalayas along the syntaxial bend during mid Miocene affected the sandstones. Tikak Parbat sandstones reflect a stable tectonic setup which later underwent a phase of volatility leading to deposition of the Tipam sandstones. Our study supports a sediment supply from the upper continental crust, largely of granitic composition, however, with a significant variation in their depth of source supply. Trace element analyses indicate depositional setup with low ventilation marked by both oxic and anoxic phases.

Water Saturation Dependence on CO₂Sorption Potential of Sandstones

For the assessment of the carbon dioxide (CO2) storage potential of water-filled reservoir rocks (i.e., saline aquifers), it should be first important step for a thorough understanding of the effect of water content on CO2/water/rock interactions during CO2 injection. The purpose of this study is to examine the CO2 sorption amount for Kimachi sandstone and Berea sandstone at different water content using the manometric method at temperature of 50?C and pressures of up to 20 MPa. Our results document that a significant quantity of CO2 was sorbed on the two types of sandstone on all water-saturated bases, which corresponded to the amount adsorbed on the air-dry basis. Also, all the wet samples had significantly higher sorption capacity than the theoretical values calculated from the solubility model based on dissolution of CO2 in pore water and the pore-filling model, which assumes that the pore volume unoccupied by water is filled with CO2. Furthermore, the observations indicated a certain degree of correlation between the sorbed amount and the water content, except at pressures below the critical point for Berea sandstone. This investigation points out that CO2 sorption is a possible mechanism in CO2 geological storage even under water-saturated conditions and that the mechanism of sorption on silica and silicate minerals plays an essential role in the reliable and accurate estimation of the CO2 storage capacity of water-saturated reservoirs.

Origin of Tafoni in the Late Cretaceous Aeolian Sandstones,Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark,South China

Tafoni occur generally in granular rocks around the world, but their origin remains controversial. In this study,the roles of lithology, micro–climate, and organism in tafoni development are investigated in the Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark of South China. The Jinshiyan Temple and Luyitang sites along the Jinjiang River are chosen to conduct tafoni morphometry, bedrock petrography, and micro–climate analyses. The research methods used in this study include field observations and measurements, Voronoi diagrams, polarizing microscopic and scanning electron microscopic(SEM)image analysis, and meteorological detection. The tafoni are mostly 2–10 cm in length and elliptical in shape. The Late Cretaceous Jinshiyan sandstones are characterized by a grain–to–grain contact fabric and moderate sorting with a high proportion of soluble grains and cements. The Voronoi diagrams developed through the Arc GIS software are largely consistent with the tafoni openings. Moreover, owing to exposure to solar insolation, the external temperature values are higher than the internal ones, while the external relative humidity values are lower than the internal ones. Therefore, the permeable Jinshiyan sandstones are fundamental for tafoni development, while the abundant moisture from the Jinjiang River and frequent rains is favorable for salt weathering in tandem with biological activities. At last, a five–stage development model is proposed for the tafoni progression in the study area.

Non-Darcy flow in oil accumulation (oil displacing water) and relative permeability and oil saturation characteristics of low-permeability sandstones

Hydrocarbon resources in low-permeability sandstones are very abundant and are extensively distributed. Low-permeability reservoirs show several unique characteristics, including lack of a definite trap boundary or caprock, limited buoyancy effect, complex oil-gas-water distribution, without obvious oil-gas-water interfaces, and relatively low oil （gas） saturation. Based on the simulation experiments of oil accumulation in low-permeability sandstone （oil displacing water）, we study the migration and accumulation characteristics of non-Darcy oil flow, and discuss the values and influencing factors of relative permeability which is a key parameter characterizing oil migration and accumulation in low-permeability sandstone. The results indicate that： 1） Oil migration （oil displacing water） in low- permeability sandstone shows non-Darcy percolation characteristics, and there is a threshold pressure gradient during oil migration and accumulation, which has a good negative correlation with permeability and apparent fluidity; 2） With decrease of permeability and apparent fluidity and increase of fluid viscosity, the percolation curve is closer to the pressure gradient axis and the threshold pressure gradient increases. When the apparent fluidity is more than 1.0, the percolation curve shows modified Darcy flow characteristics, while when the apparent fluidity up＂ non-Darcy percolation curve; 3） Oil-water is less than 1.0, the percolation curve is a ＂concave- two-phase relative permeability is affected by core permeability, fluid viscosity, apparent fluidity, and injection drive force; 4） The oil saturation of low- permeability sandstone reservoirs is mostly within 35%-60%, and the oil saturation also has a good positive correlation with the permeability and apparent fluidity.

Tectonic Setting and Nature of the Provenance of Sedimentary Rocks in Lanping Mesozoic-Cenozoic Basin: Evidence from Geochemistry of Sandstones

The geochemical composition of sandstones in the sedimentary basin is controlled mainly by the tectonic setting of the provenance, and it is therefore possible to reveal the tectonic setting of the provenance and the nature of source rocks in terms of the geochemical composition of sandstones. The major elements, rare\|earth elements and trace elements of the Mesozoic\|Cenozoic sandstones in the Lanping Basin are studied in this paper, revealing that the tectonic settings of the provenance for Mesozoic\|Cenozoic sedimentary rocks in the Lanping Basin belong to a passive continental margin and a continental island arc. Combined with the data on sedimentary facies and palaeogeography, it is referred that the eastern part of the basin is located mainly at the tectonic setting of the passive continental margin before Mesozoic, whereas the western part may be represented by a continental island arc. This is compatible with the regional geology data. The protoliths of sedimentary rocks should be derived from the upper continental crust, and are composed mainly of felsic rocks, mixed with some andesitic rocks and old sediment components. Therefore, the Lanping Mesozoic\|Cenozoic Basin is a typical continental\|type basin. This provides strong geochemical evidence for the evolution of the paleo\|Tethys and the basin\|range transition.

Architectural Units and Groundwater Resource Quantity Evaluation of Cretaceous Sandstones in the Ordos Basin,China

Sandstone is a common lithology in a number of groundwater reservoirs. Studying the skeleton sandstone architectural units, therefore, lays the basis for characterizing aquifer systems, groundwater quality, and resource evaluation. This comprehensive analysis of Cretaceous aquiferous sandstones in the Ordos basin, China, shows that there exists a basin-scale skeleton sandstone in the Luohe Formation which contains 11 isolated barrier beds, 12 small skeleton sandstone bodies in Huanhe Formation, and 3 in the Luohandong Formation. The spatial structure and superimposed relationship as well as the medium properties of these skeleton sandstones and isolated barrier beds can be shown by 3D visualization models. Simultaneously, resource quantity can be evaluated with the 3D inquiry functions. The comparison between property models and structural models indicates that the salinity of groundwater of the Luohe Formation has a close connection with the locations of isolated barrier beds that contain abundant gypsum. Through quantitative calculation, groundwater resource of the Cretaceous Luohe and Luohandong formations is estimated to be 1.6×10-（12） m-3, and the total groundwater resource of the Cretaceous system in the Ordos basin is more than 2×10-（12） m-3.