Formation Mechanisms and Geomorphic Evolution of the Erlian Mudflow Fans, Eastern Guide Basin of the Upper Reaches of Yellow River

Several argillaceous platforms lie along the Yellow River（YR） of the eastern Guide Basin, northeastern Tibetan Plateau, and their compositions, formation processes, and geomorphic evolution remain debated. Using field survey data, sample testing, and high-resolution remote sensing images, the evolution of the Erlian mudflow fans are analyzed. The data show significant differences between fans on either side of the YR. On the right bank, fans are dilute debris flows consisting of sand and gravel. On the left bank, fans are viscosity mudflows consisting of red clay. The composition and formation processes of the left bank platforms indicate a rainfall-induced pluvial landscape. Fan evolution can be divided into two stages： early-stage fans pre-date 16 ka B.P., and formed during the last deglaciation; late-stage fans post-date 8 ka B.P.. Both stages were induced by climate change. The data indicate that during the Last Glacial Maximum, the northeastern Tibetan Plateau experienced a cold and humid climate characterized by high rainfall. From 16–8 ka, the YR cut through the Erlian early mudflow fan, resulting in extensive erosion. Since 8 ka, the river channel has migrated south by at least 1.25 km, and late stage mudflow fan formation has occurred.

Characteristics of the turbidite fan in the Wenchang Formation of the Enping Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin, China and its hydrocarbon significance

A turbidite fan in the Eocene upper Wenchang Formation in the Enping Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin （PRMB） has been studied using seismic, logging and borehole data. The fan is characterized by parallel progradation on the dip seismic profile and is mound-shaped or lenticular-shaped on the strike seismic profile. The study of the core and logging data from well EP17-3-1, which is located in the front side of the turbidite fan, shows that this fan is a set of normal grading sand beds, interbedded within thick dark grey mudstones of semi-deep to deep lake deposits in the Wenchang Formation. The fan is interpreted as a sand/mud-rich turbidite fan that has an area of over 140 km2 and a maximum thickness of over 340 m. Combined with a study of the regional geological background and previous provenance analysis of the Eocene Wenchang Formation, the main potential provenances for the turbidite fan are considered to be the Panyu low-uplift and northern fault terrace zone. The Enping Sag is considered to be a half graben-like basin whose north side is faulted and whose south side is overlapped. Basement subsidence in the Eocene was mainly controlled by boundary faults which dip relatively steeply on the north side, causing the subsidence center of the Enping Sag in this stage to be close to the north boundary faults. Sustained faults developed in the Enping Sag during the Eocene caused an increase of the relative height difference between the north and the south uplift zone in the Enping Sag. Affected by the second episode of the Zhuqiong movement （39-36 Ma） in late Eocene, sediments which had accumulated on the Panyu low-uplift zone were triggered and moved toward the subsidence center of the Enping Sag and formed the turbidite fan. The second episode of the Zhuqiong movement is the most important triggering factor for the formation of the turbidite fan in the Wenchang Formation. Seismic attribute characterization shows that the low frequency energy is enhanced and high frequency energy is weakened when seismic waves propagate through the oil-bearing zone in this fan. Amplitude versus offset （AVO） anomalies are observed in the seismic data and abnormally high pressure is encountered. The turbidite fan in the Wenchang Formation has provided important information for sedimentary evolution in deep layers of the Enping Sag and pointed to a new direction for the hydrocarbon exploration in the study area.

A STUDY ON THRESHOLDS IN THE CHANGE OF ALLUVIAL FAN AND DELTA OF THE HUANGHE RIVER, CHINA

In the river systems, the environmental change always undergoes a process from quantitative to qualitative change. The upper limit of the qualitative change is called threshold. When the process reaches or goes beyond the limit, the original event series will be replaced by the other event series. Investigations show that the evolution of the Huanghe River alluvial fan and delta has also under gone a process from quantitative to qualitative change. The geometric forms in each process are roughly the same. This threshold of the geometric forms not only provides us a quantitative index for plotting the periodicity of the alluvial fan and delta, but also is of importance for estimation of the trend of natural environmental change.It is shown that there are three periodic alluvial fans of the Huanghe River since the middle Holocene and four periodic delta since 1855 A.D., the thresholds of their geometric forms are from 0.93 to 0.94 and from 1.2 to 1.21 respectively.The changing trend in the past and the

Regional Mapping of Vertical Hydraulic Gradient Using Uncertain Well Data: A Case Study of the Toyohira River Alluvial Fan, Japan

Vertical hydraulic gradient (VHG) provides detailed information on 3D groundwater flows in alluvial fans, but its regional mapping is complicated by a lack of piezometer nests and uncertainty in conventional well data. Especially, determining representative depth of well screen in each well is problematic. Here, a VHG map of the Toyohira River alluvial fan, Sapporo, Japan, is constructed based on groundwater table elevation (GTE), using available well-data of various screen lengths and depths. The water-level data after 1988, when subway constructions are mostly completed in the city, are divided into those of shallow wells (≤20 m deep), and those of deep wells (>20 m deep). First, the GTE map is generated by kriging interpolation of shallow well data with topographic drift. Next, the individual VHG value of each deep well is calculated using its top, middle, and bottom elevations of the screen depths, respectively. The VHG maps of three cases are then obtained using neighborhood kriging. The VHG map of the bottom screen depths has proven most valid by cross-validation. The VHG map better visualizes that downward flows of groundwater are predominant over the fan. Positive area of VHG is mostly vanished around the fan-toe, indicating urbanization effect such as artificial withdrawals. A negative peak of VHG corresponds to recharge area, and is seen along the distinct losing section in the river. The negative peak also expands upstream to the fan-apex where a basement is suddenly depressed.

沾化凹陷孤北洼陷东三段沉积体系类型及差异分布

沾化凹陷孤北洼陷东营组油气资源十分丰富,但沉积类型及其分布制约了油气勘探方向和精细勘探。文中综合孤北洼陷钻测井、岩心和三维地震资料,详细研究了东营组东三段沉积类型及其时空分布特征。结果表明:1)孤北洼陷东三段(Ed3)发育近岸水下扇、辫状河三角洲、滑塌浊积扇、滨浅湖和半深湖—深湖沉积。2)东三段沉积类型时空分布差异性特征明显。西缘陡坡带发育近源砂砾岩与暗色泥岩组合的近岸水下扇;南侧和东侧缓坡带发育辫状河三角洲;洼陷内发育湖相泥岩,断裂带附近多为滑塌浊积扇。3)沉积相带影响了储层质量。距源区越远,结构成熟度越高,则有利储层越发育;滑塌浊积扇相带储层质量优于辫状河三角洲相带,近岸水下扇相带相对较差。

准噶尔盆地二叠系上乌尔禾组退覆式扇(辫状河)三角洲前缘-滩坝复合砂砾岩沉积特征及控制因素

近年来准噶尔盆地的油气勘探从源外常规圈闭逐渐走向源内岩性圈闭,二叠系上乌尔禾组是该盆地增储上产的主力层系,沉积体系展布对上乌尔禾组岩性油气藏分布具有控制作用。利用岩心数据、薄片资料等,并结合地震数据和钻测井资料,对准噶尔盆地二叠系上乌尔禾组的沉积相类型及沉积体系分布特征进行了识别和刻画,总结了大型退覆式扇(辫状河)三角洲-滩坝复合砂砾岩体的沉积模式,并分析了其控制因素。研究表明:(1)研究区发育扇三角洲、辫状河三角洲、滨浅湖滩坝等沉积相类型,扇三角洲平原亚相和扇三角洲前缘亚相主要发育在盆地西部,辫状河三角洲平原亚相和辫状河三角洲前缘亚相主要发育在盆地东部和北部,滩坝相叠置在扇三角洲和辫状河三角洲前缘之上或在其前端独立分布;(2)准噶尔盆地上乌尔禾组各段沉积体系是在整体湖侵的背景下发育的,乌一段沉积时期湖盆面积较小,沉积的砂体较厚,延伸距离近,靠近凹陷的中央;乌二段沉积时期物源持续供应,湖盆水体加深,湖盆面积增加,沉积砂体厚度薄,分布广;乌三段沉积时期湖侵作用增强,湖盆面积进一步扩大,湖盆内广泛发育湖泛泥岩;(3)扇三角洲与辫状河三角洲前缘在湖平面不断变化与湖浪的改造下,形成了扇(辫状河)三角洲前缘-滩坝复合砂砾岩体;(4)准噶尔盆地上乌尔禾组沉积时期,沉积体系的主要控制因素为气候、物源供给、湖平面变化和沉积时的古地形坡度和古地貌。该研究为上乌尔禾组油气勘探提供了地质依据。

海拉尔盆地中部断陷带下白垩统南屯组致密储层特征及有利区预测

综合运用岩心分析、铸体薄片、高压压汞等资料,对海拉尔盆地中部断陷带下白垩统南屯组储层特征及其主控因素开展了详细研究,并对有利区进行了定量综合评价。研究结果表明:(1)海拉尔盆地中部断陷带南屯组岩石类型主要为岩屑砂岩和长石岩屑砂岩,储层孔隙度小于12%的样品数占总样品数的70.2%,渗透率小于1 mD的样品数占总样品数的66.3%,属于致密砂岩储层,储层储集空间主要为少量原生孔隙和大量次生溶蚀孔隙。(2)沉积相控制了研究区储层物性在空间上的总体分布规律,南屯组最有利的沉积相带是辫状河三角洲前缘和扇三角洲前缘亚相;压实作用对储层具有减孔效应,溶蚀作用普遍发育,形成了大量粒间和粒内溶孔,对储集性具有一定改善作用。(3)盆地中部断陷带发育缓坡断阶构造带、陡坡断阶构造带和洼槽带3种构造带,其中缓坡断阶构造带和陡坡断阶构造带为主要的油气聚集区带,其断裂的大量发育均早于或同期于烃源岩大量排烃阶段,为油气运移提供了通道。(4)将“沉积相-孔隙度-储层厚度-砂地比-埋藏深度”五要素进行叠合,定量评价有利储层发育区,其中Ⅰ类、Ⅱ类优质储层主要分布在盆地中部断陷带的缓坡断阶构造带和陡坡断阶构造带。

分支河流体系河道弯度沿程变化规律——以格尔木河流扇为例

【目的】研究分支河流体系河型演变规律,建立相应参数的数据库,可为盆地范围内的沉积体系分布预测提供数据基础。【方法】利用Google Earth、Global Mapper地理信息软件,按照等比例网格进行河道弯度指数的采集,分析弯度指数沿程变化规律,建立格尔木河流扇河型演变的沉积模式。【结果】共测量河道弯度指数2 989个,根据格尔木河流扇河道弯度指数特征,可将格尔木河流扇划分为辫状河段、辫曲共生段、大型高弯曲流河段、小型低弯曲流河段4个部分:(1)辫状河段坡度0.70%,发育低弯度顺直河和辫状河,辫流带宽度大,河道弯度指数1.01~1.43,平均弯度指数1.08,主要发育辫状河道、废弃河道、泛滥平原等微相;(2)辫曲共生段坡度0.63%,既发育辫状河也发育曲流河,不同位置辫状河和曲流河发育程度和河道弯度指数大小不同,河道弯度指数1.08~5.00,平均弯度指数1.52,主要发育辫状河道、曲流河道、废弃河道、决口扇、沙丘、泛滥平原等微相;(3)大型高弯曲流河段坡度0.29%,以大型曲流河为主,河道宽,河湾摆幅大,河道弯度指数1.12~5.00,平均弯度指数1.83,主要发育曲流河道、废弃河道、沙丘、泛滥平原等微相;(4)小型低弯曲流河段坡度0.08%,主要发育小型分叉状的曲流河,河道窄,河湾摆幅小,河道弯度指数1.07~3.13,平均弯度指数1.51,主要发育曲流河道、废弃河道、决口扇、沙丘、泛滥平原等微相。【结论】建立了格尔木河流扇河型演变的沉积模式,为开展地下沉积体系分布预测提供新的基础数据。

分支河流体系河网形态演变规律——以格尔木河流扇为例

为了探索分支河流体系河网分布规律,为创建储层建模训练图像提供知识库信息。利用Google Earth、Global Mapper、91卫图助手等现代地理信息软件,系统测量了现代格尔木河流扇表面河道分叉特征,应用Horton定律和分形方法建立了河流扇的河网形态模型。结果表明:①格尔木河流扇从顶点到入湖段共识别出26级河道,882个节点和2162个河道段,泉线上、下的河道表现出不同的河网形态;②泉线上部共发育64个节点,每级河道数目增长是上一级河道的R_(B)=1.8900倍,每级河道平均长度是下一级河道的R_(L)=1.0095倍,即河网形态特征参数R_(B)=1.8900和R_(L)=1.0095;泉线下部共发育818个节点,每级河道数目增长是上一级河道的R_(B)=1.0279倍,每级河道平均长度是下一级河道的R_(L)=0.9899倍,即河网形态特征参数是R_(B)=1.0279和R_(L)=0.9899;③河网形态特征参数受坡度影响变化较大,坡度较大则河网形态特征参数较大,坡度较小则河网形态特征参数较小。河网形态特征参数定量表征促进了分支河流体系沉积学发展,为开展陆相盆地储层建模和砂体预测提供了新的知识库信息.

漳河山前冲洪积扇BK02孔古地磁定量分析及第四纪地层划分

冀西南平原西缘广泛发育的山前漳河冲洪积扇磁性地层研究尚不完善,其岩性组合特征、沉积环境与平原区建组剖面存在较大差异,第四纪地层精细化划分对比未充分建立。文章通过对位于漳河冲洪积扇西缘的第四纪标准钻孔BK02的岩心观察,根据沉积物颜色、沉积环境、岩性组合、沉积构造及旋回特征,将其第四纪地层松散沉积物划分为了T1~T6六个岩性段。通过对该孔第四纪沉积物地磁极性倒转序列分析,并结合14C、光释光等年代学测量成果,建立了该孔第四纪年代学框架,确定下更新统底界埋深为201.60 m,中更新统底界埋深为97.34 m,上更新统底界暂定为39.86 m,全新统底界埋深为13.75 m。

南海东部深水浊积砂岩气藏储层精细描述与连通性研究

南海东部深水区油气资源丰富,深水重力流浊积砂岩展布复杂,砂体构型期次划分、构型单元叠置样式和连通关系直接制约气田的布井开发。以南海东部深水L气田为例开展研究,基于地震沉积学方法,运用沉积模式研究、复合水道体系构型及建模表征方法,开展了基于南海深水重力流复合砂体解剖,建立了本海域深水气田浊积水道复合砂体构型划分方案,开展了单期构型砂体空间演化和展布规律研究。研究成果表明:南海深水L气田浊积水道可划分为复合浊积体、复合水道和单一水道等3个级次,在气田内部平面上发育4条复合水道,纵向上发育2期河道,建立复合水道内部的沉积演化规律,明确了水道间的连通关系,并结合动态生产验证了连通关系的合理性,成功指导相邻B气田部署1口水平井,最高日产达130万方,生产效果较好。研究成果对推动周边气田开发及潜力勘探具有一定借鉴和启示意义。

陆架边缘三角洲-深水扇源汇耦合关系及成因机制——以珠江口盆地白云南洼古近系珠海组为例

基于珠江口盆地新采集处理的三维地震资料、钻测井和岩心资料,精细解剖白云南洼古近系渐新统珠海组陆架边缘三角洲-深水扇(简称“洲-扇”),以揭示陆架边缘到深水扇沉积复杂的耦合关系和成因机制。研究结果表明,珠海组四段—一段沉积时期,研究区“洲-扇”沉积体系规模具有先增大后减小的规律,珠海组三段—一段沉积早期深水扇发育,珠海组二段沉积晚期平面分布规模最大。依据顺物源方向洲-扇发育程度的不同,划分出“有洲有扇、有洲无扇、无洲有扇”3种不同类型的洲-扇耦合关系。(1)“有洲有扇”型的陆架区发育陆架边缘三角洲,其下倾方向的陆坡区深水扇发育,强物源供给和相对海平面下降是主控该类型洲-扇系统发育的两大关键因素,而陆架边缘水道的发育有利于在弱物源供给及相对海平面上升时期仍能形成该类型源汇系统。(2)“有洲无扇”型的陆架区发育陆架边缘三角洲,其下倾方向的陆坡区却不发育深水扇,缺“源”、少“渠”和流体改造是形成该类型的3大主要原因。(3)“无洲有扇”型的陆坡区发育深水扇,但溯源其上倾方向陆架区不发育陆架边缘三角洲,陆架边缘的流体改造和陆坡区渠道通畅(水道发育)两者相互耦合共同控制其形成。

Deep-water Depositional Features of Miocene Zhujiang Formation in Baiyun Sag,Pearl River Mouth Basin

Eleven lithofacies and five lithofacies associations were indentified in the Miocene Zhujiang Formation on the basis of detailed core analysis. It could he determined that three depositional types developed, namely submarine fan, basin and deep-water traction current. Six microfacies were further recognized within the fan, including main channels in the inner fan, distributary channels in the middle fan, inter-channels, levees and the outer fan. The lower Zhujiang Formation, mainly sandstone associations, was inner fan and inner-middle fan deposits of the basin fan and the slope fan. The middle part, mainly mudstone associations, was outer fan deposits. With the transgression, the submarine fan was finally replaced by the basinal pelagic deposits which were dominated by mudstone associations, siltstone associations, and deep-water limestone associations. During the weak gravity flow activity, the lower channels, the middle-upper outer fans and basin deposits were strongly modified by the deep-water traction current. The identification of the deep-water traction deposition in Miocene Zhujiang Formation would be of great importance. It could be inferred that the deep- water traction current had been existing after the shelf-break formation since the Late Oligocene （23.8 Ma） in the Baiyun sag, influencing and controlling the sediment composition, the distribution, and depositional processes. It would provide great enlightenment to the paleo-oceanic current circulation in the northern South China Sea.

The concept, characteristics and significance of fluvial fans

The concept and characteristics of fluvial fan are elucidated through literature review and case analysis.Firstly,the concept and terminology of fluvial fan are introduced.Secondly,the progress and controversy on the formation mechanism,analysis methods and sedimentary models of fluvial fan are elaborated,and fluvial fan is compared with alluvial fan,river and lacustrine delta.Finally,ten identification signs of the fluvial fan are proposed.It is found through the study that development and scale of fluvial fan are affected by external factors such as climate,tectonic,provenance and wind field.The facies and lithofacies association inside the fan are controlled by the activity of the internal channel.It is pointed that fluvial fans are widely distributed in the world not only today but also in the geological history.The occurrence of fluvial fan will change the traditional continental deposition system dominated by alluvial fan-river-lacustrine.Meanwhile,the research of fluvial fan will be of great significance in the fields of sedimentology and oil and gas exploration.

Coupling relationship and genetic mechanisms of shelf-edge delta and deep-water fan source-to-sink:A case study in Paleogene Zhuhai Formation in south subsag of Baiyun Sag,Pearl River Mouth Basin,China

The coupling relationship between shelf-edge deltas and deep-water fan sand bodies is a hot and cutting-edge field of international sedimentology and deep-water oil and gas exploration.Based on the newly acquired high-resolution 3D seismic,logging and core data of Pearl River Mouth Basin(PRMB),this paper dissected the shelf-edge delta to deep-water fan(SEDDF)depositional system in the Oligocene Zhuhai Formation of Paleogene in south subsag of Baiyun Sag,and revealed the complex coupling relationship from the continental shelf edge to deep-water fan sedimentation and its genetic mechanisms.The results show that during the deposition of the fourth to first members of the Zhuhai Formation,the scale of the SEDDF depositional system in the study area showed a pattern of first increasing and then decreasing,with deep-water fan developed in the third to first members and the largest plane distribution scale developed in the late stage of the second member.Based on the development of SEDDF depositional system along the source direction,three types of coupling relationships are divided,namely,deltas that are linked downdip to fans,deltas that lack downdip fans and fans that lack updip coeval deltas,with different depositional characteristics and genetic mechanisms.(1)Deltas that are linked downdip to fans:with the development of shelf-edge deltas in the shelf area and deep-water fans in the downdip slope area,and the strong source supply and relative sea level decline are the two key factors which control the development of this type of source-to-sink(S2S).The development of channels on the continental shelf edge is conducive to the formation of this type of S2S system even with weak source supply and high sea level.(2)Deltas that lack downdip fans:with the development of shelf edge deltas in shelf area,while deep water fans are not developed in the downdip slope area.The lack of“sources”and“channels”,and fluid transformation are the three main reasons for the formation of this type of S2S system.(3)Fans that lack updip coeval deltas:with the development of deep-water fans in continental slope area and the absence of updip coeval shelf edge deltas,which is jointly controlled by the coupling of fluid transformation at the shelf edge and the“channels”in the continental slope area.

分支河流体系分类初探

通过综述国内外分支河流体系(DFS)的研究进展,总结了DFS的地貌特征和主要类型,并探讨了DFS形成和发育的控制因素。研究结果表明:(1)DFS不是新的或者特殊的河道类型,而是多种河道有规律的集合,地貌特征表现为水系网络从一点呈放射状展布,多种河型共同发育,河道几何形态变化大,沉积环境包括河道和河道间区域,沉积体系复杂;主要类型包括冲积扇、河流扇和巨型扇。(2)以DFS半径为关键指标,面积和坡度为辅助指标将DFS分为小型(冲积扇)、大型(河流扇)和巨型(巨型扇),小型DFS扇体半径小于30 km,面积小于100 km2,坡度大于1.0°;大型DFS半径为30~100 km,面积为100~1 000 km2,坡度小于1.0°;巨型DFS扇体半径大于100 km,面积大于1 000 km2,坡度小于0.5°,3种类型的分布范围有一定的交叉和重复,还需结合DFS的沉积水动力过程和沉积特征进行判别。(3)构造背景和气候是控制DFS形成与分布的最根本因素;流域面积、母岩性质直接影响DFS中沉积物供给总量、供给速率及成分和结构;地形坡度作为间接因素,与河流流量、流速等自生因素相结合,控制河道形态以及河道的分汊和决口,进而控制了DFS表面的沉积环境和沉积相分布。

Meandering of Tributaries of the Tigris River Due to Mass Movements within Iraq

Tigris and Euphrates are the main rivers in Iraq. The former has 5 main tributaries while the latter has no tributaries within Iraq. All these rivers exhibit meandering and/or shifting of their courses due to many reasons;such as mass movements and alluvial fan's development. The meandering and shifting of river courses due to mass movements is dealt with in this study. Many examples are given from different parts of Iraq within different rivers and streams. In each case, the geology of the involved area is described;the reasons of the shifting and/or meandering of the river course are given. GIS technique was used to determine the coverage of the involved area. Landsat, Google Earth and DEM images were used to indicate the suffered areas from shifting and meandering of the rivers and streams. When possible, age of the shifting and/or meandering of the river and stream courses was estimated;using exposure age determination;mainly depending on the presence of river terraces, erosional forms, vegetation cover and the maturity of the involved area. Some of the given examples of shifting of river courses were found to be still active;others are inactive. In many cases, indications for very large mass movement phenomena were seen. Moreover, some of the large involved areas are highly populated, others includes few houses and/ or farms. The majority of the meanders are developed due to mass movement phenomena;others are caused by alluvial fans and/or tectonic features, lime plunging of anticlines.

干旱气候下冲积扇—冲积平原曲流河沉积演化过程与展布——以新疆库车河现代沉积为例

【目的】针对近年来沉积学界研究热点冲积扇、季节性河流、分支河流体系与河流扇等不同沉积体的划分、体系归属讨论等问题。【方法】开展干旱气候下库车河现代冲积扇-冲积平原曲流河沉积演化过程分析,聚焦于不同沉积体的界限变化与控制因素研究。【结果】发现在干旱气候下受同一条河流(库车河)控制的沉积体,发育山间辫状河-冲积扇-冲积平原曲流河等多种类型沉积。由出山口至下游冲积平原内河水散失,库车河延伸100 km以上,逐一发育冲积扇扇根辫状河道、泥石流等沉积,扇中大面积的辫状分流河道带沉积,扇端单一径流河道(低弯度曲流河)沉积,并向下游演化为冲积平原上的高弯度曲流河沉积。【结论】山间辫状河-冲积扇-冲积平原上曲流河沉积体在平面上连续分布,河流形态、河道宽窄变化等与沉积坡度密切相关,砾质沉积物的砾径变化与沉积搬运距离呈负相关关系,沙质沉积物由近源-远源分布范围增大明显。各沉积体的展布范围受库车河不同类型河道展布控制并紧密关联,而河道类型的变化主要受控于沉积坡度、沉积物特征、水流量变化等。

阵发性洪水条件下辫状河型冲积扇构型研究:以准噶尔盆地西北缘现代白杨河冲积扇为例

白杨河冲积扇是由阵发性洪水期的碎屑流沉积物与间洪期辫状河沉积物组成的复合型冲积扇,其构型与碎屑流扇的构型和河流型扇的构型有很大的不同。本研究选取准噶尔盆地西北缘干旱气候下发育的现代白杨河冲积扇作为解剖实例,对103个天然剖面和9个人工大型探槽进行了详细测量,在沉积微相及不同级别的沉积构型的观测和分析的基础上,分析了阵发性洪水条件下间歇性辫状河型冲积扇体的地貌单元的演化过程和沉积构型特征,研究不同流态的阵发性洪水条件下各种建造和改造机制,明确受阵发性洪水控制的间歇性辫状河型冲积扇的沉积特征,建立了其沉积构型模式。认为:在洪水期,阵发性洪流(碎屑流)形成席状化的片流(或片洪)沉积,在洪退期,随着洪水强度的减弱,又转变为辫流沉积,而在间洪期,仍有持续的辫状流体(牵引流)在限制性的水道中流动,并对洪水期的碎屑流沉积物进行改造,形成了限制性的(条带状的)辫状河道沉积,2个时期的沉积物在时空上频繁叠置,形成了一种更加复杂的沉积构型。该模式对油田地下冲积扇砂砾储集层的成因识别、预测及对比具有一定的参考价值。

A global satellite survey of density plumes at river mouths and at other environments: Plume configurations, external controls, and implications for deep-water sedimentation

The U. S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) has archived thousands of satellite images of density plumes in its online publishing outlet called 'Earth Observatory' since 1999. Although these images are in the public domain, there has not been any systematic compilation of configurations of density plumes associated with various sedimentary environments and processes. This article, based on 45 case studies covering 21 major rivers(e.g., Amazon, Betsiboka, Congo [Zaire], Copper, Hugli [Ganges], Mackenzie, Mississippi, Niger, Nile, Rhone, Rio de la Plata, Yellow, Yangtze, Zambezi, etc.) and six different depositional environments(i.e., marine, lacustrine, estuarine, lagoon, bay, and reef), is the first attempt in illustrating natural variability of configurations of density plumes in modern environments. There are, at least, 24 configurations of density plumes. An important finding of this study is that density plumes are controlled by a plethora of 18 oceanographic, meteorological, and other external factors. Examples are: 1) Yellow River in China by tidal shear front and by a change in river course; 2) Yangtze River in China by shelf currents and vertical mixing by tides in winter months; 3) Rio de la Plata Estuary in Argentina and Uruguay by Ocean currents; 4) San Francisco Bay in California by tidal currents; 5) Gulf of Manner in the Indian Ocean by monsoonal currents; 6) Egypt in Red Sea by Eolian dust; 7) U.S. Atlantic margin by cyclones; 8) Sri Lanka by tsunamis; 9) Copper River in Alaska by high-gradient braid delta; 10) Lake Erie by seiche; 11) continental margin off Namibia by upwelling; 12) Bering Sea by phytoplankton; 13) the Great Bahama Bank in the Atlantic Ocean by fish activity; 14) Indonesia by volcanic activity; 15) Greenland by glacial melt; 16) South Pacific Ocean by coral reef; 17) Carolina continental Rise by pockmarks; and 18) Otsuchi Bay in Japan by internal bore. The prevailing trend in promoting a single type of river-flood triggered hyperpycnal flow is flawed because there are 16 types of hyperpycnal flows. River-flood derived hyperpycnal flows are muddy in texture and they occur close to the shoreline in inner shelf environments. Hyperpycnal flows are not viable transport mechanisms of sand and gravel across the shelf into the deep sea. The available field observations suggest that they do not form meter-thick sand layers in deep water settings. For the above reasons, river-flood triggered hyperpycnites are considered unsuitable for serving as petroleum reservoirs in deep-water environments until proven otherwise.