The Lower Cambrian Xiaoerbulake Formation in the Tarim Basin as a potential carbonate source rock

The oil and gas exploration of the Middle and Lower Cambrian in the Tarim Basin reveals widely distributed source rocks with the Yuertusi Formation being recognized as high-quality source rocks that are distributed in a rather small range.The Xiaoerbulake Formation that is right under the Yuertusi Formation has also been eyed as potential high-quality source rocks and is studied through analyses focusing on the stratigraphic development,the abundance,type,and maturity of organic matter,and the paleoproductivity of a dark-colored algae dolomite within the formation.The results show that the dolomite is rich in organic matter of mainly types I and II kerogens.Although reached the high mature to over-mature stage,the dolomite was deposited in an anoxic sedimentary environment featuring a high paleoproductivity level and a high organic carbon burial efficiency,quite favorable for the development of high-quality source rocks.The study provides material evidence to the Middle-Lower Cambrian subsalt source rock-reservoir-caprock combination model for the Tarim Basin.

Genesis mechanism and Mg isotope difference between the Sinian and Cambrian dolomites in Tarim Basin

Dolomite genesis is a century-old mystery in sedimentology.To reveal the mechanism of dolomite genesis,two core problems need to be addressed.The first is the origin and migration mechanism of Mg^(2+)-rich fluids during the dolomitization process.The second is the kinetic barrier caused by Mg^(2+)hydration during dolomite precipitation at low temperatures.To address these problems,our study,based on detailed petrological,sedimentological,geochemical(major and trace elements),and isotopic(C-O-Mg)analysis,clarified the source and migration of Mg^(2+)-rich fluids and the kinetic barrier mechanism of lowtemperature dolomite precipitation in the Upper Sinian Qigebulake Formation and the Lower Cambrian Xiaoerbulake Formation in the Tarim Basin.First,we found that the Mg^(2+)-rich fluids required for the dolomitization of dolomite in the Xiaoerbulake Formation were primarily derived from the Early Cambrian marine fluid.At the interface of the sedimentary cycle,δ26Mg values fluctuated considerably,indicating that the sequence interface was the starting point and channel for the migration of dolomitized fluids.Sea level variation plays a major role in controlling the dolomitization process of the Xiaoerbulake Formation.Second,the Qigebulake Formation contains low-temperature dolomite with Mg^(2+)-rich fluids supplied by seawater,microorganisms,and sedimentary organic matter.Comprehensive analysis shows that the dolomite of the Qigebulake Formation was formed by microbial induction by anaerobic methane bacteria.Finally,the properties and sources of dolomitization fluids and the formation process of dolomite were the reasons for the difference in the Mg isotope composition of dolomite during the Sinian-Cambrian transition.This study reveals the genetic mechanism of the Sinian-Cambrian dolomite in the Tarim Basin and establishes a new method to explain the genesis of microbial dolomite by C-O-Mg isotopes,providing a reference for the reconstruction of the formation and evolution of dolomites.