Carbonate Sequence Stratigraphy of a Back-Arc Basin: A Case Study of the Qom Formation in the Kashan Area, Central Iran

The Qom Formation comprises Oligo-Miocene deposits from a marine succession distributed in the Central Basin of Iran. It is composed of five members designated as A-F. Little previous work exists on the sequence stratigraphy. Based on an integrated study of sequence stratigraphy with outcrop data, wells and regional seismic profiles, the Qom Formation is interpreted as a carbonate succession deposited in a mid.Tertiary back-arc basin. There are two second-order sequences （designated as SS1 and SS2） and five third-order sequences （designated as S1-S5）. Five distinct systems tracts including transgressive, highstand, forced regressive, slope margin and Iowstand have been recognized. The relationship between the sequences and lithologic sub-units has been collated and defined （S1 to S5 individually corresponding to A-C1, C2--C4, D-E, the lower and upper portions of F）; a relative sea level change curve and the sequence stratigraphic framework have been established and described in detail. The coincidence of relative sea level change between that of the determined back-arc basin and the world indicates that the sedimentary cycles of the Qom Formation are mainly controlled by eustatic cycles. The variable combination of the systems tracts and special tectonic-depositional setting causally underpin multiple sequence stratigraphic framework styles seen in the carbonates of the back-arc basin revealing： （1） a continental margin basin that developed some form of barrier, characterized by the development of multiple cycles of carbonate-evaporites; （2） a flat carbonate ramp, which occurred on the southern shelf formed by the lack of clastic supply from nearby magmatic islands plus mixed siliciclastics and carbonates that occurred on the northern shelf due to a sufficient clastics supply from the land; and （3） a forced regressive stratigraphic stacking pattern that occured on the southern shelf and in basin lows due to the uplifting of the southern shelf. Thick and widespread aggradational framework limestone usually occurs in the initial sequences （S1 and S3） of the supersequence, which led to preferential oil reservoir deposition but a lack of source and cap rocks, whereas the retrogradational and progradational framework limestone usually occurs in the later sequences （S2 and S4-S5） of the supersequence, which results in two perfect sets of source, reservoir and cap rock assemblies, so that the limestone in sub-member C2-C4 and the F-Member can be predicted as important objects for oil exploration.

Origin of Molar-Tooth Structure Based on Sequence-Stratigraphic Position and Macroscopic Features: Example from Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation at Jixian Section, Tianjin, North China

Both the macroscopic feature and the sequence-stratigraphic position of the molar-tooth structure developed in the third member of the Gaoyuzhuang （高于庄） Formation at the Jixian （蓟县） Section in Tianjin （天津） can provide some useful information about its origin and can reveal some problems to be further researched in the future. The Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation is a set of 1 600 m thick carbonate strata. This formation can be divided into four members. The first member is mainly made up of stromatolitic dolomites; the second is marked by a set of manganese dolomites; the third is mainly composed of lamina limestones with the development of molar-tooth strcutures; the fourth is a set of stromatolitic-lithoherm dolomites. According to lithofacies and its succession, several types of meter-scale cycles can be discerned in the Gaoyuzhuang Formation： the L-M type, the subtidal type and the peritidal type. There is a regularly vertical stacking pattern for meter-scale cycles in the third-order sequence. Therefore, the Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation can be divided into 13 third-order sequences （SQ1 to SQ13 ） and can further be grouped into 4 second-order sequences. The third member is marked by lamina limestones and can be grouped into three third-order sequences （SQ9 to SQ11 ）. The molar-tooth structure is developed in the middle part of the third sequence, i.e. SQH , in the third member. Several features of this kind of molar-tooth structure reflect some features of carbonate sedimentation in the Precambrian, such as the particular configuration, abundant organic matter, and easy silication. Stromatolites are chiefly formed in a shallow tidal-flat environment; lamina are mainly formed in the shallow ramp and molar-tooth structures are mainly generated in a relatively more deep-water environment from the middle to the deep ramp. Therefore, similar to stromatolite and lamina, the molartooth structure might also be a kind of bio-sedimentation structure. This suggestion is based on macroscopic observation and the sedimentary-facies analysis of the molar-tooth structures from the sequencestratigraphic position. These features of Precambrian sedimentation also reveal the problem of Precambrian carbonate sedimentation. With more detailed study, a more practical solution for these problems may be obtained in the future.

Sequence Stratigraphic Delineation and Correlation of the Dongying Formation in the Nearshore and Adjacent Sea Areas, Bohai Bay Basin

Based on the analysis of well logs, seismic data, core studies, the Dongying （东营） Formation along the nearshore and adjacent sea areas, Bohai （渤海） Bay basin has been subdivided into three third-order sequences from base to top： namely, sequences SQ1, SQ2 and SQ3. The three sequences have different wireline （SP） log responses, showing triple-section characteristics with SQ1 being characterized by primarily flat baseline with intercalation of relatively low spontaneous potential, SQ2 generally exhibiting weak or moderate amplitude spontaneous potential with finger-shaped peaks, and SQ3 having relatively high spontaneous potential with funnel-shaped log curves. On the basis of the triple-section characteristics, the stratigraphic sequences can be correlated consistently throughout the entire study area. A stratigraphic and sedimentary model for sequences SQ1 to SQ3 of the Dongying Formation in the study area has been proposed. The accommodation space change in the two sides of the asymmetrical basin was examined and the asymmetrical basin has the feature of the asymmetrical accommodation space change. The asymmetrical physiography is a vital factor to influence the accommodation changes in additional to the lake level change, tectonism and sediment supply. This may have important implications to similar basins in other parts of China or elsewhere.

Facies Analysis and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Qal'eh Dokhtar Formation(Middle-Upper Jurassic) in the West of Boshrouyeh, East Central Iran

The study area is located in the east Tabas Block in Central Iran. Facies analysis of the Qal＇eh Dokhtar Formation（middle Callovian to late Oxfordian） was carried out on two stratigraphic sections and applied to depositional environment and sequence stratigraphy interpretation. This formation conformably overlies and underlies the marly-silty Baghamshah and the calcareous Esfandiar formations, respectively. Lateral and vertical facies changes documents low-to high energy environments, including tidal-flat, beach to intertidal, lagoon, barrier, and open-marine. According to these facies associations and absence of resedimentation deposits a depositional model of a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic ramp was proposed for the Qal＇eh Dokhtar Formation. Seven third-order depositional sequences were identified in each two measured stratigraphic sections. Transgressive systems tracts（TSTs） show deepening upward trends, i.e. shallow water beach to intertidal and lagoonal facies, while highstand systems tracts（HST） show shallowing upward trends in which deep water facies are overlain by shallow water facies. All sequence boundaries（except at the base of the stratigraphic column） are of the no erosional（SB2） types. We conclude eustatic rather than tectonic factors played a dominant role in controlling carbonate depositional environments in the study area.

Sequence stratigraphy of the petroliferous Dariyan Formation (Aptian) in Qeshm Island and offshore (southern Iran)

After sea level rises during the Early Cretaceous, upper parts of the Khami Group sediments （Fahliyan, Gadvan, and Dariyan Formations） deposited over Jurassic sediments. The Lower Cretaceous （Aptian） Dariyan Formation （equivalent to the Shu＇aiba Formation and Hawar Member of the Arabian Plate） carbonates, which have hydrocarbon reservoir potential, form the uppermost portion of the Khami Group that unconformably overlays the Gadvan Formation and was unconformably covered by the Kazhdumi Formation and Burgan sandstones. Detailed paleontological, sedimentological, and well log analysis were performed on seven wells from Qeshm Island and offshore in order to analyze the sequence stratigraphy of this interval and correlate with other studies of the Dariyan Formation in this region. According to this study, the Dariyan Formation contains 14 carbonate lithofacies, which deposited on a ramp system that deepened in both directions （NE-wells 5, 6 and SWIwells 1, 2）. Sequence stratigraphy led to recognition of 5 Aptian third-order sequences toward the Bab Basin （SW-well 1） and 4 Aptian third-order sequences toward Qeshm Island （NE-wells 5 and 6） so these areas show higher gamma on the gamma ray logs and probably have higher source rock potential. Other wells （wells 2-4 and 7） mainly deposited in shallower ramp systems and contain 3 Aptian third-order sequences. On the other hand, rudstone and boundstone lithofacies of studied wells have higher reservoir potential and were deposited during Apt 3 and Apt 4 sequences of the Arabian Plate. The Dariyan Formation in Qeshm Island （well 6） and adjacent well （well 5） was deposited in an intrashelf basin that should be classified as a new intrashelf basin in future Aptian paleogeographic maps. We interpret that salt-related differential subsidence, crustal warping, and reactivation of basement faults of the Arabian Plate boundary were responsible for the creation of the intrashelf basin in the Qeshm area.

Sequence Microbiostratigraphy of Jahrum and Asmari Formation in Shiraz Area, Zagros, Fars, Iran

The study of sequence microbiostratigraphy of Jahrum and Asmari formation in Shiraz, Fars, Zagros, SW of Iran and recognition of relationship between depositional sequence parameters and microbiostratigraphy 3 stratigraphic sections (Beyza, Sarvestan A, B and Estahban sections) have been selected and studied. Jahrum and Asmari formations in study area with unconformity overlying together have been exposed. Based on Field and laboratory studies such as microfossils, microbiostratigraphy, microfaceis, sedimentary environment models and sequence stratigraphy evi- dences recognized 3 depositional sequences in study area that presented during Paleocene-Oli- gomiocene. Jahrum formation consists of one depositional sequence and Asmari formation consists of two depositional sequences. Microfossils and microbiostratigraphy studies will lead to the identification of 6 biozones in the studied area. In Beyza and Estahban sections biozones 1, 2 and 3 are related to Jahrum formation and suggest Paleocene to Middle Eocene age for this formation and biozone 4 is related to Asmari formation and suggests Oligocene age for this formation. In Sar- vestan section biozones 1, 2 and 3 are related to Jahrum formation and suggest Paleocene to Middle Eocene age for this formation and biozones 4 and 5 are related to Asmari formation and these biozones indicate Oligocene-Miocene (Aquitanian) age for Asmari formation. Sequence microbiostratigraphy studies indicate that biozones of Jahrum formation are formed in DS1 and biozones of Asmari formation are formed in DS2 and DS3. Also, some relationship between depositional sequence parameters and distribution of microfossils and biozones as in the case of in SB1 and LST facies didn’t found any microfossil and we can’t suggest biozonation. In study area upper part of HST of DS1 (Jahrum formation) and some biozones related to Upper Eocene have been eliminated, for example in Estahban, Sarvestan B and Beyza sections all biozones related to Upper Paleocene to Middle Eocene and eliminated biozones of Upper Eocene. In study area SB2 existed in lower boundary of DS1 (between Sachun and Jahrum formation) and between DS2 and DS3 of Asmari formation. Some parts of biozones in study area could correlate with SB2. For example for upper limit of biozones no 4 in Estahban section overlies to SB2 of DS2 in Asmari formation. Paleoecological situation in TST systems tract suitable for reproduction and growth large foraminifera and biozones 1, 2 and 3 are formed in systems tract. MFS and MFZ in all sections are recognized by mixed pelagic and benthonic foraminifera wackestone. More biozones in Jahrum and As- mari formations have been identified in HST system tract. For example in Beyza section biozones 2 and 3 (Jahrum formation) and biozone 4 (Asmari formation) are in HST. In Saevestan B section bi- ozones 3 and 4 (Jahrum formation) and biozones 5 and 6 (Asmari formation) are in this system tract. In Estahban section biozones 3 and 4 (Jahrum formation) and biozones 4 and 5 (Asmari formation) have been in HST. Also, tests of most identified large foraminifera in HST such as Alveolona sp, Alveolina aragonensis, Austrotrilina sp, Austrotrilina asmaricus and Archias sp are made of porcelaneous calcite and foraminiferal tests in TST systems tract, such as Nummulites sp. Nummulites intermedius, Nummulites fichtelli and Operculina sp are made of hyaline calcite.

Sequence stratigraphic framework and sedimentary model of Shanxi Formation in northeast Zhoukou Depression of the North China Plate

The sequence stratigraphic framework of Shanxi Formation in the northeast Zhoukou Depression was established based on detailed sequence stratigraphical and sedimentological analysis by utilizing the logging and core data of six wells drilled in the eastern tectonic unit of Zhoukou Depression.It was divided into three third-order sequences,namely SQs1,SQs2,and SQs3 from bottom to top.Each sequence can be divided into a transgressive system tract(TST)and a highstand system tract(HST).Furthermore,four sequence boundaries and three maximum flooding surfaces were identified,and they are the bottom interface SBs and maximum flooding surface mfss1 of SQs1,the bottom interface SBs1 and maximum flooding surface mfss2 of SQs2,the bottom interface SBs3 and maximum flooding surface mfss3 of SQs3,and the top interface SBx from bottom to top.Carbonate tidal flat–clastic tidal flat sedimentary system developed in Shanxi Formation in the northeast Zhoukou Depression(also referred to as the study area)under the control of regression.Meanwhile,four sedimentary microfacies were identified in the sedimentary system,which are lime-mud flats,sand flats,mixed flats,and mud flats.The transgression in the study area occurred from the southeast to the northwest.Therefore,the northwestern part is the seaward side,and the southeastern part is the landward side.As revealed by relevant drilling data,SQs1 of the Shanxi Formation is characterized by the development of limestone and carbonaceous mudstone,with limestone,dark mudstone,and carbonaceous mudstone mainly developing.Meanwhile,lime-mud flats were mainly deposited in it.During the periods of SQs2 and SQs3,the sedimentary environment of the study area changed from the carbonate tidal flats to clastic tidal flats as the coastline migrated towards the sea.In these periods,sand flats mainly developed near the maximum flooding surfaces and were relatively continuous in the eastern and southern parts of the transgressive system tract;mixed flats were relatively continuous in the western and northern parts of the transgressive system tract as well as the eastern and southern parts of the highstand system tract;mud flats widely developed in the highstand system tract.Peat flats mainly developed in the period of HSTs2,with coal seams relatively developing in the southeastern part of the study area as revealed by drilling data.The peat flats in SQs2 are favorable hydrocarbon source layers,the lime-mud flats in SQs1 and sand flats formed in the transgression periods of SQs2 and SQs3 constitute favorable hydrocarbon reservoirs,and the mud flats form in the transgressions periods serve as favorable cap rocks.Therefore,the study area features a reservoir-cap assemblage for self-generating and self-storing of hydrocarbon,and the southeastern part of the study area can be taken as a favorable exploration area.

Facies, Sedimentary Environment and Sequence Stratigraphy of Dalan Formation in South Fars, Iran —(Qatar-South Fars Arch) Well ASL-A

Dalan Formation is one of the most important gas reservoirs of south and southwest Iran which it belongs to Dehram Group and its age is Middle to Late Permian. The Dalan formation is interpreted as reflecting a major tectono-eustatic event related to the onset of rapid thermal subsidence of the early Neo-Tethys passive margin in Arabia and Iran, and the drowning of its rift shoulders. The Dalan formation consists mainly of medium to thick-bedded oolitic to micritic shallow-marine carbonate, with intercalations of evaporates. This formation overlies the Faraghan formation and extends up into the Lower Triassic kangan formation. The current paper is focused on the facies, sedimentary environment and sequence Stratigraphy study of the Middle to Upper Permian Dalan formation in the West Assaluyeh gas field the subsurface section of well ASL-A. Based on microfacies analysis and significant founa and flora, nineteen major facies in five facies associations including Tidal flat (A), Lagoon (B), Shoal (C), Open marine (D) and Mid ramp (E) were recognized in the Dalan formation. Facies analysis and those comparisons with modern and ancient environments indicated that the Dalan formation was deposited inner to mid parts of a homoclinal ramp. The sequence stratigraphy studies on the Dalan formation in this gas field led to assessment of seven main sedimentary sequences of the third-order in the Assaluyeh field, well ASL-A. The boundary between the third-order sequences with the Faraghan formation and between the Nar and Upper Dalan members are Subaerial Unconformity (SU) and the boundaries between the third-order sequences with each other and also with the Kangan formation are Correlative Conformity (CC). The main diagenetic processes in this formation are dolomitization, dissolution, anhydritization, cementation and compaction which played a significant role in improving reservoir quality. The shoal ooid grainstone facies with intergranular and oomoldic porosity comprise the main reservoir facies of the Dalan formation.

Sedimentary Environment and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Asmari Formation at Khaviz Anticline, Zagros Mountains, Southwest Iran

The Oligocene-Miocene Asmari Formation is a thick sequence of shallow water carbonates of the Zagros Basin. Khaviz Anticline outcrop [near Behbahan city/Iran] was studied in this research in order to interpret the facies, depositional environment and sequence stratigraphy of the Asmari Formation succession. In this study, twelve different microfacies types have been recognized, which can be grouped into five (micro) facies associations: peritidal, lagoon, shoal, semi restricted marine and open marine. The Asmari Formation represents sedimentation on a carbonate ramp. According to the fauna data, the Asmari Formation is Oligocene (Rupelian/Chattian) to Early Miocene (Burdigalian) in age at the study area. Eight third-order depositional sequences are identified on the basis of deepening and shallowing patterns in the microfacies. The depositional sequences 0 and 1 (Rupelian-Chattian), 2, 3 and 4 (Chattian) were referred to the lower while sequences 5 and 6 (Aquitanian) were referred to the middle and sequence 7 (Burdigalian) was referred to the upper Asmari Formation. The relative sea-level curve of the Asmari basin and its matching with the global sea-level curves documented that Global eustatic phenomena affected this basin.

Depositional environments and sequence stratigraphy of the Bahram Formation(middleelate Devonian) in north of Kerman, south-central Iran

This study is focused on sedimentary environments, facies distribution, and sequence stratigraphy. The facies and sequence stratigraphic analyses of the Bahram Formation（middleelate Devonian） in southcentral Iran are based on two measured stratigraphic sections in the southern Tabas block. The Bahram Formation overlies red sandstones Padeha Formation in sections Hutk and Sardar and is overlain by Carboniferous carbonate deposits of Hutk Formation paraconformably, with a thickness of 354 and386 m respectively. Mixed siliciclastic and carbonate sediments are present in this succession. The field observations and laboratory studies were used to identify 14 micro/petrofacies, which can be grouped into 5 depositional environments： shore, tidal flat, lagoon, shoal and shallow open marine. A mixed carbonate-detrital shallow shelf is suggested for the depositional environment of the Bahram Formation which deepens to the east（Sardar section） and thins in southern locations（Hutk section）. Three 3rdorder cyclic siliciclastic and carbonate sequences in the Bahram Formation and one sequence shared with the overlying joint with Hutk Formation are identified, on the basis of shallowing upward patterns in the micro/pertofacies.

Lake Sequence Stratigraphy of the Shahejie Formation in the Zhanhua Hollow, Shandong Province

Two sequences can be identified in the sedimentary strata of the lower Tertiary ShahejieFormation in the Zhanhua hollow. The lowstand, lake-transgressive and highstand systemstracts were formed under the control of ancient structure, palaeotopography, palaeoclimate, sed-iment supply, marine-transgression, and so on. In the paper the authors present a composite se-quence stratigraphical section of the Shahejie Formation in this area, and expound the bounda-ries of parasequences, parasequences set and systems tracts and evolutions of lake sequencestratigraphy and sedimentology and discuss various factors controlling the lake level fluctuation.The differences between lake and marine sequence stratigraphy are also indicated in the paper.The lake sequence stratigraphical study should be based on a synthetic analysis of structural evo-lution, palaeomagnetism, palaeoclimatic changes, geological Well logs, seismic and logging data,palaeontological data, global sea level changes, and so on. The sequence stratigraphical evolutionis closely related to the formation, development and elimination of the whole basin and thesedimentary process.

Petrography, Sedimentary Environments and Sequence Stratigraphy of Asmari Formation in Central Fars, Zagros, SW (Iran)

To study petrography, microfacies, sedimentary environments and sequence stratigraphy of Asmari formation in central Fars, 4 stratigraphic sections have benn chosen and studied (Estahban, Shams-Abad, Sarvestan and Akbar-Abad Sections). Field and laboratories study recognized 16?carbonate microfacies and 2 clastic-carbanate facies. Study of microfacies, relative sea level?change and sequence stratigraphy evidences show these microfacies are deposited in carbonate ramp sedimentary environment in 5 facies belt zones: Open marine (A), Restricted (B), Shoal (C), Lagoon (D) and Tidal flat (E) during Oligomiocene. Petrography, microfacies analysis and sedimentary environment of Asmari formation shows this formation in study area consist of 3 depositional sequences. Lower sequence boundary of DS1 with Jahrum formation is erosional (disconformity) SB1. Lower and upper sequence boundary of DS2 is SB2. The upper sequence boundary of DS3 is SB1 and ended under the Razak clastic formation. In central Fars only lower part of Asmari is deposited and upper part of this formation have been eroded and disappeared.

Sequence Stratigraphy and Sea Level Fluctuations of the Ab-Deraz Formation, Based on Palynological Evidence and Magnetic Susceptibility Method “Kopet-Dagh Sedimentary Basin, Northeastern Iran”

Ab-deraz Formation is one of the Lithostratigraphic units of upper cretaceous (Middle Touronian-Santonian) in Kopet-Dagh sedimentary basin, located in northeastern Iran. The aims of this study are separating sequence units and determining sea level Fluctuation by using palynological factors and comparison via magnetic susceptibility which is used for the first time in Ab-deraz Formation. Assuming the average MS magnitude as the proxy for mean sea level changes, positive Magnetic Susceptibility (MS) values were considered to present sea level falls and negative values for sea level rises. Based on these data a curve showing water level fluctuations throughout the stratigraphic column was prepared which shows a general trend of regression from base to the top of the formation. To test accuracy of this method, magnetic susceptibility results were compared with those gained from palynology and palynofacies studies. Based on the changes in palynological factors (the terrestrial/marine particles ratio, C/PPC ratio, diversity and abundance of dinoflagellate), palynofacies, for separate sequences, three sequences of the third type with four sequence boundaries, (3 boundaries of the type II and one boundary of the type I) were differentiated, confirming the results gained from magnetic susceptibility method.

Facies Interpretation, Depositional Environment and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Sartakht Formation in the Bakhshi Section, Located in Kalmard Block, East-Central Iran

Permian rocks in Kalmard block are recognized with Khan Group, enjoying various characteristics in different outcrops. This group is made up of three informal formations, namely Chili, Sartakht and Hermez. Middle Permian deposits (Sartakht formation) are composed chiefly of sandstone and carbonate rocks. This formation is composed of 58.6 m sandstone and dolomitic limestone in the Bakhshi section. Lower Permian carbonate deposits (Chili formation) unconformably underlie this formation while lateritic paleosols of upper Permian (Hermez formation) are depicted overlying an erosional unconformity above this formation. According to lithologic and microscopic investigations, the deposits of Sartakht formation can be divided into 2 siliciclastic petrofacies and 12 carbonate microfacies. Field observations, along with microscopic examinations, have resulted in identifying tidal flat, lagoon, shoal and open marine environments in the rocks of the studied formation. Vertical changes of microfacies and depth variation curve point to the high thickness of the microfacies of lagoon and shoal environments and low thickness of the microfacies of tidal flat and open marine environments. The carbonate-siliciclastic sequence of Sartakht formation is made up of a third-order depositional sequence, separated from carbonate depositions of lower Permian (Chili formation) and lateritic paleosols of upper Permian by type 1 sequence boundary (SB1). Siliciclastic deposits include LST system tract, and carbonate microfacies involve TST and HST system tracts, separated from each other by MFS. Sartakht formation rocks in Bakhshi section are deposited in a low-angle homoclinal ramp, mostly in the inner ramp, located in the south of Paleotethys Ocean. The depositional sequence identified in Sartakht formation points to the age of middle Permian, conforming to middle Absaroka II supersequence. The upper erosional boundary between Sartakht and Hermez formations conforms to the global-scale sea level fall.

Facies Interpretation, Depositional Environment and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Gachal Formation in the Madbeiki Section, Kalmard Block, East Central Iran

Deposits of Lower Carboniferous rocks in Kalmard block are recognized by Gachal informal formation, showing various characteristics in different outcrops. Lower Carboniferous deposits (Gachal formation) are composed chiefly of carbonate, evaporite and siliciclastic rocks. This formation is composed of 198 m sandstone, limestone and dolomite as well as a small amount of shale, marl and gypsum in the Madbeiki section. This formation unconformably underlies Precambrian metamorphic deposits (Kalmard formation) while lateritic soils of lower Permian (Chili formation) are depicted overlying an erosional unconformity above this formation. According to lithologic and microscopic investigations, the deposits of Gachal formation can be divided into 1 siliciclastic petrofacies, 1 evaporite microfacies and 16 carbonate microfacies. Field observations, along with microscopic examinations, have resulted in identifying tidal flat, lagoon, shoal and open marine environments in the rocks of the studied formation. Vertical changes of microfacies and depth variation curve indicate the high thickness of the microfacies of tidal flat, lagoon and shoal environments and low thickness of the microfacies of open marine environment. The carbonate-evaporite-siliciclastic sequence of Gachal formation is made up of three third-order depositional sequence, separated each other by type 1 sequence boundary (SB1). Siliciclastic and evaporite deposits include LST system tract, and carbonate microfacies involve TST and HST system tracts, separated from each other by MFS. Gachal formation rocks in Madbeiki section are deposited in a low-angle homoclinal ramp, mostly in the inner ramp, located in the southern Paleotethys Ocean. The depositional sequence identified in Gachal formation points to the age of Lower Carboniferous, conforming to upper Kaskaskia super sequence. The upper erosional boundary between Gachal and Chili formations conform to the global-scale sea level fall.

Microfacies, Sedimentary Environment and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Asmari Formation in Masjed-I-Soleyman Oil Field, Khuzestan Provence, Southwest Iran

The Oligo-Miocen Asmari Formation is the most important oil reservoir in Iran. This study deals with facies associations, sedimentary environments and sequence stratigraphy of this formation in Masjed-I-Solyman oil field by using petrographical studies and statistical analysis. These findings show that studied succession belongs to the upper Asmari Formation (Bordigalian) with nine microfacies assosiations that consist of four wackestone, four packstone and one Boundstone microfacies. These microfacies were deposited in the inner and middle parts of a homoclinal carbonate ramp. Sequence stratigraphy studies express that the succession could be discriminated to four third order sedimentary sequences that would have been deposited under global sea level fluctuation (Eustasy).

Division and Correlation of Lacustrine Gravity Flow Reservoirs Based on High-Resolution Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis—Taking Oil Formation I of Lower Es3 in Wuhaozhuang Oilfield as an Example

The phase change of lacustrine gravity flow deposition is fast and complex. In its reservoir division and correlation, the isochronous problem is very important. Taking the oil formation I of Es3 in Wuhaozhuang oilfield as an example, through the analysis of stratigraphic drilling and logging data in the study area, according to the genetic types of different levels of base level cycle interfaces and the characteristics of high-resolution sequence stratigraphy, this paper subdivides the lacustrine gravity flow oil layer of lower Es3 in Wuhaozhuang Oilfield, divides it into four short-term base level cycle sequences, and establishes the high-resolution isochronous stratigraphic framework of this interval. It is found that the mid-term, short-term and ultra short-term base level cycles correspond to the oil formation, sand layer group and single layer in the oil layer correlation unit of the oilfield respectively. Based on this, the oil layer correlation unit of the interval is divided, and the sublayer correlation model is established according to the identification characteristics of the short-term base level cycle.

Sequence Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Environment of Sarvak Formation, in the Oil Field of Kuhmond (Southwest of Iran)

Sarvak formation is one of the important hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Zagros Basin that is one of the mid-Cretaceous carbonate units in Bangestan group. This formation is located in the Kazhdomi Formation of the slope. Kuhmond oil field is in the southeast of Bushehr and in the north and northwestern of Fars province. In this study, sedimentology studies, stratigraphy and sedimentary environment in Sarvak Formation were studied. Based on studies, 18 main Microfacies were diagnosed in the region that have been deposited in four facies belts including open Sea, dam, lagoon and tidal zones. According to studies, the sedimentary environment of Sarvak formation in Kohmond field was diagnosed as a ramp carbonate platform (Figure 1).

Architecture of volcanic sequence and its structural control of Yingcheng Formation in Songliao Basin

Yingcheng Formation is a set of volcanic strata composed of lava rocks,volcanic clastic rocks and sedimentary rocks,filled in some fault depressions in Songliao Basin,early Cretaceous.The study about litho-facies succession of Yingcheng Formation in the outcropped area of the southeast margin and in Xujiaweizi fault depression and its distribution based on analysis of seismic data,shows that the sequence of volcanic strata is quite different from the clastic sedimentary sequence.To study the architecture of volcanic sequence and its structural control of Yingcheng Formation in Songliao Basin,in this work,dividing of the volcanic sequence and dating of the sequence boundaries were finished firstly,then displacement and displacement rate of faults were calculated.The results show that,sample ages of top of the first member,the seconde member,and the third member are 127 Ma,115 Ma,110.7 Ma,respectively and sample age of the bottom of the third member is 114.7 Ma.The maximum displacement and displacement rate of the fault 1 are 3 km and 300 m/Ma,respectively,and those of the fault 2 are 3 km and 1000 m/Ma.Studies suggest that,the cooling unit of lava rock or pyroclastic rock is a basic genetic stratigraphic unit in volcanic sequence stratigraphy.Cooling units can construct a parasequence reflecting a volcanic eruption stage.A sequence was superimposed by some parasequences,responding to a volcanic active cycle.There are three types of volcanic sequences in Yingcheng Formation: type of explosion,type of effusion and type of mixed explosion-effusion.The surface of the volcanic sequence,an unconformity surface widely spread and traced in seismic profiles,is a base for analysis of volcanic sequence.The development of volcanic sequence was controlled by faulting,and the curves of fault displacement(rate)can reflect this control.The preservation of volcanic sequence was controlled by the type of volcanic structure and the regional subsidence,also different from that of the sedimentary.The type of volcanic structure of Xujiaweizi was a volcanic depression during the forming of Yingcheng Formation,and the breakdowns of volcanoes and structural subsidence were key factors in the volcanic sequences preservation.

Geochemical Characteristics and Sedimentary Control of Pinghu Formation(Eocene)Coal-bearing Source Rocks in Xihu Depression,East China Sea Basin

Coal-bearing source rocks of the Pinghu Formation in the Xihu Depression comprise an important material basis of oil and gas resources in the East China Sea Basin.Based on drilling core observation results combined with the analysis and test results of macerals,trace/rare earth elements,and rock pyrolysis,the geochemical characteristics and sedimentary control of coal-bearing source rocks formation are discussed in a high-frequency sequence framework.The results indicate that the macerals composition of the coal-bearing source rocks of the Eocene Pinghu Formation in the Xihu Depression is dominated by vitrinite,with low-medium abundance of exinite and almost no inertinite.The coals and carbonaceous mudstones display higher amounts of total organic carbon(TOC)(14.90%-65.10%),S1+S2(39.24-136.52 mg/g),and IH(191-310 HC/g TOC)respectively,as compared to the mudstones.Organic matter is plotted in typeⅢkerogens and partially in typeⅡ;it is mainly in the low maturity stage.The trace elements results imply that the samples were deposited in a weakly reducing to weakly oxidizing environment and were occasionally affected by seawater.The coal-bearing source rocks were deposited in a relatively oxygen-containing environment.The coal-bearing source rocks development is jointly controlled by the coal accumulation environment,the water conditions affected by ocean currents in offshore basins in China,oxidation-reduction cycles of aqueous media and paleoclimate evolution in a high-frequency sequence framework.