Overpressure origins and evolution in deep-buried strata:A case study of the Jurassic Formation,central Junggar Basin,western China

Overpressure is significant to the exploration and exploitation of petroleum due to its influence on hydrocarbon accumulation and drilling strategies.The deep-burial hydrocarbon reservoirs of Jurassic strata in the central Junggar Basin are characterized by intensive overpressure,whose origins are complex and still unclear.In this study,Bowers'method and sonic velocity-density crossplot method based on well logging data were used as a combination for overpressure judgements in geophysics.Furthermore,the corresponding geological processes were analysed in quality and quantity to provide a rational comprehension of the overpressure origins and the model of overpressure evolution and hy-drocarbon accumulation processes.The results showed that hydrocarbon generation in the Jurassic source rocks led to overpressure in the mudstones,while hydrocarbon generation in Permian source rocks led to overpressure in the sandstone reservoirs in Jurassic strata by vertical pressure transfer.The burial and thermal history indicated that the aquathermal effect of pore fluids by temperature increase in deep strata is also an important origin of overpressure,while disequilibrium compaction may not be the dominant cause for the overpressure in deep-buried strata.Furthermore,the continuous tectonic compression in both the north-south and west-east trends from the Jurassic period to the present may also have enhanced the overpressure in deep strata.Meanwhile,the developed faults formed by intensive tectonic compression led to pressure transfer from source rocks to the Jurassic reservoirs.Overpressured geofluids with hydrocarbons migrated to sandstone reservoirs and aggravated the over-pressure in the Jurassic strata.To conclude,the intensive overpressure in the central Junggar Basin is attributed to the combination of multiple mechanisms,including hydrocarbon generation,the aqua-thermal effect,tectonic compression and pressure transfer.Furthermore,the developed overpressure indicated hydrocarbon migration and accumulation processes and the potential of oil and gas reservoirs in deeply buried strata.We hope this study will provide a systematic research concept for overpressure origin analysis and provide guidance for petroleum exploration and exploitation in deep-buried strata.

Origin of abnormal high pressure and its relationship with hydrocarbon accumulation in the Dina 2 Gas Field, Kuqa Depression

Based on distribution of formation pressure by indirect estimation and formation testing,this study investigates origin of abnormal high pressure in the Dina 2 Gas Field in the Kuqa Depression in combination with the latest research findings.Contribution of major overpressure mechanisms to this gas field is estimated,and generation of the abnormal high pressure as well as its relationship with natural gas accumulation is explored.Disequilibrium compaction,tectonic stress,and overpressure transfer are the major overpressure mechanisms.Overpressure transfer resulted from vertical opening of faults and folding is the most important cause for the overpressure.Gas accumulation and abnormal high pressure generation in the reservoirs of the Dina 2 Gas Field show synchroneity.During the early oil-gas charge in the Kangcun stage,the reservoirs were generally normal pressure systems.In the Kuqa deposition stage,rapid deposition caused disequilibrium compaction and led to generation of excess pressure(approximately 5-10 MPa)in the reservoirs.During the Kuqa Formation denudation stage to the Quaternary,reservoir overpressure was greatly increased to approximately 40-50 MPa as a result of vertical pressure transfer by episodic fault activation,lateral overpressure transfer by folding and horizontal tectonic stress due to intense tectonic compression.The last stage was the major period of ultra-high pressure generation and gas accumulation in the Dina 2 Gas Field.