Sandbox Modeling of the Fault-increment Pattern in Extensional Basins

Three series of sandbox modeling experiments were performed to study the fault-increment pattern in extensional basins. Experimental results showed that the tectonic action mode of boundaries and the shape of major boundary faults control the formation and evolution of faults in extensional basins. In the process of extensional deformation, the increase in the number and length of faults was episodic, and every ＇episode＇ experienced three periods, strain-accumulation period, quick fault-increment period and strain-adjustment period. The more complex the shape of the boundary fault, the higher the strain increment each ＇episode＇ experienced. Different extensional modes resulted in different fault-increment patterns. The horizontal detachment extensional mode has the ＇linear＇ style of fault-increment pattern, while the extensional mode controlled by a listric fault has the ＇stepwise＇ style of fault-increment pattern, and the extensional mode controlled by a ramp-flat boundary fault has the ＇stepwise-linear＇ style of fault-increment pattern. These fault-increment patterns given above could provide a theoretical method of fault interpretation and fracture prediction in extensional basins.

Exploration Strategies for Complex Fault Block Reservoirs in the Subei Basin

The geological background of the Subei basin is that of small relief subsidence, low geothermal gradient, multi-sedimentary hiatuses, intense reconstruction of the basin, frequent magmatic activity, and a unique combination of source rock and reservoir. This geological background resulted in characteristics such as many small fault blocks, multiple oil-bearing formations, scattered oil distribution, mini- to small-sized reservoirs, and difficulties in exploration. Aimed at such characteristics, an effective exploration strategy was adopted, and the oil reserves, production and economic benefits of the Jiangsu oilfield were significantly increased. This exploration strategy included understanding the hydrocarbon generation mechanism of source rocks, progressive evaluation of oil resources, comprehensive research on the faulted systems, the distribution of oil reservoirs and their controlling factors. The techniques used included integration of acquisition, processing and interpretation with 3-D seismics as the core technology, trap description and evaluation, directional drilling and cluster drilling, integration of cuttings logging, gas chromatographic logging and geochemical logging, and integration of early reservoir description and progressive exploration and development. This strategy could be guidance for other complex fault blocks.

Significance of Coal Seam in Recognition of Sequence Boundaries and Systems Tract of the Jurassic in East Fukang Slope, Junggar Basin, China

The Jurassic in the East Fukang Slope can be divided into six sequences based on sequence stratigraphy by combining logging, core and seismic data. The indicators of sequence boundaries include unconformity, coal seams, change of spore and pollen abundance, scour surfaces and base conglomerate, change of logging curve and sedimentary facies. How to determine the location of the first flooding surfaces and the maximum flooding surface is the key step to divide the systems tract. There occurred a topographic slope break in the East Fukang Slope when the Jurassic was deposited, and therefore we can recognize the location of the first flooding surface and establish the sequence stratigraphic framework with the slope break in the study area. Coal seams regionally distributed are correlatable and isochronic, and record the termination of a depositional event or episode. So, the regional coal seam （more than 60 percent coverage） can be used as the genetic stratigraphic sequence boundary, while locally distributed coal seam （less than 60 percent coverage） can be used as the systems tract boundary. The thick coal seams distributed regionally in the middle of the Badaowan Formation and the lower part of the Xishanyao Formation in the study area act as the sequence boundaries, while the thin and locally distributed coal seam acts as the systems tract boundary, which results in the correlation of the division of sequence stratigraphy of the Jurassic to the whole basin where coal seams are developed extensively.