Laser ablation in situ U-Pb dating and its application to diagenesis-porosity evolution of carbonate reservoirs

Through the development and calibration of a reference material which is 209.8 Ma old using a newly-developed Laser Ablation(LA)Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry(MC-ICP-MS)technique,we successfully overcome the difficulty in sampling and dating ultra-low U-Pb ancient marine carbonates,which was previously untenable by isotope dilution(ID)methods.We developed the LA-MC-ICP-MS in situ U-Pb dating technique for ancient marine carbonates for the study of diagenesis-porosity evolution history in Sinian Dengying Formation,Sichuan Basin.By systematically dating of dolomitic cements from vugs,matrix pores and fractures,we found that the burial and diagenetic process of dolomite reservoirs in Sinian Dengying Formation was characterized by progressive filling-up of primary pores and epigenic dissolution vugs.The filling of vugs happened in three stages,early Caledonian,late Hercynian-Indosinian and Yanshanian-Himalayan,while the filling of matrix pores mainly took place in early Caledonian.The unfilled residual vugs,pores and fractures constitute the main reservoir sapce.Based on the above knowledge,we established the diagenesis-porosity evolution history of the dolomite reservoir in Sinian Dengying Formation,Sichuan Basin.These findings are highly consistent with the tectonic-burial and basin thermal histories of the study area.Our study confirmed the reliability of this in situ U-Pb dating technique,which provides an effective way for the investigation of diagenesis-porosity evolution history and evaluation of porosity in ancient marine carbonate reservoirs before hydrocarbon migration.

Application of mapping and dating techniques in the study of ancient carbonate reservoirs: A case study of Sinian Qigebrak Formation in northwestern Tarim Basin, NW China

Ancient marine carbonates experienced complex modifications,making it difficult to identify reservoir genesis and effective porosity before hydrocarbon migration.To solve these issues,we used element mapping and carbonate mineral laser U-Pb radiometric dating techniques to study the diagenetic environments based on geochemistry and diagenesis-porosity evolution based on geochronology of the dolomite reservoir of the Sinian Qigebrak Formation,northwest Tarim Basin.Two major understandings were obtained as follows:(1)Supported by petrographic observations,the element mapping,stable isotopes,strontium isotope,and cathodoluminescence tests were performed on different phases of dolomite cements precipitated in vugs and dissolved fissures.The results show that the dolomite reservoirs of the Qigebrak Formation went through freshwater,marine,extremely shallow burial,burial and hydrothermal diagenetic environments after synsedimentary dolomitization;the reservoir spaces were mainly formed in the synsedimentary period(primary pores)and freshwater environment(supergene dissolution pores)before burial;whereas the marine,burial and hydrothermal environments caused the gradual filling of reservoir space by dolomite cements.(2)Based on the above understandings,each phase of dolomite cement precipitated in the reservoir space was dated by the U-Pb radiometric dating technique,and the diagenesis-porosity evolution curves constrained by geochronology were established.The loss of reservoir porosity mainly occurred in the early Caledonian,and during the peak period of hydrocarbon generation of Yuertusi Formation source rock,the reservoirs still maintained at a porosity of 6%?10%.The above understandings provide a certain basis for the evaluation of accumulation effectiveness of the Sinian Qigebrak Formation,northwestern Tarim Basin,and provide a case for the application of mapping and dating techniques in the study of ancient carbonate reservoirs.

Effects of vugs on resistivity of vuggy carbonate reservoirs

The pore structure characteristic parameters of vuggy carbonate reservoirs were extracted,and matrix resistivity of vuggy reservoir was calculated by the percolation network simulation.A segmented cross-scale resistivity calculation method was established,in which the finite element method was used to simulate the resistivity of vuggy reservoirs.The mathematical models of vug porosity and water saturation with rock resistivity in vuggy carbonate reservoir were established,and the relationships between them were obtained.Experimental results verified the reliability of the simulation results.The method presented provides new technical means and research method for the resistivity log interpretation of vuggy carbonate reservoirs.The matrix porosity,vug porosity and matrix pore water saturation are the key factors determining the resistivity of reservoir rocks.

Digitized Outcrop Geomodeling of Ramp Shoals and its Reservoirs： as an Example of Lower Triassic Feixianguan Formation of Eastern Sichuan Basin

Numerous hydrocarbon accumulations are found in ramp crest shoals worldwide and therefore this depositional setting has a high potential of being the hydrocarbon reservoir. In this paper, we combined digital outcrop geology and traditional geological mapping to build an outcrop-based geocellular model of the ramp-crest shoal complex of the Lower Triassic Feixianguan Formation in the Eastern Sichuan Basin. The outcrop model serves as an analogue for the subsurface reservoir of the Feixianguan Formation and illustrates the complexity of the lithofacies types, stratigraphic architecture, and reservoir heterogeneities at a scale below conventional subsurface data resolution. The studied ramp -crest shoal complex consists of thirteen types of lithofacies that can be grouped into three facies-groups corresponding to subtidal intraclastic shoal, sub- to inter-tidal oolitic shoal, and tidal flat depositional environments respectively. The stratigraphic architecture of the shoal complex shows mostly a strong progradation of the high energy facies associated with an overall decrease of accommodation space associated with relative sea level still stand. Two reservoir facies associations have been recognized. The first one consists of supratidai dolomudstone and upper intertidal partially dolomitized oolitic packstone with anhydrite or nodules. These facies were deposited above the high energy oolitic grainstones and occurs as thin-bedded and laterally continuous layers, characterized by high porosity and low permeability. The second reservoir facies association is composed of intertidal crystalline dolomite and subtidal intraclastic bindstone that occurs stratigraphically below the oolitic grainstones. These deposits consist of massive laterally discontinuously beds, and are characterized by high porosity and high permeability. Both types of reservoir facies tend to be stacked vertically and migrated laterally with the progradation of the shoal complex. The construction of the outcrop-based 3D geological model provide a description and quantification of the facies distribution within a robust stratigraphic framework and the style and amount of reservoir heterogeneities associated with a ramp-crest shoal complex reservoir such as the one found in Lower Triassic Feixianguan Formation and Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation in Sichuan Basin or other ramp-crest reservoir worldwide.

Origin and Distribution of Grain Dolostone Reservoirs in the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation,Sichuan Basin,China

Dolostones in the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation have become one of the most significant gas exploration domains in China. Over a trillion cubic meters of gas reservoirs have been discovered in the Gaoshiti-Moxi area; however, the origins and distribution of the dolostone reservoirs are not well understood. This work discussed the geology and geochemistry of the dolostone reservoirs in the Longwangmiao Formation to determine their origin and distribution. Two understandings are acquired： firstly, a carbonate ramp provided excellent conditions for grain beach deposition, while the presence of a hypersaline lake was favorable for the contemporaneous dolomitization of grain beach deposits. Petrographic and geochemical evidence further confirm that the Longwangmiao dolostone was formed during the contemporaneous stage. Secondly, the reservoir characteristics indicate that the grain beach sediments provide material basis for the development of the Longwangmiao dolostone reservoirs. Reservoir dissolution simulation experiments show that the porosity of the reservoirs was formed by dissolution during contemporaneous and burial stages. The dissolution pores formed during the contemporaneous stage were controlled by sequence interfaces. The large scale dissolution vugs formed during the burial stage subsequently spread along the pre-existing porosity and fracture zones. This study therefore identified that the development of grain dolostone reservoirs in a shallow water ramp under arid climatic conditions generally met the following conditions：（1） reefal beach deposits lay a foundation for reservoir development;（2） superficial conditions are an important determining factor for reservoir porosity; and（3） burial conditions provide environment for porosity preservation and modification.

Control of paleogeographic pattern on sedimentary differentiation of evaporite-carbonate symbiotic system:A case study of the sixth sub-member of Ordovician Majiagou Formation M5 Member in central-eastern Ordos Basin,NW China

The relationship between paleogeographic pattern and sedimentary differentiation of evaporite-carbonate symbiotic system is examined based on logging,core and thin section data,by taking the sixth sub-member of fifth member of Ordovician Majiagou Formation(M56)in the central-eastern Ordos Basin as an example.(1)Seven sub-geomorphic units(Taolimiao west low,Taolimiao underwater high,Taolimiao east low,Hengshan high,East salt low,North slope and Southwest slope)developed in the study area.(2)The“three lows”from west to east developed dolomitic restricted lagoon,evaporite evaporative lagoon and salt evaporative lagoon sedimentary facies respectively,the"two highs"developed high-energy grain beach and microbial mound,and the north and south slopes developed dolomitic flats around land.(3)The paleogeographic pattern caused natural differentiation of replenishment seawater from the northwest Qilian sea,leading to the eccentric sedimentary differentiation of dolomite,evaporite and salt rock symbiotic system from west to east,which is different from the classic“bull's eye”and“tear drop”distribution patterns.(4)As the Middle Qilian block subducted and collided into the North China Plate,the far-end compression stress transferred,giving rise to the alternate highland and lowland in near north to south direction during the sedimentary period of M56 sub-member.(5)Taolimiao underwater high and Hengshan high developed favorable zones of microbial mounds and grain shoals in south to north strike in M56 sub-member,making them favorable exploration areas with great exploration potential in the future.

Key oil accumulation periods of ultra-deep fault-controlled oil reservoir in northern Tarim Basin, NW China

A giant fault-controlled oilfield has been found in the ultra-deep(greater than 6000 m) Ordovician carbonate strata in the northern Tarim Basin. It is of great significance for hydrocarbon accumulation study and oil exploitation to determine the key oil accumulation periods. Based on detailed petrographic analysis, fluid inclusion association(FIA) in calcite samples filling in fractures from 12 wells were analyzed, and key accumulation periods of the strike-slip fault-controlled oilfield was studied by combining oil generation periods of the source rocks, formation periods of the fault and traps, and the fluid inclusion data.(1) There are multiple types of FIA, among them, two types of oil inclusions, the type with yellow fluorescence from the depression area and the type with yellow-green fluorescence from the uplift area with different maturities indicate two oil charging stages.(2) The homogenization temperature of the brine inclusions in FIA is mostly affected by temperature rises, and the minimum temperature of brine inclusions symbiotic with oil inclusions is closer to the reservoir temperature during its forming period.(3) FIA with yellow fluorescence all have homogenization temperatures below 50 ℃, while the FIA with yellow-green fluorescence have homogenization temperatures of 70–90 ℃ tested, suggesting two oil accumulation stages in Middle-Late Caledonian and Late Hercynian.(4) The Middle-Late Ordovician is the key formation period of the strike-slip fault, fracture-cave reservoir and trap there.(5) The oil generation peak of the main source rock of the Lower Cambrian is in the Late Ordovician, and the oil accumulation stage is mainly the Late Ordovician in the depression area, but is mainly the Early Permian in the uplift area. The key oil accumulation period of the strike-slip fault-controlled reservoirs is the Late Caledonian, the depression area has preserved the primary oil reservoirs formed in the Caledonian, while the uplift area has secondary oil reservoirs adjusted from the depression area during the Late Hercynian. Oil reservoir preservation conditions are the key factor for oil enrichment in the strike-slip fault zone of northern Tarim, and the Aman transition zone in the depression is richer in oil and gas and has greater potential for exploration and development.

Genetic types and distinguished characteristics of dolomite and the origin of dolomite reservoirs

To find out the origin of dolomite, the precipitation of primary dolomite, and the formation of pores in dolomite, petrologic and geochemical characteristics of typical samples from Sichuan and Tarim Basin were analyzed based on the previous understandings, and three aspects of results were achieved.(1) A classification of dolomite origins based on petrologic features, forming environment, and time sequence was proposed, which shows clear boundaries of diagenetic and characteristic realms and evolved clues between different types of dolomite.(2) Petrographic and geochemical identification marks for different types of dolomite were presented, revealing that the orderly geochemical variation of different types of dolomite is the response to the change of forming environment of dolomite during continuous time sequence.(3) The contribution of dolomitization to the formation of porosity was re-evaluated, revealing that the porosity in dolomite was mostly attributed to the primary pores and supergene dissolution and burial dissolution, and early dolomitization was conducive to the preservation of primary pores. These understandings are of great theoretical significance for identifying the origins and types of dolomite, and can guide the prediction of dolomite reservoirs.

Characteristics and discovery significance of the Upper Triassic–Lower Jurassic marine shale oil in Qiangtang Basin,China

Mesozoic marine shale oil was found in the Qiangtang Basin by a large number of hydrocarbon geological surveys and shallow drilling sampling.Based on systematic observation and experimental analysis of outcrop and core samples,the deposition and development conditions and characteristics of marine shale are revealed,the geochemical and reservoir characteristics of marine shale are evaluated,and the layers of marine shale oil in the Mesozoic are determined.The following geological understandings are obtained.First,there are two sets of marine organic-rich shales,the Lower Jurassic Quse Formation and the Upper Triassic Bagong Formation,in the Qiangtang Basin.They are mainly composed of laminated shale with massive mudstone.The laminated organic-rich shale of the Quse Formation is located in the lower part of the stratum,with a thickness of 50–75 m,and mainly distributed in southern Qiangtang Basin and the central-west of northern Qiangtang Basin.The laminated organic-rich shale of the Bagong Formation is located in the middle of the stratum,with a thickness of 250–350 m,and distributed in both northern and southern Qiangtang Basin.Second,the two sets of laminated organic-rich shales develop foliation,and various types of micropores and microfractures.The average content of brittle minerals is 70%,implying a high fracturability.The average porosity is 5.89%,indicating good reservoir physical properties to the level of moderate–good shale oil reservoirs.Third,the organic-rich shale of the Quse Formation contains organic matters of types II1 and II2,with the average TOC of 8.34%,the average content of chloroform bitumen'A'of 0.66%,the average residual hydrocarbon generation potential(S1+S2)of 29.93 mg/g,and the Ro value of 0.9%–1.3%,meeting the standard of high-quality source rock.The organic-rich shale of the Bagong Formation contains mixed organic matters,with the TOC of 0.65%–3.10%and the Ro value of 1.17%–1.59%,meeting the standard of moderate source rock.Fourth,four shallow wells(depth of 50–250 m)with oil shows have been found in the organic shales at 50–90 m in the lower part of the Bagong Formation and 30–75 m in the middle part of the Quse Formation.The crude oil contains a high content of saturated hydrocarbon.Analysis and testing of outcrop and shallow well samples confirm the presence of marine shale oil in the Bagong Formation and the Quse Formation.Good shale oil intervals in the Bagong Formation are observed in layers 18–20 in the lower part of the section,where the shales with(S0+S1)higher than 1 mg/g are 206.7 m thick,with the maximum and average(S0+S1)of 1.92 mg/g and 1.81 mg/g,respectively.Good shale oil intervals in the Quse Formation are found in layers 4–8 in the lower part of the section,where the shales with(S0+S1)higher than 1 mg/g are 58.8 m thick,with the maximum and average(S0+S1)of 6.46 mg/g and 2.23 mg/g,respectively.

Restoration of formation processes of dolomite reservoirs based on laser U-Pb dating: A case study of Ordovician Majiagou Formation, Ordos Basin, NW China

To address the issue of non-unique interpretation of dolomite reservoir diagenetic and porosity evolution in the previous qualitative or semi-quantitative studies, we investigate two dolomite reservoir types, i.e. weathering-crust karstic reservoirs and mound-beach reservoirs, in the Ordovician Majiagou Formation, Ordos Basin by using in-situ laser ablation U-Pb dating as well as carbon and oxygen isotopic composition analysis. The results show that:(1) According to the dating of 8 reservoir samples, the Majiagou Formation experienced 5 diagenetic stages(Stage 1: deposition of matrix dolomite or penecontemporaneous dolomitization, in 444.0–494.0 Ma;Stage 2: dogtooth-or blade-shaped dolomite cementation, in 440.0–467.0 Ma;Stage 3: dolomitic silt filling, in 316.5–381.0 Ma;Stage 4: crystalline dolomite filling, in 354.0 Ma;Stage 5: crystalline calcite filling, in 292.7–319.0 Ma).(2) Supra-salt weathering-crust karstic dolomite reservoirs went through several diagenetic processes including penecontemporaneous dolomitization, compaction, weathering-crust karstification, packing, and rupturing in succession. Gypsum mold pores formed in the phase of hypergenic karstification and were filled with such minerals as dolomitic silts and calcites, and thus the porosity decreased from 10%–40% to 3%–8%.(3) Sub-salt mound-beach dolomite reservoirs went through the diagenetic processes including penecontemporaneous dolomitization, compaction, subsea cementation, penecontemporaneous corrosion, infiltration backflow dolomitization, packing, and rupturing. The porosity of reservoirs was originally 10%–30%, decreased to 0–6% due to seawater cementation, rose back to 5%–15% owing to penecontemporaneous corrosion, and finally declined to 2%–6% as a result of crystalline dolomites and calcites packing. The above methodology for the restoration of dolomitization and porosity evolution may be helpful for the restoration of porosity evolution in other basins or series of strata.

LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Age, Clumped and Stable Isotope Constraints on the Origin of Middle Permian Coarse-Crystalline Dolomite Reservoirs in Northwest Sichuan Basin, Southwest China

Objective The recent discovery of commercial natural gas accumulations in the Middle Permian coarse-crystalline dolomites in the northwest Sichuan Basin has attracted attention to the formation mechanism of these deep-burial carbonate reservoirs.Due to their temporal relationship to the flooded basalts that represent the end-Middle-Permian Emeishan Large Igneous Province(ELIP),the Middle Permian dolomites were prev iously thought to be products of hydrothermal dolomitization related to the ELIP magmatism.Field and core observations,however,show that the occurrence and distribution of these dolomites are not controlled by faults,the supposed conduits for hydrothermal fluids.Conversely,they are somewhat strata-bound.Hence,the objective of this study,by employing LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating,clumped isotope thermometry(047)and routine stable isotope geochemistry(C carbon,O oxygen and Sr strontium isotopes),is to re-evaluate the genesis of these dolomite reservoirs,with special attention focusing on the diagenetic environment and timing of dolomitization,and the attributes of dolomitizing fluids.

Environmental Effects on Differential Organic Matter Enrichment of the Lower Cambrian Shale,Tarim Basin,NW China

Early Cambrian shale is an important petroleum source rock around the world.Because of little drilling data and poor seismic data,until recently,organic matter enrichment of the Lower Cambrian Yuertusi and Xishanbulake formations shale is still an enigma in the Tarim Basin,northwestern China.Total organic carbon(TOC),major and trace element data of Cambrian shale samples from five boreholes have been analyzed to decipher the mechanism of the organic matter enrichment.The results show that the shales deposited in the western restricted intraplatform have much higher TOC contents(3.2%-19.8%,on average 11.0%)than those from the eastern basin(2.2%-10.2%,on average 4.5%).The paleoproductivity proxies(Ba,Ba/Al,P/Al)in the western restricted platform are much higher than those in the eastern basin.The trace element indicators such as V/Cr,Ni/Co,Mo-TOC and Mo_(EF)-U_(EF)suggest an anoxic environment across the basin,but a more restricted environment in the western intraplatform.The paleoproductivity rather than anoxic condition and hydrothermal activity are concluded to have resulted in the differentiation of the organic matter enrichment from the western intraplatform to eastern basin in the early Cambrian shales;the restricted environment was favorable for paleoproductivity and preservation of organic matter.

Sedimentary architecture and distribution of intra-platform shoal in sequence framework of Permian Changxing Formation in central Sichuan Basin,SW China

Based on the comprehensive analysis of core, thin section, logging and seismic data, this study carried out the identification and comparison of Permian Changxing Formation sequences, clarified the typical sedimentary architectures of intra-platform shoal, investigated the vertical and horizontal development and distribution of intra-platform shoal in each sequence, and thus established the sedimentary evolution model of shoal body. The study results are reflected in four aspects.First, there are two complete third-order sequences(SQ1 and SQ2) in Changxing Formation in central Sichuan Basin. SQ1 is generally thick in the north and thin in the south, and SQ2 shows a thickness differentiation trend of “two thicknesses and three thinnesses”. Second, the Changxing Formation in central Sichuan Basin mainly develops intra-platform shoal, inter-shoal sea and intra-platform depression subfacies. In the vertical direction, the intra-platform shoal mainly presents two typical sedimentary sequences: stable superposed and high-frequency interbedded. Third, the stable superimposed sedimentary sequence is developed in the shoal belt at the edge of intra-platform depression, which is composed of two shoal-forming periods and located in the highstand systems tracts(HSTs) of SQ1 and SQ2. The high-frequency interbedded sedimentary sequence is developed in the southern shoal belt of intra-platform depression, which is composed of four shoal-forming periods and mainly located in the HST of SQ2. Fourth, during the SQ1 deposition, the intra-platform shoal was mainly developed at the edge of the intra-platform depression on the north side of the study area, and the inter-shoal sea subfacies was mainly developed on the south side. During the SQ2 deposition, the intra-platform shoal was widely developed in the area, forming two nearly parallel intra-platform shoal belts. The study results provide direction and ideas for exploration of Changxing Formation intra-platform shoal reservoirs in central Sichuan Basin.

Occurrence and conceptual sedimentary model of Cambrian gypsum-bearing evaporites in the Sichuan Basin, SW China

During the Cambrian, gypsum-bearing evaporites formed in the Sichuan Basin, SW China. These rocks are important for oil and gas sealing, but details of their distribution and origin are not well established. This study examines the regional distribution and origin of the gypsum-bearing evaporites using a comprehensive analysis of drilling data from 34 wells, 5 measured cross-sections in the basin and surrounding area, and 96 maps of area-survey data. Results show that in the stratigraphic succession, the gypsum-bearing evaporites occur mainly in the Lower Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation, the Middle Cambrian Douposi Formation, and the Middle-Upper Cambrian Xixiangchi Group. Geographically, the rocks are found mainly in the southeastern part of the basin, and the distribution of deposits shows an overall SW-NE trend. The sedimentary environments for evaporite formation were evaporative lagoon and inter-platform basin in a platform setting. Gypsum was generated by the underwater concentration of sea water in a strongly evaporative environment. Both an evaporative restricted platform and a mixeddeposition restricted platform model appear to be applicable to the development of gypsum in the Sichuan Basin. The gypsum-bearing evaporites with the best sealing capacity are located mostly in the southeastern part of the basin. These constraints can be applied directly to regional exploration, and have implications for the regional paleogeography and paleoclimate.

Features and origins of massive dolomite of Lower Ordovician Penglaiba Formation in the northwest Tarim Basin:Evidence from petrography and geochemistry

An integrated petrographical and geochemical study of the massive dolomite of the lower Ordovician Penglaiba Formation of the Tarim Basin,outcropping at Yonganba recognized three dolomite types:very finely to finely crystalline nonplanar-a to planar-s dolomite(D1);medium crystalline planar-s to planar-e dolomite(D2);and coarse crystalline nonplanar-a dolomite(D3).All have been affected by burial.D1 and D2 dolomites developed initially before or during shallow burial and later recrystallized,whereas D3 dolomite replaced the initial limestone entirely during burial.All three dolomites have similar geochemical features.The D2 dolomite tends to have more inter-crystalline pores(inherited from primary pores)and higher porosity due to its outstanding compaction resistance during shallow burial;whereas D3 dolomite does not retain appreciable primary pores due to strong cementation and pressure dissolution before dolomitization.This study provides a useful model for understanding the origin and porosity development of burial dolomite,in particular Paleozoic dolomite.

Occurrences and Formation Mechanisms of Botryoidai Structures from the Sinian Dengying Formation,Sichuan Basin,China

ObjectiveThis study aims to characterize the occurrences and interior structural features of botryoidal structures from the Sinian Dengying Formation in the Sichuan Basin of Southwestern China, and to shed light on their formation mechanism.

A New Growth Model of Fault Attributes in a Strike-Slip Fault System in the Tarim Basin

Fault attributes generally display a consistent power–law-scaling relationship.Based on new 3 D seismic data,however,we found some exceptional fault attribute relationships of lengths(L)–throw(T)(vertical component of displacement),overlap zone length(Lo)–width(Wo)from a strike-slip fault system of the Ordovician carbonates in the Tarim Basin.The L–T relationship shows two linear segments with breakup at^40 km in fault length.This presents an exceptional throw increase in the second stage,which is attributed to a localization of vertical displacement and deformation in overlapping zones other than the different fault scales in a mature fault zone.The Lo–Wo relationship in the overlapping zones shows multiply stepped-shape patterns,suggesting multiple fault differential growth and periodic increase in fault size.Therefore,we propose a new alternative growth model of fault attributes in strike-slip fault zones,in which the overlapping zones accumulated localized displacement and deformation in the intracratonic strike-slip fault zone.

Origin and growth mechanisms of strike-slip faults in the central Tarim cratonic basin, NW China

Through fault structure analysis and chronology study, we discuss the origin and growth mechanisms of strike-slip faults in the Tarim Basin.(1) Multiple stages strike-slip faults with inherited growth were developed in the central Tarim cratonic basin. The faults initiation time is constrained at the end of Middle Ordovician of about 460 Ma according to U-Pb dating of the fault cements and seismic interpretation.(2) The formation of the strike-slip faults was controlled by the near N-S direction stress field caused by far-field compression of the closing of the Proto-Tethys Ocean.(3) The faults localization and characteristics were influenced by the pre-existing structures of the NE trending weakening zones in the basement and lithofacies change from south to north.(4) Following the fault initiation under the Andersonian mechanism, the strike-slip fault growth was dominantly fault linkage, associated with fault tip propagation and interaction of non-Andersonian mechanisms.(5) Sequential slip accommodated deformation in the conjugate strike-slip fault interaction zones, strong localization of the main displacement and deformation occurred in the overlap zones in the northern Tarim, while the fault tips, particularly of narrow-deep grabens, and strike-slip segments in thrust zones accumulated more deformation and strain in the Central uplift. In conclusion, non-Andersonian mechanisms, dominantly fault linkage and interaction, resulted in the small displacement but long intraplate strike-slip fault development in the central Tarim Basin. The regional and localized field stress, and pre-existing structures and lithofacies difference had strong impacts on the diversity of the strike-slip faults in the Tarim cratonic basin.

Tectonic-lithofacies paleogeography,large-scale source-reservoir distribution and exploration zones of Cambrian subsalt formation,Tarim Basin,NW China

To predict the large-scale source rock and reservoir distribution in Cambrian subsalt formations(Upper Sinian to Mid-Cambrian)in the Tarim Basin,more than 502D seismic lines and 3D data volume acquired latest,22 wells and some out-crops around this area were used to study the tectonic-lithofacies paleogeography,define the distribution of large scale source rocks and reservoirs,and sort out favorable zones.(1)The basin experienced evolution from ramp to deep-water mud-rich ramp,low-gradient slope,weak rimmed to strong rimmed platform,and the differentiation in the platform was controlled by pre-Cambrian palaeo-rifts.(2)The Luonan-Yubei ancient rift controlled the distribution of source rocks in the Lower Cambrian Yuertusi Formation,and this rift together with the northern depression are the main source rock area.(3)There are three sets of large-scale reservoirs,the Upper Sinian Qigebulake Formation,the Lower Cambrian Xiaorbulake Formation and the Wu-songger Formation,and shoal-mounds,early dolomitization and multi-levels of unconformities controlled reservoir develop-ment.(4)Four favorable zones,the north slope of Tazhong,upper slope of Maigaiti area,Keping-Wensu periphery,and south slope of Tabei,were evaluated.Of them,the north slope of Tazhong is most likely to have exploration breakthrough;the south slope of Tabei is the best area for exploring the Upper Sinian large scale weathering crust dolomite;Maigaiti slope and Kep-ing-Wensu periphery area improved in exploration potentials significantly,and are worth prospecting faster.

The dating and temperature measurement technologies for carbonate minerals and their application in hydrocarbon accumulation research in the paleouplift in central Sichuan Basin, SW China

A new method for reconstructing the geological history of hydrocarbon accumulation is developed, which are constrained by U-Pb isotope age and clumped isotope((35)47) temperature of host minerals of hydrocarbon-bearing inclusions. For constraining the time and depth of hydrocarbon accumulation by the laser in-situ U-Pb isotope age and clumped isotope temperature, there are two key steps:(1) Investigating feature, abundance and distribution patterns of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon inclusions with optical microscopes.(2) Dating laser in-situ U-Pb isotope age and measuring clumped isotope temperature of the host minerals of hydrocarbon inclusions. These technologies have been applied for studying the stages of hydrocarbon accumulation in the Sinian Dengying gas reservoir in the paleo-uplift of the central Sichuan Basin. By dating the U-Pb isotope age and measuring the temperature of clumped isotope((35)47) of the host minerals of hydrocarbon inclusions in dolomite, three stages of hydrocarbon accumulation were identified:(1) Late Silurian: the first stage of oil accumulation at(416±23) Ma.(2) Late Permian to Early Triassic: the second stage of oil accumulation between(248±27) Ma and(246.3±1.5) Ma.(3) Yanshan to Himalayan period: gas accumulation between(115±69) Ma and(41±10) Ma. The reconstructed hydrocarbon accumulation history of the Dengying gas reservoir in the paleo-uplift of the central Sichuan Basin is highly consistent with the tectonic-burial history, basin thermal history and hydrocarbon generation history, indicating that the new method is a reliable way for reconstructing the hydrocarbon accumulation history.