Distribution and geological significance of 17α(H)-diahopanes from different hydrocarbon source rocks of Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin

Based on GC-MS testing data of many saturated hydrocarbon samples, 17α(H)-C30 diahopanes (C30*) are extensively distributed in the lacustrine hydrocarbon source rocks of the Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin, but show remarkable differences in relative abundance among various source rocks. Generally, Chang 7 high-quality source rock (oil shale) developed in deep lake anoxic environment shows lower C30* content, whereas Chang 6-9 dark mudstone developed in shallow to semi-deep lake, sub-oxidizing environment shows relatively high to high C30* value. Particularly, Chang 7 and Chang 9 black mudstones in Zhidan region in the northeast of the lake basin show extremely high C30* value. A comparative analysis was made based on lithology, organic types and various geochemical parameters indicative of redox environment, and the results indicate that environmental factors such as redox settings and lithology are key factors that control the C30* relative abundance, while organic types and maturity may be minor factors. High to extremely high C30* values are indicative of sub-oxidizing environment of fresh-brackish water and shallow to semi-deep lake. Therefore, research on C30* relative content and distribution in lacustrine hydrocarbon source rocks in the Yanchang Formation, especially on the difference in C30* between Chang 7 high-quality source rocks (oil shale) and Chang 6-91 source rocks (dark mudstone), will provide an important approach for classification of Mesozoic lacustrine crudes and detailed oil-source correlation in the basin.

On the development mechanism of the lacustrine high-grade hydrocarbon source rocks of Chang 91 member in Ordos Basin

As revealed from recent drilling and organic geochemical testing and research, a series of lacustrine high-grade hydrocarbon source rocks was discovered in the upper section of the Chang 9 oil reservoir member of upper Triassic in Ordos Basin. The hydrocarbon source rocks show average TOC content as high as 5.03%, average bitumen "A" content as high as 0.8603%, and good quality organic precursors, which are of the sapropelic type mainly derived from lower aquatic plants and have reached the thermal evolution stage featured by oil-producing climax. Generally the lacustrine high-grade hydrocarbon source rocks were developed in local depressions of a lake basin, and the Chang 91 member was particularly formed in a depositional environment characterized by fresh water to weakly saline water, weakly oxidizing to weakly reducing setting and semi-deep lake facies, as was demonstrated by a variety of organic to inorganic geochemical parameters. As a result, high productivity constitutes the principal controlling force for generation of this series of high-grade hydrocarbon source rocks. Deposition of thinly-bedded and laminated tuffs as well as positive Eu anomaly corroborate the possible occurrence of anoxic geological event closely related to contemporaneous volcanic eruption, which would play a key part in development of the Chang 91 member of high-grade hydrocarbon source rocks.