Yudong Wu

Structure and coalbed methane occurrence in tectonically deformed coals

Research on structure of tectonically deformed coals (TDC) is a key issue in coal and gas outburst prevention and coalbed methane (CBM) exploitation. This paper presents a summary on the research progress in TDC’s structural-genetic classification, tectonic strain influence on coal microstructure, coal porosity system, coal chemical structure and constituents, and their relationship with the excess coalbed methane. Previous studies suggested that tectonic deformation had significant influence on coal microstructure, coal super microstructure, and even chemical macromolecular structure. The main mechanisms of coal deformation are the tectonic stress degradation and polycondensation metamorphism (dynamical metamorphism). Besides, under different deformation mechanisms, the ultra- and micro-structure and chemical constituents of TDC presented distinct characteristics. Based on these achievements, we propose one possible evolutionary trend of TDC with different deformation mechanisms, and suggest that the coal and gas outburst in the TDC, especially in the mylonitic coals, may be not only controlled by geological structure, but also influenced by the tectonic stress degradation of ductile deformation. Therefore, further study on TDC should be focused on the controlling mechanism of deformation on structure and composition of coal, generation conditions and occurrence state of excess coalbed methane from deformation mechanism of coal.

Different Origins of the Fractionation of Platinum-Group Elements in Raobazhai and Bixiling Mafic-Ultramafic Rocks from the Dabie Orogen, Central China

Concentrations of the platinum group elements (PGEs), including Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, and Pd, have been determined for both Raobazhai and Bixiling mafic-ultramafic rocks from the Dabie Orogen by fire assay method. Geochemical compositions suggest that the Raobazhai mafic-ultramafic rocks represent mantle residues after variable degrees of partial melting. They show consistent PGE patterns, in which the IPGEs (i.e., Ir and Ru) are strongly enriched over the PPGEs (i.e., Pt and Pd). Both REE and PGE data of the Raobazhai mafic-ultramafic rocks suggest that they have interacted with slab-derived melts during subduction and/or exhumation. The Bixiling ultramafic rocks were produced through fractional crystallization and cumulation from magmas, which led to the fractionated PGE patterns. During fractional crystallization, Pd is in nonsulfide phases, whereas both Ir and Ru must be compatible in some mantle phases. We suggest that the PGE budgets of the ultramafic rocks could be fractionated by interaction with slab-derived melts and fractional crystallization processes.

The Dabie Extensional Tectonic System: Structural Framework

A previous study of the Dabie area has been supposed that a strong extensional event happened between the Yangtze and North China blocks. The entire extensional system is divided into the Northern Dabie metamorphic complex belt and the south extensional tectonic System according to geological and geochemical characteristics in our study. The Xiaotian-Mozitan shear zone in the north boundary of the north system is a thrust detachment, showing upper block sliding to the NNE, with a displacement of more than 56 km. However, in the south system, the shearing direction along the Shuihou-Wuhe and Taihu-Mamiao shear zones is tending towards SSE, whereas that along the Susong-Qingshuihe shear zone tending towards SW, with a displacement of about 12 km. Flinn index results of both the north and south extensional systems indicate that there is a shear mechanism transition from pure to simple, implying that the extensional event in the south tectonic system could be related to a magma intrusion in the Northern Dabie metamorphic complex belt. Two 40Ar-39Ar ages of mylonite rocks in the above mentioned shear zones yielded, separately, ~190 Ma and ~124 Ma, referring to a cooling age of ultrahigh-pressure rocks and an extensional era later.

Applications of Vitrinite Anisotropy in the Tectonics: A Case Study of Huaibei Coalfield, Southern North China

29 oriented and 10 nonoriented coal samples are collected in the study from three different regions of the Huaibei coalfield, eastern China, and their vitrinite reflectance indicating surface (RIS) parameters are systematically calculated and analyzed. Using the available methods, Kilby’s transformations and RIS triaxial orientations are obtained. The magnitudes and orientations of the RIS axes of the three regions were respectively projected on the horizontal planes and vertical sections. The results show that the samples in high deformed region have significant anisotropy magnitudes (higher ??w/??max and ??am values) with a biaxial negative style, whereas the samples in the slightly deformed area have unimpressive anisotropy magnitudes with a biaxial negative style. Thermal metamorphism superposed might enhance the complication and variation of RIS style. RIS projection analysis deduced that the RIS orientation is mainly controlled by regional tectonic stress, and likely influenced by deformation mechanisms of coal.

Characterization of Coal Reservoirs in Two Major Coal Fields in Northern China: Implications for Coalbed Methane Development

Based on the macroscopic and microscopic observation of coal structure, the vitrinite reflectance analysis, and the mercury injection testing of coal samples collected from Huaibei coalfield and Qinshui basin, the characterization of coal reservoir and its restriction on the development of coalbed methane are studied. The results indicate that coal reservoir in study area can be classified as five types according to the coal metamorphism and deformation degrees, and they are respectively high grade metamorphic and medium deformational to strongly deformation coal (I), high grade metamorphic and comparatively weakly deformational coal (II), medium grade metamorphic and comparatively strongly deformational coal (III), medium grade metamorphic and comparatively weakly deformational coal (IV), and low grade metamorphic and strongly deformational coal (V). Furthermore, the type II and type IV coal reservoirs are favorable for the development of the coalbed methane because of the well absorptive capability and good permeability. Thus, southern part of Qinshui basin and south-central of Huaibei coal field are potential areas for coalbed methane exploration and development.

Tectonic History and Coalbed Gas Genesis

1Key Laboratory of Computational Geodynamics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, College of Earth Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China 2 School of Geosciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia 3 School of the Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences in Beijing, No. 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian, Beijing 100083, China 4 Institute of Mineral Resources, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, No. 26 Baiwanzhuang Street, Xicheng, Beijng 100037, China