Zaixing Jiang

Sedimentary characteristics and origin of lacustrine organic-rich shales in the salinized Eocene Dongying Depression

Lacustrine organic-rich shales are well developed within the Eocene Dongying Depression in the Bohai Bay Basin in eastern China and across Southeast Asia. Understanding the sedimentation of these shales is essential to the study of depositional processes, paleoenviron ment, and paleoclimate reconstruction. This study investigates the sedimentary characteristics and formation mechanisms of lacustrine shales in the upper fourth member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation (Es4s) within the Dongying Depression based on thin sections and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) observations of well cores combined with X-ray diffraction and geochemical indicators. Six litho facies were identified: (1) laminated calcareous mudstone, (2) laminated dolomitic mudstone, (3) laminated clay mudstone, (4) laminated gypsum mudstone, (5) massive mudstone, and (6) siltstone. The organic matter in the Es4s shale is mainly type I and type II kerogens, as well as a small proportion of type III kerogen. On the basis of lithofacies associations, paleosalinity values, redox properties, and terrigenous inputs, the lower Es4s shale can be divided into six intervals from bottom to top, numbered I, II, III, IV, V, and VI. The thickness of each interval ranges from several meters to more than 10 m, reflecting highfrequency oscillations in the environment of the lake basin, markedly different from a relatively stable marine environment. The laminated mudstones are characterized by fine grain sizes, scarce large terrigenous debris (quartz and feldspar), and compositions that are rich in pyrite and sapropelic organic matter. These features indicate that these lithofacies were deposited out of suspension in a quiet water body characterized by a relatively low rate of deposition. The characteristic laminae of these litho facies indicate subtle differences in depositional processes. The laminated gypsum mudstone was likely deposited in an evaporative environment, because its formation would have consumed Ca2+ and SO4, promoting the depo si tion of a laminated dolomitic mudstone. In contrast, laminated clay mudstone was deposited in a manner that increased the volume of small terrigenous materials. Deposi tion of this lithofacies was controlled by the nature of the water body, paleoclimate, and terrigenous inputs. Laminated mudstones are dominant in the lower Es4s shale, suggesting that suspension was the main depositional process leading to formation of the lower Es4s shale. In contrast, the massive mudstones were likely rapidly deposited asso ciated with siltstone as the result of finegrained turbidites. The lower Es4s shale was formed in a depositional environment composed of a saline, medium-depth lake under anoxic conditions, with limited terrigenous inputs. The depositional process included suspension and turbidity currents. The high salinity is suggested to be related to a marine transgression, which may have been facilitated by a rise in sea level caused by global warming in the early Eocene, together with the large-scale tectonic activity of East Asia. Seawater input affected the lithofacies, influenced lake water body conditions, triggered turbidity currents, and prompted the accumulation of organic matter. The deposition of the Es4s shale in the Dongying Depression may help us to understand the deposition of lacustrine shale, paleoclimate reconstructions for the Eocene, and the tectonic activity of East Asia. INTRODUCTION Fine‐grained sedimentary rocks mostly contain grains that are smaller than 62.5 mm and comprise approximately two thirds of the stratigraphic record (Aplin et al., 1999; Stow and Mayall, 2000; Tucker, 2001; Aplin and Macquaker, 2011). Of these rocks, mudstones consist of a variable mixture of clay minerals, quartz, feldspars, carbonates, sulfides, amor‐ phous material, and organic matter (Macquaker and Adams, 2003; Potter et al., 2005; Milliken, 2014). Organic‐rich mudstones, in particular, act as important petroleum sources, reservoirs for shale oil and gas, and seals in conventional reservoirs (Schieber, 1999; Andersson and Wor‐ den, 2004; Bowker, 2007; Jarvie et al., 2007; Abouelresh and Slatt, 2012). Because of its ap‐ parent homogeneity and the limitations of ultra‐ microscopic experimental equipment, shale has been often overlooked in sedimentological stud‐ ies over recent decades (Arthur and Sageman, 1994; Schieber, 1999; Potter et al., 2005; Jiang et al., 2013). However, because of extensive and successful deep‐water hydrocarbon explora‐ tion, especially for shale oil and gas (Hill et al., 2007; Loucks and Ruppel, 2007; Slatt, 2007; Kuang et al., 2012), deep‐water sedimentation has become the focus of considerable atten‐ tion, including the depositional environments, transport, and depositional processes associ‐ ated with organic matter preservation in black shales ( Macaquaker et al., 2007, 2010b; Piper and Calvert, 2009; Aplin and Macquaker, 2011; Konitzer et al., 2014; Liang et al., 2016). The depositional processes leading to black shales mostly involve pelagic and hemi pelagic settings, turbidity currents, debris flows, slides, and wave‐enhanced sediment gravity flows (Stow and Bowen, 1980; Stow and Mayall, 2000; Soyinka and Slatt, 2008; Bouma and Stone, 2000; Macquaker et al., 2010a; Ghadeer GSA Bulletin; January/February 2018; v. 130; no. 1/2; p. 154–174; https://doi.org/10.1130/B31584.1; 16 figures; 3 tables; published online 29 August 2017. liangchao0318@163 .com For permission to copy, contact editing@geosociety.org

Shale oil potential of lacustrine black shale in the Eocene Dongying depression: Implications for geochemistry and reservoir characteristics

ABSTRACT The geochemistry and reservoir characteristics of the lacustrine shale in the Eocene Dongying depression are described in detail based on thin-section and field-emission–scanning electron microscope observations of well cores combined with x-ray diffraction, physical property testing, and geochemical indicators. The Eocene Shahejie (Es) Formation Es4s–Es3x shale member is predominantly carbonate, clay minerals, and quartz. Six lithofacies were identified: (1) laminated limestone (organic-rich laminated limestone and organic-poor laminated limestone), (2) laminated marl, (3) laminated calcareous mudstone, (4) laminated dolomite mudstone, (5) laminated gypsum mudstone, and (6) massive mudstone. The Es4s–Es3x shale samples from three cored wells had total organic carbon (TOC) contents in the range of 0.58 to 11.4 wt. %, with an average of 3.17 wt. %. The hydrocarbon generation potential (free hydrocarbons [S1] + the hydrocarbons cracked from kerogen [S2]) values range from 2.53 to 87.68 mg/g, with an average of 24.19 mg/g. The Es4s–Es3x shale of the Dongying depression has a high organic-matter content with very good or excellent hydrocarbon generation potential. The organic maceral composition is predominantly sapropelinite (up to 95%). The hydrogen index (being S2/TOC) versus the maximum yield temperature of pyrolysate ( T max ) indicates that the organic matter is predominantly type I kerogen, which contains a high proportion of convertible organic carbon. The Es4s–Es3x shale is thermally mature and within the oil window, with the vitrinite reflectance values ranging from 0.46% to 0.74% and the T max value ranging from 413°C to 450°C, with the average being 442°C. The shale contains interparticle pores, organic-matter pores, dissolution pores, intracrystalline pores, interlaminar fractures, tectonic fractures, and abnormal-pressure fractures. The primary matrix pore storage is secondary recrystallized intercrystal pores and dissolution pores that formed during thermal maturation of organic matter. The TOC content and effective thickness of the organic-rich shales are the primary factors for hydrocarbon generation. The reservoir capacity is related to the scale, abundance, and connectivity of pore spaces, which are controlled by the characteristics of the lithofacies, mineral composition, TOC content, and microfractures.

The role of thermochemical sulfate reduction in the genesis of high-quality deep marine reservoirs within the central Tarim Basin, western China

Deeply buried Ordovician reservoirs within the central Tarim Basin, China, contain elevated concentrations of H2S. This study uses petrography, carbon and sulfur isotopes, and fluid inclusion microthermometry data to determine whether these elevated concentrations formed as a result of thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) and evaluates the influence of TSR on porosity. TSR-derived H2S is likely to have been incorporated into pyrite and minor sphalerite, as reflected by the similar δ34S values for H2S (15.0–23.4u2009‰) and coarse crystalline pyrite (15–29.7u2009‰). Sulfide precipitation caused an increase in acidity that allowed the dissolution of carbonates during TSR. The occurrence of dissolution during deep burial is indicated by: (1) the occurrence of dissolution pores within high-temperature (91.6–121xa0°C) burial calcite cement, (2) the coexistence of high-porosity sediments with elemental sulfur and pyrite in areas away from unconformities that would have undergone only limited interaction with meteoric water; (3) the presence of giant porous karst-filling calcites in association with coarse crystalline pyrite; and (4) a slightly negative shift in the δ13C values of some postbitumen calcite. Several factors probably limited the effect of TSR on the quality of reservoirs within the central Tarim Basin. The reactive SO4−2 involved in the TSR process was supplied by deep hydrothermal waters that contained dissolved sulfate rather than by the dissolution of anhydrite, meaning that only a limited increase in TSR-generated porosity occurred, restricted to areas along faults. The heterogeneity of metal ion concentrations within the reservoirs also constrained TSR-related carbonate dissolution, as after ferric ions within the reservoirs were consumed during advanced diagenesis, TSR-derived CO2 accumulated within the reservoirs, causing a negative shift in present-day CO2 δ13C values.

A quantitative sedimentary model for the modern lacustrine beach bar (Qinghai Lake, Northwest China)

Lake beach bar sandstone has been regarded as an important oil and gas reservoir in China. However, types and depositional mechanisms of the sandstone have not yet been fully studied. In this study, we analyzed modern beach bars in Qinghai Lake, the largest modern lake in China. The key factors controlling beach bar development in the lake were found to be wave length and height, lakeshore terrain, and material supply. Sedimentary models were established based on modern coastal dynamic theory. Beach bars were divided into breaking and surf bars. Breaking bars develop near the breaking zone where water depth is a function of wave height and length. Maximum breaking bar thickness is calculated from the difference between breaking point depth and breaking wave height. Surf bars develop in the surf zone where surf water depth equals breaking wave height. Maximum surf bar thickness is given by the breaking wave height. Wind waves play an important role in the location and construction of Qinghai Lake beach bars.

Formation mechanisms of rudstones and their effects on reservoir quality in the Shulu sag, Bohai Bay Basin, Eastern China

Based on observations made on cores and cuttings from several wells in the lowermost part of the third member of the Shahejie Formation, several rock types, specifically clast-supported rudstone, matrix-supported rudstone, mixed-source rudstone, calcisiltite/calcarenite, massive calcilutite and laminated calcilutite, have been identified in the Shulu sag. According to the sedimentary structures and distribution characteristics of these rocks, the carbonate breccias fall into two categories, based on their origins: one formed by fan-delta channel sedimentation, whereas the other formed by earthquake-induced slump fan deposition. Clast-supported rudstone and matrixsupported rudstone are the main lithologies deposited by braided rivers in the fan delta plain and front, of which the pore space is mainly dissolution pores within gravels and tectonic fissures. Clastsupported rudstone, matrix-supported rudstone and mixed-source rudstone are the main lithologies of the earthquake-induced slump fans. These carbonate breccias developed along with soft-sediment deformation structures, which are interpreted as seismites and are widely distributed in the sag, in which intercrystalline pores, intergranular pores and fissures created from diagenetic shrinkage are developed. The two kinds of rudstones have different reservoir characteristics and oil/gas testing results. The rudstones generated in the fan delta have higher porosity and permeability, as well as better oil/gas testing results. Thus, they are key targets for petroleum exploration.

Reservoir characteristics and controlling factors of Silurian Lower Kepingtage Formation in Tahe area, Tarim Basin, NW China

With the breakthrough of exploration in Well TP16-1, the lower Kepingtage Formation becomes a key target for petroleum exploration of deep clastic reservoir in Tahe area. In this paper we focused on the research of the reservoir characteristics and its controlling factors in two sub-member formations (S1k11 and S1k13 ). Based on X-ray diffraction, conventional physical properties data (porosity and permeability) and reservoir storage space data (casting thin section and scanning electron microscope), we determined that the S1k1 Formation belongs to extra-low porosity and permeability reservoir, although the upper S1k13 Formation shows relative better physical characteristic than the lower S1k11 Formation. The development of storage space in the study area is controlled by sedimentary microfacies, diagenesis process. Reservoirs in S1k1 Formation are mainly located in channel (S1k11 sandstones) and sand flat (S1k13 sandstones). The sand flat sediments with a more coarse grain size compared with the channel. In diagenesis, compaction is the major controlling factor for reducing the porosity, followed by cementation. Dissolution of diagenesis is the major controlling factor in enhancing the reservoir porosities. Compared with channel (S1k11 ) sandstones, sand flat sandstones (S1k13 ) have better reservoir quality for its weaker compaction, cementation and stronger dissolution. On the basis of sedimentary characteristics (grain size and subfacies), physical property (porosity and permeability) and reservoir storage space, we divide the S1k1 reservoir into three categories (I, II and III). Type I reservoir is high quality reservoir. It is mainly distributed in the south area of S1k11 and S1k13 reservoir. Type II is moderate reservoir. It is located in the middle of S1k11 reservoir and in the north of S1k13 reservoir. Type III is the poor reservoir. It is only located in the north of S1k11 reservoir.

Flume tank simulation on depositional mechanism and controlling factors of beach-bar reservoirs

The beach-bar reservoir has become an important exploration target in China, but its depositional mechanism and controlling factors have not yet been fully modeled. They have become an inhibitory factor for the exploration and development of beach-bar reservoirs. The depositional mechanism of beach-bars and their controlling factors have been studied by means of a flume experiment including seven runs under controlled boundary conditions which were the water level (Run 1, Run 2 and Run 3), wave parameters (Run 1, Run 4 and Run 5) and initial slope (Run 1, Run 6 and Run 7). The experiment revealed that the development of beach-bar was controlled by water level, wave parameters and initial slope. The deposited locations of distal bar and nearshore bar were controlled by the water level. Two beach-bars were migrated downward when the water level falls (Run 1, Run 2 and Run 3). The width and thickness of distal bar and nearshore bar were controlled by wave parameters, especially the wave height. They increased with the scale of wave. But, the maximum thickness is limited by the water level (Run 1, Run 4 and Run 5). The distance between distal bar and nearshore bar was controlled by the initial slope. It became shorter with the steeper slope. Distal bar and nearshore bar changed into one bar when the initial gradient was greater than 1/20 (Run 1, Run 6 and Run 7). The results suggest formative mechanism and controlling factors related to beach-bars.

Sedimentary characteristics and paleoenvironment of shale in the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation, North Guizhou Province, and its shale gas potential

The Paleozoic Wufeng-Longmaxi shale is one of the main horizons for shale gas exploration in Sichuan Basin. Outcrop, core and thin section observations, X-ray diffraction analysis, trace element geochemistry and other methods have been used to understand the sedimentary characteristics and identify hydrocarbon source rocks in suitable sedimentary paleoenvironments in the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale in northern Guizhou Province. The thickness of the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation ranges from 20 to 200 m and it was mainly deposited on a deep-water shelf. The TOC content is high, up to 5.75%. The main non-organic minerals are detrital quartz and clay minerals, with a little plagioclase feldspar, potassium feldspar, calcite, dolomite and pyrite. There is also biogenic microcrystalline quartz. Six lithofacies have been identified: siliceous shale, clay shale, calcareous shale, silty shale, carbonaceous shale, and muddy siltstone. Using biological Ba, V/(V+Ni), TOC, V/Cr, B, Sr/Ba and other indicators, we estimate primary productivity, redox conditions and paleosalinity and show that the early stage of Wufeng-Longmaxi deposition occurred under strong anoxic conditions, high paleosalinity and yielded a high TOC content and an excellent potential shale gas source. The anoxic environment was destroyed at the late stages of Wufeng-Longmaxi deposition, the TOC content decreased, so that it is likely to be a high quality source rock. Organic pores acted as the key reservoir space in the shales, and the pores are mainly mesopose, with most pore diameters less than 20 nm. The siliceous shale has high TOC content and brittle mineral (quartz) content making it an important exploration target for shale oil and gas exploration.

Division and characteristics of shale parasequences in the upper fourth member of the Shahejie Formation, Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China

Shale parasequence analysis is an important part of sequence stratigraphy sudies. This paper proposed a systematic research method for analyzing shale parasequences including their delineation, division, characteristics and origins. The division method is established on the basis of lithofacies. Multi-method analysis and mutual verification were implemented by using auxiliary indicators (such as mineral compositions, geochemical indicators and wavelet values). A typical shale parasequence comprises a lower interval of deepening water-depth and an upper interval of shallowing water-depth (e.g., a shale parasequence including a high-total organic carbon (TOC) shale-low-TOC limy shale). Abrupt increases in pyrite content, TOC value, relative hydrocarbon generation potential ((S1+S2)/TOC), and wavelet values are indicative of parasequence boundaries. The proposed research method was applied to study the upper fourth member of the Shahejie Formation in the Dongying depression, Bohai Bay Basin. Results show that there were seven types of parasequences developed. A singular and a dual structured parasequences were identified. Three factors controlling the development of the shale parasequences were identified including relative lake level change, terrestrial input and transgression. The development of high-TOC (>2%) shale parasequences was mainly controlled by biological and chemical sedimentation. The low-TOC (<2%) shale parasequences were mainly deposited by chemical sedimentation. The diversities of shale parasequences were caused by four major controlling factors including climate, relative lake level change, terrestrial input and emergency (e.g., transgression).

An improved method of laser particle size analysis and its applications in identification of lacustrine tempestite and beach bar: An example from the Dongying depression

Grain size analysis is a common method in the study of sedimentology. For the consolidated sedimentary rocks, the traditional methods are rock slice observation and image analysis. In recent years, laser particle size analyzer is used widely in particle size analysis of sedimentary rock. Unlike the pretreatment of loose samples, the rock samples must be crushed, added acid to wipe out cement, and washed. However, in the step of washing, most of the fines component (less than 63 μm) in the suspended state should be inevitably lost. It will significantly affect the accuracy of particle size analysis, especially for siltstone. This paper presents a siltstone sample pretreatment method which core step is washing acid by centrifuge. Compared with traditional decantation method, the results show that the median particle size reduced 33.2 μm on average. Compared with the precipitation method which is commonly used for handling loose samples, the change of solid-liquid separation time is from 12 h to 10 min, while the average reduction of median particle size is about 15 μm. The grain size value corresponded to the cumulative volume of 10%/90% reduced 2.5 μm/20.3 μm on average. The percentage of the clay component less than 2 μm increased 2.88% on average. The fine particle (2–4 μm) and silt component (4–63 μm) increased 1.71% and 5.56% on average. Based on this method, two kinds of similar lacustrine siltstone were analyzed. They are tempestite and beach bar which are difficult to identify in the Lijin sub-depression, Dongying depression, Shengli oilfield, China. The final grain-size probability plot of tempestite is the type of “one saltation component and three suspension components”. The content of suspension components can reach to 80%–90%. The beach bar is the type of “one saltation component and two suspension components”. The content of suspension components can reach to 40%–45%. They both have the characteristics of high slope which means well sorting. But they can be distinguished based on the suspension sedimentary characteristics which were preserved by maximum degree in this kind of sample pretreatment method.