Sedimentary characteristics of tide-dominated estuary in Donghetang Formation (Upper Devonian), central Tarim Basin

The Donghetang Formation (Upper Devonian) in central Tarim Basin has been thought an important oil and gas reservoir since the abundant oil and gas resources were found in the wells W16, W20, W34, and other fields. However, the sedimentary environment of the Donghetang Formation has been disputed because it suffered from both tidal and fluvial actions and there were not rich fossils in the sandstone. After the authors analyzed sedimentary features by means of drill cores, well logging data, paleosols, and with SEM obseruations, three kinds of sedimentary environments were distinguished: alluvial fan, tide-dominated estuary, and shelf. Particularly, the sedimentary features of tide-dominated estuary were studied in detail. Besides, the authors discussed sedimentary characteristics of the Donghetang Formation which was divided into two fourth-order sequences and five system tracts. At the same time, according to the forming process of five system tracts, the whole vertical evolution and lateral transition of tide-dominated estuary were illustrated clearly. Finally, the reservoir quality was evaluated based on porosity and permeability.     

Depositional features and sedimentary model of Buqu Stage in Mid-Jurassic in Qangtang Basin, Xizang （Tibet）, China

The largest Mesozoic northward transgression in Qangtang Basin of Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau occurred during the Buqu Stage, Middle Jurassic. Mainly filled with carbonate rocks, the whole basin is composed of transgression-regression sedimentary cycle. Field outcrops and indoor analysis revealed 8 types of sedimentary facies markers in this region. 4 types of sedimentary facies have been recognized: platform facies,platform marginal facies, foreslope facies and basin facies. Influenced by the northern Lazhuglung-Jinshajiang suture zone, central uplift region and southern Bangongco-Nujiang suture zone, these facies belts extended east-west. The sedimentary model was established based on observed depositional features. From their biological features and sedimentary characteristics, it is suggested that the paleoclimate was warm and humid at that time.The Buqu Formation is a promising target for oil and gas exploration in Shuanghu-Duoyong area in future.     

Geochemical evidence of paleogeography and paleoclimate during deposition of the 2nd Member of Kongdian Formation in Kongnan area

The 2nd Member of Kongdian Formation has been made up of a large number of oil shale and mudstone in the Kongnan aera of Huanghua depression around the Bohai Bay.In the Kongnan area,the lake basins were very large and deep during the deposition of the 2nd Member of Kongdian Formation.During that period,the lakes were sealed,uncommunicated with the sea water and the paleoclimate was very warm and wet in Kongnan area.Analyzing the content of the trace element and the rare earth element,carbon and oxygen isotope in the disquisition,The authors prove the two views correct.     

Study on water saturation computation models in complex pore volcanic reservoir

Determination of water saturation is important for reservoir evaluation.When complex pore structures such as fracture and cavity are present in reservoir,Archie equation is no longer suitable.According to different models of pore structure division,the authors studied water saturation computation models.The results show that dual porosity system is divided into four models.The first model is based on dual laterolog,the second is Dual Porosity Ⅰ,the third is Dual Porosity Ⅱ,and the last one is based on the conductive pore.Besides,the triple porosity system is triple porosity model.Compute water saturation was using all the above five models in volcanic reservoir in Songnan gas field.The triple porosity system is the most suitable model for water saturation computation in complex pore structure volcanic reservoir.     

Seismic Integrated Interpretation and Prediction on Channel Sandbody of Deep Layer at West Slope in Qikou Sag

1IntroductionIn modern oil and gas exploration, utilizing vari-eties of seismic information to comprehensively pre-dict oil and gas reservoir is always an important subject for geologists. Especially in recent years, with the constant development and innovation of seismic exploration technology, it has been one of important means of raising exploration efficiency to use seismic information relating to stratigraphic structure, lithological trap or reservoir to seek for isolated sandbody, channe…     

A study on accumulation and distribution of gas in southern Songliao Basin

A number of isolated fault sags in Late Jurassic--Early Cretaceous were developed in the early stage of southern Songliao Basin,and unified to a depression basin in the late stage.Therefore,multiple isolated lower petroliferous systems were formed with fault sags as source rocks.The source rocks of fault sags in Late Jurassic--Early Cretaceous were mainly described with gas generation as favorable source rocks,leading to the southern Songliao Basin rich in natural gas resources combined with organic gas resources in Nenjiang Formation.A number of tectonic movements in southern Songliao Basin led to the formation of abundant structural traps and complex fault systems,and controlled the distribution strata and positions of sources rocks in Late Jurassic--Early Cretaceous fault sags.The oil-gas reservoirs can be divided into two types,i.e.,primary and secondary ones.The primary oil-gas reservoirs were distributed in the fault sag strata and the bottom of overlying depression strata(lower Quan-1 Member).The oil-gas reservoir accumulation depended on the trap development situation and the distance from source rocks.The preservation conditions of oil-gas reservoirs depended on the degree of reconstruction in the late tectonism.The secondary oil-gas reservoirs were distribution in the Quantou Formation of depression strata,where oil and gas reservoir accumulation depended on three conditions,i.e.,trap development situation,deep gas sources and the fault to connect the shallow traps and deep gas sources.The southern Songliao Basin is rich in lower coal type gas,upper oil-gas and biogas resources,which are important resources in the future.     

Petroleum geological framework and hydrocarbon potential in the Yellow Sea

Sedimentary basins in the Yellow Sea can be grouped tectonically into the North Yellow Sea Basin (NYSB), the northern basin of the South Yellow Sea (SYSNB) and the southern basin of the South Yellow Sea (SYSSB). The NYSB is connected to Anju Basin to the east. The SYSSB extends to Subei Basin to the west. The acoustic basement of basins in the North Yellow Sea and South Yellow Sea is disparate, having different stratigraphic evolution and oil accumulation features, even though they have been under the same stress regime since the Late Triassic. The acoustic basement of the NYSB features China-Korea Platform crystalline rocks, whereas those in the SYSNB and SYSSB are of the Paleozoic Yangtze Platform sedimentary layers or metamorphic rocks. Since the Late Mesozoic terrestrial strata in the eastern of the NYSB (West Korea Bay Basin) were discovered having industrial hydrocarbon accumulation, the oil potential in the Mesozoic strata in the west depression of the basin could be promising, although the petroleum exploration in the South Yellow Sea has made no break-through yet. New deep reflection data and several drilling wells have indicated the source rock of the Mesozoic in the basins of South Yellow Sea, and the Paleozoic platform marine facies in the SYSSB and Central Rise could be the other hosts of oil or natural gas. The Mesozoic hydrocarbon could be found in the Mesozoic of the foredeep basin in the SYSNB that bears potential hydrocarbon in thick Cretaceous strata, and so does the SYSSB where the same petroleum system exists to that of oil-bearing Subei Basin.     

Geothermal occurrence analysis of Dongying Formation in Tanggu area of Tianjin

Based on introducing geological structure of Tanggu area,the authors analyzed the sedimentary environment of Paleogene Dongying Formation,and further analyzed its geothermal occurrence. The studied area spans two grade Ⅳ tectonic units which are Beitang depression and Banqiao depression. The studied area is mainly located in the Tanggu nose-like structure which is the secondary structure of Beitang depression. Its existence affects the sedimentary distribution of the part strata of Paleogene. The depositions of Dongying Ⅲ( SQEd3) and DongyingⅡ( SQEd2) are mainly delta front facies and lake sand bars which are propitious to the geothermal fluid enrichment. The favorable enrichment region of geothermal fluid is located in south HetouTanggu. Most of DongyingⅠ( SQEd1) changes into swamp plain deposition,only the northeast part of this area is the distributary riverway facies with developed sand layers. There is the favorable enrichment region of geothermal fluid. The hydraulic connection is weak among the geothermal reservoirs of Dongying Formation and its overlying Guantao and Minghuazhen formations. The underlying Shahejie Formation geothermal reservoir provides a steady stream of fluid supply and ground pressure protection for Dongying Formation geothermal reservoir.     

Geothermal occurrence analysis of Dongying Formation in Tanggu area of Tianjin

Based on introducing geological structure of Tanggu area, the authors analyzed the sedimentary environment of Paleogene Dongying Formation, and further analyzed its geothermal occurrence. The studied area spans two grade IV tectonic units which are Beitang depression and Banqiao depression. The studied area is mainly located in the Tanggu nose-like structure which is the secondary structure of Beitang depression. Its existence affects the sedimentary distribution of the part strata of Paleogene. The depositions of Dongying Ⅲ （ SQEd3 ） and Dongying Ⅱ （ SQEd2 ） are mainly delta front facies and lake sand bars which are propitious to the geothermal fluid enrichment. The favorable enrichment region of geothermal fluid is located in south Hetou- Tanggu. Most of Dongying Ⅰ （ SQEd1 ） changes into swamp plain deposition, only the northeast part of this area is the distributary riverway facies with developed sand layers. There is the favorable enrichment region of geothermal fluid. The hydraulic connection is weak among the geothermal reservoirs of Dongying Formation and its overlying Guantao and Minghuazhen formations. The underlying Shahejie Formation geothermal reservoir pro- vides a steady stream of fluid supply and ground pressure protection for Dongying Formation geothermal reservoir.     

Sedimentary facies of Maastrichtian to Danian deposits in Amur River area, Russian Far East

Sedimentary facies of the Tsagayan Formation is distributed in the eastern Zeya-Bureya Basin has been analyzed. The formation is of the Maastrichtian to Danian in age and characterized by the cyclicity of the fining-upwards successions. Analysis of environmental changes during the K/T boundary is the focus of this study. Five facies have been identified: Facies A, thick and laterally extensive coarse-grained to medium-gained sandstone units, interpreted as channelfill deposits; Facies B, parallel-laminated to massive mudstone units interpreted as interchannel lakes and flood plain deposits; Facies C, sheet-like medium-grained to fine-grained sandstones interpreted as crevasse splay deposits; Facies D, coal to coaly mudstone beds interpreted as deposits of peatlands; Facies E, very poorly sorted sandy mudstone beds interpreted as debris flow deposits. Fluvial environments with the low-relief fiat topography was inferred. A channel transported large volumes of clasts, and a flood basin with interchannel lakes and peatlands was deciphered. Any distinct change of sedimentary environments has not been identified throughout the Tsagayan Formation (including the K/T boundary). However, two beds of debris flow deposits were identified. The one occurs at the uppermost part of the lower Tsagayan Subformation and contains dinosaur fossils. The other is intercalated in the upper Tsagayan Subformation.     

Developing a risk assessment system for gas tunnel disasters in China

Gas disasters always restrict the tunnel constructions in mountain area, which becomes a major geological barrier against the development of underground engineering. China is rich in coal resources and has a large amount of gas with a wide range of distribution. However, China experienced not only adverse effects on coal mining but also gas disasters in underground engineering construction, such as tunnels and chambers. With the increased number of tunnels passing through coal-bearing strata, the incidence of gas accidents is also rising. Therefore, the significance of preventing and mitigating gas disasters should be emphasized, and an effective risk assessment method for gas disasters should be established. On the basis of research on over 100 gas tunnels in China, a relatively ideal gas disaster risk assessment method and system for tunnels are established through the following measures. Firstly, geo-environmental conditions and gas situations were analyzed during construction. Secondly, qualitative analysis was combined with quantitative analysis. Finally, the influencing factors of gas disasters, including geological conditions, gas,and human factors, were investigated. The gas tunnel risk assessment system includes three levels:(1) the grading assessment of a gas tunnel during the planning stage,(2) the risk assessment of gas tunnel construction during the design and construction stages,(3) the gas tunnel outburst risk assessment during the coal uncovering stage. This system was applied to the dynamic assessment of gas disaster during the construction of the Zipingpu tunnel of Dujiangyan–Wenchuan Highway(in Sichuan, Southwest China). The assessment results were consistent with the actual excavation, which verified the rationality and feasibility of the system. The developed system was believed to be back-up and applied for risk assessment of gas disaster in the underground engineering construction.     

Assessment of trophic status in Changjiang （Yangtze） River estuary

The integrated methodology for the assessment of estuarine trophic status (ASSETS), which was extended and refined from the United States National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment (NEEA), is a multi-parameter assessment system and has been widely used in eutrophication assessment in estuarine and coastal waters. The ASSETS was applied to evaluate the trophic status of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River estuary, one of the largest estuaries in the world. The following main results were obtained: (i) The estuarine export potential is "moderate susceptibility" due to the "moderate" dilution potential and "moderate" flushing potential; (ii) The overall human influence (OHI) index classified the impact of nutrients in the system as "high" due to the high level of nutrient discharge by the river which channels anthropogenic impacts in the catchments to the estuarine system; (iii) The overall eutrophic condition (OEC) in the estuary was classified into the "high" category due to frequent occurrence of nuisance and toxic algal blooms in the mixing and seawater zones; (iv) Since the nutrient loadings (e.g., DIN) in the river is expected to continue to increase in the near future following the population increase and rapid economic growth throughout the drainage basin, the nutrient-related symptoms in the estuary are likely to substantially worsen, which leads to the "worsen high" category for the definition of future outlook (DFO). The combinations of the three components (i.e., OHI, OEC, and DFO) lead to an overall grade as "bad" for the trophic status in the Changjiang River estuary.     

Comparison of the Pore Structure of Ultralow-Permeability Reservoirs Between the East and West Subsags of the Lishui Sag Using Constant-Rate Mercury Injection

In this study, the differences in reservoir parameters, such as pore radius, throat radius, and pore-throat ratio, between the east and west subsags of the Lishui Sag are analyzed by using data obtained from a constant-rate mercury injection experiment. Furthermore, the quality of the reservoirs in the two subsags is systematically evaluated. Results show that the throat radius of the Lishui west subsag is larger than that of the east subsag, and this parameter has a positive correlation with reservoir quality. However, the pore-throat ratio of the east subsag is larger than that of the west subsag, which has an inverse relationship with reservoir quality. The main reasons for this reservoir difference can be attributed to sedimentation and diagenesis. The sedimentary facies types of the Lishui east subsag are the fan delta, shore lake, shallow lake, and shore shallow lake;their sandstone composition maturity is low;the clay mineral content is high;and the rock has undergone strong diagenesis. Therefore, the physical conditions of the reservoir are poor. However, the sandstones in the Lishui west subsag have weak cementation and compaction, mainly with an intergranular pore structure type, which leads to good connectivity between pores. Therefore, the storage performance and seepage capacity of the Lishui west subsag are better than those of the east subsag;the west subsag is the main area of oil and gas accumulation, as confirmed in the process of exploration and development.     

Analysis and evaluation on seepage stability of Hongxing reservoir dam,Heilongjiang

Hongxing reservoir was constructed on the floodplain of Hulan River in Heilongjiang. The geological problem of the reservoir is the seepage of the dam base and its related seepage stability. The leakage of the reservoir is caused by the water head differences between the upstream and downstream of the dam. Severe seepage could decrease the engineering benefits of the reservoir. Moreover, infiltration function of water will influence the safety of the dam. Through the analysis on the granule constitute and the formation of the dam base, the types of the seepage failure apt to happen were defined and the anti-infiltration and the permissible depression ratio were determined. Using the numerical simulation software GMS, the two-dimension numerical modeling has been carried out to analyze the seepage field of the reservoir. Through the two conditions modeling with concrete impervious wall and no concrete impervious wall, the largest flow rate, single-wide seepage discharge and the max infiltration gradient of the dam base were calculated. According to the permeable depression ratio of the dam base, the seepage stability of Hongxing reservoir dam base was analyzed.     

THE ESTUARINE CHEMISTRY OF THE ZHUJIANG RIVER I. TRACE METAL SPECIES IN WATER PHASE

Nine chemical species of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu in the Zhujiang River estuary were measured by using the technique of ion-exchange, ultraviolet irradiation and anodic stripping voltammetry. According to the distribution of the nine species in percentage an estuarine chemical pattern of the metal elements Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu in the Zhujiang River estuary was roughly made, and it is suggested that this estuary has relatively great self purifying ability in respect to heavy metal pollution.     

Geological features and genesis of Gaotaigou borate deposit, Jilin, China

Gaotaigou borate deposit in Ji'an area, southeastern Jilin, is located in the easten end of Liaoning-Jilin (Liaoji) Proterozoic paleo-rift, which is a medium-sized deposit and makes up 67% of the total borate reserves in Jilin Province. The original borate ore bodies were formed by sedimentary exhalative process in Paleoproterozoic, but were activated and enriched by later metamorphism. In late stage of metamorphistn, hydrothermal fluid of metamorphic origin made wallrocks be altered and the borate ore bodies be reformed. Ore bodies are strictly controlled by strata and their lithologies. In addition, the shape and spatial distribution of ore bodies are also defined by the Gaotaigou syncline. Combined with the ore-controlling factors and mineralizing features, it has been proposed that Gaotaigou borate deposit is a metamorphosed and hydrothermally altered sedimentary exhalative deposit.     

Geological features and genesis of Gaotaigou borate deposit, Jilin, China

Gaotaigou borate deposit in Ji＇an area, southeastern Jilin, is located in the easten end of Liaoning-Jilin （Liaoji） Proterozoic paleo-rift, which is a medium-sized deposit and makes up 67% of the total borate reserves in Jilin Province. The original borate ore bodies were formed by sedimentary exhalative process in Paleoproterozoic, but were activated and enriched by later metamorphism. In late stage of metamorphism, hydrothermal fluid of metamorphic origin made wallrocks be altered and the borate ore bodies be reformed. Ore bodies are strictly controlled by strata and their lithologies. In addition, the shape and spatial distribution of ore bodies are also defined by the Gaotaigou syncline. Combined with the ore-controlling factors and mineralizing features, it has been proposed that Gaotaigou borate deposit is a metamorphosed and hydrothermally altered sedimentary exhalative deposit.     

Assessing benthic ecological status in coastal area near Changjiang River estuary using AMBI and M-AMBI

The Changjiang （Yangtze） River estuary has been subject to a variety of anthropogenic pressures in recent decades. To assess the ecological health of the coastal benthic ecosystem adjacent to the estuary, three surveys were conducted in 2005, 2009, and 2010. The AZTI＇s Marine Biotic Index （AMBI） and multivariate-AMBI （M-AMBI） were used to analyse the benthic ecological status of this coast. The AMBI indicate that the ecological status of the coast adjacent to the Changjiang River estuary was only slightly degraded in all 3 years. In contrast, the M-AMBI indicated that the ecological status was seriously degraded, a result that is most likely due to pollution and eutrophication induced by human activities. The assessment of the coast＇s ecological status by the AMBI was not in agreement with that of the M-AMBI at some stations because of lower biodiversity values at those sites. The analysis of the two indices integrated with abiotic parameters showed that the M-AMBI could be used as a suitable bio-indicator index to assess the benthic ecological status of the coast adjacent to the Changjiang River estuary. The reference conditions proposed for the coast of the Changjiang River estuary should be further evaluated in future studies. Designation of local species could also provide an important reference for Chinese waters. To improve the reliability of AMBI and M-AMBI, further research into the ecology of local species is required to understand their arrangement in ecological groups.     

Accumulation model and prediction of Miocene heavy oil distribution in Gulf of Suez Basin,Egypt

The Gulf of Suez Basin is a very mature and extremely prospective petroleum province.Many heavy oil fields have been found in the Basin, and such reserves are abundant.Characteristics and models of heavy oil are analyzed in this study based on tectonic, basin evolution, stratigraphic distribution and geochemical data. The best reservoirs of heavy oil are Miocene sandstone and limestone formations.Source rocks of hydrocarbon include deep limestone and shale of the Brown Limestone, the Thebes Formation and the Rudeis Formation. Thick evaporite rocks with rock salts and anhydrites deposited broadly throughout the basin are the most impor-tant regional seals, whereas Miocene shales are intraformational and regional seals that cover small areas.Heavy oil could be directly generated or densified during vertical migration along faults and reservoir accumulation. The heavy oil accumulation model is a mixed model that includes three mechanisms:fault dispersal, sulfocom-pound reactions and hydrocarbons generated from immature source rock.After analyzing the model and the dis-tribution of source rocks, reservoirs, heavy oil fields and structures, it is concluded that the potential heavy oil area is at the center of the basin.