Geochemical Characteristics and Genetic Types of Natural Gas in the Xinchang Gas Field, Sichuan Basin, SW China

The molecular compositions and stable carbon and hydrogen isotopic compositions of natural gas from the Xinchang gas field in the Sichuan Basin were investigated to determine the genetic types. The natural gas is mainly composed of methane (88.99%–98.01%), and the dryness coefficient varies between 0.908 and 0.997. The gas generally displays positive alkane carbon and hydrogen isotopic series. The geochemical characteristics and gas-source correlation indicate that the gases stored in the 5~(th) member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation are coal-type gases which are derived from source rocks in the stratum itself. The gases reservoired in the 4~(th) member of the Xujiahe Formation and Jurassic strata in the Xinchang gas field are also coal-type gases that are derived from source rocks in the 3~(rd) and 4~(th) members of the Xujiahe Formation. The gases reservoired in the 2~(nd) member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation are mainly coal-type gases with small amounts of oil-type gas that is derived from source rocks in the stratum itself. This is accompanied by a small amount of contribution brought by source rocks in the Upper Triassic Ma'antang and Xiaotangzi formations. The gases reservoired in the 4~(th) member of the Middle Triassic Leikoupo Formation are oil-type gases and are believed to be derived from the secondary cracking of oil which is most likely to be generated from the Upper Permian source rocks.     

川东宣汉地区天然气地球化学特征及成因

依据10余口探井60多个气样的化学成份和碳同位素组成数据,结合烃源岩和储层沥青分析资料,系统剖析了四川盆地东部宣汉地区普光、毛坝场等构造带天然气地球化学特征,并探讨了其成因及来源。研究结果表明:这些构造带中飞仙关组—长兴组天然气为高含硫化氢的干气,天然气化学成份表现出古油藏原油裂解气的特点。其烃类气体中以甲烷为主(高于99.5%);富含非烃气体,CO₂和H₂S平均含量分别达5.32%和11.95%。甲烷碳同位素较重(-33‰～-29‰),表征高热演化性质;乙烷δ¹³C值主要分布在-33‰至-28‰范围,属油型气。这些天然气与川东邻近气田的同层位天然气具有同源性,而与石炭系气藏天然气在化学成份、碳同位素组成上有所不同,意味着有不同的气源。硫化物硫同位素和沥青元素组成证实高含量的H₂S是气藏发生TSR作用所致。δ³⁴S值表征层状沉积成因的硬石膏是TSR作用的反应物,而脉状硬石膏则是其残余物。储层的孔隙类型可能与TSR作用强度和H₂S含量高低有联系,裂缝型气层中H₂S少,孔洞型储层中H₂S丰富。乙烷、沥青和各层系烃源岩干酪根碳同位素对比表明研究区飞仙关组—长兴组气藏天然气主要来自二叠系烃源层。     

Enrichment of nitrogen and 13C of methane in natural gases from the Khuff Formation,Saudi Arabia,caused by thermochemical sulfate reduction

Permian Khuff reservoirs along the east coast of Saudi Arabia and in the Arabian Gulf produce dry sour gas with highly variable nitrogen concentrations. Rough correlations between N₂/CH₄, CO₂/CH₄ and H₂S/CH₄ suggest that non-hydrocarbon gas abundances are controlled by thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR). In Khuff gases judged to be unaltered by TSR, methane δ¹³C generally falls between −40‰ and −35‰ VPDB and carbon dioxide δ¹³C between −3‰ and 0‰ VPDB. As H₂S/CH₄ increases, methane δ¹³C increases to as much as −3‰ and carbon dioxide δ¹³C decreases to as little as −28‰. These changes are interpreted to reflect the oxidation of methane to carbon dioxide.Khuff reservoir temperatures, which locally exceed 150 °C, appear high enough to drive the reduction of sulfate by methane. Anhydrite is abundant in the Khuff and fine grained nodules are commonly rimmed with secondary calcite cement. Some cores contain abundant pyrite, sphalerite and galena. Assuming that nitrogen is inert, loss of methane by TSR should increase N₂/CH₄ of the residual gas and leave δ¹⁵N unaltered. δ¹⁵N of Paleozoic gases in Saudi Arabia varies from −7‰ to 1‰ vs. air and supports the TSR hypothesis. N₂/CH₄ in gases from stacked Khuff reservoirs varies by a factor of 19 yet the variation in δ¹⁵N (0.3–0.5‰) is trivial.Because the relative abundance of hydrogen sulfide is not a fully reliable extent of reaction parameter, we have attempted to assess the extent of TSR using plots of methane δ¹³C versus log(N₂/CH₄). Observed variations in these parameters can be fitted using simple Rayleigh models with kinetic carbon isotope fractionation factors between 0.98 and 0.99. We calculate that TSR may have destroyed more than 90% of the original methane charge in the most extreme instance. The possibility that methane may be completely destroyed by TSR has important implications for deep gas exploration and the origin of gases rich in nitrogen as well as hydrogen sulfide.     

Geochemical Characteristics of Deep—Seated Potassium—Rich Brine in the Middle Triassic Leikoupo Formation,Sichuan,China

Brine extremely rich in potassium, boron and bromine has been discovered from the Middle Triassic Leikoupo Formation at a depth of 4300 m in Sichuan Province. It contains ～50 g/L of K⁺, >92 g/L of Na⁺, >12 g/L of B₂O₃, >2.36 g/L of Br^? and ～0.030 g/L of I⁺. The solid precipitates during evaporation at 25°C include KB₅O₈·4H₂O, K₂B₄O₇·3H₂O, MgCl₂·6H₂O and KMgCl₃·6H₂O. The brine ranges from 2.2‰ to 2.8‰ (SMOW) in δ¹⁸O, ? 38‰ – ? 53‰ (SMOW) in δD, 15.6‰ in δ³⁴S, and 13.5‰–15.1‰ in δ¹¹B. These data, particularly the isotopic composition of boron, indicate that the brine has a composite derivation from marine and nonmarine brines and dissolved marine evaporites in the Triassic system.     

川东北元坝地区雷口坡组天然气来源与成藏分析

四川盆地雷口坡组已成为一个重要的天然气勘探目的层,有关雷口坡组天然气的来源以及雷口坡组是否具有生气潜力还存在争议。研究表明雷口坡组泥质白云岩与泥质灰岩有机碳含量平均达到0.72%,具有较高的生烃潜力。雷口坡组天然气以烃类气体为主,干燥系数为0.99。不同于其他海相层系天然气,其CO₂和N₂含量较少,总量<10%,仅含微量的H₂S;它们的甲烷碳同位素相对较重(-31.5‰~-36.3‰),而乙烷碳同位素较轻,基本上都小于-28‰(-27.7‰~-36.6‰),且部分气呈δ¹³C₁>δ¹³C₂反序分布,属高-过成熟海相油型气。其烷烃气系列碳同位素组成既不同于上覆的须家河组陆相天然气,也有异于下伏飞仙关组-长兴组海相气,具有不同的气源,经与雷口坡组烃源岩轻烃组成的对比,认为其气源主要来自本层位。成藏条件分析表明,雷口坡组天然气的富集主要受烃源岩和储层的发育及分布控制,只有紧邻烃源岩发育的浅滩相白云岩/裂缝型灰岩构成的“岩性圈闭”才能形成天然气的聚集。     

塔里木盆地东部地区天然气地球化学特征及成因探讨(之二)

天然气的组分和碳、氢同位素组成特征研究表明塔里木盆地已发现的天然气均为热解气。通过气源对比可知,该盆地东部地区的天然气主要有两种类型 :1)是来自震旦纪到下古生界海相腐泥型母质的油型气,其甲烷、乙烷、丙烷δ13C值,分别为-44.5‰～-33.8‰、- 42‰～-2 8.1‰和-35.4‰～-2 8.4‰,其甲烷的氢同位素组成大于- 2 0 0‰;2 )是产自中生代陆相腐殖型源岩的煤型气,其甲烷、乙烷、丙烷的δ13C值分别为-40.5‰～-33.1‰、- 2 9.7‰～-2 1.3‰和-2 6.3‰～-2 0.3‰,其甲烷的氢同位素组成小于-2 0 0‰。将天然气的地化特征与地质背景相结合判断可知,在塔北隆起地区一些天然气藏是由成熟 (高成熟 )阶段的油型气与过成熟阶段的油型气混合形成,另一些天然气藏是由成熟阶段的油型气和成熟阶段的煤型气混合形成.     

准噶尔盆地浅层天然气多种成因地球化学研究

浅层天然气是当前国内外天然气勘探和基础研究的一个热点,在准噶尔盆地是油气勘探的一个重要新领域,但研究程度较低.为给区域勘探和成藏研究提供信息,并为国内外同类研究对比参考,主要以盆地腹部地区为例,着重从地球化学角度,包括系统的天然气组分、烷烃系列碳同位素组成、轻烃等,结合与天然气共生凝析油和储层沥青的研究,揭示了浅层天然气具有多种成因.研究区浅层天然气主要分布在陆梁、滴西、滴北和白家海4个地区.其中,陆梁地区浅层天然气成因为原油次生生物降解气,典型地球化学特征是气组分很干,几乎全为甲烷组成,甲烷碳同位素特别轻(–55‰~–45‰).滴西地区浅层天然气以石炭系来源煤型气为主,兼有二叠系来源煤型气和油型气,典型特征是乙烷碳同位素值变化大(–30.67‰~–22.20‰).滴北地区浅层天然气为石炭系来源煤型气,典型特征是乙烷碳同位素重(–24.54‰~–23.72‰).白家海地区浅层天然气为二叠系来源高成熟煤型气,典型特征是干燥系数大(0.97),甲烷碳同位素重(–30.15‰~–29.45‰),乙烷碳同位素较重(–25.83‰~–25.81‰).因此,研究区浅层天然气具有多种成因,主要包括来自不同烃源的原油次生生物降解气、油型气和煤型气,这预示着成藏的复杂性,需在下一步的勘探中给予充分重视     

Geochemical characterization of secondary microbial gas occurrence in the Songliao Basin, NE China

A suite of natural gases from the northern Songliao Basin in NE China were characterized for their molecular and carbon isotopic composition. Gases from shallow reservoirs display clear geochemical evidence of alteration by biodegradation, with very high dryness (C₁/C₂₊ > 100), high C₂/C₃ and i-C₄/n-C₄ ratios, high nitrogen content and variable carbon dioxide content. Isotopic values show wide range variations (δ¹³C_CH4 from −79.5‰ to −45.0‰, δ¹³C_C2H6 from −53.7‰ to −32.2‰, δ¹³C_C3H8 from −36.5‰ to −20.1‰, δ¹³C_nC4H10 from −32.7‰ to −24.5‰, and δ¹³C_CO2 from −21.6‰ to +10.5‰). A variety of genetic types can be recognized on the basis of chemical and isotopic composition together with their geological occurrence. Secondary microbial gas generation was masked by primary microbial gas and the mixing of newly generated methane with thermogenic methane already in place in the reservoir can cause very complicated isotopic signatures. System openness also was considered for shallow biodegraded gas accumulations. Gases from the Daqing Anticline are relatively wet with ¹³C enriched methane and ¹³C depleted CO₂, representing typically thermogenic origin. Gases within the Longhupao-Da’an Terrace have variable dryness, ¹³C enriched methane and variable δ¹³C of CO₂, suggesting dominant thermogenic origin and minor secondary microbial methane augment. The Puqian-Ao’nan Uplift contains relatively dry gas with ¹³C depleted methane and ¹³C enriched CO₂, typical for secondary microbial gas with a minor part of thermogenic methane. Gas accumulations in the Western Slope are very dry with low carbon dioxide concentrations. Some gases contain ¹³C depleted methane, ethane and propane, indicating low maturity/primary microbial origin. Recognition of varying genetic gas types in the Songliao Basin helps explain the observed dominance of gas in the shallow reservoir and could serve as an analogue for other similar shallow gas systems.     

Origins of natural gases from marine strata in Northeastern Sichuan Basin (China) from carbon molecular moieties and isotopic data

To determine the origin, maturity, formation mechanism and secondary process of marine natural gases in Northeastern Sichuan area, molecular moieties and carbon isotopic data of the Carboniferous and Triassic gases have been analyzed. Typical samples of marine gas precursors including low-maturity kerogen, dispersed liquid hydrocarbons (DLHs) in source rocks, residual kerogen and oil have been examined in a closed system, and several published geochemical diagrams of gas origins have been calibrated by using laboratory data. Results show that both Carboniferous and Triassic gases in the study area have a thermogenic origin. Migration leads to stronger compositional and weak isotopic fractionation, and is path dependent. Carboniferous gases and low-H₂S gases are mainly formed by secondary cracking of oil, whereas high-H₂S gases are clearly related to the TSR (Thermal Sulfate Reduction) process. Gases in NE Sichuan show a mixture of heavy (¹³C-enriched) methane in comparison to the lower maturated ethane of Triassic gas samples, suggesting a similar source and maturity for ethane and propane of Carboniferous gases, and a mixture of heavy ethane to the propane for Triassic gases. Based on the data plotted in the diagram of Chung et al. (1988), the residual kerogen from Silurian marine shale and palaeo oil reservoirs are the main source for Carboniferous gases, and that the residual kerogen from Silurian and Permian marine rocks and Permian paleao oil reservoirs constitute the principal source of Triassic gases.     

川东北飞仙关组甲烷为主的TSR及其同位素分馏作用

川东北开江-梁平陆棚东北侧飞仙关组多孔鲕粒白云岩中发生了以甲烷为主的热化学硫酸盐还原作用(TSR),产生高达20%的H₂S;而西南侧鲕粒灰岩以低孔、低H₂S天然气为特征。东北侧白云岩主要发育白云石粒间溶孔或粒间扩大溶孔,这些溶孔可与方解石(δ¹³C=-10‰~-19‰)、储层沥青、元素硫、黄铁矿和石英紧密共生,可分布于片状储层沥青与白云石晶体之间,说明白云石溶解作用发生在沥青形成以后。白云石的溶解作用导致现今天然气以无机CO₂为主,δ¹³C_CO2主要介于-2‰~+2‰之间。这种溶解作用是在酸性条件下,硬石膏或天青石参与下发生的,可能先产生MgSO₄配对离子,而后MgSO₄又与甲烷反应产生H₂S,净增大了孔隙。研究还发现,普光气田及以东天然气的来源不同于河坝和元坝天然气;对普光气田及以东天然气分析显示,甲烷δ¹³C值与残余烃含量 之间存在对数相关关系。这表明TSR过程中,甲烷同位素分馏作用遵从封闭体系下瑞利分馏原理。据此计算显示,渡4井约有15%甲烷被氧化了。     

Isotopic signatures of CH4 and higher hydrocarbon gases from Precambrian Shield sites: A model for abiogenic polymerization of hydrocarbons

Previous studies of methane and higher hydrocarbon gases in Precambrian Shield rocks in Canada and the Witwatersrand Basin of South Africa identified two major gas types. Paleometeoric waters were dominated by hydrocarbon gases with compositional and isotopic characteristics consistent with production by methanogens utilizing the CO₂ reduction pathway. In contrast the deepest, most saline fracture waters contained gases that did not resemble the products of microbial methanogenesis and were dominated by both high concentrations of H₂ gas, and CH₄ and higher hydrocarbon gases with isotopic signatures attributed to abiogenic processes of water-rock reaction in these high rock/water ratio, hydrogeologically-isolated fracture waters. Based on new data obtained for the higher hydrocarbon gases in particular, a model is proposed to account for carbon isotope variation between CH₄ and the higher hydrocarbon gases (specifically ethane, propane, butane, and pentane) consistent with abiogenic polymerization. Values of δ¹³C for CH₄ and the higher hydrocarbon gases predicted by the model are shown to match proposed abiogenic hydrocarbon gas end-members identified at five field sites (two in Canada and three in South Africa) suggesting that the carbon isotope patterns between the hydrocarbon homologs reflect the reaction mechanism. In addition, the δ²H isotope data for these gases are shown to be out of isotopic equilibrium, suggesting the consistent apparent fractionation observed between the hydrocarbon homologs may also reflect reaction mechanisms involved in the formation of the gases. Recent experimental and field studies of proposed abiogenic hydrocarbons such as those found at mid-ocean spreading centers and off-axis hydrothermal fields such as Lost City have begun to focus not only on the origin of CH₄, but on the compositional and isotopic information contained in the higher hydrocarbon gases. The model explored in this paper suggests that while the extent of fractionation in the first step in the hydrocarbon synthesis reaction chain may vary as a function of different reaction parameters, δ¹³C values for the higher hydrocarbon gases may be predicted by a simple mass balance model from the δ¹³C values of the lower molecular weight precursors, consistent with abiogenic polymerization. Integration of isotopic data for the higher hydrocarbon gases in addition to CH₄ may be critical for delineation of the origin of the hydrocarbons and investigation of formation mechanisms.     

Chemical and isotopic evidence for secondary alteration of natural gases in the Hetianhe Field, Bachu Uplift of the Tarim Basin

H₂S and CO₂ are found in elevated concentrations in the reservoirs near the Carboniferous–Ordovician unconformity in the Hetianhe Field of the Tarim Basin, NW China. Chemical and isotopic analyses have been performed on produced gases, formation waters and reservoir rocks to determine the origin of CO₂ and H₂S and to explain the heterogeneous distribution of isotopic and geochemical characteristics of petroleum fluids. It is unlikely that H₂S and CO₂ had a mantle component since associated helium has an isotope ratio totally uncharacteristic of this source. Instead, H₂S and CO₂ are probably the result of sulphate reduction of the light hydrocarbon gases (LHG). Increasing H₂S concentrations and CO₂/(CO₂+ΣC_1–4) values to the west of the Hetianhe Field occur commensurately with increasingly heavy hydrocarbon gas δ¹³C values. However, thermochemical sulphate reduction is unlikely because the temperatures of the reservoirs are too low, no H₂S or rare pyrite was detected in deeper reservoirs (where more TSR should have occurred) and inferred δ³⁴S values of H₂S (from late-stage pyrite in the Carboniferous and Ordovician reservoirs) are as low as −24.9‰. Such low δ³⁴S values discount the decomposition of organic matter as a major source of H₂S and CO₂. Bacterial sulphate reduction of the light hydrocarbon gases in the reservoir, possibly coupled indirectly with the consumption of organic acids and anions is most likely. The result is the preferential oxidation of ¹²C-rich alkanes (due to the kinetic isotope effect) and decreasing concentration of organic acids and anions. Modern formation water stable isotope data reveal that it is possible that sulphate-reducing bacteria were introduced into the reservoir by an influx of meteoric water from the west by way of an inversion-related unconformity. This may account for the apparently stronger influence of bacterial sulphate reduction to the west of the Hetianhe Field, and the consequent greatest decrease of the δ¹³C-CO₂ values and the greatest increase in δ¹³C values of the alkane gases.     

Origin and Accumulation of Natural Gases in the Upper Paleozoic Strata of the Ordos Basin in Central China

The natural gases in the Upper Paleozoic strata of the Ordos basin are characterized by relatively heavy C isotope of gaseous alkanes with δ 13C1 and δ13C2 values ranging mainly from ?35‰ to ?30‰ and ?27‰ to ?22‰, respectively, high δ13C excursions (round 10) between ethane and methane and predominant methane in hydrocarbon gases with most C1/(C1-C5) ratios in excess of 0.95, suggesting an origin of coal-derived gas. The gases exhibit different carbon isotopic profiles for C1-C4 alkanes with those of the natural gases found in the Lower Paleozoic of this basin, and believed to be originated from Carboniferous-Permian coal measures. The occurrence of regionally pervasive gas accumulation is distinct in the gently southward-dipping Shanbei slope of the central basin. It is noted that molecular and isotopic composition changes of the gases in various gas reservoirs are associated with the thermal maturities of gas source rocks. The abundances and δ13C values of methane generally decline northwards and from the basin center to its margins, and the effects of hydrocarbon migration on compositional modification seem insignificant. However, C isotopes of autogenetic calcites in the vertical and lateral section of reservoirs show a regular variation, and are as a whole depleted upwards and towards basin margins. Combination with gas maturity gradient, the analysis could be considered to be a useful tool for gas migration.     

Geochemical comparison between gas in fluid inclusions and gas produced from the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation,Sichuan Basin,SW China

Natural gas in the Xujiahe Formation of the Sichuan Basin is dominated by hydrocarbon (HC) gas, with 78–79% methane and 2–19% C₂₊ HC. Its dryness coefficient (C₁/C_1–5) is mostly < 0.95. The gas in fluid inclusions, which has low contents of CH₄ and heavy hydrocarbons (C₂₊) and higher contents of non-hydrocarbons (e.g. CO₂), is a typical wet gas produced by thermal degradation of kerogen. Gas produced from the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation (here denoted field gas) has light carbon isotope values for methane (δ¹³C₁: −45‰ to −36‰) and heavier values for ethane (δ¹³C₂: −30‰ to −25‰). The case is similar for gas in fluid inclusions, but δ¹³C₁ = −36‰ to −45‰ and δ¹³C₂ = −24.8‰ to −28.1‰, suggesting that the gas experienced weak isotopic fractionation due to migration and water washing. The field gas has δ¹³C_CO2 values of −15.6‰ to −5.6‰, while the gas in fluid inclusions has δ¹³C_CO2 values of −16.6‰ to −9‰, indicating its organic origin. Geochemical comparison shows that CO₂ captured in fluid inclusions mainly originated from source rock organic matter, with little contribution from abiogenic CO₂. Fluid inclusions originate in a relatively closed system without fluid exchange with the outside following the gas capture process, so that there is no isotopic fractionation. They thus present the original state of gas generated from the source rocks. These research results can provide a theoretical basis for gas generation, evolution, migration and accumulation in the basin.     

Kinetic Model of Gaseous Alkanes Formed from Coal in a Confined System and Its Application to Gas Filling History in Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin, Northwest China

Based on the pyrolysis products for the Jurassic low-mature coal under programmed temperature,and chemical and carbon isotopic compositions of natural gas from the Kuqa Depression, the genetic origin of natural gas was determined,and then a gas filling model was established,in combination with the geological background of the Kuqa Depression.The active energy of CH_4,C_2H_6 and C_3H_8 was gotten after the data of pyrolysis gas products under different heating rates(2℃/h and 20℃/h)were fitted by the Gas O...     

Stable sulfur isotope partitioning during simulated petroleum formation as determined by hydrous pyrolysis of Ghareb Limestone, Israel

Hydrous pyrolysis experiments at 200 to 365°C were carried out on a thermally immature organic-rich limestone containing Type-IIS kerogen from the Ghareb Limestone in North Negev, Israel. This work focuses on the thermal behavior of both organic and inorganic sulfur species and the partitioning of their stable sulfur isotopes among organic and inorganic phases generated during hydrous pyrolyses. Most of the sulfur in the rock (85%) is organic sulfur. The most dominant sulfur transformation is cleavage of organic-bound sulfur to form H₂S_(gas). Up to 70% of this organic sulfur is released as H₂S_(gas) that is isotopically lighter than the sulfur in the kerogen. Organic sulfur is enriched by up to 2‰ in ³⁴S during thermal maturation compared with the initial δ³⁴S values. The δ³⁴S values of the three main organic fractions (kerogen, bitumen and expelled oil) are within 1‰ of one another. No thermochemical sulfate reduction or sulfate formation was observed during the experiments. The early released sulfur reacted with available iron to form secondary pyrite and is the most ³⁴S depleted phase, which is 21‰ lighter than the bulk organic sulfur. The large isotopic fractionation for the early formed H₂S is a result of the system not being in equilibrium. As partial pressure of H₂S_(gas) increases, retro reactions with the organic sulfur in the closed system may cause isotope exchange and isotopic homogenization. Part of the δ³⁴S-enriched secondary pyrite decomposes above 300°C resulting in a corresponding decrease in the δ³⁴S of the remaining pyrite. These results are relevant to interpreting thermal maturation processes and their effect on kerogen-oil-H₂S-pyrite correlations. In particular, the use of pyrite-kerogen δ³⁴S relations in reconstructing diagenetic conditions of thermally mature rocks is questionable because formation of secondary pyrite during thermal maturation can mask the isotopic signature and quantity of the original diagenetic pyrite. The main transformations of kerogen to bitumen and bitumen to oil can be recorded by using both sulfur content and δ³⁴S of each phase including the H₂S_(gas). H₂S generated in association with oil should be isotopically lighter or similar to oil. It is concluded that small isotopic differentiation obtained between organic and inorganic sulfur species suggests closed-system conditions. Conversely, open-system conditions may cause significant isotopic discrimination between the oil and its source kerogen. The magnitude of this discrimination is suggested to be highly dependent on the availability of iron in a source rock resulting in secondary formation of pyrite.     

四川盆地高含H2S天然气的分布与TSR成因证据

四川盆地是中国高含硫化氢天然气分布最集中的地区,目前已在震旦系(威远气田)、下三叠统飞仙关组(罗家寨、普光、渡口河、铁山坡、七里北)、嘉陵江组(卧龙河)和中三叠统雷口坡组(磨溪、中坝)发现了近10个高含硫化氢的大中型气田(藏),探明储量5000×108 m3.这些高含硫化氢气藏普遍经历过较大的埋深过程(储层经历过较高温度),储层上下或储层中间均发育有膏质岩类,且气源充足,具备硫酸盐热化学还原反应(Thermochemical Sulfate Reduction,TSR)发生的物质基础和热动力条件.从气藏地质特征以及天然气组成和碳、硫同位素等方面的证据表明,四川盆地中、下三叠统和震旦系气藏的硫化氢属于TSR成因.而且TSR对烃类的大量选择性消耗一方面导致天然气干燥系数增大,另一方面导致气藏充满度降低,气藏压力系数变小.     

蜀南纳溪-合地区嘉陵江组天然气地球化学特征及其气源

通过分析纳溪—合江地区嘉陵江组天然气组分,碳、氢同位素组成以及该区烃源岩发育特征,认为嘉陵江组天然气为混源气,主要为下二叠统栖霞组—茅口组碳酸盐岩烃源岩生成的油型干气,混有下二叠统梁山组和上二叠统龙潭组生成的煤成气,下志留统龙马溪组泥质源岩可能也有贡献.研究区嘉陵江组烷烃气的氢同位素组成较重.纳溪气田烷烃气具有正常的碳...     

Evaluation of bulk carbonate δ13C data from Triassic hemipelagites and the initial composition of carbonate mud

Bulk carbonate samples of hemipelagic limestone–marl alternations from the Middle and Upper Triassic of Italy are analysed for their isotopic compositions. Middle Triassic samples are representative of the Livinallongo Formation of the Dolomites, while Upper Triassic hemipelagites were sampled in the Pignola 2 section, within the Calcari con Selce Formation of the Southern Apennines in Southern Italy. Triassic hemipelagites occur either as nodular limestones with chert nodules or as plane‐bedded limestone–marl alternations which are locally silicified. In the Middle Triassic Livinallongo Formation, diagenetic alteration primarily affected the stable isotopic composition of sediment surrounding carbonate nodules, whereas the latter show almost pristine compositions. Diagenesis lowered the carbon and oxygen isotope values of bulk carbonate and introduced a strong correlation between δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values. In the Middle Triassic successions of the Dolomites, bulk carbonate of nodular limestone facies is most commonly unaltered, whereas carbonate of the plane‐bedded facies is uniformly affected by diagenetic alteration. In contrast to carbonate nodules, plane‐bedded facies often show compaction features. Although both types of pelagic carbonate rocks show very similar petrographic characteristics, scanning electron microscopy studies reveal that nodular limestone consists of micrite (< 5 μm in diameter), whereas samples of the plane‐bedded facies are composed of calcite crystals ca 10 μm in size showing pitted, polished surfaces. These observations suggest that nodular and plane‐bedded facies underwent different diagenetic pathways determined by the prevailing mineralogy of the precursor sediment, i.e. probably high‐Mg calcite in the nodular facies and aragonite in the case of the plane‐bedded facies. Similar to Middle Triassic nodular facies, Upper Triassic nodular limestones of the Lagonegro Basin are also characterized by uncorrelated δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values and exhibit small, less than 5 μm size, crystals. The alternation of calcitic and aragonitic precursors in the Middle Triassic of the Dolomites is thought to mirror rapid changes in the type of carbonate production of adjacent platforms. Bioturbation and dissolution of metastable carbonate grains played a key role during early lithification of nodular limestone beds, whereby early stabilization recorded the carbon isotopic composition of sea water. The bulk carbonate δ¹³C values of Middle and Upper Triassic hemipelagites from Italy agree with those of Tethyan low‐Mg calcite shells of articulate brachiopods, confirming that Triassic hemipelagites retained the primary carbon isotopic composition of the bottom sea water. A trend of increasing δ¹³C from the Late Anisian to the Early Carnian, partly seen in the data set presented here, is also recognized in successions from tropical palaeolatitudes elsewhere. The carbon isotopic composition of Middle and Upper Triassic nodular hemipelagic limestones can thus be used for chemostratigraphic correlation and palaeoenvironmental studies.     

Diagenetic overprinting of the sphaerosiderite palaeoclimate proxy: are records of pedogenic groundwater δ18O values preserved?

Meteoric sphaerosiderite lines (MSLs), defined by invariant δ¹⁸O and variable δ¹³C values, are obtained from ancient wetland palaeosol sphaerosiderites (millimetre‐scale FeCO₃ nodules), and are a stable isotope proxy record of terrestrial meteoric isotopic compositions. The palaeoclimatic utility of sphaerosiderite has been well tested; however, diagenetically altered horizons that do not yield simple MSLs have been encountered. Well‐preserved sphaerosiderites typically exhibit smooth exteriors, spherulitic crystalline microstructures and relatively pure (> 95 mol% FeCO₃) compositions. Diagenetically altered sphaerosiderites typically exhibit corroded margins, replacement textures and increased crystal lattice substitution of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Mn²⁺ for Fe²⁺. Examples of diagenetically altered Cretaceous sphaerosiderite‐bearing palaeosols from the Dakota Formation (Kansas), the Swan River Formation (Saskatchewan) and the Success S2 Formation (Saskatchewan) were examined in this study to determine the extent to which original, early diagenetic δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values are preserved. All three units contain poikilotopic calcite cements with significantly different δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values from the co‐occurring sphaerosiderites. The complete isolation of all carbonate phases is necessary to ensure that inadvertent physical mixing does not affect the isotopic analyses. The Dakota and Swan River samples ultimately yield distinct MSLs for the sphaerosiderites, and MCLs (meteoric calcite lines) for the calcite cements. The Success S2 sample yields a covariant δ¹⁸O vs. δ¹³C trend resulting from precipitation in pore fluids that were mixtures between meteoric and modified marine phreatic waters. The calcite cements in the Success S2 Formation yield meteoric δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values. A stable isotope mass balance model was used to produce hyperbolic fluid mixing trends between meteoric and modified marine end‐member compositions. Modelled hyperbolic fluid mixing curves for the Success S2 Formation suggest precipitation from fluids that were < 25% sea water.