Determination of paleo-pressure for a natural gas pool formation based on PVT characteristics of fluid inclusions in reservoir rocks--A case study of Upper-Paleozoic deep basin gas trap of the Ordos Basin

It has been proved to be a difficult problem to determine directly trapping pressure of fluid inclusions. Recently, PVT simulation softwares have been applied to simulating the trapping pressure of petroleum inclusions in reservoir rocks, but the reported methods have many limitations in practice. In this paper, a method is suggested to calculating the trapping pressure and temperature of fluid inclusions by combining the isochore equations of a gas-bearing aqueous inclusion with its coeval petroleum inclusions. A case study was conducted by this method for fluid inclusions occurring in the Upper-Paleozoic Shanxi Formation reservoir sandstones from the Ordos Basin. The results show that the trapping pressure of these inclusions ranges from 21 to 32 MPa, which is 6-7 MPa higher than their minimum trapping pressure although the trapping temperature is only 2-3℃ higher than the homogenization temperature. The trapping pressure and temperature of the fluid inclusions decrease from southern area to northern area of the basin.The trapping pressure is obviously lower than the state water pressures when the inclusions formed. These data are consistent with the regional geological and geochemical conditions of the basin when the deep basin gas trap formed.     

Origin of natural sulphur-bearing immiscible inclusions and H2S in oolite gas reservoir, Eastern Sichuan

Based on results of microscopic observation and laser Raman analysis about fluid inclusions, multiple special forms of immiscible inclusions that contain sulphur, liquid hydrocarbon, bitumen, etc. were discovered in samples collected from the H₂S gas reservoir-containing carbonates in the Lower Triassic Feixianguan Formation in the Jinzhu-Luojia area, Kai County, Sichuan Province. Based on the lithology and burial history of the strata involved as well as measurement results of homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions, bitumen reflectivity, etc., it is concluded that the H₂S in the gas reservoir resulted from the thermal reaction between hydrocarbons in reservoir and CaSO₄ in the gypsum-bearing dolostone section at the high temperature (140°C–17°C) oil-cracked gas formation stage in Late Cretaceous. Thereafter, research on a great number of immiscible inclusions in the reservoir reveals that elemental sulphur resulted from oxidation of part of the earlier-formed H₂S and further reaction between sulphates, hydrocarbons and H₂S in geological fluids in H₂S-bearing gas reservoir at a temperature of 86°C–89°C and a pressure of 340×10⁵Pa and during the regional uplift stage as characterized by temperature decrease and pressure decrease in Tertiary. Meanwhile, gypsum, anhydrite and calcite formed at this stage would trap particles like elemental sulphur and result in a variety of special forms of immiscible inclusions, and these inclusions would contain information concerning the complexity of the fluids in the reservoir and the origin of H₂S and natural sulphur in the gas reservoir.     

Main models and distribution patterns of gas reservoirs in large-medium gas fields of China

Based on characteristics and trap types of gas reservoirs in large and medium gas fields in China, 4 gas reservoir models have been established:(i) structural trap gas reservoir model I, formed earlier than or simutaneously with generating of gases; (ii) structural trap gas reservoir model II, formed later than generating of gases; (iii) fossil weathered residuum gas reservoir model; and (iV) mud diapir abnormal temperature and pressure gas reservoir model. Distribution patterns of large-medium gas fields are described with the concept of “sealed compartment”. It is concluded that the inner-compartment area, marginal area of the compartment and the areas between two overlapped sealed compartments are the most favourable areas for discovering large-medium gas fields. Project supported by the “85–102” Chinese National Key Science and Technology Project.     

川中古隆起超压分布与形成的地温场因素

温度和压力是沉积盆地两个重要的物理场,温度影响着超压的形成和分布.本文根据钻孔实测温度和压力数据分析了川中古隆起现今压力与温度的关系;在实验室对封闭流体进行了多组温-压关系实验;利用等效镜质体反射率和包裹体测温数据恢复了川中古隆起不同井区在白垩纪抬升之前的最大古地温,并在此基础上分析了温度降低对研究区超压的影响;最后探讨了生烃增压和欠压实超压形成过程中温度的作用.研究结果表明,川中古隆起现今超压层的压力系数与温度呈正相关关系;在绝对密封的条件下,当压力大于15 MPa时,温度每变化1℃,压力变化1.076 MPa.川中地区不同井区自晚白垩世以来的差异性降温是现今同一超压层系超压强度不同的主要因素,此外超压层还应发生了流体的横向压力传递和泄漏.下古生界原油裂解形成超压的时间是180~110 Ma;气态烃伴生的盐水包裹体均一温度暗示了在90 Ma超压发生调整.盆地模拟结果显示温度对上三叠统须家河组的欠压实增压影响微弱.     

Origin of natural sulphur-bearing immiscible inclusions and H_2S in oolite gas reservoir, Eastern Sichuan

Fluid inclusions as captured in homogeneous fluids in rocks and minerals have been extensively studied and successfully applied to exploring the metalloge- netic temperature and pressure of metallic ore deposits and in investigating hydrocarbon generation, migra- tion, etc.[1―6]. In regard to multiple forms of immis- cible inclusions in rocks and minerals, a significant amount of research has already been conducted toward the immiscible inclusions and “boiling” inclusions in CO2-H2O system…     

Tectono-metamorphic evolution of the Cretaceous Shimanto accretionary complex, central Japan: Constraints from a fluid inclusion analysis of syn-tectonic veins

Abstract   Micro-thermometry of water-rich fluid inclusions from two syn-tectonic veins sets ( D1 and D2 veins) in the Otaki Group, part of the Cretaceous Shimanto accretionary complex of the Kanto Mountains, central Japan reveals the following tectono-metamorphic evolution. Combining the results of microthermometric analyses of fluid inclusions from D1 veins with an assumed geothermal gradient of 20–50°C/km indicates that the temperature and fluid pressure conditions during D1 were 270–300°C and 140–190 MPa, respectively. Peak metamorphic conditions during the development of D2 slaty cleavage involved temperatures in excess of 300°C and fluid pressures greater than 270 MPa, based on analyses of microthermometry of water-rich fluid inclusions from the D2 vein and illite crystallinity. The estimated fluid pressure increased by approximately 80 MPa from D1 accretionary processes to metamorphism and slaty cleavage development during D2 . Assuming that fluid pressure reached lithostatic pressure, the observed increase in fluid pressure can be accounted for by thrusting of the Jurassic Chichibu accretionary complex over the Cretaceous Shimanto accretionary complex. Following thrusting, both accretionary complexes were subjected to metamorphism during the latest Cretaceous.     

The November 2002 eruption of Piton de la Fournaise,Réunion: tracking the pre-eruptive thermal evolution of magma using melt inclusions

The November 2002 eruption of Piton de la Fournaise in the Indian Ocean was typical of the activity of the volcano from 1999 to 2006 in terms of duration and volume of magma ejected. The first magma erupted was a basaltic liquid with a small proportion of olivine phenocrysts (Fo₈₁) that contain small numbers of melt inclusions. In subsequent flows, olivine crystals were more abundant and richer in Mg (Fo_83–84). These crystals contain numerous melt and fluid inclusions, healed fractures, and dislocation features such as kink bands. The major element composition of melt inclusions in this later olivine (Fo_83–84) is out of equilibrium with that of its host as a result of extensive post-entrapment crystallization and Fe²⁺ loss by diffusion during cooling. Melt inclusions in Fo₈₁ olivine are also chemically out of equilibrium with their hosts but to a lesser degree. Using olivine–melt geothermometry, we determined that melt inclusions in Fo₈₁ olivine were trapped at lower temperature (1,182 ± 1°C) than inclusions in Fo_83–84 olivine (1,199–1,227°C). This methodology was also used to estimate eruption temperatures. The November 2002 melt inclusion compositions suggest that they were at temperatures between 1,070°C and 1,133°C immediately before eruption and quenching. This relatively wide temperature range may reflect the fact that most of the melt inclusions were from olivine in lava samples and therefore likely underwent minor but variable amounts of post-eruptive crystallization and Fe²⁺ loss by diffusion due to their relatively slow cooling on the surface. In contrast, melt inclusions in tephra samples from past major eruptions yielded a narrower range of higher eruption temperatures (1,163–1,181°C). The melt inclusion data presented here and in earlier publications are consistent with a model of magma recharge from depth during major eruptions, followed by storage, cooling, and crystallization at shallow levels prior to expulsion during events similar in magnitude to the relatively small November 2002 eruption.     

Shallow and deep reservoirs involved in magma supply of the 1944 eruption of Vesuvius

 During the 1944 eruption of Vesuvius a sudden change occurred in the dynamics of the eruptive events, linked to variations in magma composition. K-phonotephritic magmas were erupted during the effusive phase and the first lava fountain, whereas the emission of strongly porphyritic K-tephrites took place during the more intense fountain. Melt inclusion compositions (major and volatile elements) highlight that the magmas feeding the eruption underwent differentiation at different pressures. The K-tephritic volatile-rich melts (up to 3 wt.% H₂O, 3000 ppm CO₂, and 0.55 wt.% Cl) evolved to reach K-phonotephritic compositions by crystallization of diopside and forsteritic olivine at total fluid pressure higher than 300 MPa. These magmas fed a very shallow reservoir. The low-pressure differentiation of the volatile-poor K-phonotephritic magmas (H₂O<1 wt.%) involved mixing, open-system degassing, and crystallization of leucite, salite, and plagioclase. The eruption was triggered by intrusion of a volatile-rich magma batch that rose from a depth of 11–22 km into the shallow magma chamber. The first phase of the eruption represents the partial emptying of the shallow reservoir, the top of which is within the volcanic edifice. The newly arrived magma mixed with that resident in the shallow reservoir and forced the transition from the effusive to the lava fountain phase of the eruption. Received: 14 September 1998 / Accepted: 10 January 1999     

The impact of pre-existing gas on the ascent of explosively erupted magma

Most, if not all, magmas contain gas bubbles at depth before they erupt. Those bubbles play a crucial role in eruption dynamics, by allowing magma to degas, which causes the magma to accelerate as it ascends towards the surface. There must be a limit to that acceleration, however, because gas bubbles cannot grow infinitely fast. To explore that limit, a series of experiments was undertaken to determine the maximum rate at which bubbly high-silica rhyolite can decompress. Rhyolite melt that was hydrated at 150 MPa with ~5.3 wt.% dissolved water and contained 7 to 18 vol.% bubbles can degas in equilibrium at 875°C when decompressed at rates up to 1.2 MPa s⁻¹ from 150 to 78 MPa, and up to 1.8 MPa s⁻¹ when decompressed further to 42 MPa. In contrast, that same rhyolite cannot degas in equilibrium at 750°C if decompressed faster than 0.015–0.025 MPa s⁻¹. When combined with other published experiments, the maximum rate of decompression for equilibrium degassing is found to increase by a factor of ten for every 50–75°C increase in temperature. When compared to predictions from conduit flow models that assume equilibrium degassing, it is found that such models greatly over-estimate the rate at which relatively cold rhyolite can decompress, whereas that assumption is largely correct for hot rhyolite, and thus for most other magmas, all of which are less viscous than rhyolite. In addition, most bubbles that were 20–30 μm in size at high pressure were lost from the population at low pressure. That absence suggests that only relatively large vesicles seen in volcanic pumice may be relics of pre-eruptive bubbles, even if small bubbles were originally present at depth.     

Stabilization of volcanic flanks by dike intrusion: an example from Kilauea

 Dike propagation and dilation increases the compression of adjacent rocks. On volcanoes, especially oceanic shields, dikes are accordingly thought to be structurally destabilizing. As compression is incremented, volcanic flanks are driven outward or downslope and thus increase their susceptibility to destructive earthquakes and giant landslides. We show, however, that the 2-m-thick dike emplaced along the east rift zone of Kilauea in 1983 actually stabilized that volcano's flank. Specifically, production of flank earthquakes dropped more than twofold after 1983 as maximum downslope motion slowed to 6 cm·year^–1 from approximately 40 cm·year^–1 during 1980–1982. As much as 65 cm of deflationary subsidence above Kilauea's summit and upper rift zones accompanied the dike intrusion. According to recent estimates, this deflation corresponds to a reduction in magma-reservoir pressure of approximately 4 MPa, probably about as much as the driving pressure of the 1983 dike. The volume of the dike, approximately 0.10–0.15 km³, is orders of magnitude less than the estimated 200- to 250-km³ volume of Kilauea's reservoir of magma and nearby hot, mushy rock. Thus, deflation of that reservoir reduces the compressional load on the flank over a much larger area than intrusion of the dike adds to it, particularly at the dominant depth of seismicity, 8–9 km. A Coulomb block model for flank motion during intervals between major earthquakes requires the low-angle fault beneath Kilauea's flank to exhibit slip weakening, conducive to earthquake instability. Accordingly, the triggering mechanism of destructive earthquakes, several of which have struck Hawaii during the past 150 years, need not require stresses accumulated by dike intrusions. Received: 27 October 1998 / Accepted: 24 May 1999     

Persistent polybaric rests of calc-alkaline magmas at Stromboli volcano,Italy: pressure data from fluid inclusions in restitic quartzite nodules

A fluid-inclusion study has been performed on quartzite nodules of stromboli volcano hosted by calc-alkaline lavas of both the Strombolicchio (200 ka) and Paleostromboli II (60 ka) periods. The nodules are mainly composed of quartz crystals with subordinate plagioclase and K-feldspar. Small interstitial minerals such as plagioclase, K-feldspar, clinopyroxene, biotite, and quartz are also found, together with glass. Muscovite, epidote and zircon occur as accessory minerals. Different quartzite nodules occur: (1) equigranular polygonal granoblastic quartzite nodules forming a polygonal texture with clear triple points; (2) inequigranular polygonal granoblastic quartzite nodules; and (3) break-up nodules with strongly resorbed quartz. These quartzites are restites from partial melting, involving felsic crustal rocks at the magma/wall rock contact. Restitic quartz re-crystallises at variable and generally high temperatures, leading to the formation of quartzites with different textures. Quartz grains contain five types of fluid inclusions distinguished on the basis of both fluid type and textural/phase relationships at room temperature. Type I are two-phase (liquid+vapour) CO ₂-rich fluid inclusions. They are primary and subordinately pseudosecondary in origin and have undergone re-equilibration processes. Type II mono-phase/two-phase (vapour/liquid+vapour) CO ₂-rich fluid inclusions are the most common and, based on their spatial distribution and shape, they can be divided into two subclasses: type IIa and type IIb. Type II inclusions are secondary or pseudosecondary and they are assumed to have formed after decrepitation of type I inclusions and cracking of the host quartz. Type III inclusions are mono-phase (vapour); they possibly contain CO ₂ at very low density and surround the inner rims of quartz grains. Type IV two-phase silicate-melt inclusions contain glass±CO ₂-rich fluid. Some of them are cogenetic with type II inclusions. Finally, type V two-phase (liquid+vapour) aqueous inclusions are both vapour-rich and liquid-rich aqueous inclusions. Microthermometric experiments were performed on both type I and II inclusions. Type I inclusions homogenise to liquid between 20 and 30.5 °C. Type IIa inclusions homogenise to vapour in the 24 to 30 °C range, with a maximum peak of frequency at 29 °C. Type IIb inclusions also homogenise to vapour between 14 and 25 °C. There appears to be no difference in homogenisation temperature distribution between the Strombolicchio and Paleostromboli II samples. The trapping pressures of the fluid inclusions have been obtained by combining the microthermometric data of the Strombolicchio and Paleostromboli II samples with the pressure–temperature–volume (i.e. density) characteristics for a pure CO ₂ system. The data on the early inclusions (type I) suggest an important magma rest at a pressure of about 290 MPa (i.e. about 11-km depth). Type IIa CO ₂ inclusions suggest that a second magma rest occurred at a pressure of about 100 MPa (i.e. about 3.5-km depth), whereas type IIb inclusions were trapped later at a shallower depth during the final magma upwelling. No pressure/depth differences seem to occur between the Strombolicchio and Paleostromboli II periods, indicating the same polybaric rests for the calc-alkaline magmas of Stromboli, despite their significantly different ages. This persistence in magma stagnation conditions from 200 to 60 ka suggests a similar plumbing system for the present-day Strombolian activity.     

The distribution and evolution of fluid pressure and its influence on natural gas accumulation in the Upper Paleozoic of Shenmu-Yulin area,Ordos Basin

On the basis of measuring the pressure distribution and analyzing its origin in the Carboniferous and Permian of Shenmu-Yulin area, the evolution history of ancient pressure is restored mainly by means of the basin numerical simulation technique, in which the paleo-pressure has been constrained by the compaction restoration and the examination of fluid inclusion temperature and pressure. Then the development and evolution history of abnormal pressure and its effect on gas migration and accumulation are investigated. Studies show that the pressure in southeastern and northwestern parts of studied area is near to hydrostatic pressure, whereas in the remainder vast area the pressure is lower than the hydrostatic pressure, which is caused by difficulty to measure pressure accurately in tight reservoir bed, the calculating error caused by in-coordinate between topography relief and surface of water potential, pressure lessening due to formation arising and erosion. There are geological factors beneficial to forming abnormal high pressure in the Upper Palaeozoic. On the distraction of measured pressure, paleo-pressure data from compaction restoration and fluid inclusion temperature and pressure examining, the evolution history of ancient pressure is restored by the basin numerical simulation technique. It is pointed out that there are at least two high peaks of overpressure in which the highest value of excess pressure could be 5 to 25 MPa. Major gas accumulated in main producing bed of Shanxi Fm (P₁s) and lower Shihezi Fm (P₂x), because of two-fold control from capillary barrier and overpressure seal in upper Shihezi Fm (P₂s). In the middle and southern districts, the two periods of Later Jurassic to the middle of Early Cretaceous, and middle of Later Cretaceous to Palaeocene are main periods of gas migration and accumulation, while they belong to readjustment period of gas reservoirs after middle of Neocene.

     

Helium and argon isotopic geochemistry of Jinding superlarge Pb-Zn deposit

The study results of He and Ar isotopes from fluid inclusions in pyrites formed during mineralization stage of Jinding superlarge Pb-Zn deposit in west Yunnan, China are reported. The data show that the⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar and³He/⁴He ratios of fluid inclusions are respectively in the range of 301. 7–385. 7 and 0. 03–0.06Ra, suggesting the oreforming fluid is a kind of air saturated meteoric groundwater. On the basis of research on coupled relationships among He, Ar, S and Pb isotopes, the evolution history of ore-forming fluid of the deposit can be summarized as (i) air saturated meteogenic groundwater infiltrated down and was heated→ (ii) leached S, C and radiogenic He, Ar from the basinal strata → (iii) leached Pb and Zn from mantle-derived igneous rocks located in the bottom of the basin→ (iv) ore-forming fluid ascended and formed the deposit. Due to this process, the isotope signatures of crustal radiogenic He, atmospheric Ar (with partial radiogenic⁴⁰Ar), crustal S and mantle-derived Pb remained in the ore-forming fluid. Project supported by A30 Project of the National Climbing Program of China and University of Manchester.     

The distribution and evolution of fluid pressure and its influence on natural gas accumulation in the Upper Paleozoic of Shenmu-Yulin area,Ordos Basin

On the basis of measuring the pressure distribution and analyzing its origin in the Carboniferous and Permian of Shenmu-Yulin area, the evolution history of ancient pressure is restored mainly by means of the basin numerical simulation technique, in which the paleo-pressure has been constrained by the compaction restoration and the examination of fluid inclusion temperature and pressure. Then the development and evolution history of abnormal pressure and its effect on gas migration and accumulation are investigated. Studies show that the pressure in southeastern and northwestern parts of studied area is near to hydrostatic pressure, whereas in the remainder vast area the pressure is lower than the hydrostatic pressure, which is caused by difficulty to measure pressure accurately in tight reservoir bed, the calculating error caused by in-coordinate between topography relief and surface of water potential, pressure lessening due to formation arising and erosion. There are geological factors beneficial to forming abnormal high pressure in the Upper Palaeozoic. On the distraction of measured pressure, paleo-pressure data from compaction restoration and fluid inclusion temperature and pressure examining, the evolution history of ancient pressure is restored by the basin numerical simulation technique. It is pointed out that there are at least two high peaks of overpressure in which the highest value of excess pressure could be 5 to 25 MPa. Major gas accumulated in main producing bed of Shanxi Fm (P₁s) and lower Shihezi Fm (P₂x), because of two-fold control from capillary barrier and overpressure seal in upper Shihezi Fm (P₂s). In the middle and southern districts, the two periods of Later Jurassic to the middle of Early Cretaceous, and middle of Later Cretaceous to Palaeocene are main periods of gas migration and accumulation, while they belong to readjustment period of gas reservoirs after middle of Neocene.     

The distribution and evolution of fluid pressure and its influence on natural gas accumulation in the Upper Paleozoic of Shenmu-Yulin area, Ordos Basin

On the basis of measuring the pressure distribution and analyzing its origin in the Carboniferous and Permian of Shenmu-Yulin area, the evolution history of ancient pressure is restored mainly by means of the basin numerical simulation technique, in which the paleo-pressure has been constrained by the compaction restoration and the examination of fluid inclusion temperature and pressure. Then the development and evolution history of abnormal pressure and its effect on gas migration and accumulation are investigated. Studies show that the pressure in southeastern and northwestern parts of studied area is near to hydrostatic pressure, whereas in the remainder vast area the pressure is lower than the hydrostatic pressure, which is caused by difficulty to measure pressure accurately in tight reservoir bed, the calculating error caused by in-coordinate between topography relief and surface of water potential, pressure lessening due to formation arising and erosion. There are geological factors beneficial to forming abnormal high pressure in the Upper Palaeozoic. On the distraction of measured pressure, paleo-pressure data from compaction restoration and fluid inclusion temperature and pressure exa- mining, the evolution history of ancient pressure is restored by the basin numerical simulation technique. It is pointed out that there are at least two high peaks of overpressure in which the highest value of excess pressure could be 5 to 25 MPa. Major gas accumulated in main producing bed of Shanxi Fm (P1s) and lower Shihezi Fm (P2x), because of two-fold control from capillary barrier and overpressure seal in upper Shihezi Fm (P2s). In the middle and southern districts, the two periods of Later Jurassic to the middle of Early Cretaceous, and middle of Later Cretaceous to Palaeocene are main periods of gas migration and accumulation, while they belong to readjustment period of gas reservoirs after middle of Neocene.     

Rheology of the lower crust beneath the northern part of North China: Inferences from lower crustal xenoliths from Hannuoba basalts, Hebei Province, China

Lower crustal xenoliths brought up rapidly by basaltic magma onto the earth surface may provide di-rect information on the lower crust. The main purpose of this research is to gain an insight into the rheology of the lower crust through the detailed study of lower crustal xenoliths collected from the Hannuoba basalt, North China. The lower crustal xenoliths in this area consist mainly of two pyroxene granulite, garnet granulite, and light-colored granulite, with a few exception of felsic granulite. The equilibration temperature and pressure of these xenoliths are estimated by using geothermometers and geobarometers suitable for lower crustal xenoliths. The obtained results show that the equilibration temperature of these xenoliths is within the range of 785―900℃, and the equilibrium pressure is within the range of 0.8―1.2 GPa, corresponding to a depth range of 28―42 km. These results have been used to modify the previously constructed lower crust-upper mantle geotherm for the studied area. The dif-ferential stress during the deformation process of the lower crustal xenoliths is estimated by using recrystallized grain-size paleo-piezometer to be in the range of 14―20 MPa. Comparing the available steady state flow laws for lower crustal rocks, it is confirmed that the flow law proposed by Wilks et al. in 1990 is applicable to the lower crustal xenoliths studied in this paper. The strain rate of the lower crust estimated by using this flow law is within the range of 10-13―10-11 s-1, higher than the strain rate of the upper mantle estimated previously for the studied area (10-17―10-13 s-1); the equivalent viscosity is estimated to be within the range of 1017―1019Pa·s, lower than that of the upper mantle (1019―1021 Pa·s). The constructed rheological profiles of the lower crust indicate that the differential stress shows no significant linear relation with depth, while the strain rate increases with depth and equivalent vis-cosity decrease with depth. The results support the viewpoint of weak lower continental crust.     

Evolution of chlorite composition in the Paleogene prototype basin of Jiyang Depression, Shandong, China, and its implication for paleogeothermal gradient

The Dongying Basin, Huimin Basin, and Zhanhua Basin constitute the Jiyang Depression in Shandong Province. They are major oil and gas exploring districts within the depression. Through reconstruc-tions of the paleotemperature of the three basins facilitated with the chlorite geothermometry, the thermal history of the Paleogene prototype basin in Jiyang Depression and its geologic significance were explored. This study reveals that the Si4 component in chlorites reduces gradually as its buried depth increases, while the AlIV component increases accordingly. The chlorite type changes from sili-con-rich diabantite to silicon-poor ferroamesite and prochlorite. The prochlorite in this district only appears in the deep buried depth, high temperature, and relatively old stratigraphies; while the diaban-tite appears in the shallower buried, low temperature, and newly formed strata; the ferroamesite exists in the conditions between prochlorite and diabantite formation. The diagenetic temperatures of the chlorites in these Paleogene basins are 171―238℃ for the Dongying Basin, 160―202℃ for the Huimin Basin, and 135―180℃ for the Zhanhua Basin. The differences of the chlorite diagenetic temperatures in the three basins were controlled by the duration time of the structural depressing processes. Higher temperature indicates longer depression time. The relationship between the chlorite diagenetic temperature and its buried depth indicates that the average paleogeothermal gradient is about 38.3℃ /km in the Paleogene prototype basin of Jiyang Depression. It was higher than the present geothermal gradient (29―30℃/km). This phenomenon was attributed to the evolution of the structural dynamics in the depression basin.     

Recent developments in study of the typical superimposed basins and petroleum accumulation in China:Exemplified by the Tarim Basin

Most of petroliferous sedimentary basins in China have experienced multiple phases of tectonic evolution and deposition, and are characterized by tectonic and depositional superimposition. The term "superimposed basin" is suggested to describe those basins which consist of two or more simple prototype basins superimposing vertically and/or coalescing laterally. The characteristics of petroliferous superimposed basins are "multiple stages of basin forming and reworking, multiple layers of source rocks, multiple periods of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion, multiple periods of petroleum migration-accumulation-escape". Therefore,applying the wave process analysis method to studying the process of basin formation, hydrocarbon generation, and reservoir formation, and then establishing theory of "petroleum accumulation system" is helpful to enhancing petroleum exploration efficiency in superimposed basins.This paper will, based on case study in the Tarim basin, report the major developments in studying basin formation, hydrocarbon generation and petroleum accumulation. In study of basin formation, (1) geophysical comprehensive profiles reveal that the Tarim plate has been subducted beneath the Tianshan orogenic belt with an interfinger structure and that the deep structure in the eastern section of the Tianshan orogenic belt is different from that in the western section. (2) The vertical variation in debris and geochemical composition reveals the nature and Mesozoic-Cenozoic evolution history of the Kuqa Depression. (3) Field investigation and paleostress reconstruction show that the Kuqa Depression has undergone gravity-driven extension in sedimentary cover when the Tianshan uplifted vertically. In hydrocarbon generation study, new developments include (1) setting environmental index to judge high grade source rocks in marine carbonates, and (2) establishing the lower limit of the organic carbon content for effective carbonate source rocks. In petroleum accumulation study, (1) methods of determining paleopressure and paleotemperature of forming fluid inclusions have been established. (2) The petroleum source analysis has indicated that the crude oil in the Lunnan and Tahe oilfields are derived from the source rocks of the Middle and Upper Ordovician. (3) Three generations of oil inclusions from the Lunnan oilfield have been recognized and dated.     

Megacrysts in the Cenozoic basalt of the Tuoyun Basin,Southwest Tianshan

Abundant megacrysts of clinopyroxene, amphibole, anorthoclase, and phlogopite are found together with deep-seated xenoliths in the Cenozoic basalt of the Tuoyun Basin, Southwest Tianshan. The megacrysts are mainly in the cone sheet formed at the early stage of the volcanic activity. Clinopyrox-ene megacrysts are located in the lower part of the profile, with amphibole and phlogopite megacrysts in the middle part and anorthoclase megacrysts in the upper part. The crystal integrity, absence of de-formation fabric and their relation to the host basalt suggest that they were crystallized from the host magma and quickly transported to the surface. The mineralogical studies imply that the clinopyroxene megacrysts are of Al-augite with higher Al2O3 (>9%). Amphibole megacrysts are kaersutite rich in TiO2 (>4.5%). Sulfide inclusions such as pyrrhotite occur in some clinopyroxene and amphibole megacrysts. Thermodynamic calculations reveal that pyroxene megacrysts formed under the temperature of 1185.85―1199.85℃ and the pressure between 1.53 and 1.64 GPa comparable to the crust-mantle boundary and amphibole megacrysts crystallized under the pressure of around 0.85 GPa, temperature about 1000℃ comparable to the depth of 30 km. Anorthoclase megacrysts crystallized under the pressure between 0.8―1 GPa,temperature about 900℃.The absence of Ti-rich inclusions such as rutile can be considered as an evidence of quick magma ascending. The P-T conditions estimated via py-roxene megacrysts and phenocrysts compose a P-T path with a steep slope. It can be considered as another evidence of quick magma ascending. However, the estimated temperatures for amphibole megacrysts are markedly lower than those for pyroxene megacrysts given the same pressure. It probably shows that the amphiboles have crystallized at the vanguard of magma and under the vola-tile-rich condition. Thus, we can conclude that the Cenozoic basalts are produced in an extensional tectonic setting and the processes governing crystallization and ascending of the megacrysts are very complex.     

Fluid inclusion from drill hole DW-5, Hohi geothermal area, Japan: Evidence of boiling and procedure for estimating CO2 content

Fluid inclusion studies have been used to derive a model for fluid evolution in the Hohi geothermal area, Japan. Six types of fluid inclusions are found in quartz obtained from the drill core of DW-5 hole. They are: (I) primary liquid-rich with evidence of boiling; (II) primary liquid-rich without evidence of boiling; (III) primary vapor-rich (assumed to have been formed by boiling); (IV) secondary liquid-rich with evidence of boiling; (V) secondary liquid-rich without evidence of boiling; (VI) secondary vapor-rich (assumed to have been formed by boiling). Homogenization temperatures (T_h) range between 196 and 347°C and the final melting point of ice (T_m) between −0.2 and −4.3°C. The CO₂ content was estimated semiquantitatively to be between 0 and 0.39 wt. % based on the bubble behavior on crushing. NaCl equivalent solid solute salinity of fluid inclusions was determined as being between 0 and 6.8 wt. % after minor correction for CO₂ content.Fluid inclusions in quartz provide a record of geothermal activity of early boiling and later cooling. The CO₂ contents and homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions with evidence of boiling generally increase with depth; these changes, and NaCl equivalent solid solute salinity of the fluid can be explained by an adiabatic boiling model for a CO₂-bearing low-salinity fluid. Some high-salinity inclusions without CO₂ are presumed to have formed by a local boiling process due to a temperature increase or a pressure decrease. The liquid-rich primary and secondary inclusions without evidence of boiling formed during the cooling process. The salinity and CO₂ content of these inclusions are lower than those in the boiling fluid at the early stage, probably as a result of admixture with groundwater.