Predicting porosity reduction due to silica diagenesis using seismic reflection data

A dramatic reduction in porosity, generally as much as 15–35%, is frequently associated with fine-grained sediment within which the transition of biogenic silica (opal-A) to cryptocrystalline opal-CT (cristobalite and tridymite) occurs. Many of these silica diagenetic boundaries imaged on seismic reflection data, in several basins worldwide, show a variety of undulating morphologies, often with a regular wavelength, where the diagenetic boundaries have variable relief, deformation of the overburden has been identified. Unusual stratal patterns are the result and these have recently been accounted for as a result of differential advancement of the boundary, differential compaction and subsidence of the overburden. The hypothesis developed is that differential advancement of the diagenetic fronts simply causes differential compaction and folding of the strata above the opal-A to opal-CT boundary.We test this hypothesis and then use knowledge of the relief of the diagenetic boundary and the folding above it, to make estimations of the magnitude of the porosity drop. We apply this forward modelling technique to examples of boundaries from the North Sakhalin Basin, Russian Far East and from the Faeroe-Shetland, Vøring and Møre Basins from the Northeast Atlantic margin. This is the first documented case of using seismic data to predict porosity reduction on the basis of seismic geometry alone and should have applicability in some siliceous successions.     

New style of honeycomb structures revealed on 3D seismic data indicate widespread diagenesis offshore Great South Basin,New Zealand

In the Great South Basin, within the Eocene section, at time-depths around 700–900 ms two way time below the seafloor, unusual features are observed on 3D seismic data closely associated with polygonal faults. The features, referred to as honeycomb structures (HS), cover an area of ∼600 km², are packed circular, oval, to polygonal depressions 150–400 m across in plan view and several to 10 + m in amplitude. Polygonal faults rapidly die out at the Marshall Paraconformity, which is overlain by the Oligocene Penrod Formation. Hence the polygonal faults are inferred to have formed prior to the Marshall Paraconformity, and they cross-cut HS features. Consequently the top of the HS probably formed at burial depths of around 375–500 m, which is their decompacted depth below the paraconformity. The interval containing HS is about 125 m vertical thick. There are several possible origins for the HS. The most probable is related to bulk contraction of the sediment volume accompanied by fluid expulsion, which suggests a diagenetic origin, in particular the opal-A/CT transition. There are actually two polygonal fault systems (PFS) present in the area. The Southern Tier 1 PFS lies laterally to the HS and overlaps with it. The Northern PFS (Tier 2) lies above the HS, appears to be independent of the HS, and formed in the upper 200–300 m of the sediment column. The Tier 1 PFS probably formed by shear failure related to the same diagenetic effects that caused the HS.     

The limited suitability of silica diagenetic boundaries as isothermal markers: Insights from seismic reflection imaging,Offshore Sakhalin,Russian Far East

In many sedimentary basins the seismic reflections that mark the conversion of opal-A to opal-CT and the subsequent conversion of opal-CT to quartz, are parallel to the present-day seabed. As the reactions are in part thermally activated these boundaries have been proposed as potential isothermal markers and could have utility for hydrocarbon exploration. We describe opal-A to opal-CT and opal-CT to quartz diagenetic boundaries using 2D seismic data from the North Sakhalin Basin (NSB). These are not parallel to the present-day seabed, but for 80% of the area of the basin are parallel to an unconformity of Late Miocene age and may represent palaeo-isotherms that were parallel to the Late Miocene seabed. This characteristic has been identified in other basins and may indicate silica diagenetic boundaries do not make reliable present-day isothermal boundaries. We propose diagenetic boundaries, which are not parallel to the seabed, are not present-day isothermal boundaries. This characteristic could result from: (1) temperature decrease, such as through a declining geothermal gradient or erosion of the overburden, which will cause the rate of conversion to slow; (2) variations in the burial rate that would cause changes to the rate of conversion; and (3) a change in the rate of conversion as a result of variation in the physico-chemical factors influencing the silica diagenetic reactions.     

Seismic imaging of a fractured gas hydrate system in the Krishna–Godavari Basin offshore India

Gas hydrate was discovered in the Krishna–Godavari (KG) Basin during the India National Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP) Expedition 1 at Site NGHP-01-10 within a fractured clay-dominated sedimentary system. Logging-while-drilling (LWD), coring, and wire-line logging confirmed gas hydrate dominantly in fractures at four borehole sites spanning a 500 m transect. Three-dimensional (3D) seismic data were subsequently used to image the fractured system and explain the occurrence of gas hydrate associated with the fractures. A system of two fault-sets was identified, part of a typical passive margin tectonic setting. The LWD-derived fracture network at Hole NGHP-01-10A is to some extent seen in the seismic data and was mapped using seismic coherency attributes. The fractured system around Site NGHP-01-10 extends over a triangular-shaped area of ∼2.5 km² defined using seismic attributes of the seafloor reflection, as well as “seismic sweetness” at the base of the gas hydrate occurrence zone. The triangular shaped area is also showing a polygonal (nearly hexagonal) fault pattern, distinct from other more rectangular fault patterns observed in the study area. The occurrence of gas hydrate at Site NGHP-01-10 is the result of a specific combination of tectonic fault orientations and the abundance of free gas migration from a deeper gas source. The triangular-shaped area of enriched gas hydrate occurrence is bound by two faults acting as migration conduits. Additionally, the fault-associated sediment deformation provides a possible migration pathway for the free gas from the deeper gas source into the gas hydrate stability zone. It is proposed that there are additional locations in the KG Basin with possible gas hydrate accumulation of similar tectonic conditions, and one such location was identified from the 3D seismic data ˜6 km NW of Site NGHP-01-10.     

Diagenesis and origin of calcite cement in the Flemish Pass Basin sandstone reservoir (Upper Jurassic): Implications for porosity development

The Flemish Pass Basin is a deep-water basin located offshore on the continental passive margin of the Grand Banks, eastern Newfoundland, which is currently a hydrocarbon exploration target. The current study investigates the petrographic characteristics and origin of carbonate cements in the Ti-3 Member, a primary clastic reservoir interval of the Bodhrán Formation (Upper Jurassic) in the Flemish Pass Basin.The Ti-3 sandstones with average Q_86.0F_3.1R_10.9 contain various diagenetic minerals, including calcite, pyrite, quartz overgrowth, dolomite and siderite. Based on the volume of calcite cement, the investigated sandstones can be classified into (1) calcite-cemented intervals (>20% calcite), and (2) poorly calcite-cemented intervals (porous). Petrographic analysis shows that the dominant cement is intergranular poikilotopic (300–500 μm) calcite, which stared to form extensively at early diagenesis. The precipitation of calcite occured after feldspar leaching and was followed by corrosion of quartz grains. Intergranular calcite cement hosts all-liquid inclusions mainly in the crystal core, but rare primary two-phase (liquid and vapor) fluid inclusions in the rims ((with mean homogenization temperature (T_h) of 70.2 ± 4.9 °C and salinity estimates of 8.8 ± 1.2 eq. wt.% NaCl). The mean δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C isotopic compositions of the intergranular calcite are −8.3 ± 1.2‰, VPDB and −3.0 ± 1.3‰, VPDB, respectively; whereas, fracture-filling calcite has more depleted δ¹⁸O but similar δ¹³C values. The shale normalized rare earth element (REE_SN) patterns of calcite are generally parallel and exhibit slightly negative Ce anomalies and positive Eu anomalies. Fluid-inclusion gas ratios (CO₂/CH₄ and N₂/Ar) of calcite cement further confirms that diagenetic fluids originated from modified seawater. Combined evidence from petrographic, microthermometric and geochemical analyses suggest that (1) the intergranular calcite cement precipitated from diagenetic fluids of mixed marine and meteoric (riverine) waters in suboxic conditions; (2)the cement was sourced from the oxidation of organic matters and the dissolution of biogenic marine carbonates within sandstone beds or adjacent silty mudstones; and (3) the late phases of the intergranular and fracture-filling calcite cements were deposited from hot circulated basinal fluids.Calcite cementation acts as a main controlling factor on the reservoir quality in the Flemish Pass reservoir sandstones. Over 75% of initial porosity was lost due to the early calcite cementation. The development of secondary porosity (mostly enlarged, moldic pores) and throats by later calcite dissolution due to maturation of organic matters (e.g., hydrocarbon and coals), was the key process in improving the reservoir quality.     

A giant (5.3 × 10 m) middle Miocene (c. 15 Ma) sediment mound (M1) above the Siri Canyon, Norwegian–Danish Basin: Origin and significance

A large-scale enigmatic mound structure (M1) has been discovered in middle Miocene strata of the Norwegian–Danish Basin, c. 10 km east and updip of the Central Graben. It is located about 1 km beneath the seabed and clearly resolved by a 3D seismic data set focused on the deeper, remobilised, sand-filled Siri Canyon. M1 comprises two culminations, up to 80 m high and up to 1400 m long, constituting a sediment volume of some 5.3 × 10⁷ m³. It is characterized by a hard reflection at the top, a soft reflection at the base, differential compaction relative to the surrounding sediments, and 10 ms TWT velocity pull up of underlying reflections, indicating a relatively fast mound fill, attributed to the presence of sand within the mound. Internal seismic reflections are arranged in an asymmetric concentric pattern, suggesting a progressive aggradation to the NW, downstream to a mid-Miocene contour current system. Numerous elongated pockmarks occur in the upper Miocene succession close to the mound and indicate that the study area was influenced by gas expulsion in the mid- and late Miocene.The reflection configuration, velocity, dimensions, regional setting, and isolated location can best be explained by interpreting the mound as a giant sand volcano extruded >1 km upward from the Siri Canyon during the middle Miocene (c. 15 Ma). The likely causes of this remarkable structure include gas charge and lateral pressure transfer from the Central Graben along the Siri Canyon reservoir. While this is the first such structure described from this part of the North Sea, similar-aged sand extrudites have recently been inferred from seismic observations in the North Viking Graben, thus suggesting that the mid-Miocene was a time of widespread and intense sediment remobilization and fluid expulsion in the North Sea.     

Seismic evidence and formation mechanism of gas hydrates in the Zhongjiannan Basin,Western margin of the South China Sea

An analysis of 3D seismic data from the Zhongjiannan Basin in the western margin of the South China Sea (SCS) reveals seismic evidence of gas hydrates and associated gases, including pockmarks, a bottom simulating reflector (BSR), enhanced reflection (ER), reverse polarity reflection (RPR), and a dim amplitude zone (DAZ). The BSR mainly surrounds Zhongjian Island, covering an area of 350 km² in this 3D survey area. The BSR area and pockmark area do not match each other; where there is a pockmark developed, there is no BSR. The gas hydrate layer builds upward from the base of the stability zone with a thickness of less than 100 m. A mature pockmark usually consists of an outside trough, a middle ridge, and one or more central pits, with a diameter of several kilometers and a depth of several hundreds of meters. The process of pockmark creation entails methane consumption. Dense faults in the study area efficiently transport fluid from large depths to the shallow layer, supporting the formation of gas hydrate and ultimately the pockmark.     

Late Pliocene Mega Debris Flow Deposit and Related Fluid Escapes Identified on the Antarctic Peninsula Continental Margin by Seismic Reflection Data Analysis

We have obtained improved images of a debris flow deposit through the reprocessing of multichannel seismic reflection data between Drifts 6 and 7 of the continental rise of the Pacific margin of the Antarctic Peninsula. The reprocessing, primarily aimed at the reduction of noise, relative to amplitude preservation, deconvolution, also included accurate velocity analyses. The deposit is dated as upper Pliocene (nearly 3.0 Ma) via correlation to Sites 1095 and 1096 of the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 178. The estimated volume is about 1800 km³ and the inferred provenance from the continental slope implies a run out distance exceeding 250 km. The dramatic mass-wasting event that produced this deposit, unique in the sedimentary history of this margin, is related to widespread late Pliocene margin erosion. This was associated with a catastrophic continental margin collapse, following the Antarctic ice sheet expansion in response to global cooling. The seismic data analysis also allowed us to identify diffractions and amplitude anomalies interpreted as expressions of sedimentary mounds at the seafloor overlying narrow high-velocity zones that we interpret as conduits of fluid expulsion hosting either methane hydrates or authigenic carbonates. Fluid expulsion was triggered by loading of underlying sediments by the debris flow deposits and may have continued until today by input of fluids from sediment compaction following the deep diagenesis of biogenic silica.     

Quartz cementation in Late Cretaceous mudstones,northern North Sea: Changes in rock properties due to dissolution of smectite and precipitation of micro-quartz crystals

Late Cretaceous mudstones from two wells located in the northern North Sea and the Norwegian Sea have been examined with respect to quartz cement. Two different types of quartz cement (Type 1 and Type 2) have been identified using SEM/EDS/CL-analysis of drill-bit cuttings at depths 2370–2670 m (80–85 °C). Type 1 appears as relatively large aggregates (30–100 μm) of depth/temperature related crypto- or microcrystalline to macrocrystalline irregular quartz cement formed by local re-crystallization of biogenic silica. The CL-responses of Type 1 quartz cement give a clear indication of an authigenic origin. Type 2 quartz cement represents relatively high amounts of extremely fine-grained micro-sized (1–3 μm) crystals embedded as discrete, short chains or small clusters/nests within the illitized clay matrix. The CL-responses of micro-quartz crystals indicate an authigenic origin. The micro-quartz is most probably sourced from silica released during the smectite to illite dissolution–precipitation reaction. The petrographic evidence indicates that most of the silica released by the smectite to illite reaction has not been exported out of the mudstones. The silica released produce a subtle inter-connected micro-quartz network interlocked with aggregates of micro-quartz and authigenic clay crystals. This micro-quartz cementation process causes a significant and sharp change in the mudstone stiffness at the onset of the chemical compaction regime. This is indicated by an abrupt increase in well log velocity (Vp) and change in seismic facies close to 2500 m (80/85 °C).     

Clay mineral diagenesis and quartz cementation in mudstones: The effects of smectite to illite reaction on rock properties

The Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary sequence of the Vøring and Møre Basins from the Norwegian Sea has been examined with respect to mineralogy based on 319 cutting samples from five wells. A clear relationship between mineralogy and well log data is demonstrated. A significant change with respect to velocity, porosity and density occurs within the depth interval corresponding to 80–90 °C. At shallow depths/temperatures (<2.0 km/70 °C), compaction is mainly mechanical and the physical properties are similar to what has been measured by experimental compaction of mudstones. At greater depths, however, the log derived velocities and densities are higher than those produced by experimental compaction indicating significant chemical compaction. XRD analyses show a progressive alteration of smectite to illite (S–I) within this depth/temperature interval which results in the release of significant amounts of silica into solution. Detrital silt and fine-grained quartz showed no secondary quartz overgrowths. These grains are isolated within a clay matrix and surrounded by clay minerals, thus limiting the available surface area and pore space for quartz overgrowths. Chemical analyses (XRF) indicate that silica is conserved within this depth interval, and the amount released from S–I alteration was locally precipitated. Field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) and cathode luminescence (CL) identified authigenic micro-crystalline quartz cement within the clay matrix at temperatures above ∼85 °C. This is accompanied by an increase in velocity and density indicating that the S–I reaction and the precipitation of authigenic quartz caused a significant change in the rock stiffness.     

Flow simulation with reactive transport applied to carbonate rock diagenesis

Significant volumes of the known hydrocarbon reserves are found in carbonate rocks, many of these dolomitized. The spatial distribution of diagenesis on these rocks is one of the main challenges in oil reservoir modeling. Reactive transport models can be a powerful tool to understand the active diagenetic processes and their effects on the quality of these reservoirs. In this study it was used, for the first time, the CMG-GEM simulator to model diagenetic evolution of a carbonate sequence, subjected to compaction-driven and geothermal flow in a simulated period of 200 thousand years. It was simulated carbonate cementation, dolomitization and dissolution, with and without presence of faults. Among the analyzed variables, the volume of circulating fluid was the most important factor. For both mechanisms, flow simulated velocities obtained had magnitudes smaller than 10⁻⁶ m/day. Diagenesis was insignificant for these low speeds at simulated time interval. Only dolomitized facies presented relevant diagenesis in form of calcite dissolution and dolomite precipitation. Simulations with flow rates of 1 m/day revealed a considerable increase in observed diagenesis, especially in carbonate cementation and in porosity enhancement. Diagenesis was more pronounced in more permeable sediments, highlighting the role of fluid flow in diagenetic reactions. Relative dissolution was greatly reduced during simulations performed with absence of dolomite and dolomitization reactions. The presence of faults strongly influences spatial distribution of diagenesis, especially relatively to dissolution. More permeable facies were more dissolved near fault, decreasing with increasing distance. Low permeability facies, as mudstones, are not dissolved, even near fault. Spatial distribution of diagenesis would then be dependent mainly on the quality of original pore structure, of fault presence and mineral composition of rock.     

Reprint of: Maturity modelling integrated with apatite fission-track dating: Implications for the thermal history of the Mid-Polish Trough (Poland)

The Mid-Polish Trough (MPT) is situated in the easternmost part of the Central European Basin System (CEBS) and stretches NW–SE across the Polish Basin. It was characterised by pronounced subsidence and thick sediment accumulation between the Permian and the Late Cretaceous. Late Cretaceous–early Paleogene basin inversion led to the formation of the Mid-Polish Swell (MPS). The study area is located within the Pomeranian segment of the MPT/MPS (NW Poland) and experienced up to 7 km Permian-Mesozoic subsidence. PetroMod 1-D modelling was performed on several well-sections in order to study Permian to recent burial-uplift evolution. The modelling was calibrated with new vitrinite reflectance (VR_r) data and allowed to constrain the magnitude of uplift and related erosion as well as provided a first overview of the temperature history. The base of the studied Permian–Mesozoic successions attained maximum burial depths of 4800–5400 m before the onset of the inversion, less than in the axial trough area. The thickness of pre- and most probably also syn-inversion Upper Cretaceous deposits is estimated as 300 m. Erosion associated with inversion processes removed between 900 and 1400 m of the Mesozoic sediments, i.e. 1000–1500 m less than in the most inverted central part of the trough. VR_r data suggest constant Permian–Mesozoic heat flows corresponding to present-day values (40–45 mW/m²). Apatite fission-track (AFT) ages modelled with the PetroMod module PetroTracks show a good fit with AFT ages directly measured on well samples, and further support the assumption of steady heat flow in the range 40–45 mW/m². Palaeotemperatures appear to have decreased towards the East European Craton margin, which is compatible with the present day distribution of heat flow. Thermal history modelling shows a relatively simple Permian–Mesozoic heat flow pattern in the Pomeranian segment of the MPT. Such a scenario implies that the present-day heat flow distribution has not changed essentially since Mesozoic times.     

A margin-wide BSR gas hydrate assessment: Canada’s Atlantic margin

It is the intent of this paper to explore a significant extent of an entire passive continental margin for hydrate occurrence to understand hydrate modes of occurrence, preferred geologic settings and estimate potential volumes of methane. The presence of gas hydrates offshore of eastern Canada has long been inferred from estimated stability zone calculations, but little physical evidence has been offered. An extensive set of 2-D and 3-D, single and multi-channel seismic reflection data comprising in excess of 140,000 line-km was analyzed. Bottom simulating reflections (BSR) were unequivocally identified at seven sites, ranging between 250 and 445 m below the seafloor and in water depths of 620-2850 m. The combined area of the BSRs is 9311 km², which comprises a small proportion of the entire theoretical stability zone along the Canadian Atlantic margin (∼715,165 km²). The BSR within at least six of these sites lies in a sedimentary drift deposit or sediment wave field, indicating the likelihood of grain sorting and potential porosity and permeability (reservoir) development. Although there are a variety of conditions required to generate and recognize a BSR, one might assume that these sites offer the most potential for highest hydrate concentration and exploitation. Total hydrate in formation at the sites of recognized BSR’s is estimated at 17 to 190 × 10⁹ m³ or 0.28 to 3.12 × 10¹³ m³ of methane gas at STP. Although it has been shown that hydrate can exist without a BSR, the results from this regional study argue that conservative estimates of the global reserve of hydrate along continental margins are necessary.     

Maturity modelling integrated with apatite fission-track dating: Implications for the thermal history of the Mid-Polish Trough (Poland)

The Mid-Polish Trough (MPT) is situated in the easternmost part of the Central European Basin System (CEBS) and stretches NW–SE across the Polish Basin. It was characterised by pronounced subsidence and thick sediment accumulation between the Permian and the Late Cretaceous. Late Cretaceous–early Paleogene basin inversion led to the formation of the Mid-Polish Swell (MPS). The study area is located within the Pomeranian segment of the MPT/MPS (NW Poland) and experienced up to 7 km Permian-Mesozoic subsidence. PetroMod 1-D modelling was performed on several well-sections in order to study Permian to recent burial-uplift evolution. The modelling was calibrated with new vitrinite reflectance (VR_r) data and allowed to constrain the magnitude of uplift and related erosion as well as provided a first overview of the temperature history. The base of the studied Permian–Mesozoic successions attained maximum burial depths of 4800–5400 m before the onset of the inversion, less than in the axial trough area. The thickness of pre- and most probably also syn-inversion Upper Cretaceous deposits is estimated as 300 m. Erosion associated with inversion processes removed between 900 and 1400 m of the Mesozoic sediments, i.e. 1000–1500 m less than in the most inverted central part of the trough. VR_r data suggest constant Permian–Mesozoic heat flows corresponding to present-day values (40–45 mW/m²). Apatite fission-track (AFT) ages modelled with the PetroMod module PetroTracks show a good fit with AFT ages directly measured on well samples, and further support the assumption of steady heat flow in the range 40–45 mW/m². Palaeotemperatures appear to have decreased towards the East European Craton margin, which is compatible with the present day distribution of heat flow. Thermal history modelling shows a relatively simple Permian–Mesozoic heat flow pattern in the Pomeranian segment of the MPT. Such a scenario implies that the present-day heat flow distribution has not changed essentially since Mesozoic times.     

Hydrogeochemical models locating sulfate-methane transition zone in marine sediments overlying black shales: A new tool to locate biogenic methane?

Precise hydrogeochemical modeling of early diagenesis is a key in the reconstruction of sedimentary basin models. This determines the mineralogical evolution of the sediment and consequently the porosity of the rock. During early diagenesis also part of the initial organic matter is converted into biogenic gas: CH₄ CO₂, and H₂S. These processes are part of complex reaction chains during sedimentation, and biogeochemical reactions leave different signals that can be observed today. In this work, we reproduce the early diagenetic processes as integrated signals over geological times in sediments of the Demerara Rise by applying chemical thermodynamics using the PHREEQC (version 2) computer code. The investigated sediments are characterized by the presence of black shales in 410–490 mbsf and by a diagenetic barite layer above in 300–350 mbsf at depth of sulfate-methane transition (SMT). We determine the parameters that influence the location of diagenetic barite peaks in sediments overlying black shales by means of a novel modeling approach. Crucial parameters are the amount of bacterial organic matter mineralization, sedimentation rates and bottom water sulfate concentrations. All parameters are intertwining and influence the sulfate-methane cycle. They affect the location of the SMT visualized by diagenetic barite peaks. However, our model approach opens a wide field in exploring early diagenetic reactions, processes and products (such as biogenic methane) over geological times mirrored by diagenetic minerals and pore water concentration profiles that can be detected in present-day sediments.     

Documenting channel features associated with gas hydrates in the Krishna–Godavari Basin,offshore India

During the India National Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP) Expedition 01 in 2006 significant sand and gas hydrate were recovered at Site NGHP-01-15 within the Krishna–Godavari Basin, East Coast off India. At the drill site NGHP-01-15, a 5–8 m thick interval was found that is characterized by higher sand content than anywhere else at the site and within the KG Basin. Gas hydrate concentrations were determined to be 20–40% of the pore volume using wire-line electrical resistivity data as well as core-derived pore-fluid freshening trends. The gas hydrate-bearing interval was linked to a prominent seismic reflection observed in the 3D seismic data. This reflection event, mapped for about 1 km² south of the drill site, is bound by a fault at its northern limit that may act as migration conduit for free gas to enter the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) and subsequently charge the sand-rich layer. On 3D and additional regional 2D seismic data a prominent channel system was imaged mainly by using the seismic instantaneous amplitude attribute. The channel can be clearly identified by changes in the seismic character of the channel fill (sand-rich) and pronounced levees (less sand content than in the fill, but higher than in surrounding mud-dominated sediments). The entire channel sequence (channel fill and levees) has been subsequently covered and back-filled with a more mud-prone sediment sequence. Where the levees intersect the base of the GHSZ, their reflection strengths are significantly increased to 5- to 6-times the surrounding reflection amplitudes. Using the 3D seismic data these high-amplitude reflection edges where linked to the gas hydrate-bearing layer at Site NGHP-01-15. Further south along the channel the same reflection elements representing the levees do not show similarly large reflection amplitudes. However, the channel system is still characterized by several high-amplitude reflection events (a few hundred meters wide and up to ~ 1 km in extent) interpreted as gas hydrate-bearing sand intervals along the length of the channel.     

Plio–Quaternary sedimentation processes and neotectonics of the northern continental margin of the South China Sea

Analyses of over 6600 km of reflection seismic profiles on the northern continental margin of the South China Sea permit the recognition of four Quaternary high-frequency type 1 sequences of the 4th order, deposited during the past ca. 690 kyr. At the present-day shelf edge, only lowstand systems tracts characterised by a prograding clinoformal internal reflection pattern are preserved. The prograding complexes can be considered as regressive units accumulated during relative sea-level falls. They exhibit internal discontinuities which might point to minor sea-level fluctuations of the 5th order. A preliminary regional relative sea-level curve for the past 630 kyr is established using the present positions of the delta fronts mapped. The neotectonics curve derived by subtracting eustatic sea-level changes from the relative sea-level curve shows that the depths of the delta fronts today are controlled primarily by regional tectonic movements and the global sea-level.Our seismo-stratigraphic interpretation documents that the area off Hong Kong and around the Dongsha Islands experienced two uplift episodes during the past 5 ma, namely at the Miocene/Pliocene boundary and at the end of the lower Middle Pleistocene, respectively. These uplift events which are centred on the Dongsha Rise led to its subaerial exposure and to the erosion of the Pliocene and most of the Pleistocene strata. The change from thermal subsidence of the continental margin initiated at the end of the drift phase to the phase of magmato-tectonic uplift was caused by a reorientation of the tectonic regime.The Recent depositional environment on the northern continental margin of the South China Sea is dominated by sediment accumulation within the inner shelf and the Zhujiang (Pearl River) estuary. The outer shelf and upper slope, especially around the Dongsha Islands, are characterised by bypass of terrigenous material.The sedimentary column in the deepsea basin has a thickness of more than 2 km and comprises 14 depositional units starting with terrestrial rift deposits. It overlies oceanic as well as transitional crust.     

The range expansion patterns of Spartina alterniflora on salt marshes in the Yangtze Estuary,China

The range expansion patterns of Spartina alterniflora and the roles which sexual reproduction and asexual propagation play in range expansion were investigated at the Chongming Dongtan nature reserve in the Yangtze Estuary, China. Two range expansion patterns of S. alterniflora at its advancing fronts could be found (1) S. alterniflora–mudflat front (S–M) and (2) S. alterniflora–Scirpus mariqueter–mudflat front (S–S–M). One feature revealed by this study was that a flush of seedling recruitment and establishment in spring was a crucial way for S. alterniflora to colonize new habitats and achieve a fast rate of range expansion. The mean number of seedlings recruited at the S–M front was much higher than that at the S–S–M front. Once established, the survivorship of seedlings was high, both at the S–M and S–S–M fronts. The established seedlings formed new tussocks quickly by vegetative tillering and growth of rhizomes and these finally merged into dense meadows. The mean distance of range expansion of S. alterniflora, after one growing season at the S–M front, was 25.4 ± 3.1 m yr⁻¹ and 2.7 ± 0.5 m yr⁻¹ at the S–S–M front. Sexual reproduction by seedlings and asexual propagation by tillering and growth of rhizomes were the two main means by which S. alterniflora could maintain a fast rate of range expansion on the salt marshes of the Yangtze Estuary. The colonization behaviors of S. alterniflora on advancing fronts differed as a reaction to various external and internal factors. The impact of abiotic and biotic factors governing the range expansion of S. alterniflora and its implications for the spatial structure of tidal wetlands are discussed.     

Prediction of diagenetic facies using well logs – A case study from the upper Triassic Yanchang Formation,Ordos Basin,China

Understanding diagenetic heterogeneity in tight sandstone reservoirs is vital for hydrocarbon exploration. As a typical tight sandstone reservoir, the seventh unit of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin (Chang 7 unit), central China, is an important oil-producing interval. Results of helium porosity and permeability and petrographic assessment from thin sections, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence analysis demonstrate that the sandstones have encountered various diagenetic processes encompassing mechanical and chemical compaction, cementation by carbonate, quartz, clay minerals, and dissolution of feldspar and lithic fragments. The sandstones comprise silt-to medium-grained lithic arkoses to feldspathic litharenites and litharenites, which have low porosity (0.5%–13.6%, with an average of 6.8%) and low permeability (0.009 × 10⁻³ μm² to 1.818 × 10⁻³ μm², with an average of 0.106 × 10⁻³ μm²).This study suggests that diagenetic facies identified from petrographic observations can be up-scaled by correlation with wire-line log responses, which can facilitate prediction of reservoir quality at a field-scale. Four diagenetic facies are determined based on petrographic features including intensity of compaction, cement types and amounts, and degree of dissolution. Unstable and labile components of sandstones can be identified by low bulk density and low gamma ray log values, and those sandstones show the highest reservoir quality. Tightly compacted sandstones/siltstones, which tend to have high gamma ray readings and relatively high bulk density values, show the poorest reservoir quality. A model based on principal component analysis (PCA) is built and show better prediction of diagenetic facies than biplots of well logs. The model is validated by blind testing log-predicted diagenetic facies against petrographic features from core samples of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin, which indicates it is a helpful predictive model.     

Morphology,sedimentary infill and depositional environments of the Early Quaternary North Sea Basin (56°–62°N)

The North Sea Basin has been subsiding during the Quaternary and contains hundreds of metres of fill. Seismic surveys (170 000 km²) provide new evidence on Early Quaternary sedimentation, from about 2.75 Ma to around the Brunhes-Matuyama boundary (0.78 Ma). We present an informal seismic stratigraphy for the Early Quaternary of the North Sea, and calculate sediment volumes for major units. Early Quaternary sediment thickness is > 1000 m in the northern basin and >700 m in the central basin (total about 40 000 km³). Northern North Sea basin-fill comprises several clinoform units, prograding westward over 60 000 km². Architecture of the central basin also comprises clinoforms, building from the southeast. To the west, an acoustically layered and mounded unit (Unit Z) was deposited. Remaining accommodation space was filled with fine-grained sediments of two Central Basin units. Above these units, an Upper Regional Unconformity-equivalent (URU) records a conformable surface with flat-lying units that indicate stronger direct glacial influence than on the sediments below. On the North Sea Plateau north of 59°N, the Upper Regional Unconformity (URU) is defined by a shift from westward to eastward dipping seismic reflectors, recording a major change in sedimentation, with the Shetland Platform becoming a significant source. A model of Early Quaternary sediment delivery to the North Sea shows sources from the Scandinavian ice sheet and major European rivers. Clinoforms prograding west in the northern North Sea Basin, representing glacigenic debris flows, indicate an ice sheet on the western Scandinavian margin. In the central basin, sediments are generally fine-grained, suggesting a distal fluvial or glacifluvial origin from European rivers. Ploughmarks also demonstrate that icebergs, derived from an ice sheet to the north, drifted into the central North Sea Basin. By contrast, sediments and glacial landforms above the URU provide evidence for the later presence of a grounded ice sheet.