Controls on the formation of stratabound dolostone bodies,Hammam Faraun Fault block,Gulf of Suez

Dolomitization is commonly associated with crustal‐scale faults, but tectonic rejuvenation, diagenetic overprinting and a fluid and Mg mass‐imbalance often makes it difficult to determine the dolomitization mechanism. This study considers differential dolomitization of the Eocene Thebes Formation on the Hammam Faraun Fault block, Gulf of Suez, which has undergone a simple history of burial and exhumation as a result of rifting. Stratabound dolostone bodies occur selectively within remobilized sediments (debrites and turbidites) in the lower Thebes Formation and extend into the footwall of, and for up to 2 km away from, the Hammam Faraun Fault. They are offset by the north–south trending Gebel fault, which was active during the earliest phases of rifting, suggesting that dolomitization occurred between rift initiation (26 Ma) and rift climax (15 Ma). Geochemical data suggest that dolomitization occurred from evaporated (ca 1·43 concentration) seawater at less than ca 80°C. Geothermal convection is interpreted to have occurred as seawater was drawn down surface‐breaching faults into the Nubian sandstone aquifer, convected and discharged into the lower Thebes Formation via the Hammam Faraun Fault. Assuming a ca 10 Myr window for dolomitization, a horizontal velocity of ca 0·7 m year⁻¹ into the Thebes Formation is calculated, with fluid flux and reactivity likely to have been facilitated by fracturing. Although fluids were at least marginally hydrothermal, stratabound dolostone bodies do not contain saddle dolomite and there is no evidence of hydrobrecciation. This highlights how misleading dolostone textures can be as a proxy for the genesis and spatial distribution of such bodies in the subsurface. Overall, this study provides an excellent example of how fluid flux may occur during the earliest phases of rifting, and the importance of crustal‐scale faults on fluid flow from the onset of their growth. Furthermore, this article presents a mechanism for dolomitization from seawater that has none of the inherent mass balance problems of classical, conceptual models of hydrothermal dolomitization.     

Hydrothermal dolomitization in a complex geodynamic setting (Lower Palaeozoic,northern Spain)

Burial hydrothermal dolomitization is a common diagenetic modification in sedimentary basins with implications for oil and gas reservoir performance. Outcrop analogues represent an easily accessible source of data to refine the genetic models and assess risk in hydrocarbon exploration and production. The Palaeozoic succession of northern Spain contains numerous excellent exposures of epigenetically dolomitized limestones, particularly in the Carboniferous and Cambrian. The epigenetic dolomites in the Cambrian carbonates of the Láncara Formation are volumetrically small, but have a large aerial distribution across different tectonic units of the Variscan fold and thrust belt. Coarse crystals, abundant saddle dolomite cement, negative δ¹⁸O and fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures between 80°C and 120°C characterize these dolomites, which are petrographically and geochemically similar to the tens of kilometre‐sized hydrothermal dolomites replacing the Upper Carboniferous succession in the same area. In both cases, the dolomitizing fluids are derived from highly evaporated sea water, modified to a limited degree through fluid‐rock interaction. The dolomitization events affecting both Cambrian and Carboniferous strata are probably related to the same post‐orogenic hydrothermal fluid flow. The formation of the post‐collisional (latest Carboniferous) Cantabrian arc fostered dolomitization: the extension related to bending of the arc generated deep‐reaching faults and strike‐slip movements, which favoured the circulation of hot dolomitizing fluids in the outer parts of this orocline. A similar dolomitization process affected other areas of Europe after the main stages of the Variscan orogeny. Dolomitization was a continuous, uninterrupted, isochemical process. Limestone replacement resulted in a major porosity redistribution and focused the fluid flow into the newly created porous zones. Replacement was followed immediately by partial to complete cementation of the pores (including zebra fabrics and vugs) with saddle dolomite. The amount of porosity left depends on the volume of cement and therefore on the volume of fluids available.     

沉积盆地流体活动及其成岩响应

盆地流体活动通过改变成岩场的温压和孔隙水介质条件,进而影响到盆地内成岩作用序列、水—岩相互作用以及储层孔隙变化。对于碎屑岩而言,流体活动仅能导致母岩中少部分矿物的溶蚀以及孔隙内溶解与沉淀作用发生,富含二氧化碳和有机酸的流体活动为次生孔隙发育提供条件,超压环境下流体幕式释放既可导致超压体内次生孔隙的发育,又可以导致热流体活动影响区域内浅部储层的成岩异常;对于碳酸盐岩而言,由于碳酸盐岩具有很强的溶解性,盆地流体活动导致碳酸盐岩储层组构及空间发生巨大的变化,其中天水的下渗以及与深部热液或热流体沿断裂或裂缝释放均可导致碳酸盐岩成分、组构、储集空间发生根本性变化,故与盆地流体活动密切相关的风化壳型岩溶储层和构造热液白云岩储层构成碳酸盐岩中最为重要的储层类型。然而,盆地流体活动及其成岩响应研究仍存在许多亟待解决的难点问题,急待深入的研究探索。     

川北元坝地区长兴组白云石化作用机制及其对储层形成的影响

通过岩心观察和薄片鉴定,在岩石学和矿物学特征分析基础上,结合白云石有序度测定,碳、氧同位素、锶同位素和稀土元素组成及配分模式分析,详细研究了川北元坝地区长兴组白云石化作用的特征、机制及模式,结果表明长兴组发育微晶白云石(岩)、粉-中晶他形白云石、粉-中晶自形白云石和异形白云石等四种类型,它们的有序度由低变高;白云石的碳、氧同位素、锶同位素和稀土元素组成及配分模式特征表明,长兴组微晶白云石(岩)、粉-中晶他形白云石、粉-中晶自形白云石主要形成于浓缩海水环境、正常海水环境、或者与正常海水相似的地层水环境中,并遭受过热液地质作用的改造,从微晶白云石(岩)→粉-中晶他形白云石→粉-中晶自形白云石是一个沉积埋藏过程中多阶段白云石化作用的产物,异形白云石则由热液作用形成;根据长兴组白云石的矿物学和地球化学特征及白云石化作用与层序和沉积相之间的关系,分别可以用准同生期蒸发泵白云石化作用模式、准同生期渗透回流白云石化作用模式、成岩早期浅埋藏状态下地层水白云石化作用模式和成岩晚期热液白云石化作用模式来解释微晶白云石(岩),粉-中晶他形白云石、粉-中晶自形白云石和异形白云石的形成。白云石化作用是有利于长兴组储层形成的建设性成岩作用。     

Field geometry, petrography and geochemistry of a dolomitization front (Late Jurassic, central Lebanon)

This contribution describes the field geometry, petrography and geochemistry of a well-exposed dolomitization front in Upper Jurassic carbonates, and attempts to highlight the sedimentological, structural and relative sea-level controls on multiphase dolomitization and related diagenetic events. The data presented reflect the superposition of various diagenetic phases which have resulted in a single dolostone body, whose dimensions are well defined in the field. Local microbial intraclastic dolomites of Late Tithonian age accumulated in a hypersaline lagoon during relative sea-level fall. These pre-date beige hydrothermal dolostones (51 to 55 mol% CaCO₃; δ ¹⁸O: −9·3 to −4·0‰ V-PDB; δ ¹³C: −1·5 to +2·1‰ V-PDB; ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0·70742; matrix porosity: ≈6%; Klinkenberg permeability: ≈0·5 mD), whose dolomitizing fluid circulated along faults and invaded the nearby facies. First, the burrows were dolomitized, then the bulk rocks, resulting in the investigated 'tongue'-shaped dolomite body. Upon Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous uplift, near-surface water percolated through – and altered – the underlying beige dolostones. This event was followed by a ferroan dolomite cement phase, which occurred during further burial. This contribution, featuring a well-defined geometric pattern of a dolomitization front with a large petrographic and geochemical data set, may also serve as a case study illustrating the complexity of superimposed diagenetic processes which have to be taken into account in modelling exercises of multiphase hydrothermal dolomitization.     

湖相碳酸盐岩白云石化流体来源、作用机制及物质过程

湖相白云岩具有重要的油气地质意义,广泛发育于我国东部新生代地层中。本文通过大量资料统计和分析前人对国内湖相白云岩的研究成果,系统阐述了国内主要湖盆的湖相白云岩的成因、形成流体来源及相关物质的响应。根据白云石化流体的碳氧同位素、锶钡比、有序度、pH值、Eu异常、Ce异常等各类指标,将白云石化流体分为原始湖泊、外来淡水、热水热液和海源流体等类型。不同类型流体来源改造下生成白云岩所伴生的矿物组合不同;不同白云石化流体通过微生物作用、准同生作用、热液作用和埋藏作用等方式对原始碳酸盐岩进行白云石化作用,不同白云石化作用机制直接制约了其物质响应过程。提出了未来利用定量分析技术深入开展白云石化流体来源分析、准确判断成岩流体类型或成岩作用机制是进一步研究的方向。     

碳酸盐成岩作用研究现状与前瞻

碳酸盐成岩作用是沉积学最为活跃的领域之一,与之有关的研究成果会直接影响人们对碳酸盐油气储层形成机制和层控矿床形成机制的理解。近年来,碳酸盐成岩作用在多个领域取得了令人瞩目的研究成果,主要包括以下几个方面:(1)实验室沉淀白云石获得成功:人们模拟海水(泻湖)条件下的细菌硫酸盐还原环境,在常温下沉淀出具有序反射的白云石。(2)热液白云化作为新的主流模式成为关注的热点:人们已认识到热液白云岩储层、沉积-喷流型铅锌矿床和Mississippi河谷型铅锌矿床具有共同的形成机制,它们均受构造(伸展、走滑构造)和热流体流动的强烈控制。(3)深埋藏条件下封闭系统的白云化作用受到关注:一些对油气储集空间和层控矿床有较大意义的白云化作用主要是在相对封闭条件下发生的,在对岩石储集空间的变化的贡献上以及在相应的地球化学指标上不同于开放条件下的白云化作用。(4)混合水白云化模式受到质疑:人们重新研究了作为混合水白云化典型地点的美国威斯康星弧碳酸盐的成岩作用,根据流体包裹体分析、阴极发光分析、偏光显微镜观察及稳定同位素分析等方法并结合有机物成熟度的数据,得出威斯康星弧与白云化有关的水-岩相互作用是由与温度升高有关的浓卤水导致的,白云化作用是热水成岩作用的结果。(5)淡水环境的成岩机制受到挑战:新近研究证明,大范围的低位体系域中可以没有具化学活性的淡水透镜体,海水环境同样可以产生成熟的石灰岩,细菌硫酸盐还原作用可以引起海水对碳酸盐的不饱和。(6)锶同位素在海相碳酸盐研究中的广泛应用:由于锶同位素不像氧、碳同位素那样因温度、压力和微生物作用而分馏,矿物可直接反映流体的同位素组成,地质历史中海水锶同位素组成也具有独特的长期变化趋势,这使得海相碳酸盐的锶同位素组成在沉积期后流体示踪中得到广泛应用。(7)硫酸盐还原作用对碳酸盐成岩作用的影响受到重视:如BSR和TSR可减小SO42-对白云石沉淀(或白云化)的动力学屏障,其产物H2S和CO2可在不同条件下对碳酸盐储层产生影响,BSR和TSR可提高成岩流体锶含量,甚至在形成天青石矿床中也具极大的潜在价值。     

Fault-controlled dolomitization at Swan Hills Simonette oil field (Devonian), deep basin west-central Alberta, Canada

The partly dolomitized Swan Hills Formation (Middle‐Upper Devonian) in the Simonette oil field of west‐central Alberta underwent a complex diagenetic history, which occurred in environments ranging from near surface to deep (>2500 m) burial. Five petrographically and geochemically distinct dolomites that include both cementing and replacive varieties post‐date stylolites in limestones (depths >500 m). These include early planar varieties and later saddle dolomites. Fluid inclusion data from saddle dolomite cements (T_h=137–190 °C) suggest that some precipitated at burial temperatures higher than the temperatures indicated by reflectance data (T_peak=160 °C). Thus, at least some dolomitizing fluids were ‘hydrothermal’. Fluorescence microscopy identified three populations of primary hydrocarbon‐bearing fluid inclusions and confirms that saddle dolomitization overlapped with Upper Cretaceous oil migration. The source of early dolomitizing fluids probably was Devonian or Mississippian seawater that was mixed with a more ⁸⁷Sr‐rich fluid. Fabric‐destructive and fabric‐preserving dolostones are over 35 m thick in the Swan Hills buildup and basal platform adjacent to faults, thinning to less than 10 cm thick in the buildup between 5 and 8 km away from the faults. This ‘plume‐like’ geometry suggests that early and late dolomitization events were fault controlled. Late diagenetic fluids were, in part, derived from the crystalline basement or Palaeozoic siliciclastic aquifers, based on ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values up to 0·7370 from saddle dolomite, calcite and sphalerite cements, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb of 22·86 from galena samples. Flow of dolomitizing and mineralizing fluids occurred during burial greater than 500 m, both vertically along reactivated faults and laterally in the buildup along units that retained primary and/or secondary porosity.     

塔里木盆地寒武-奥陶系白云岩储层类型与分布特征

塔里木盆地寒武-奥陶系白云岩是台盆区最重要的储层之一,发育4种类型:①潮坪白云岩。以含膏泥晶白云岩为主,石膏溶孔及白云岩砾间孔发育,发育于潮间-潮上坪蒸发环境。白云石表现为MgO-CaO呈线性正相关、低Mg/Ca值及高∑REE值、锶同位素值分布在0.7085～0.7100之间,略高于同期海水值0.7090、阴极发光不发光或暗色光。储层分布主要受沉积相控制,发育于中下寒武统地层;②蒸发台地白云岩。以藻丘及颗粒灰岩选择性白云石化为特征,发育铸模孔、膏溶孔和残留粒间孔,白云石Mg/Ca值变化范围大、δ13C、δ18O值相对偏正、分别大于2‰和-4‰、阴极发光发较亮红光。储层主要发育于台内靠近台缘一侧;③埋藏白云岩。发育细晶、中晶及粗晶白云岩,以晶间孔及晶间溶孔为主,δ18O值偏负在-5‰～-10‰(PDB)之间,87Sr/86Sr值相对较大,为0.7090～0.7110,阴极发光以发暗棕褐色、紫色光为主。埋藏白云岩储层发育主要受成岩相控制,但也表现出与沉积相具有相关性,这是因为物性好的台缘、台内礁滩体及有裂缝沟通构成的开放体系更有利于埋藏白云石化作用发生;④热液白云岩。以受热液改造的结晶白云岩为特征,往往伴生热液矿物,白云石δ18O值异常偏负、一般小于-9‰(PDB)、阴极发光多发明亮红光、稀土元素标准化配分曲线中Eu出现正异常、出现高于地层背景值的异常高温包裹体;主要发育在具有上覆隔挡层的不整合面之下地层及大断裂发育带附近。上述四类白云岩在规模与分布上有不同,但都可预测。埋藏和热液白云岩规模较大,受原始沉积相带和成岩流体来源双重约束。潮坪和蒸发台地白云岩规模可变性较大,可由沉积环境重建,结合成岩相研究预测评价。     

Application of numerical modelling to a case of compaction-driven dolomitization: a Jurassic palaeohigh in the Po Plain, Italy

Dolomitization of a carbonate platform can occur at different times and in different diagenetic environments, from synsedimentary to deep burial settings. Numerical simulations are valuable tools to test and select the model that, among different hypotheses compatible with field and geochemical data, best honour mass balance, kinetic and thermodynamic constraints. Moreover, the simulation can predict the distribution of the dolomitized bodies in the subsurface and evaluate porosity changes; valuable information for the oil industry. This study is the first attempt to reproduce and investigate the compaction dolomitization model. The diagenetic study of the Jurassic carbonate basin and palaeohigh system of the Po Plain indicates that the carbonates of the palaeohighs were dolomitized by basin compaction fluids. The main goal of the simulations is to evaluate the origin and evolution of the dolomitizing fluids and to provide insights regarding the distribution of the potential reservoir‐dolomitized bodies in the Po Plain. The modelling process is subdivided into two steps: basin modelling and reactive transport modelling. The SEBE3 basin simulator (Eni proprietary) was used to create a three‐dimensional model of the compacting system. The results include compaction fluid flow rate from the basin to the palaeohigh, compaction duration and a determination of the total amount of fluid introduced into the palaeohigh. These data are then used to perform reactive transport modelling with the TOUGHREACT code. Sensitivities on dolomite kinetic parameters suggest that dolomitization was an efficient process even at low temperatures, with differences mainly related to the dynamics of the process. Fluid composition is one of the main constraints, the sea water derived compaction fluid is proven to be efficient for dolomitization due to its relatively high Mg content. Simulations also confirmed that permeability is the most important factor influencing fluid flow and, consequently, the dolomite distribution in the formation. Permeable fractured zones have a strong influence, diverting the dolomitizing fluids from their normal path towards overlying or lateral zones. Moreover, the simulations showed that, after dolomite replacement is complete, the dolomitizing fluids can precipitate dolomite cement, causing over‐dolomitization, with related localized plugging effects in the zone of influx. Mass balance calculations indicate that in the dolomitization compaction model, the amount of compaction water fluxed from the basin to the carbonate is the main constraint on dolomitization efficiency. This observation implies that the ratio between the volume of the basin undergoing compaction and the volume of the palaeohigh is a limiting factor on the final size of the dolomitized bodies. An isolated palaeohigh could be an ideal site for pervasive replacement dolomitization due to the large volume of compaction fluids available compared with the carbonate rock volume. In the case of large platforms, the more permeable margin lithofacies are the most likely sites for compaction model dolomitization. The combined use of a basin simulator and reactive transport modelling has proved to be a successful method to verify model reliability and it provides insights into the volumetric distribution of diagenetic products.     

Multiple Dolomitization and Fluid Flow Events in the Precambrian Dengying Formation of Sichuan Basin,Southwestern China

The Precambrian Dengying Formation is a set of large-scale, extensively dolomitized, carbonate reservoirs occurring within the Sichuan Basin. Petrographic and geochemical studies reveal dolomitization was a direct result of precipitation by chemically distinct fluids occurring at different times and at different intensities. Based on this evidence, dolomitization and multiple fluid flow events are analyzed, and three types of fluid evolution models are proposed. Results of analysis show that Precambrian Dengying Formation carbonates were deposited in a restricted peritidal environment(630–542 Ma). A high temperature and high Mg~(2+) concentration seawater was a direct result of dolomitization for the micrite matrix, and for fibrous aragonite in primary pores. Geochemical evidence shows low δ~(18)O values of micritic dolomite varying from-1.29‰ to-4.52‰ PDB, abundant light rare earth elements(REEs), and low dolomite order degrees. Microbes and meteoric water significantly altered dolomite original chemical signatures, resulting in algal micritic dolomite and the fine-grained, granular, dolosparite dolomite having very negative δ~(18)O values. Finely crystalline cement dolomite(536.3–280 Ma) and coarsely crystalline cement dolomite have a higher crystallization degree and higher order degree. The diagenetic sequence and fluid inclusion evidence imply a linear correlation between their burial depth and homogenization temperatures, which closely resemble the temperature of generated hydrocarbon. Compared with finely crystalline dolomite, precipitation of coarsely crystalline dolomite was more affected by restricted basinal fluids. In addition, there is a trend toward a more negative δ~(18)O value, higher salinity, higher Fe and Mn concentrations, REE-rich. Two periods of hydrothermal fluids are identified, as the exceptionally high temperatures as opposed to the temperatures of burial history, in addition to the presence of high salinity fluid inclusions. The early hydrothermal fluid flow event was characterized by hot magnesium-and silicon-rich fluids, as demonstrated by the recrystallized matrix dolomite that is intimately associated with flint, opal, and microcrystalline quartz in intergranular or intercrystalline pores. This event was likely the result of a seafloor hydrothermal chimney eruption during Episode I of the Tongwan Movement(536.3±5.5 Ma). In contrast, later hydrothermal fluids, which caused precipitation of saddle dolomite, were characterized by high salinity(15–16.05 wt% NaCl equivalent) and homogenization temperatures(250 to 265°C), δ~(18)O values that were more enriched, and REE signatures. Geochemical data and the paragenetic sequence indicate that this hydrothermal fluid was related to extensive Permian large igneous province activity(360–280 Ma). This study demonstrates the presence of complicated dolomitization processes occurring during various paleoclimates, tectonic cycles, and basinal fluids flow; results are a useful reference for these dolomitized Precambrian carbonates reservoirs.     

Impact of single inclined faults on the fluid flow and heat transport: results from 3-D finite element simulations

The impact of inclined faults on the hydrothermal field is assessed by adding simplified structural settings to synthetic models. This study is innovative in carrying out numerical simulations because it integrates the real 3-D nature of flow influenced by a fault in a porous medium, thereby providing a useful tool for complex geothermal modelling. The 3-D simulations for the coupled fluid flow and heat transport processes are based on the finite element method. In the model, one geological layer is dissected by a dipping fault. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to quantify the effects of the fault’s transmissivity on the fluid flow and thermal field. Different fault models are compared with a model where no fault is present to evaluate the effect of varying fault transmissivity. The results show that faults have a significant impact on the hydrothermal field. Varying either the fault zone width or the fault permeability will result in relevant differences in the pressure, velocity and temperature field. A linear relationship between fault zone width and fluid velocity is found, indicating that velocities increase with decreasing widths. The faults act as preferential pathways for advective heat transport in case of highly transmissive faults, whereas almost no fluid may be transported through poorly transmissive faults.     

Dolomite characteristics and diagenetic model of the Calcari Grigi Group (Asiago Plateau,Southern Alps – Italy): an example of multiphase dolomitization

A multidisciplinary study, conducted over the carbonate platform deposits of the Liassic Calcari Grigi Group (Southern Alps), highlighted how the use of outcrop analogues can contribute to better define the distribution of dolomitic bodies related to fault networks, to characterize the petrophysical properties of the dolomitic sequence and unravel a complex diagenetic history. This study was carried out in the Asiago Plateau (southernmost part of the eastern Southern Alps, northern Italy) which provides excellent outcrops of the Jurassic Calcari Grigi Group. The dolomitization of the Jurassic sequence is variable in terms of stratigraphic extension and geographic distribution. In the studied localities the dolomitization is generally limited to the Mount Zugna Formation and is characterized by an undulatory front, with ‘sub‐vertical dolomitic chimneys’ along the major faults. Within this unit, and often associated with faults, stacked high‐porosity and permeability bed‐parallel dolomitic bodies are developed that show excellent petrophysical properties. The dolomitic intervals are characterized by pervasive unimodal and patchy polymodal dolomite crystals. Thin section, cathodoluminescence, isotopic and fluid inclusion analyses were used to constrain the paragenetic evolution of the sequence which is similar in all the studied localities. The first dolomitization stage is marked by zoned dolomite crystals with a dull luminescent core. The porosity is thought to have increased after this stage, with dark blue luminescent dolomite accompanied by the corrosion of older crystals. The appearance of saddle dolomite marks the onset of the porosity reduction stage, ending with the infilling of vugs and the remaining open pores with calcite cement. The diagenetic evolution locally stopped at the saddle dolomite stage with the complete occlusion of the remaining pores. Paragenetic and fluid‐inclusion data suggest an evolutionary trend of increasing temperatures and decreasing salinity toward brackish fluids responsible for dolomite and calcite precipitation. The integration of the available data seem to indicate that the diagenetic evolution of the study area is related to: (i) the interplay between evolving fluids (from marine to brackish); (ii) the burial of the sequence (increasing temperature); and (iii) the evolution of the hydrogeological system (fault and fracture network, fluid mixing). This complex paragenetic evolution is strongly linked to the evolution of the porosity framework that evolved from a good, widespread network in the early stages of the burial history to a confined system in the later stages due to reduction of porosity by the deposition of late calcite and dolomite cements.     

川东、鄂西地区晚二叠世长兴期海绵礁的成岩历史及其油气信息

晚二叠世长兴期,川东-鄂西碳酸盐台地是我国钙质海绵礁的主要产地。区内发育的礁体有三大类:台缘镶边骨架礁、台内线状及点状骨架礁和台内点状障积礁。礁组合经历过同生至早埋藏阶段的海水成岩作用,中埋藏阶段的与区域不整合面有关的地下混合水成岩作用和深埋藏阶段的上升热水成岩作用。成岩作用受沉积相和构造部位的联合控制,礁组合的有效储集孔隙是中、深埋藏阶段形成的次生孔隙。     

Evaluating new fault-controlled hydrothermal dolomitization models: Insights from the Cambrian Dolomite,Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin

Fault-controlled hydrothermal dolomitization in tectonically complex basins can occur at any depth and from different fluid compositions, including ‘deep-seated’, ‘crustal’ or ‘basinal’ brines. Nevertheless, many studies have failed to identify the actual source of these fluids, resulting in a gap in our knowledge on the likely source of magnesium of hydrothermal dolomitization. With development of new concepts in hydrothermal dolomitization, the study aims in particular to test the hypothesis that dolomitizing fluids were sourced from either seawater, ultramafic carbonation or a mixture between the two by utilizing the Cambrian Mount Whyte Formation as an example. Here, the large-scale dolostone bodies are fabric-destructive with a range of crystal fabrics, including euhedral replacement (RD1) and anhedral replacement (RD2). Since dolomite is cross-cut by low amplitude stylolites, dolomitization is interpreted to have occurred shortly after deposition, at a very shallow depth (<1 km). At this time, there would have been sufficient porosity in the mudstones for extensive dolomitization to occur, and the necessary high heat flows and faulting associated with Cambrian rifting to transfer hot brines into the near surface. While the δ¹⁸O_water and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios values of RD1 are comparable with Cambrian seawater, RD2 shows higher values in both parameters. Therefore, although aspects of the fluid geochemistry are consistent with dolomitization from seawater, very high fluid temperature and salinity could be suggestive of mixing with another, hydrothermal fluid. The very hot temperature, positive Eu anomaly, enriched metal concentrations, and cogenetic relation with quartz could indicate that hot brines were at least partially sourced from ultramafic rocks, potentially as a result of interaction between the underlying Proterozoic serpentinites and CO₂-rich fluids. This study highlights that large-scale hydrothermal dolostone bodies can form at shallow burial depths via mixing during fluid pulses, providing a potential explanation for the mass balance problem often associated with their genesis.     

塔河地区鹰山组灰岩白云石化成因及其对储层的影响

白云石化是碳酸盐典型的成岩作用类型之一,中-下奥陶统鹰山组浅海碳酸盐岩是塔河地区重要的含油气储层,普遍发育多种类型的白云石化作用。本文针对塔河地区鹰山组灰岩中沿缝合线分布这一特定类型的白云石化进行了研究。岩石学基础上的阴极发光分析、⁸⁶Sr/⁸⁷Sr比值以及δ¹³C-δ¹⁸O 的研究表明,这种类型的白云石化发育于相对还原的浅埋藏成岩环境,孔隙中的残留海水是主要的白云石化流体来源,碳酸盐矿物(主要是高镁方解石)稳定化过程中释放的Mg²⁺ 可能是白云石化主要的物质来源,而埋藏过程中逐渐升高的温度一定程度上也促进了白云石化的发生。成岩流体及Mg²⁺ 有限的供给量限制了白云石化作用的整体规模。显微结构与岩石物性分析表明,该类白云石化对储层物性参数的绝对贡献相对有限,但可能成为小规模油气运移以及深部热流体活动的潜在通道。     

Characteristics of hydrothermal-structure-controlled fracture-vug dolomite reservoir and its influence on oil-water distribution: Lower Cretaceous,Baiyinchagan sag,Erlian Basin,North China

Fractures and vugs were used as the primary dolomite reservoir space in the study area, which improved the reservoir’s physical properties and influenced the distribution pattern of oil and water that were developed in the Upper Tenger Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Baiyinchagan sag, Erlian Basin. Based on the core observation data, thin slice analysis, and image logging, the cave-fractured reservoir was primarily developed in the actic region near the side of a depositional fault. Tectonic and diagenetic fractures were the primary types of fractures. High-angle tectonic fractures in the closure and open status were developed well in dolomitic mudstone, while a low-angle fracture and reticulate fractures were developed in the tectonic-hydrothermal hybrid process and were filled with hydrothermal minerals. The reservoir was located in low-lying land; therefore, detrital grain pressolution fractures were formed by burial diagenesis. Intergranular and intrangranular dissolved pores, which were formed by hydrothermal activity, were developed primarily in the highly dolomite lithology. According to the diagenesis temperature of dolomite from a carbon-oxygen isotope analysis, multiple hydrothermal fluid injection events occurred, and dolomitization ensued before massive hydrocarbon migration. The dissolution of organic acids formed by hydrocarbon charges after dolomitization and inorganic acid produced by burial di agenesis for soluble minerals effectively promoted the reservoir properties. Strong heterogeneity due to lithology and fracture-vug systems led to intricate oil-water relationships. Four statuses occurred, including cave-fracture oil, isolated oil, stored oil, isolated water, and stored water. The oil-water distribution patterns were established based on the core observation.     

Multistage dolomitization and distribution of dolomitized bodies in Early Jurassic carbonate platforms (Southern Alps,Italy)

The Early Jurassic dolomitized carbonates are a hydrocarbon exploration target in Northern Italy. Of these carbonates, the Liassic Albenza Formation platform and the overlying Sedrina Formation shelf were studied to define a pervasive dolomitization model and to shed light on dolomite distribution in the sub‐surface. Field work, as well as analyses of well cores, stable isotopes, trace elements and fluid inclusions, was carried out on the outcropping thrust belt and sub‐surface deformed foreland of the Southern Alps. Petrographic analyses showed a first, pervasive, replacement dolomitization phase (D1) followed by volumetrically less important dolomite cement precipitation phases (D2, D3 and D4). The δ¹⁸O values fall between ?8·2‰ and 0·1‰ Vienna‐Pee Dee Belemnite with the more depleted samples belonging to dolomite cement‐rich dolostones; the δ¹³C ranges from 2·6‰ to 3·7‰ Vienna‐Pee Dee Belemnite. Analysis of trace elements showed different Fe and Mn contents in the sub‐surface and outcropping dolostones, and a higher Fe in the younger dolomite cements. An increase in the precipitation temperature (up to 130 °C from fluid inclusion data) and a decrease in diagenetic fluid salinity (from sea water to brackish) are observed from the first pervasive replacement dolomite to the dolomite cement phases. Field observations indicate that, in the Albenza Formation, dolomitization was limited to palaeohighs or faulted platform margins in the Early Jurassic carbonates. The pervasive replacement phase is interpreted based on a ‘compaction model’; the formation fluids expelled from compacting basinal carbonates could have funnelled along faults into permeable palaeohighs. The high homogenization temperature of the dolomite cements and decreased salinities indicate precipitation at great depth with an influx of meteoric water. These data, along with the thermal history, suggest that the dolomite cements precipitated according to the ‘tectonic squeegee’ dolomitization model. The dolomite precipitation temperature was set against the thermal history of the carbonate platform to interpret the timing of dolomite precipitation. The dolomite precipitation temperatures (90 to 100 °C) were reached in the studied formations first in the thrust fold belt (Early Tertiary, 60 Ma), and then in the foreland succession during the Late Tertiary (10 Ma). This observation suggests that the dolomite precipitation fronts moved southwards over time, recording a ‘diagenetic wave’ linked to the migration of the orogenic system. Observations suggest that the porosity increased during the first phase of replacement dolomitization while the dolomite cementation phases partially occluded the pores. The distribution of porous dolomitized bodies is therefore linked to the ‘compaction dolomitization’ model.     

塔里木盆地中央隆起区上寒武统—下奥陶统白云岩地球化学特征及白云石化流体演化规律*

以详细的岩石学研究为基础,综合利用碳、氧、锶同位素等地球化学资料,深入分析了塔里木盆地中央隆起区上寒武统—下奥陶统白云石化流体演化规律以及白云岩成因机制。结果表明,上寒武统白云岩主要由泥晶—粉晶白云岩、微生物白云岩和(残余)颗粒白云岩等原始结构保留较好的白云岩构成,其C、Sr同位素与同期海水相近,O同位素值偏正,属于同生/准同生期与轻微蒸发海水有关的白云石化的产物;下奥陶统白云岩以细晶自形—半自形白云石为主,原始结构保留差,其C、Sr同位素与同期海水近似,但O同位素值略微偏负,主要为浅埋藏期白云石化的产物。部分早期白云岩在中—深埋藏过程中受埋藏重结晶和构造—热液白云石化的影响,形成细晶—粗晶他形白云岩和缝洞鞍形白云石充填物,该阶段白云石化流体主要来自于地层内封存的海源流体、深部热液以及蒸发岩层间热卤水,多期多源流体的共同作用导致该类白云岩具有较宽的Sr同位素组成和明显负偏的O同位素值。总体上,研究区白云岩具有早期形成(近地表到浅埋藏期大规模交代)、中期加强(中—深埋藏期部分重结晶)、晚期改造(热液局部调整)的整体演化趋势。     

Theoretical and numerical analyses of pore-fluid flow focused heat transfer around geological faults and large cracks

In this paper, theoretical and numerical methods are used to investigate pore-fluid flow focused temperature distribution patterns around geological faults and cracks of any length-scales in hydrothermal systems. If the far field inflow is uniform and the long axis of an elliptical fault of any length-scale is parallel to the far field inflow direction, a complete set of analytical solutions has been presented for the pore-fluid velocity, stream function and excess pore-fluid pressure around the elliptical fault embedded in fluid-saturated porous media. Because the analytical solutions are explicitly expressed in the conventional Cartesian coordinate system, not only can they be used to gain a theoretical insight into the pore-fluid flow patterns around geological faults and large cracks, but also they can be used as valuable benchmark solutions for validating any numerical methods. After a finite element computational model is validated by comparing the numerical solutions with the present analytical solutions, it is used to investigate pore-fluid flow focused heat transfer around geological faults in hydrothermal systems. Some interesting conclusions in relation to the effects of geological faults on pore-fluid flow focused heat transfer have been made through both the theoretical and the numerical analyses.