Alkylbiphenyls in ancient sediments and petroleums

C₁ and C₂-alkylbiphenyls have been analysed in crude oils and sediment extracts by capillary gas chromatography after preliminary isolation procedures involving TLC and HPLC. The abundance of 2-methylbiphenyl relative to 3-methylbiphenyl has been measured in samples from two sedimentary sequences. 2-Methylbiphenyl decreases in relative abundance with increasing thermal maturity of the sediments in both sedimentary sequences. These isomeric methylbiphenyls are potentially useful as thermal maturity indicators for crude oils.     

Heating rate effects on aromatic maturity indicators

Aromatic maturity indicators based upon dimethylnaphthalenes, trimethylnaphthalenes and methylphenanthrenes have been determined for two sedimentary sequences from northwest Western Australia. The rate of change of these indicators with depth has been modelled using a kinetic expression which accounts for the effects of continuously varying time and temperature. Activation energies and entropies of activation have been measured. Maturity indicators with similar and with very different kinetic parameters have been used to construct plots to illustrate their behaviours under a variety of thermal regimes. Maturity indicators with similar activation energies behave almost identically over a wide range of heating rates while those with substantial differences display more diverse behaviour. The former may be used to relate kerogen-based maturity indicators with those determined from crude oils, whereas the latter can provide information about the maximum palaeotemperatures and heating rates of sedimentary hydrocarbons. It was also observed that the kinetic parameters for particular aromatic maturity indicators differed between the two sedimentary sequences, suggesting that source and mineral matrix effects can influence their behaviour.     

The effects of thermal maturity on distributions of dimethylnaphthalenes and trimethylnaphthalenes in some Ancient sediments and petroleums

The distributions of di- and trimethylnaphthalenes in two sedimentary sequences from Western Australia have been examined by capillary gas chromatography and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A general decrease was observed in the relative proportions of αα-dimethylnaphthalenes and ααβ-trimethylnaphthalenes with increasing thermal maturity. Similar trends were also observed for six crude oils which have very different ratios of ethylcholestane epimers indicating very different thermal histories. These results suggest that changes in the relative abundances of certain methyl substituted naphthalenes may be useful indicators of thermal maturity of sedimentary organic matter, and the use of a number of isomer ratios is illustrated.     

Modeling of the Thermal Evolution of the Sedimentary Cover and the Maturity of Organic Matter in the Source-Rock Sequences of Sedimentary Basins of the East Siberian Sea

In this paper 2D and 3D modeling of thermal evolution of sedimentary cover and OM evolution of the source-rock sequences (SRSs) of the East Siberian Sea were conducted. The distribution of the temperature and reflection of vitrinite in sedimentary cover is presented along the composite seismic profile of the section. Maps of the distribution of the temperature of sedimentary sequences, reflection of vitrinite of the SRSs for various temporal boundaries, and the degree of OM transformation of the SRSs for the presentday stage of evolution were plotted. The evolution of OM maturity and possible processes of hydrocarbon generation of the SRSs were analyzed on the basis of modeling results.     

赵凹油田安棚区核三下段的沉积模式

在对赵凹油田安棚深层系核（核桃园组）三下段砂体的研究中，从岩性特征，结构和成分成熟,沉只构造及古生物特征等方面总经了该区沉积的相标志，结合研究区的沉积背景，笔者认为该区沉积环境为扇三角洲相，并进一步划分了亚相和同相，提出了研究区扇三角洲相的沉积模式，并对扇三角洲砂体的类型进行了研究。该区发育扇三角洲前缘亚相和前扇三角洲两种亚相，近岸水道和远岸水道微相比较发育；距离物源较近，沉积物搬运距离短，沉积物粒度较粗，结构成熟度和成分成熟度较低，水动力较强，在砾岩和粗砂岩中发育有块状层理，平行层理和交错层理，砂体类型对储集层物性有明显的控制作用。     

准噶尔盆地阜东斜坡区侏罗系沉积特征

通过对准噶尔盆地阜东斜坡区侏罗系的沉积背景,沉积岩成分,结构、构造及岩性序列等综合研究表明,该区侏罗系具有较好的旋回性,可划分为６个沉积层序和两个构造层序,侏罗系沉积物具有较低的成分成熟度和中等结构成熟度,粒度概率图及沉积构造均显示其具有牵引流沉积特征及三角洲沉积序列。在研究区侏罗系发育南、北两大特源区及方向的水系,据此可识别出辫状河,辫状河三角洲、曲流河、正常三角洲、滑塌浊积扇和湖泊等多种沉积体     

Optical parameters of maturity of organic matter dispersed in sediments: first results from the Central Apennines (Italy)

Levels of organic maturity of Mesozoic and Tertiary sequences outcropping in the Central Apennines have been established, using vitrinite reflectance techniques, the Thermal Alteration Index and fluorescence colours of organic matter dispersed in sediments. These results provide new constraints throughout the Meso-Cenozoic evolution of this crustal sector. In exploration geology, vitrinite reflectance provides data on hydrocarbon maturation by constraining organic matter maturity. In sedimentary basin modelling, it is adopted to define the palaeothermal regime. Vitrinite reflectance (R_o) also provides information on the burial history of sedimentary basins and may be employed to estimate tectonic uplift and erosion rates. Thermal Alteration Index (TAI) and fluorescence colour values can be correlated with R_o and may be used to estimate the degree of maturation when vitrinite is absent. Samples derived from the Sabini and Tiburtini Mts, in slope facies between the Latium–Abruzzi carbonate Platform and the Umbria–Marche pelagic Basin; from the Simbruini and Ernici Mts, in carbonate Platform facies, and from upper Miocene turbiditic deposits outcropping between the Olevano–Antrodoco Une, towards the West, and the Marsica slope facies, towards the East. Both the pre-terrigenous Meso-Cenozoic sequences show a low grade of organic maturity: the Sabini and Tiburtini Mts show R_o values that are less than 0.4%, and the Simbruini–Ernici Range show R_o values that range between 0.5% and 0.65%. Field analysis indicates that the cause of these low maturity levels is that thick sequences of turbidites were never deposited during the Neogene evolution of the Apennine thrust belt. Moreover, Upper Miocene turbiditic deposits also show low maturity levels, with R_o values that are less than 0.5%, indicating that these deposits were never overthrusted by huge volumes of rocks, during the chain building. The slight increase in the maturity level recorded in the Marsica area may be related to local heating along shear zones in areas of strike-slip tectonics.     

华北中南部博山地区上古生界沉积相与沉积演化特征

随着中浅层油气勘探进入中高成熟阶段,华北地区上古生界已成为油气勘探和储量接替的重要领域,对上古生界沉积相类型及沉积演化过程进行深入研究对于油气勘探具有一定的指导意义。以沉积学理论为指导,以华北中南部淄博博山上古生界露头剖面为基础,通过详细踏勘实测,识别其发育的沉积相类型与沉积序列,明确其沉积演化过程。研究结果表明:淄博博山地区上古生界自下而上可分为本溪组、太原组、山西组、下石盒子组、上石盒子组和石千峰组,共识别出障壁海岸、潮流、碳酸盐台地、三角洲和曲流河5种沉积相及8种典型沉积序列;本溪组-太原组发育障壁海岸相和碳酸盐台地相,山西组发育三角洲相,下石盒子组-石千峰组发育河流相和潮流相;研究区上古生界经历了由障壁海岸-台地复合沉积体系过渡为三角洲相,最终转变为河流相的沉积演化过程。     

很低级变质作用研究及其在沉积盆地中的应用

很低级变质岩石在沉积盆地中分布广泛。在成岩-低级变质作用演化过程中,随着变质程度的增加,油气、煤的演化阶段也会发生相应的变化。因此,很低级变质作用与石油、天然气、煤等能源矿产关系密切。本文系统总结了很低级变质作用研究的几个方面及其新进展,包括很低级变质带的划分、粘土矿物地质温压计、变质作用p_T_t轨迹及其在沉积盆地中的应用等等,并结合实例初步探讨了川西北若尔盖坳陷三叠系的很低级变质作用。研究表明,对沉积盆地中很低级变质作用的研究,对于划分成岩-变质界限,明确盆地的热成熟阶段,恢复盆地古地温、古构造史以及指导油气勘探等,都具有十分重大的理论和实际意义。     

A quantitative fluorescence technique for evaluating thermal maturity: Instrumentation and examples

Fluorescence microscopy is useful not only for identifying most of the oil-prone organic matter (macerals) in sedimentary rocks and coals but also for assessing their thermal maturities (ranks). This report introduces a violet-light excitation system which induces more than one order of magnitude stronger fluorescence intensity that the commonly used UV-light excitation system. The red/green quotient from violet-light excited fluorescence, Q_v, of sporinite can be easily measured using this system. Several examples using coal and cuttings samples are presented to demonstrate the use of this technique for evaluating the thermal maturities of coals and sedimentary rocks.From the results of our studies we conclude that:

• 1.(1) Violet-light excited fluorescence from sporinites can be routinely measured to assess thermal maturity.
• 2.(2) Spectral (Quantitative) fluorescence technique is useful for evaluating thermal maturity when samples are poorly polished or deficient in vitrinite.
• 3.(3) Visual (Strew-mounted) kerogen slides can not be used for fluorescence measurements unless a non-fluorescent mounting medium is used.

     

燕山地区中新元古界高于庄组和雾迷山组风暴沉积特征分析

燕山地区中、新元古界高于庄组和雾迷山组地层发育典型的风暴沉积,主要有砂砾屑白云岩和灰岩、风暴硅岩、泥晶白云岩、含硅质条带白云岩和藻叠层白云岩5种岩石类型,砾屑放射状构造、底模构造、冲刷构造、丘状交错层理和波状层理等5种沉积构造。在野外剖面和岩心观察的基础上,根据风暴沉积的岩石学特征、沉积构造类型、规模和组合特点,并结合区域沉积背景分析,在辽宁凌源地区雾迷山组识别出一个标准的5单元垂向沉积序列。通过野外和室内的观察、分析和研究认为,研究区风暴岩形成于碳酸盐台地相中水体较浅的潮间环境。该风暴岩的发现对重建燕山地区中新元古界古地理及区域地层对比具有重要意义。     

Chitinozoan reflectance in the Lower Palaeozoic of the Welsh Basin

Vitrinite (woody matter) and spores are generally uncommon or absent in pre-Devonian sediments. To determine organic maturity in the Lower Palaeozoic alternative methods, such as chitinozoan reflectance, must be employed. Chitinozoa are marine, vase-shaped organic-walled microfossils of unknown affinity. The reflectance of incident light from polished chitinozoa walls can provide reliable and accurate maturity data and, due to their relative facies-independency, a high degree of resolution to regional maturity studies. Calibration of the chitinozoan reflectance scale with vitrinite reflectance enables palaeotemperature estimates to be made from pre-Devonian sediments.
The range of chitinozoan reflectance for the Welsh Basin is from under 1% to 8%. This corresponds to estimated palaeotemperatures of under 100°C to over 300°C. The regional spatial distribution of organic maturation recorded by chitinozoan reflectance in the Welsh Basin is attributed to palaeobasin form. The increase in reflectance with age in the rocks of the Myddfai Steep Belt and associated areas allows an estimation of a palaeogeothermal gradient. In the Silurian sequences around Llandovery the gradient is calculated to be in the region of 50°C km⁻¹. Similar gradients are derived from other studies (clay minerals, metabasite mineral assemblages, conodont colours). The results from Myddfai Steep Belt suggest the thermal peak occurred during the Acadian event.
Chitinozoan reflectivity demonstrates that, with respect to hydrocarbon generation, mature conditions occur on the palaeoplatform, where the sedimentary sequences are relatively thin. Overmature conditions are prevalent in the palaeobasin where there is a thick sedimentary pile which has been subsequently deformed.     

Petrography,mineralogy and geochemistry of Cretaceous sediment samples from western Khorat Plateau,Thailand, and considerations on their provenance

At Mo Hin Khao on the western flank of Khorat Plateau, Thailand, the Phra Wihan Formation reveals litharenite and sublitharenite with some subarkose and arkose. A cuesta in the eroded sedimentary sequence exhibits spectacular rock pillars of considerable geotourist potential. The rock sequence is high in silica (SiO₂ 67–98 wt%) and contains quartz, mica, magnetite, chert fragments and accessory minerals such as zircon and tourmaline and amphibole species. These accessory minerals suggest felsic rocks, such as granite, granodiorite and pegmatite, were sources for the sandstones. Geochemical analyses of the sedimentary sequence suggest that source rocks may lie in the passive continental margin, before sediment transport and deposition in the Khorat Basin by rivers flowing across a large flood plain. Many depositional sequences/episodes formed thick beds of cross bedded clastic rocks. A high average maturity index (>5) indicates sedimentary reworking/recycling. Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values range from 47 to 98, suggesting variable chemical weathering within the source area rocks, largely representing moderate to high degrees of weathering. The average CIA value of these sediments (78) suggests that relatively extreme alteration factors were involved.     

Correlation between hydrogen isotope ratios of lipid biomarkers and sediment maturity

We investigated the influence of thermal maturity on the hydrogen isotope ratios of sedimentary hydrocarbons to prove that the isotope ratio of hydrocarbons mirrors paleoclimate signatures. δD values from n-alkanes and acyclic isoprenoids of two sediment sections (Kupferschiefer [KS], 258 Ma, and Posidonienschiefer [PS], 184 Ma) with different maturation history were investigated. Both covered thermal maturity from 0.48 to 1.3 R_c (vitrinite reflectance and reflectance calculated from MPI1). Sediment burial up to 4500 m caused thermal maturation of organic matter in the KS horizon from the Early Zechstein basin of Poland, whereas contact metamorphic thermal maturation originated in the Early Toarcian PS (Posidonienschiefer) of the North German Vlotho Massif. The δD values of the extracted n-alkanes positively correlate with thermal maturity in the KS (y = 56‰ × MPI1[x] − 160‰ [VSMOW]) and in the PS (y = 104‰ × MPI1[x] − 200‰ [VSMOW]). The δD values of isoprenoids (i.e., pristane, phytane) were even more enriched with increasing maturity (y = 179‰ × MPI1[x] − 341‰ [VSMOW] in the KS; y = 300‰ × MPI1[x] − 415‰ [VSMOW] in PS).These results explain why isotope ratios of n-alkanes and isoprenoids in mature sediments are generally enriched in D and do not have the expected isotopic difference between n-alkanes and isoprenoids of ∼190‰. Moreover, the correlation between sediment maturity parameters and δD values suggests that after correction the δD values of n-alkanes can be used to reconstruct climate and environment in the geological past.     

The occurrence and distribution of phenylphenanthrenes,phenylanthracenes and binaphthyls in Palaeozoic to Cenozoic shales from China

The distributions of phenylphenanthrenes, phenylanthracenes and binaphthyls in sediment extracts have been investigated in a set of lacustrine shales from the Eocene Shahejie Formation (well SG 1) in the western Depression of Liaohe Basin, East China. All isomers of these phenyl substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been identified in the m/z 254 mass chromatograms by comparison of the mass spectra and standard retention indices with those published elsewhere. The 2,2′-binaphtyl/1,2′-binaphthyl ratio values show a linear increase with increasing maturity, and have a good correlation with T_max (°C). Therefore, they can be used as an effective maturity indictor for source rocks in this study. In the main phase of the oil generation window, the 3-phenylphenanthrene and 2-phenylphenanthrene prevail over other isomers, and some thermodynamically unstable isomers including all phenylanthracenes, 4-phenylphenanthrene and 1,1′-binaphthyl are present at very low concentrations or below the detection limit in the m/z 254 mass chromatograms. The absolute concentrations of individual phenylphenanthrene and binaphthyl isomers were obtained by comparison of the peak areas with that of internal standard phenanthrene-d10. All isomers are present at low concentrations at low maturity stages and then show an abrupt increase at a depth of ≈3100 m, corresponding to the onset of the intensive C₁₅₊ hydrocarbon generation. The Phenylphenanthrene Ratio (2- + 3-PhP)/[(2- + 3-PhP) + (4- + 1- + 9-PhP)] shows a reverse change with increasing maturity at the low maturity stage. It displays a drastic increase at a depth of ≈3100 m and then remains at a nearly constant value. This study can expand the understanding of the formation and distribution of phenyl substituted PAHs in sedimentary organic matter deposited in various environments.     

Provenance and tectonic setting of Neoproterozoic sedimentary sequences in the South China Block: evidence from detrital zircon ages and Hf–Nd isotopes

Neoproterozoic sedimentary sequences in the South China Block provide great opportunity to examine the tectonic evolution and crustal accretion during this period. This study presents U–Pb ages and Hf isotope composition of detrital zircons and Nd isotope composition of whole rocks of the Neoproterozoic sequences from the Yangtze Block, part of the South China Block. Age patterns of detrital zircons imply that the source area experienced three major periods of magmatic activity at 2,300–2,560, 1,900–2,100 and 770–1,000?Ma and two major episodes of juvenile crust accretion at 2,600–3,400 and 770–1,000?Ma. The maximum age of the Gucheng glaciation can be restricted at?~768?Ma from the youngest detrital zircon ages, probably corresponding to the Kaigas glaciation rather than to the Sturtian glaciation. High La/Sc ratio and low Cr/Th, Sc/Th and Co/Th ratios of the sedimentary rocks point to a derivation from dominantly felsic upper continental crustal sources, whereas large variation of ε_Nd(t) and ε_Hf(t) values indicates that mantle-derived magmatic rocks also provided material to the sedimentary sequences in different degrees. The shift in ε_Nd(t) values of whole rocks and U–Pb age spectra of detrital zircons records the evolution from a back-arc to retro-arc foreland to a rift basin. Age distribution of detrital zircons from the Neoproterozoic sequences, compared with those of the major crustal blocks of Rodinia, implies that the position of the Yangtze Block was probably adjacent to northern India rather than between Australia and Laurentia before the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent.     

济阳坳陷南部古近系洪水—漫湖沉积

利用钻井取心、薄片鉴定、粒度分析、古生物鉴定及测井解释等资料和手段,对济阳坳陷南部古近系孔一段到沙四段底部沉积特征进行研究.结果表明,济阳坳陷在孔一段至沙四段沉积早期处于湖盆裂陷初期,沉积作用明显受季节性洪水注入影响,在东营、惠民两凹陷形成洪水-漫湖沉积体系.其主要岩性特征为：岩石类型以反映氧化环境的浅色碎屑岩类为主,成熟度较低,粒度分布和沉积构造反映其兼有重力流和牵引流的沉积特点,植物碎屑贫乏而生物扰动构造丰富且具周期性,砂体呈环带状分布.该沉积体系分为洪水水道末端、泥坪、砂坪、砂泥混合坪和漫湖风暴等5个微相和侧缘远源、近岸远源两类相层序.     

Geochemistry,detrital zircon geochronology and Hf isotope of the clastic rocks in southern Tibet: Implications for the Jurassic-Cretaceous tectonic evolution of the Lhasa terrane

In order to reconstruct tectonic evolution history of the southern margin of Asia (i.e., Lhasa terrane) before the India-Asia collision, here we present a comprehensive study on the clastic rocks in the southern Lhasa terrane with new perspectives from sedimentary geochemistry, detrital zircon geochronology and Hf isotope. Clasts from the Jurassic-Early Cretaceous sedimentary sequences (i.e., Yeba and Chumulong Formations) display high compositional maturity and experienced moderate to high degree of chemical weathering, whereas those from the late Early-Late Cretaceous sequences (Ngamring and Shexing Formations) are characterized by low compositional maturity with insignificant chemical weathering. Our results lead to a coherent scenario for the evolution history of the Lhasa terrane. During the Early-Middle Jurassic (∼192-168Ma), the Lhasa terrane was speculated to be an isolated geological block. The Yeba Formation is best understood as being deposited in a back-arc basin induced by northward subduction of the Neo-Tethys ocean with sediments coming from the interiors of the Lhasa terrane. The Middle Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Lhasa-Qiangtang collision resulted in the formation of a composite foreland basin with southward-flowing rivers carrying clastic materials from the uplifted northern Lhasa and/or Qiangtang terranes. During the late Early-Late Cretaceous (∼104-72Ma), the Gangdese magmatic arc was uplifted rapidly above the sea level, forming turbidites (Ngamring Formation) in the Xigaze forearc basin and fluvial red beds (Shexing Formation) on the retro-arc side. At the end of Late Cretaceous, the Lhasa terrane was likely to have been uplifted to high elevation forming an Andean-type margin resembling the modern South America before the India-Asia collision.     

湘东新元古代沉积岩的地球化学和碎屑锆石年代学特征及其构造意义

本文对湘东湘乡-醴陵地区和湘东南桂阳地区的新元古代浅变质沉积岩进行了岩石地球化学研究和锆石U-Pb定年及锆石Lu-Hf同位素分析。研究显示两个地区的碎屑沉积岩具有相似的中等的成分成熟度,但大的K₂O/Na₂O变化指示不同沉积岩经历了不同程度的风化淋滤作用。两个地区多数样品的稀土分配模式与澳大利亚后太古代页岩(PAAS)的稀土分配模式相似,但总体具有更高的含量,尤其是重稀土。湘东地区板溪群沉积岩含有更高的相容元素(如Sc, Cr, Ni),说明源区具有更多的中基性组分,而湘东南震旦纪沉积岩主要由再循环物质组成。碎屑锆石U-Pb定年结果表明湘东新元古代沉积岩中含有大量850~800Ma的碎屑锆石,而缺少1000Ma左右的碎屑锆石,显示了与扬子地块的亲缘性。而湘东南新元古代沉积岩中含有丰富的Grenville期和一定数量的~2.5Ga的碎屑锆石,相似于华夏地块物质组成。表明扬子地块和华夏地块在西南地区的分界线很可能就从湘东的湘乡-醴陵地区和湘东南的桂阳地区之间通过。前人对华南早古生代沉积岩中碎屑锆石的年代学研究显示湘东和湘东南地区的早古生代沉积岩的物质组成均相似于华夏地块,指示它们的源区是东南的华夏地块。因此,从新元古代到早古生代,湘东地区的沉积物源区发生了重大改变,暗示在新元古代晚期(震旦纪)与早古生代(中寒武世)之间发生过一次构造运动,使华夏地块逐渐隆起或使湘东-湘西盆地进一步沉陷,从而使湘乡-醴陵地区从早古生代开始接受了来自华夏地块的碎屑物质。这期构造运动可能与泛非构造事件相关。