Organic matter in Oligocene Maikop Sequence of the North Caucasus

The results of the thorough study of organic matter (OM) in the Oligocene-Miocene Maikop sequence of the North Caucasus are considered. It is shown that its distribution within the Maikop sequence is characterized by irregular patterns. Despite that these rocks show the elevated TOC content, their hydrocarbon-generating potential is, as a rule, low. The low quality of OM is partly related to its intense anaerobic decomposition in anoxic environments with terrigenous sedimentation. The elevation of OM concentrations and hydrocarbon-generating potential could be connected with the reinforced phytoplankton influx into sediments. Sediments deposited in the second half of the Early Oligocene were synchronously enriched in OM. This enrichment chronologically corresponded to the restoration of connection with the World Ocean of the formerly partly isolated and freshened basin. Most probably, this event resulted from the sharp increase in biological productivity.     

Lower Miocene sediments of central and western Ciscaucasia

The composition, structure, and geochemical properties of the thickest, relatively deep-water Lower Miocene sediments developed in western Ciscaucasia are considered. Of particular interest are materials from the Kuban superdeep borehole SG-12000 that recovered the uppermost layers of the Maikop Group at 3148–3961 m in the central Indol-Kuban Trough west of Krasnodar. However, the borehole did not penetrate the whole Lower Miocene section of the Maikop Group. Therefore, characteristics of the Maikop Group are supplemented with new materials from several other boreholes drilled in the eastern Kuban region. Thus, the typical (reference) Lower Miocene section of central and western Ciscaucasia has been sufficiently well described.     

Lower miocene sediments of the Maikop group in the Central Eastern Paratethys

The composite section of upper Maikop sediments compiled for the central part of the Eastern Paratethys is presented. The section (more than 1000 m) comprises the Karadzhalgan, Sakaraulian, and Kotsakhurian regional stages. The lower boundary of the Miocene drawn at the base of the Karadzhalgan regional stage is unambiguous only in the southern part of the central Ciscaucasia. In most areas of the Ciscaucasia, this boundary is drawn arbitrarily because of uniform lithology in the Oligocene-Miocene boundary interval and poor paleontological substantiation. Generally, the Maikop sequence is insufficiently studied and incomplete in many areas because of a discordant upper boundary of the Maikop Group. Nevertheless, materials presented in the paper characterize for the first time the composition and structure of the Lower Miocene sequence over a vast area of the Eastern Paratethys. The horizonwise reconstruction of Early Miocene basins has made it possible to reveal the major features of final stages in the formation of the Maikop clayey sequence.     

Radiostratigraphic study of the deposits of the Maikop Group, Western Azerbaijan

This work presents the results of biostratigraphic study of natural outcrops of the Maikop Group, which were first carried together with detailed radiometric studies in the Ganja oil and gas-bearing region, Western Azerbaijan. The paleontological research method included determination of the genus or species (depending on the preservation) of microfaunistic remains (foraminifera, ostracods, fish remains). The radiometric research method included measurements of the integral radioactivity in the field, the sampling, as well as laboratory radionuclide (spectral) analysis. As a result of our research, the stratigraphic control of variation in the radioactivity of rocks of the Maikop Group of the Ganja oil and gas-bearing region has been established. The radioactivity of Oligocene rocks is predominantly determined by potassium content. The radioactivity of the Miocene part of the section of the Maikop Group is determined by uranium-potassium contents. Within the Ganja oil and gas-bearing region, deposits of the Kotsakhurian regional stage, which are usually referred to ??barren?? formations or anoxic ??fish facies??, contain a significant number of species of benthic foraminiferal fauna.     

Structure of the Maikop complex of the Caspian Sea region based on seismic stratigraphic research

The paper reports on the structure of the Oligocene–Lower Miocene Maikop complex of the Caspian Sea and its margin on the basis of seismic and geological data. It is shown that the regional structure of Maikop deposits of Ciscaucasia and the Middle Caspian is characterized by large clinoform sedimentary bodies. New data on formation, structure, and occurrence of clinoforms in Maikop deposits are generalized for the researched region. Two main systems of clinoforms were defined in the Maikop complex: the single large cone located in the Middle Caspian and Eastern Ciscaucasia and the southeastern system of clinoforms located in the area of Kazakh Bay. Structural characteristics and sedimentogenesis of a clinoform formation are revealed using seismic and sequence stratigraphic methods.     

Paleobotanical study of a section of the Oligocene–Lower Miocene Maikop Group along the Belaya River above the city of Maikop,Ciscaucasia

A stratotypical section of the Oligocene–Lower Miocene Maikop Group in the valley of the Belaya River above the city of Maikop was studied using a complex paleobotanical method. The hydrological regime of marine basin was specified, especially for the second half of the Early Oligocene, when the basin was brackish. Its desalination began prior to accumulation of the ostracod layers and continued until the beginning of the Late Oligocene. It was once interrupted by short-term ingression of seawater into the Paratethys in the Early Morozkina Balka time. The Karadzhalga and Septarian formations were formed at the end of the Oligocene and in the Early Miocene under frequent oscillations of climate and hydrological regime with accumulation of sediments within the Laba delta front. The complexes of plant microfossils, along with dominant recent marine organic-walled freshwater phytoplankton, contain algae, spores, pollen, and a huge amount of redeposited palynomorphs. They originated from areas of erosion and included Paleogene, Mesozoic, and, locally, Paleozoic taxa.     

Organofacies and paleoenvironment of the Oligocene Maikop series of Angeharan (eastern Azerbaijan)

The Maikop Formation, deposited in eastern Azerbaijan during Oligocene and Early Miocene times, contains prolific source rocks with primarily Type II organic matter. Paleontological analyses of dinoflagellate cysts revealed a Lower to Upper Oligocene age for the investigated succession near Angeharan. A major contribution of aquatic organisms (diatoms, green algae, dinoflagellates, chrysophyte algae) and minor inputs from macrophytes and land plants to organic matter accumulation is indicated by n-alkane distribution patterns, composition of steroids and δ¹³C of hydrocarbon biomarkers. Microbial communities included heterotrophic bacteria, cyanobacteria, chemoautotrophic bacteria, as well as green sulfur bacteria. Higher inputs of terrigenous organic matter occurred during deposition of the Upper Oligocene units of the Maikop Formation from Angeharan mountains. The terpenoid hydrocarbon composition argues for angiosperm dominated vegetation in the Shamakhy–Gobustan area.High primary bioproductivity resulted in a stratified water column and the accumulation of organic matter rich sediments in the Lower Oligocene units of the Maikop Formation. Organic carbon accumulation during this period occurred in a permanently (salinity-) stratified, mesohaline environment with free H₂S in the water column. This is indicated by low pristane/phytane ratios of all sediments (varying from 0.37–0.69), lower methylated-(trimethyltridecyl)chromans ratio in the lower units and their higher contents of aryl isoprenoids and highly branched isoprenoid thiophenes. Subsequently, the depositional environment changed to normal marine conditions with oxygen deficient bottom water. The retreat of the chemocline towards the sediment–water interface and enhanced oxic respiration of OM during deposition of the Upper Oligocene Maikop sediments is proposed.Parallel depth trends in δ¹³C of total OM, n-alkanes, isoprenoids and steranes argue for changes in the regional carbon cycle, associated with the changing environmental conditions. Increased remineralisation of OM in a more oxygenated water column is suggested to result in low TOC and hydrocarbon contents, as well as ¹⁵N enriched total nitrogen of the Upper Oligocene units.     

The shutdown of an anoxic giant: Magnetostratigraphic dating of the end of the Maikop Sea

Paratethys, the lost sea of central Eurasia, was an anoxic giant during Oligocene – early Miocene (Maikop Series) times. With a size matching the modern-day Mediterranean Sea and a history of anoxic conditions that lasted for over 20 Myrs, the eastern part of this realm (Black Sea-Caspian Sea domain) holds key records for understanding the build-up, maintenance and collapse of anoxia in marginal seas. Here, we show that the collapse of anoxic Maikop conditions was caused by middle Miocene paleogeographic changes in the Paratethys gateway configuration, when a mid-Langhian (Badenian-Tarkhanian) transgression flooded and oxygenated the Eastern Paratethys. We present an integrated magneto-biostratigraphic framework for the early Middle Miocene (Tarkhanian-Chokrakian-Karaganian regional stages) of the Eastern Paratethys and date the lithological transition from anoxic black shales of the Maikop Series to fossiliferous marine marls and limestones of the regional Tarkhanian stage. For this purpose, we selected two long and time-equivalent sedimentary successions, exposed along the Belaya and the Pshekha rivers, in the Maikop type area in Ciscaucasia (southern Russia). We show that a significant but short marine incursion took place during the Tarkhanian, ending the long-lasting Maikop anoxia of the basin. Our magnetostratigraphic results reveal coherent polarity patterns, which allow a straightforward correlation with the time interval 15–12 Ma of the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale. The Tarkhanian flooding occurred during a relatively short normal polarity interval that correlates with C5Bn, resulting in an age of 14.85 Ma. The regional Tarkhanian/Chokrakian stage boundary is located within C5ADn at an age of 14.75 Ma and the Chokrakian/Karaganian boundary is tentatively correlated with C5ACn and an age of 13.9–13.8 Ma. Our new Tarkhanian flooding age reveals a paleogeographic scenario that is different from many previous reconstructions. Instead of envisaging marine connections to the Indian Ocean, we show that major changes in connectivity between the Eastern and Central Paratethys seas have caused the influx of marine waters during the Tarkhanian. An increase in marine connectivity with the Mediterranean during a short episode of rapid sea-level rise triggered mixing and ended the widespread anoxia in the Eastern Paratethys. The mixing episode was short-lived (~100 kyr) as the sea-level rise slowed down and connectivity degraded because of tectonic uplift in the gateway area.     

Stratigraphy and geochemical characterization of the Oligocene–Miocene Maikop series: Implications for the paleogeography of Eastern Azerbaijan

The Oligocene–Miocene Maikop Series is a world-class source rock responsible for much of the oil and gas found in the South Caspian Basin. It is composed of up to 3 km of marine mudstone, and contains a nearly continuous record of deposition during progressive tectonic closure of the basin as the Arabian Peninsula converged northward into Eurasia. Historically, the stratigraphy of this interval has been difficult to define due to the homogenous nature of the fine-grained, clay-dominated strata. Outcrop exposures in eastern Azerbaijan allow direct observation and detailed sampling of the interval, yielding a more comprehensive stratigraphic context and a more advanced understanding of syndepositional conditions in the eastern Paratethys Sea. Specifically, the present investigation reveals that coupling field-based stratigraphic characterization with geochemical analyses (e.g., bulk elemental geochemistry, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, bulk stable isotope geochemistry) yields a more robust understanding of internal variations within the Maikop Series. Samples from seven sections located within the Shemakha–Gobustan oil province reveal consistent stratigraphic and spatial geochemical trends. It is proposed that the Maikop Series be divided into three members based on these data along with lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data reported herein. When comparing Rupelian (Early Oligocene) and Chattian (Late Oligocene) strata, the Rupelian-age strata commonly possess higher TOC values, more negative δ¹⁵N_tot values, more positive δ¹³C_org values, and higher radioactivity relative to Chattian-age rocks. The trace metals Mo and V (normalized to Al) are positively correlated with TOC, with maximum values occurring at the Rupelian–Chattian boundary and overall higher average values in the Rupelian. Across the Oligocene–Miocene boundary, a slight drop in V/Al, Mo/Al ratios is observed, along with drops in %S and TOC. These results indicate that geochemical signatures of the Maikop Series are regional in nature, and furthermore that analogous fine-grained sections may be better characterized and subdivided using similar techniques. In general, geochemical indicators suggest that the basin was in limited communication with the Tethys Sea throughout the Oligocene–Early Miocene, with suboxic to anoxic conditions present during the Oligocene and to a lesser extent in the Miocene. This increased isolation was likely due to tectonic uplift to both the south and north of the study area, and greatly enhanced by global sea-level fluctuations. These data serve as the basis for a more detailed understanding of the tectonic evolution of the region, and support a standardized chemostratigraphic division of the important petroleum source interval.     

Modern erosion and sedimentation processes in the deep-water part of the Tuapse Trough based on the data of 3D seismic survey

On the basis of new 2D/3D seismic data, the modern tectonic, erosion, and sedimentation processes have been studied in detail in the Tuapse Trough of the Black Sea. The principal processes identified are growth of anticline folds, erosion of submarine ridges, and formation of submarine channels and modern small basins. It has been shown that erosion of submarine ridges took place throughout the entire evolution of their growth.     

Geochemical Characteristics of Organic Matter from Maikop Rocks of Eastern Azerbaijan

Based on investigation of more than 170 samples taken from natural outcrops of the Maikop Formation (Oligocene–Lower Miocene) in eastern Azerbaijan, the genetic hydrocarbon potential and the organic matter (OM) maturity of these rocks were estimated. In the study region, sedimentary rocks of this formation were deposited under reductive or weakly oxidative conditions. Possessing a relatively high (1.9%, on the average) content of organic matter of a mixed (continental–marine) OM, these rocks are able to generate both liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons under favorable conditions. Contributions of both the continental and marine components to the total organic carbon (TOC) varied in time and space. The upper and lower subformations of the Maikop Formation differ in the qualitative and quantitative compositions of OM. Oligocene rocks have a relatively lower OM content and are characterized by better oil-generating properties, as compared to lower Miocene rocks.     

武汉东湖现代沉积界面时间标定的磁化率与工业事件分析

湖泊现代沉积特征界面高精度时间标定是进行综合环境研究的基础工作.本文通过东湖现代沉积五个样柱的磁化率、沉积界面、磁性物类型与武汉地区工业事件存在的对应关系,并结合空间分布特征,得出近110年间东湖沉积速率存在由小增大的特点,并且确定两个早期沉积环境变化界面的时间约为1740年和1810年.研究表明,现代沉积物磁性特征与工业事件分析方法,不仅能准确标定沉积磁性界面的年代,而且能定量分析出不同时段的积沉速率和引起磁性差异的原因。     

断层相关褶皱理论与应用研究新进展

自Rich(1934)提出断层转折褶皱的几何学概念以来,Suppe(1983)首次将其定量化,建立了褶皱形态与断层形态和断层滑动之间的定量关系,奠立了断层相关褶皱理论的基本模型。20年来,不但建立了断层传播褶皱、断层滑脱褶皱等基本端员类型的几何学与运动学模型,也建立与完善了断层相关褶皱叠加样式的几何学与运动学模型,例如叠瓦构造、构造楔与干涉构造等。研究同构造沉积作用,建立了生长断层相关褶皱的几何学与运动学模型,将沉积作用与断裂作用、褶皱作用及构造隆升作用等有机地联系起来。考虑地层的力学性质与变形差异,提出与建立了剪切断层转折褶皱理论,并建立了断层相关褶皱的一系列力学模型。20年来,断层相关褶皱的基本研究方法经历了由二维剖面与平面分析向全三维空间分析的转变,由几何学、运动学模型向力学模型的转变,实验模拟技术与数值模拟技术在断层相关褶皱理论模型的建立与检验中发挥了重要作用。断层相关褶皱的理论和方法在工程地质、地震灾害预报与油气勘探开发等领域获得了广泛的应用。中国在天山、祁连山和龙门山等相邻的前陆盆地的活动构造与含油气圈闭研究中,应用断层相关褶皱的理论与方法取得了重要进展。     

Geoarchaeological investigations of St. Ann's Bay,Jamaica: The search for the Columbus Caravels and an assessment of 1000 years of human land use

A complex interbedded sequence of shallow bay, alluvial fan, and lagoon/marsh facies was revealed during geoarchaeological investigations of St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica. Eighteen radiocarbon ages and time-diagnostic artifacts were obtained from these sediments. From these data, the landscape evolution of St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica, during the last 4800 years is reconstructed. The landscape reconstructions for St. Ann's Bay are used to identify areas where the two caravels abandoned by Christopher Columbus in A. D. 1504 might be located. In addition, two periods of rapid sedimentation, one from A. D. 1000 to 1300 (lagoon filling) and the other between A. D. 1700 and modern times (bay filling), are attributed to human land use around St. Ann's Bay. The earlier period of increased sedimentation corresponds to the introduction and expansion of native peoples to the north side of the island, who brought with them slash-and-burn agriculture. The later period of increased sedimentation in the bay corresponds to the intensification of agricultural use of the area by the Spanish and British. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The Magellan mound province in the Porcupine Basin

The Magellan mound province is one of the three known provinces of carbonate mounds or cold-water coral banks in the Porcupine Seabight, west of Ireland. It has been studied in detail using a large and varied data set: 2D and 3D seismic data, sidescan sonar imagery and video data collected during ROV deployment have been used to describe the mounds in terms of origin, growth processes and burial. The aim of this paper is to present the Magellan mounds and their setting in an integrated, holistic way. More than 1,000 densely spaced and mainly buried mounds have been identified in the area. They all seem to be rooted on one seismic reflection, suggesting a sudden mound start-up. Their size and spatial distribution characteristics are presented, together with the present-day appearance of the few mounds that reach the seabed. The underlying geology has been studied by means of fault analysis and numerical basin modelling in an attempt to identify possible hydrocarbon migration pathways below or in the surroundings of the Magellan mounds. Although conclusive evidence concerning the processes of mound initiation proves to be elusive, the results of both fault analysis and 2D numerical modelling failed to identify, with confidence, any direct pathways for focused hydrocarbon flow to the Magellan province. Diffuse seepage however may have taken place, as drainage area modelling suggests a possible link between mound position and structural features in the Hovland-Magellan area. During mound development and growth, the interplay of currents and sedimentation seems to have been the most important control. Mounds which could not keep pace with the sedimentation rates were buried, and on the few mounds which maintained growth, only a few corals survive at present.     

Paleogene of the southwestern Volgograd region (Borehole 13, Gremyach’e Area). 1. Biostratigraphy

The stratigraphy of Paleocene-Eocene rocks based on assemblages of dinocysts, benthic and planktonic foraminifers, nannoplankton, diatoms, and nummulites was refined in the sedimentary sequence penetrated by borehole (BH) 13 in the Gremyach’e potassium salt deposit. The rocks were subdivided into local lithostratigraphic units with refined ages and more substantiated reference to the general and regional scales. In addition to formations of the Volga-Caspian region: Saratov, Kamyshin, Tsaritsyn, Mechetka and Elshanka, for the Paleogene of the southwestern Volgograd region there were used formations of neighbor regions as well: Eisk Formation (Paleocene) in the eastern Donetsk Basin and the Sergeevka, Tishki and Kas’yanovka formations (Middle and Upper Eocene) in the Voronezh Anteclise. The presence of the Oligocene in the section of the Maikop Group has been established for the first time. New biostratigraphic units based on dinocysts and foraminifers were suggested.     

建立辫状河储层地质模型的露头调查———以张家口地区为例

摘 要　 根据储层沉积学原理‚对张家口地区辫状河砂体的成因进行分析‚划分出3级层次 界面和6种岩石相类型‚对沉积、成岩作用与储层物性的关系进行了探讨。指出：沉积作用 是影响砂体物性的主要因素‚成岩作用对物性的改造受沉积作用控制;砂岩物性和粒度中值 及泥质含量密切相关‚胶结物对孔隙度有一定影响‚对渗透率影响较弱。各次洪泛事件的能 量大小控制了有利储集带的分布。最后建立了辫状河砂体的一维和二维储层地质模型。     

安徽宁国胡乐地区奥陶系层序地层学初探

宁国市胡乐镇鸿门—将军岭段新开公路旁奥陶系宁国组出露完好,通过对该段地层进行连续观察和分析研究,发现存在Ⅱ型不整合面、海侵面、最大海泛面等重要的地层界面,以及鲍玛序列、复理石建造等典型的沉积特征。根据海平面变化、地壳沉降和沉积物补给关系,采用基本层序调查方法,将该区奥陶纪地层层序划分为A、B、C、D、E5个层序。其中只有2个(C、E)为完整层序,其余3个(A、B、D)为不完整层序。研究表明,该地区奥陶系为深水盆地沉积,纵向岩性变化小,多数缺失低水位沉积,反映当时海平面升降变化幅度较小,但节奏性的韵律变化仍较明显。     

胶州湾沉积岩心化学元素聚集特征

本文对胶州湾沉积岩心B3、C2、C4、B6、D4和D6进行了210^Pb放射活度的测定,在相应的岩层测定了化学元素Ca、K、Li、Mg、Na、Rb、Sr和V。结果表明,^210Pb的分布模式反映了胶州湾不同区域沉积速率和沉积环境。胶州湾沉积岩心中化学元素Ca、K、Li、Mg、Na、Rb、Sr、和V的垂直分布,在不同的区域和不同的地层年代都有明显的变化。胶州湾现在和过去沉积过程中化学元素的聚集速率发生了明显的变化,揭示了采样站位物质来源和沉积环境。反映了近百年来人类工农业活动对胶州湾环境的影响。     

青藏高原伦坡拉盆地沉积岩中烷烃氢同位素与藿烷甾烷类成熟度指标的关系

沉积岩中烷烃的氢同位素有潜在的古降水同位素意义,但是成岩作用有可能改变原始同位素信息,从而难以用于恢复古降水同位素。然而,判断烷烃氢同位素值（δD）是否受到了成岩改造作用在学术界尚无统一标准。本文以青藏高原中部伦坡拉盆地渐新世末期到中新世早期的沉积岩为研究对象,对样品中正构烷烃和植烷（Ph）δD值以及藿烷、甾烷类的成熟度指标进行了测定。Ph与nC18正构烷烃的δD值分别为–105‰-–139‰和–267‰-–324‰,两者间平均相差–170‰,暗示正构烷烃原始δD值基本处于未改变的状态。藿烷、甾烷类的成熟度指标显示样品在未成熟到低成熟范围内有较大变化,但各成熟度指标与 Ph、nC18正构烷烃的δD值之间的相关关系较弱,表明这些成熟度指标并不能很好地反映烷烃δD值是否遭受了改变。