Sequence stratigraphy and depositional architecture of the Pearl River Delta system,northern South China Sea: An interactive response to sea level,tectonics and paleoceanography

Using a combined dataset including 3D seismic volumes, 2D profiles and 127 industrial wells, this study systematically investigated sequence stratigraphy and depositional architecture of the Pearl River Delta system (PRDS) during the Middle Miocene. In total, six stratigraphic sequences (SQ1 to SQ6) were recognized for the Hanjiang Formation, each of which could be further subdivided into a transgressive systems tract (TST) and a regressive systems tract (RST) according to a T-R sequence stratigraphic model. Seismic geomorphologic approaches were then conducted to interpret and map the key depositional elements, including fluvial channel systems, river mouth bars, longshore bars, shelf sand ridges and shelf sand sheets. After a detailed construction of the paleogeography for each of the twelves systems tracts, it was found that the types, geometries and depositional regimes of PRDS significantly altered at ca. 13.8 Ma. Before ca. 13.8 Ma, the PRDS were dominated by well-developed fluvial systems and an overall lobate shape, indicating a fluvial-dominated process. However, after 13.8 Ma, the whole PRDS began to form enormous shoreline-parallel depositional elements such as longshore bars, shelf sand ridges and shelf sand sheets, indicating dominant shore-parallel regimes. Besides, the whole deltaic system displayed obvious southwest deflection in map view after 13.8 Ma.Detailed analysis showed that this sudden change in the evolution of the PRDS could be ascribed to an interactive response to several factors. At ca. 13.8 Ma, the sea level began to rapidly rise and caused the fluvial energy to decrease, which was likely to lead to the diversion of the fluvial systems. Besides, the gradual uplift of the Dongsha Rise resulted in the raised shelf topography in the east region, thus confining the fluvial channels to flow southwestward. What's more, a few key paleoceanographic events, including the reglaciation of the Antarctic ice-sheet and the shoaling of the Pacific-Indian Ocean Seaway, might have contributed to the intensification of the southwesterly flowing paleocurrent along the northern South China Sea, thus triggering the delta asymmetry and deflecton of the PRDS after 13.8 Ma.     

南海珠江口盆地深水区混合沉积类型及其形成机制

珠江口盆地是研究深水沉积过程和南海油气勘探的热点区域。利用地震、测井和钻井岩屑等资料,发现珠江口盆地深水区晚渐新世至中中新世期间,发育混合沉积体系。该混合沉积体系岩相主要表现为碳酸盐岩与硅质碎屑以不同比例的混合堆积,垂向岩相变化存在突变式、渐变式和交互式三种递变类型。根据地震反射以及岩相特征,混合沉积体系可划分为4个沉积阶段：第1阶段主要为原位混合沉积,形成渐变式或突变式混合沉积;第2阶段为相缘混合,产生渐变式混合沉积层系;第3、4阶段为间断混合,形成交互式混合沉积。在硅质碎屑沉积为主的背景下,混合沉积由于碳酸盐碎屑的加入,可能会形成潜在的油气储层,对今后深水油气勘探有一定的启示意义。     

Applying seismic geomorphology to delineate switched sequence stratigraphic architecture in lacustrine rift basins: An example from the Pearl River Mouth Basin,northern South China Sea

Switched sequence stratigraphic architectural units were developed in the Eocene Wenchang Formation stratigraphic section of the Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB), northern South China Sea. Utilizing a high-quality 3D seismic data set, well logs and restored paleogeomorphology, the architecture and genesis of switched sequence stratigraphic units have been systematically investigated. The Wenchang Formation, a second-order sequence, can be subdivided into seven third-order sequences (from base to top: SQ1, SQ2, SQ3, SQ4, SQ5, SQ6, and SQ7). The sequence stratigraphic architecture of the Wenchang Formation is characterized by continuous lateral stacking patterns from sequences SQ1 to SQ7. Sequences SQ1–SQ4 mainly developed in the HZ26 sag, whereas sequences SQ5–SQ7 mainly developed in the XJ24 sag. The depositional centres of the Wenchang Formation appear to have migrated from the HZ26 sag to the XJ24 sag-along the northwest direction from sequences SQ1 to SQ7. Multiple tectonic activation episodes or alternating tectonic subsidence of the HZ26 and XJ24 sags resulted in the distinctive geomorphological features that effected the development of the switched sequence stratigraphic architecture in the study area. The switched sequence stratigraphic architecture presented in this study may provide new insights into a better understanding of sequence stratigraphic stacking patterns in continental lacustrine rift basins.     

Characteristics of migrating submarine canyons from the middle Miocene to present: Implications for paleoceanographic circulation,northern South China Sea

Previously undocumented, migrating submarine canyons have developed in the Pearl River Mouth Basin along the northern continental margin of the South China Sea from the middle Miocene to present. A grid of high-resolution, 2-D multi-channel seismic profiles calibrated by borehole information permits documentation of these northeastward migrating submarine canyons, as the result of the interplay of gravity flows and bottom currents. The modern canyons have lengths of 30–60 km, widths of 1–5.7 km, and relief of 50–300 m in water depths of 450–1500 m. Buried ancient submarine canyon successions were originally eroded by basal erosional discontinuities and partially filled by canyon thalweg deposits. These are overlain by lateral inclined packages and hemipelagic drape deposits. Basal erosional discontinuities and thalweg deposits are probably created principally by turbidity currents and filled with turbidites. Lateral inclined packages likely were formed by along-slope bottom currents. The evolution of these migrating submarine canyons reveals that northeastward bottom currents have consistently occurred at least from the middle Miocene to present in the study area. It might further imply that thermohaline intermediate water circulation of the South China Sea has been anti-cyclonic from the middle Miocene to present. The initiation of migrating submarine canyons possibly signals commencement of strong bottom currents after the middle Miocene in the South China Sea. The intensification of bottom currents also possibly may reflect shoaling of the major ocean seaways and increased vigor in oceanic circulation forced by global cooling after the middle Miocene.     

南海北部珠江口盆地深水区碳酸盐岩发育特征及地震识别

由于南海的多次扩张、拉伸、消减运动,在珠江口盆地白云深水区发生了陆架裂陷和海水入侵等地质现象,形成了海相碳酸盐岩生长发育的基础地质条件。对珠江口盆地深水区碳酸盐岩的发育地质背景、地质特征、发育规律、地震响应特征以及深水区灰岩发育的主控因素进行了探讨,结果表明白云深水区主要发育两种类型的碳酸盐台地;古隆起镶边台地以及火山建隆孤立台地。台地沉积主要发育在古隆起周缘、构造高部位、火山隆起周缘,并被钻井所证实。在白云深水区东沙隆起西南缘、云荔低凸起、荔湾凹陷北缘、荔湾凹陷南缘及顺鹤隆起发育典型的生物礁,钻井证实有珊瑚、红藻、苔藓虫等造礁生物。生物礁地震特征具有强的连续反射顶、底界面,丘状反射外形,内部结构或空白、或杂乱,具有前积、加积、退积等层序结构。     

珠江口盆地第三纪古地理及沉积演化

珠江口盆地第三纪以来经历了断陷、拗陷两个构造演化阶段,具有“南北分带”、“东西分块”的构造格局和先陆后海的沉积特征。本文根据前人资料进行综合整理,编制了珠江口盆地古近纪神狐组、文昌组、恩平组、珠海组地层和新近纪珠江组地层的岩相古地理图。神狐组发育有冲积扇和河湖相,主要分布在珠三坳陷南断裂的狭长地带。文昌组沉积半深湖—深湖相,恩平组水深变浅,河沼相广泛分布。珠海组岩相古地理发生了较大的变化,为海陆过渡相沉积。随后海平面振荡上升,珠江口盆地处于陆架—陆坡环境,发育浅海—半深海沉积。对整个珠江口盆地岩相古地理图的编制为详细研究盆地内各区块的岩相古地理演变提供了区域背景,也为区域构造演化和油气地质条件的研究提供了基础依据。     

南海珠江口盆地深部烃类微渗漏的分子地球化学揭示

对南海珠江口盆地Site4B站位柱状沉积物可溶有机质中正构烷烃进行详细分析,结果显示海底以下65~70cm、80~85cm和85~90cm存在明显的似成熟烃类分布。在气相色谱质谱图上(GCMS),该处存在明显的UCM分布;在烃类分布上,该处以可溶有机质中高碳数正构烷烃奇偶优势趋于消失为特征,CPI为1.15~1.45。同时,整个剖面其他层段沉积有机质中可溶烃类仍以典型的近/现代沉积有机质输入为标志。结合区域地质背景,以及该区域天然气水合物的勘探发现事实,推断Site4B站位海底以下65~70cm、80~85cm和85~90cm烃类异常可能系深部烃类微渗漏所致。     

“Uniform geothermal gradient” and heat flow in the Qiongdongnan and Pearl River Mouth Basins of the South China Sea

The Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB) and Qiongdongnan Basin (QDNB) are oil and gas bearing basins in the northern margin of the South China Sea (SCS). Geothermal survey is an important tool in petroleum exploration. A large data set comprised of 199 thermal conductivities, 40 radioactive heat productions, 543 measured geothermal gradient values, and 224 heat flow values has been obtained from the two basins. However, the measured geothermal gradient data originated from diverse depth range make spatial comparison a challenging task. Taking into account the variation of conductivity and heat production of rocks, we use a “uniform geothermal gradient” to characterize the geothermal gradient distribution of the PRMB and QDNB. Results show that, in the depth interval of 0–5 km, the “uniform geothermal gradient” in the PRMB varies from 17.8 °C/km to 50.2 °C/km, with an average of 32.1 ± 6.0 °C/km. In comparison, the QDNB has an average “uniform geothermal gradient” of 31.9 ± 5.6 °C/km and a range between 19.7 °C/km and 39.5 °C/km. Heat flows in the PRMB and QDNB are 71.3 ± 13.5 mW/m² and 72.9 ± 14.2 mW/m², respectively. The heat flow and geothermal gradient of the PRMB and QDNB tend to increase from the continental shelf to continental slope owing to the lithosphereic/crustal thinning in the Cenozoic.     

Neogene igneous intrusions in the northern South China Sea: Evidence from high-resolution three dimensional seismic data

Igneous intrusions emplaced within the prospective intervals of sedimentary basins can exert a significant impact on petroleum systems and hence are of considerable interest particularly when risking exploration plays. A number of discordant high amplitude seismic anomalies (DSAs) with a range of geometries are documented in high resolution 3D seismic data in the northern South China Sea. Their distribution and seismic characteristics are analysed and compared with similar seismic anomalies documented within sedimentary basins in the Atlantic margins and other locations. The DSAs occur mainly within Early Miocene strata and are interpreted as igneous intrusions that were emplaced close to the palaeo-seabed and are dated as early Middle Miocene using seismic-stratigraphic methods. A number of vents are also identified above the intrusions within early Middle Miocene strata. Several geometrical forms are observed, referred to here as saucer-shaped, lensoid-shaped, stacked and composite intrusions. The seismic expression of these is increasing complex towards the palaeo-seabed, with a tendency for the saucer-shaped sills to be the deepest intrusive forms. The igneous intrusions observed in this study only could be identified using 3D seismic data and they are important for the future evaluations of petroleum systems, basin evolution and tectonic analysis in the Pearl River Mouth Basin.     

南海北部陆坡珠江口盆地东南海域GMGS2-09井孔隙水地球化学特征及其对天然气水合物的指示意义

沉积物孔隙水地球化学是天然气水合物勘探与研究的重要手段。为了探究珠江口盆地东南海域GMGS2-09钻孔的沉积物孔隙水地球化学特征及其对埋藏的天然气水合物的指示意义,我们在前人的研究和认知基础上,通过测试该钻孔沉积物孔隙水的氯离子含量、氢氧同位素和阳离子组成来识别天然气水合物的赋存层位。结果表明GMGS2-09钻孔在9~17、47以及100m处存在氯离子浓度的负异常耦合氧同位素的正异常,指示相应的天然气水合物赋存,其中9~17m层位指示结果与实际取样情况完全一致。此外,采用基于水合物晶格的排盐机理推导的经验公式计算显示水合物饱和度在浅表层(17m)最高约为50%,中间以及底层约为20%。     

珠江口盆地恩平凹陷中新统沉积特征及河道型岩性圈闭潜力

珠江口盆地恩平凹陷中浅层近年来相继有商业油气发现,虽目前仍然以构造圈闭为主,但古珠江三角洲相关岩性目标的评价亟待展开。基于高品质井、震资料,本次研究以恩平凹陷中新统珠江组上段—韩江组下段（T50—T35）为主要目的层,以三级层序界面和最大海泛面为界,建立了恩平凹陷T50—T35间的四级层序格架。在高精度层序地层格架的约束下,进一步采用地震沉积学手段揭示了恩平凹陷以分流河道为主的沉积特征,并建立了不同海平面背景下的河道沉积模式：海侵早期和高位末期河道规模较大,延伸距离较远,平面上常连片发育;海侵晚期和高位早期的河道规模适中,平面上孤立性较强,且前缘常被波浪改造。研究发现,不同类型的河道砂体与特定的构造背景结合可发育“河道切割型”岩性圈闭,并且最大海泛面上下更适合于相关圈闭的发育。据此,研究锁定了恩平A油田西侧斜坡带、E油田东侧斜坡带和G油田西侧披覆构造带等3个岩性圈闭有利区及2个有利勘探目标,为盆地岩性油气藏勘探提供了新思路。     

珠江口盆地陆架坡折带海底滑坡及其影响因素

为了解海底滑坡在陆架坡折演化过程中所起的作用并分析影响海底滑坡发育的因素,以最新采集的二维和三维地震资料为基础,综合运用了地貌分析和地震解释技术,通过对滑坡的地貌形态特征及地震响应特征进行详细刻画,在珠江口盆地陆架坡折带新近纪地层中识别出多处海底滑坡,明确了其分布范围并建立了滑坡发育的地质模式。分析认为,珠江口盆地相对海平面变化和流体活动的综合作用是导致研究区海底不稳定的主要因素。海底滑坡发源于海底峡谷的朔源侵蚀,向上陆坡扩展并终止于陆架坡折带。     

珠江口盆地碳酸盐岩下构造深度校正探讨

地震资料显示, 高速层的存在会对下部地层产生上拉现象, 影响下部地层成像的准确性, 甚至产生构造假象, 给油气勘探带来预测难点。文章尝试从理论模型出发, 通过研究产生上拉的影响因素, 建立上拉系数量版法, 定量分析上拉幅度, 进而还原下部地层构造。研究表明: 上拉幅度受控于高速体速度、厚度和围岩速度, 交会量版说明上拉系数与高速体速度基本呈线性关系。在此基础上建立相应地质模型, 并进行实例解剖, 表明了此种方法对局部构造深度预测是有效的。     

南海北部陆架早—中中新世古珠江河道发育特征及汇流冲刷模式

河道体系是侵蚀和沉积物搬运的重要通道,控制了大陆边缘源汇体系中砂体总体的输送和分布格局,并可有效指示古代构造活动、物源供给、气候变迁和海平面变化等丰富地质信息。研究基于高分辨率的三维地震、钻测井资料,结合层序划分方法和地震沉积学综合分析手段,揭示了南海北部珠一坳陷早—中中新世古珠江分流河道体系的类型和展布特征,并且以典型层序为例精细揭示了海平面变化控制下河道类型由辫状向曲流的转换。同时,在研究区地震剖面上识别到多处异常下切现象,经研究可解释为辫状河道内的汇流冲刷,其典型特征为：① 下切深度局部增大;② 平面近似圆形或椭圆形;③ 内部为砂质充填。虽然汇流冲刷结构在地震剖面特征上与“传统”意义的下切谷极易混淆,但在沉积特征和成因上存在较大差别,因此,对它的识别有助于避免层序界面的错误判别,并且其后期充填的河道砂体具有局限分布的特点,易于在后期海侵泥岩的覆盖下形成潜在的岩性圈闭新类型。     

珠江口盆地西部文昌A凹陷断裂特征与成因探讨

在前人勘探解释的基础上,通过三维高分辨率地震资料,应用相干属性分析等技术对区域断裂进行精细化解释。研究表明盆地内发育着典型的犁式、花状构造、旋转正断层等伸展构造样式,在珠三南断裂影响下,南部边界断裂以阶梯状排列形成断阶构造。始新世—中中新世,断裂走向在持续右旋张扭应力场下以NE→EW→NWW顺时针方向旋转,张裂强度逐渐减弱。晚始新世—早渐新世,盆地在太平洋板块俯冲后退、印亚板块碰撞、古南海向南俯冲下发育EW向断裂,晚渐新世在南海扩张事件影响下前期右旋应力场得到加强,形成大量近EW向断裂,中新世后演化为NWW向断裂。文昌A凹陷断裂构造的演化、成因机制与南海北部陆缘应力场变化一致。该研究有利于进一步了解南海北部陆缘含油气盆地的构造特征和演化规律,提高油气勘探开发的效率。     

Characteristics and origin of carbon isotopes of n-alkanes in crude oils from the western Pearl River Mouth Basin,South China sea

The quantitative characterization of carbon isotopes of n-alkanes is commonly carried out in organic geochemical studies. Possible controls on carbon isotopes include source organic matter, maturity, fractionation during oil expulsion and migration, and the mixing of different oils. In this study of the origin of crude oils in the western Pearl River Mouth Basin, the influences of all of these factors have been considered in reaching a conclusion. Carbon isotopes of n-alkanes in the crude oils, and the extracts of the two effective source rocks (the Wenchang and Enping formations) in the basin, exhibit clear differences. The Wenchang source rocks have heavy δ¹³C values that remain almost constant or become slightly heavier with increasing carbon number. The Enping source rocks have light δ¹³C values that become lighter with increasing carbon number. Two groups of oils in this area were identified based on the carbon isotopes of the n-alkanes; groupIoils are similar to extracts of the Wenchang source rocks. However, the groupIIoils are different from both the Wenchang and Enping source rocks and the carbon isotopic profiles of their n-alkanes exhibit a “V” feature with increasing carbon number. The results of artificial thermal maturation experiments indicate that, from the early stage to the peak stage of oil generation (with EasyRo between 0.64% and 1.02%), the δ¹³C values of n-alkanes in the pyrolysis oils become heavier by about 3‰ with increasing thermal maturity, but the shape of the carbon isotopic profiles are not significantly changed. Calculated δ¹³C values of n-alkanes in “mixed” artificial pyrolysis oils indicate that the mixture of oils generated from the same source rocks with different maturities could not change the carbon isotopic profile of the n-alkanes, however, a mixing of the Wenchang and Enping oils could give the “V” feature in the profiles, similar to the groupIIoils in this area. The groupIIoils appear to be mixed Wenchang and Enping oils, the latter being the dominant component in the mixture. We conclude that the source organic matter and the degree of mixing are the main factors controlling the carbon isotopic characteristics of n-alkanes in crude oils in the western Pearl River Mouth Basin.     

南海南部北康盆地中新世碳酸盐台地地震响应及分布特征

以大量高精度2D地震资料分析为基础,对北康盆地碳酸盐台地地震反射特征、演化期次及分布特征开展了系统研究。北康盆地碳酸盐台地自早中新世开始发育,中中新世广泛分布,而从晚中新世开始衰退淹没。中新世碳酸盐台地多为孤立台地,台地边缘常发育断层,台地顶部在地震剖面上多呈现为两条平行和亚平行强反射轴,内部呈杂乱和亚平行空白及弱反射轴,底部则多为一条光滑的平行和亚平行弱反射轴。北康盆地中新世碳酸盐台地发育可以划分为3个期次,第1期台地发育范围大且厚度较薄;第2期台地范围缩小,受到断层控制明显;第3期台地范围进一步缩小直至被淹没。北康盆地中新世碳酸盐台地主要为北东向和北西向,这与周边盆地和现今碳酸盐台地走向一致,其平面分布受到构造隆起和断裂的控制。     

Geochemistry,origin, and accumulation of petroleum in the Eocene Wenchang Formation reservoirs in Pearl River Mouth Basin,South China Sea: A case study of HZ25-7 oil field

The Pearl River Mouth Basin in the South China Sea has accumulated >2 km of Eocene sediments in its deep basin, and has become the exploration focus due to the recent discoveries of the HZ25-7 oil field in the Eocene Wenchang (E₂w) Formation. In this study, the geochemical characteristics of potential source rocks and petroleum in the HZ25-7 oil field are investigated and the possible origins and accumulation models developed. The analytical results reveal two sets of potential source rocks, E₂w and Enping (E₂e) formations developed in the study area. The semi-deep-to-deep lacustrine E₂w source rocks are characterized by relatively low C₂₉ steranes, low C₁₉/C₂₃ tricyclic terpane (<0.6), low C₂₄ tetracyclic terpane/C₃₀ hopane (<0.1), low trans-trans-trans-bicadinane (T)/C₃₀ hopane (most <2.0), and high C₃₀ 4-methyl sterane/ΣC₂₉ sterane (>0.2) ratios. In contrast, the shallow lacustrine and deltaic swamp-plain E₂e source rocks are characterized by relatively high C₂₉ steranes, high C₁₉/C₂₃ tricyclic terpane (>0.6), high C₂₄ tetracyclic terpane/C₃₀ hopane (>0.1), variable yet overall high T/C₃₀ hopane, and low C₃₀ 4-methyl sterane/ΣC₂₉ sterane (<0.2) ratios. The relatively low C₁₉/C₂₃ tricyclic terpane ratios (mean value: 0.39), low C₂₄ tetracyclic terpane/C₃₀ hopane ratios (mean value: 0.07), high C₃₀ 4-methyl sterane/ΣC₂₉ sterane ratios (mean value: 1.14), and relatively high C₂₇ regular sterane content of petroleum in the HZ25-7 oil field indicate that the petroleum most likely originated from the E₂w Formation mudstone in the Huizhou Depression. One stage of continuous charging is identified in the HZ25-7 oil field; oil injection is from 16 Ma to present and peak filling occurs after 12 Ma. Thin sandstone beds with relatively good connectivity and physical properties (porosity and permeability) in the E₂w Formation are favorable conduits for the lateral migration of petroleum. This petroleum accumulation pattern implies that the E₂w Formation on the western and southern margins of the Huizhou Depression are favorable for petroleum accumulation because they are located in a migration pathway. Thus exploration should focus in these areas in the future.     

Characteristics and genesis of the polygonal fault system in southern slope of the Qiongdongnan Basin,South China Sea

Based on 3D seismic data, the polygonal fault system (PFS) discovered in the southern slope of the Qiongdongnan (QDN) Basin was studied through fine seismic interpretation and coherent cube analysis. The results show that: ① the PFS is mostly composed of small plate-type faults, with fault length of 1–3 km, maximum fault throw of 20–40 m and dip angle of 25°–45°; ② the PFS is mainly observed in the Huangliu Formation, deposited in the early stage of fast slope depression; ③ the PFS is layer-bound and can be separated into two tiers by T31′ interface with obvious channel incision features; ④ the PF of tier2 exhibit “y” structural style, including two parallel faults, master fault and associated fault, dipping in opposite directions. Their intersection relationship can be divided into three classes, and 14 sub-classes based on the fault intersection relationship of master fault and its associated fault; ⑤ the PFS is dominated by two strikes: NE60° and NW150°, indicating that it was controlled by tensile stress produced by differential settlement between the Xisha uplift and QDN basin; and ⑥ its genesis was jointly controlled by the syneresis of clay minerals and overpressure cyclical dehydration.     

Tracing of deeply-buried source rock: A case study of the WC9-2 petroleum pool in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea

The identification of a deeply-buried petroleum-source rock, owing to the difficulty in sample collection, has become a difficult task for establishing its relationship with discovered petroleum pools and evaluating its exploration potential in a petroleum-bearing basin. This paper proposes an approach to trace a deeply-buried source rock. The essential points include: determination of the petroleum-charging time of a reservoir, reconstruction of the petroleum generation history of its possible source rocks, establishment of the spatial connection between the source rocks and the reservoir over its geological history, identification of its effective source rock and the petroleum system from source to trap, and evaluation of petroleum potential from the deeply-buried source rock. A case study of the W9-2 petroleum pool in the Wenchang A sag of the Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea was conducted using this approach. The W9-2 reservoir produces condensate oil and gas, sourced from deeply-buried source rocks. The reservoir consists of a few sets of sandstone in the Zhuhai Formation, and the possible source rocks include an early Oligocene Enping Formation mudstone and a late Eocene Wenchang Formation mudstone, with a current burial depth from 5000 to 9000 m. The fluid inclusion data from the reservoir rock indicate the oil and the gas charged the reservoir about 18–3.5 Ma and after 4.5 Ma, respectively. The kinetic modeling results show that the main stages of oil generation of the Wenchang mudstone and the Enping mudstone occurred during 28–20 Ma and 20–12 Ma, respectively, and that the δ¹³C₁ value of the gas generated from the Enping mudstone has a better match with that of the reservoir gas than the gas from the Wenchang mudstone. Results from a 2D basin modeling further indicate that the petroleum from the Enping mudstone migrated upward along the well-developed syn-sedimentary faults in the central area of the sag into the reservoir, but that the petroleum from the Wenchang mudstone migrated laterally first toward the marginal faults of the sag and then migrated upward along the faults into shallow strata. The present results suggest that the trap structure in the central area of the sag is a favorable place for the accumulation of the Enping mudstone-derived petroleum, and that the Wenchang mudstone-derived petroleum would have a contribution to the structures along the deep faults as well as in the uplifted area around the sag.