Teacher''s Aide: Geologic Characteristics of Hole-Effect Variograms Calculated from Lithology-Indicator Variables

Variograms calculated from binary variables, such as from two lithologies, tend to show sinusoidal forms with decreasing amplitudes for increasing lag distances. This cyclicity is observed often when analyzing drill-hole data for rock sequences with alternating lithologies, and the variograms are thus labeled hole-effect variograms. Such variograms show a variety of forms: (1) Low to moderate variation in lithologic-body dimensions causes variograms to have strong cyclicity with decaying amplitude. (2) Variograms with one or more peaks and troughs usually result from a binary variable for which lithologies are about equally abundant but possibly large variations exist in the size of lithologic bodies. (3) Variograms show poor cyclicity if one lithology has highly variable body sizes and the other has moderately variable body dimensions. (4) Variograms that attain a plateau at short lag distances represent extremely high or low sandstone fraction, high variability in size of the most abundant lithology, and low variability in the other. Information about the dimensions of lithologic bodies makes it possible to approximate characteristics of the variogram of the lithology variable without numerous wells. Conversely, a hole-effect variogram of lithology may be used to estimate lithologic dimensions.     

Teacher's Aide: Geologic Characteristics of Hole-Effect Variograms Calculated from Lithology-Indicator Variables

Variograms calculated from binary variables, such as from two lithologies, tend to show sinusoidal forms with decreasing amplitudes for increasing lag distances. This cyclicity is observed often when analyzing drill-hole data for rock sequences with alternating lithologies, and the variograms are thus labeled “hole-effect variograms.” Such variograms show a variety of forms: (1) Low to moderate variation in lithologic-body dimensions causes variograms to have strong cyclicity with decaying amplitude. (2) Variograms with one or more peaks and troughs usually result from a binary variable for which lithologies are about equally abundant but possibly large variations exist in the size of lithologic bodies. (3) Variograms show poor cyclicity if one lithology has highly variable body sizes and the other has moderately variable body dimensions. (4) Variograms that attain a plateau at short lag distances represent extremely high or low sandstone fraction, high variability in size of the most abundant lithology, and low variability in the other. Information about the dimensions of lithologic bodies makes it possible to approximate characteristics of the variogram of the lithology variable without numerous wells. Conversely, a hole-effect variogram of lithology may be used to estimate lithologic dimensions.     

Geology of Santa Rita Coal Basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Data on the sedimentology, stratigraphy, palynology, coal petrography and geochemistry of the Santa Rita Coal Basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, are presented. The investigations were carried out on samples obtained from drill cores of the sedimentary rocks of Tubarão Supergroup, Lower Permian of Paraná Basin.The sequence comprises more than 10 coal layers, three sets of which — SR₁, SR₂ and SR₃ — are correlated with the SB+MB, I₁F and I₂B+I₃B coal seams, respectively, of the Charqueadas Coal Basin, southwest of Santa Rita. The lower, as well as the upper contacts of the sedimentary sequences are transitional and very difficult to trace.The Itararé sequences (basal group) comprise pelites, conglomerates and sandstones. The pelites are the most representative lithologies. The overlying Rio Bonito Formation comprises pelites and coal seams with subordinate para- conglomerates.Palynological analysis has unravelled a rich microfloristic association with a predominance of specimens related to the Infraturma laevigati, apiculati and cingulicavati of the Turma Triletes (Pteridophyta) either in the coal seams or in the associated rocks. Monosaccites, Disaccites and Striatiti (Gymnospermae) are accessory forms in the palynological assemblage. Botryococcus and algae-like elements are less abundant.Comparative studies of cuticular fragments collected from boreholes N₃ and P₄ showed better preservation and greater concentration in the latter, which may indicate that borehole N₃ is located closer to the margin of the swamp.Reflectance measurements ranging from 0.43 Rr% to 0.50 Rr% allow the coal seams to be classified as sub-bituminous B and A, according to the ASTM classification. Microlithotype analyses have shown the predominance of carbominerite, trimacerite and vitrite. Vitrinite is the most prominent maceral group (20–50%), inertinite and exinite are subordinate. The mineral content is about 40%.Results from geochemical analyses, from either coal or associated pelites, show the association of boron and vanadium with the organic matter; gallium is related to the inorganic material.The available sedimentological, palaeontological and petrographical data suggest a paludal environment related to swamps and the coal seams present characteristics of “reed” moor limnotelmatic facies of an authochthonous/hypautochthonous origin.     

ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF NAMURIAN BEDDED CHERTS, NORTH WALES (GREAT BRITAIN)

Electron microscopic examination of Namurian bedded cherts in North Wales (Great Britain) has revealed the existence of two dominant surface textures, granular and spongy, with a range of textures intermediate between the two. These textures can be used to differentiate between three principal lithologies within the cherts and between laminae and colour bands within the lithologies. A positive relationship is demonstrated between the presence of spongy texture and a high volume of impurities; there is a gradation, with increasing argillaceous/organic content, from granular through intermediate to spongy surfaces. It is suggested that this gradation reflects an increase in chalcedony over micro-crystalline quartz resulting from: (l) an increase in impurities; (2) an increase in the rate of precipitation of silica. The relationship between surface texture and type of lithology is considered to be consistent with the order of crystallisation for silica put forward by MILLOT (1960).     

Analysis and simulation of namurian sediments in central Scotland using a Markov-process model

Many difficulties inherent in analyzing cyclical successions in terms of an idealized cycle and, to a lesser extent, in terms of the modal cycle and composite sequence can be overcome by structuring data in terms of probabilities of upward transitions from one lithology to another. This enables a finite Markov-process model to be used. Transition probability matrices have been constructed from two versions of the same borehole section through paralic Namurian (Pendleian Stage, E ₁ ) sediments east of Stirling. The first version does not allow, but the second allows, adjacent items to be of the same lithology. The matrix derived from the first version indicates the following preferred upward succession of lithologies: coal, mudstone, siltstone, sandstone, seatclay, silty and sandy rooty beds, coal. A version of the Chi-square test strongly rejects the hypothesis that the lithologies were deposited in random order. The second matrix is used as computer input forTestmark, Stochex, andMarchain programs, the last of which stimulates a realistic vertical succession. The transition probability data fit readily into the broad framework of deltaic cycles.Published with permission of the Director, Institute of Geological Sciences.     

基于地物光谱分析的WorldView-2数据岩性识别:以新疆乌鲁克萨依地区为例

针对新疆维吾尔自治区西昆仑乌鲁克萨依地区的岩性出露情况,采用WorldView-2遥感影像数据进行岩性识别研究。在分析研究区内不同岩性的实测光谱曲线特征的基础上,针对在岩性识别过程中出现的不同岩性色彩反差弱、异物同谱、岩层表层浅覆盖等一系列问题,结合高空间分辨率WorldView-2数据波段特点和数据统计特征,确定了最佳波段组合,并采用主成分分析降低了波段间的高相关性。在此基础上进行反差增强、纹理增强等处理,提高了不同岩性对比度,去除了外界因素对光谱信息的干扰,为精确识别不同岩性提供了可靠依据。     

Cyclic sedimentation of the Karharbari Formation (Damuda Group), Talchir Gondwana basin, Orissa

The cyclic arrangement of lithofacies of the Karharbari Formation of the Damuda Group from a part of the Talchir Gondwana basin has been examined by statistical techniques. The lithologies have been condensed into five facies states viz. coarse-, medium-, fine-grained sandstones, shale and coal for the convenience of statistical analyses. Markov chain analysis indicates the arrangement of Karharbari lithofacies in form of fining upward cycles. A complete cycle consists of conglomerate or coarse-grained sandstone at the base sequentially succeeded by medium-and fine-grained sandstones, shale and coal at the top. The entropy analysis categorizes the Karharbari cycles into the C-type cyclicity, which is essentially a random sequence of lithologic states. Regression analysis undertaken in the present study indicates the existence of sympathetic relationship between total thickness of strata (net subsidence) and number and average thickness of sedimentary cycle and antipathic relationship between number and average thickness of sedimentary cycle. These observations suggest that cyclic sedimentation of the Karharbari Formation was controlled by autocyclic process by means of lateral migration of streams activated by intrabasinal differential subsidence, which operated within the depositional basin and the channels carrying coarse grade clastic sediments, which make the cycles thicker, tend to be more common in the areas of maximum subsidence. Clastic sediments issued from the laterally migrating rivers interrupted the cyclic sedimentation of the Karharbari Formation in many instances.     

Facies analysis of coal seams from the Cracow Sandstone Series of the Upper Silesia Coal Basin, Poland

The main purpose of this study was to recognise the variability of petrographical structure of two coal seams occurring in the Cracow Sandstone Series (Upper Carboniferous/Pennsylvanian, Upper Westphalian), being exploited in the Siersza mine. This mine is located in the eastern part of the Upper Silesia Coal Basin (USCB). The chemical analyses and petrographical features allow the inclusion of these coals to the group of hard brown coals belonging to subbituminous class.Two coal seams (207 and 209/210) of a considerable thickness (7.44 and 6.54 m, respectively), representative of the Cracow Sandstone Series (CSS), were chosen for the petrographic studies. Dominant macroscopic constituents of both seams are banded bright coal and banded coal.The coal seams were sampled in 284 intervals using a channel profile sampling strategy. The microscopical examinations revealed the majority of macerals from the vitrinite group (55%), followed by inertinite (21%), liptinite (11%), and mineral matter (13%). Low values of the vitrinite reflectance (R_o=0.46%) confirm very low coalification of the coal in both seams. Facies analysis indicates that in the course of a mire development, in which the studied coal seams originated, wet forest swamp conditions dominated characterized by a high degree of flooding and gelification as well as by a prevalence of arborescent plants. In such conditions, lithotypes with a large content of bright coal were mainly formed. Petrographic and facies data point to the rheotrophic character of these peatbogs. Frequent changes of the conditions in the peatbog, as it is shown by the variability of petrographic structure of the studied profiles, as well as by lateral changes of the phytogenic sedimentary environment within the coal seams, indicate a strong influence of a river channel on the adjoining peatbogs. An accretion of clastic sediments within the wide river channel belts was balanced mainly by the peatbog growth on the areas outside channels. Frequency and rate of avulsion of the river channels influenced the size, continuity and variability of the peatbogs.     

Sedimentological and marine eogenetic control on porosity distribution in Upper Cretaceous carbonate turbidites (central Albania)

Results of a detailed petrographic and stable isotope study illustrate that sedimentological differences and eogenetic dissolution/precipitation processes controlled porosity distribution within carbonate turbidites of the Ionian basin (central Albania). Based on lithology characteristics and porosity distribution observed in outcrop, individual turbidite beds can be subdivided into four distinct intervals, i.e. from base to top: (A) a non‐porous wackestone/floatstone or packstone followed by (B) porous packstone–grainstone that grades into (C) wackestone and (D) non‐porous mudstone with pelagic foraminifera. Wackestone interval C is characterized by an alternation of porous and non‐porous laminae. Changes in turbidity current flow regime controlled the initial presence of matrix micrite giving rise to both matrix‐ and grain‐supported lithologies within turbidite sequences. These are non‐porous and porous, respectively. Four eogenetic diagenetic processes (dissolution, cementation, neomorphism and compaction) acted shortly after deposition and modified primary porosity characteristics and distribution. Alteration by meteoric water is excluded based on the continuous burial until the Oligocene of the studied deep marine carbonates. Moreover, the stable isotope data with values between −2·1‰ and +0·7‰ for δ¹⁸O_V‐PDB and between +1‰ and +3‰ for δ¹³C_V‐PDB, favour alteration by marine‐derived pore‐waters. Compaction and aggrading neomorphism occurred dominantly in intervals characterized by higher matrix micrite content, i.e. the floatstone base and the wackestone–mudstone upper turbidite part. Framework‐stabilizing cementation occurred dominantly in the packstone–grainstone middle part of the turbidite beds. In the latter porous lithologies, matrix micrite was not compacted because of the grain fabric and the framework‐stabilizing cements. Here, neomorphism of micrite into microrhombic euhedral calcite occurred and microporosity was preserved.     

Regional geology, depositional environment and maturity of organic matter of Early to Middle Jurassic coals, coaly shales, shales and claystones from the Eastern Pontides, NE Turkey

Jurassic coals, coaly shales, shales and claystones from the Eastern Pontides in NE Turkey have been investigated using microscopical, petrophysical and detailed organic geochemical methods in order to determine their catagenetic stage, to reveal the composition of the organic matter and to discuss the depositional environment. The Liassic–Dogger period in the Eastern Pontides was characterised by the presence of a rift system which resulted in rock units of very variable lithology and facies. Coal seams, ranging from a few centimetres to several decimetres and intercalated with shales, claystones and sandstones occur within the basal part (the Aggi Formation) as well as in the uppermost part (the Hamurkesen Formation) of the rift deposits. All coal seams investigated are at a catagenetic maturation stage corresponding to subbituminous B up to low volatile bituminous ranks. They represent a depositional environment of short-lived swamp areas with intense aerobic reworking of the higher plant detritus by heterotrophic bacteria, but with possible anaerobic microenvironments at deeper levels. At least some coal seams were influenced temporarily by marine ingressions. Most samples are impure humic coals with highly variable chemical compositions as indicated by the broad range of their hydrogen contents. This variation in hydrogen content is partly attributed to variable contributions of algal material. On the other side, considering several analytical results, the hydrogen variation is primarily due to bacterial reworking that affected the composition of the organic matter to variable extent and resulted especially in an enrichment of bacterial lipids. Bacterial reworking by an active microbial community within the upper layer of the peat swamp is inferred from elevated concentrations of iso-alkanes even exceeding those of the corresponding n-alkanes in several samples which, to the best of our knowledge, have not been observed with coals before.     

Evaluation of coal bed methane potential of coal seams of Sawang Colliery,Jharkhand, India

The coal seams of Sawang Colliery, East Bokaro Coalfields are bituminous to sub-bituminous in nature and categorized as high gaseous seams (degree II to degree III level). These seams have the potential for coal bed methane (CBM) and their maturity increases with increasing depth, as a result of enhanced pressure-temperature conditions in the underground. The vitrinite maceral group composition of the investigated coal seams ranges from 62.50–83.15%, whereas the inertinite content varies from 14.93–36.81%. The liptinite content varies from 0.66% to 3.09%. The maximum micro-pores are confined within the vitrinite group of macerals. The coal seams exhibit vitrinite reflectance values (Ro% calculated) from 0.94% (sample CG-97) to 1.21% (sample CG-119). Proximate analyses of the investigated coal samples reveal that the moisture content (M%) ranges from 1.28% to 2.98%, whereas, volatile matter (VM%) content is placed in the range of 27.01% to 33.86%. The ash content (A%) ranges from 10.92% to 30.01%. Fixed carbon (FC%) content varies from 41.53% to 55.93%. Fuel ratio variation shows a restricted range from 1.53 to 1.97. All the coal samples were found to be strongly caking and forming coke buttons. The present study is based on the adsorption isotherm experiments carried out under controlled P-T conditions for determination of actual gas adsorption capacity of the coal seams. This analysis shows that the maximum methane gas adsorbed in the coal sample CG-81 is 17 m³/t (Std. daf), at maximum pressure of 5.92 MPa and experimental temperature of 30°C. The calculated Langmuir regression parameters P_L and V_L range from 2.49 to 3.75 MPa and 22.94 to 26.88 m³/t (Std. daf), respectively.     

Entropy in Markov analysis of late paleozoic cyclical coal measures of East Bokaro basin, Bihar, India

Randomness in the occurrence of lithologies in a cyclical succession is evaluated in terms of entropies which can be calculated from a Markov chain matrix. Two types of entropies are linked with every lithologic state; one is the entropy before deposition E ^(pre) and the other is that after deposition E ^(post),which together form an entropy set. The entropy sets for pebbly sandstone, sandstone, shale, and coal for the Karharbari coal measures, and sandstone, shale, carbonaceous shale, and coal for the Barakar coal measures were plotted separately and compared with Hattori's idealized plots. These coal measures probably were essentially of symmetrical cyclical pattern (Type-B)of Hattori. The entropy of the whole sedimentation unit readily fits under the broad framework of fluvial cycles.     

广西合山晚二叠世碳酸盐岩型煤系层序地层分析

广西合山煤田晚二叠世合山组是在浅水碳酸盐台地背景下形成的典型的碳酸盐岩型含煤岩系 ,其沉积环境有滨外陆棚、生物礁、开阔台地、潮坪和泥炭沼泽等。在包括合山组和大隆组在内的整个晚二叠世地层中 ,可以识别出5个层序界面 ,并可根据这些层序界面将区内上二叠统划分为 4个层序。层序 从合山组底面到合山组下段顶部的四 下 煤层底板硅质岩层之底面 ;层序 包括从四 下 煤底板到四 上 煤底板的一套地层 ;层序 为从四 上 煤层底板到二煤层之下铝土质泥岩底板的序列 ;层序 包括从合山组二煤层之下铝土质泥岩底板到大隆组之顶。其中层序 、层序 和层序 厚度在合山煤田范围内变化较大 ,说明受盆地基底沉降作用控制强烈 ,层序 则表现为多次的煤层-石灰岩旋回性 ,并且在合山煤田甚至桂中地区稳定分布 ,说明可能主要受全球海平面变化控制。与滨海平原靠陆一侧的冲积体系的陆源碎屑岩含煤岩系不同 ,陆表海碳酸盐岩型煤系三级层序中的最大海泛带底部以该层序中向上变薄至最薄的一层煤的底面为代表 ,如研究区三 中 煤层底面即为层序 中的最大海泛带底部 ,其下为三级层序中的海侵体系域 ,其上为高位体系域。三级层序中有包含四 上 、三 下 、三 中 、三 上 等煤层为界的 4个四级层序 ,每个四级层序中发育     

法国洛林煤田煤质特征与围岩的关系

从法国洛林煤田大量的煤质资料中,选取三个例子来讨论煤层煤质特征与围岩的关系。相对于泥质顶板的煤层来说,砂质顶板的煤层往往煤质变差,表现为具有较低的挥发分产率、较差的结焦性、较高的碳含量、较低的氢含量和较高的镜质组反射率。其原因是砂质顶板的煤层在成煤时期的还原程度较低,丝质组含量较高,其中的镜质组也受到氧化作用而使反射率增高。      

Cyclic Characteristics of the Physical Properties of Key Strata in CBM Systems Controlled by Sequence Stratigraphy—An Example from the Gujiao Block

Multiple coal seams and interbedded rock assemblages formed in vertical progression due to the influence of multiple stages of sea level transgressions.Based on mercury injection experiment,low temperature liquid nitrogen experiment,porosity and permeability experiment and breakthrough pressure experiment,the vertical variation characteristics of coal-bearing strata in Gujiao block are explained in detail.The results of the mercury injection and low temperature liquid nitrogen experiments show that the pore structure characteristics fluctuate with increasing depth in the strata,with fewer micropores followed by transition pores.The BET specific surface area and average pore diameter of the Shanxi Formation are generally larger than those of the Taiyuan Formation.Due to the continuous cyclic sequence stratigraphy changes,the porosity,permeability,breakthrough pressure and breakthrough time of the samples show a certain cyclicity.Within the same sequence,the porosity is larger,and the permeability is smaller near the maximum flooding surface.Although the permeability of the sandstone samples is higher,the porosity is lower,and the breakthrough pressure and breakthrough times are greater.The strata in the study area formed in an oxidized environment that was affected by freshwater,and the pore structure of different lithologies is quite different.After the formation of sandstone,the intergranular pores generally underwent filling with secondary quartz,clay minerals and organic matter,resulting in low porosity and permeability.     

白布勘探区龙潭组沉积环境及成煤条件分析

贵州大方县白布勘探区煤系地层龙潭组为海陆交互相沉积,厚度177～211m,含煤21～36层,煤层总厚18.04～30.29m,可采煤层6层。根据岩性、岩相特征自下而上分为3段,下段为潟湖—潮坪相沉积,并在大部分地区形成泥炭沼泽,形成了可采的33、28号煤层;中段为三角洲相,泥岩沼泽相多在三角洲分流河道间的湖沼区及湖波浪带基础上发育而成,煤层层位稳定,厚度不大;上段为潮坪三角洲相,该期构造活动趋于平稳,形成的煤层层位稳定,厚度大,6中煤0.39～6.88m,7号煤0～3.09m。三段厚度比较接近,反映该区晚二叠世期间地壳沉降均衡。沉积环境差异是本区成煤条件的主要控制因素。     

Trace fossils of a cyclic chalk-marl succession; the upper Maastrichtian Rørdal Member, Denmark

Trace fossils from an upper Maastrichtian cyclic chalk-marl succession, the Rørdal Member, exposed in the Rørdal quarry, Denmark, are analysed in order to test whether the changes in substrate lithology exerted any control over the ichnodiversity, tiering complexity, and density of the infauna. The cyclicity is interpreted as caused by orbital changes within the Milankovitch frequency band. The carbonate content varies between 71 and 82 weight% in the marl and 82-92 weight% in the chalk beds. The material is based on 19 samples collected from six chalk and marl beds. The investigated bedding-normal sample surfaces vary in area between 29 and 155 cm². Eight ichnogenera and two undetermined ichnogenera are recognised. The member is characterised by three ichnofabrics (A, B and C). The ichnofabric analysis is based on texture and internal structure of the sediments resulting from bioturbation. Ichnofabric A is found only in chalk samples and shows a poor preservation of trace fossils, whereas ichnofabric C is found in a few chalk and all marl samples and comprises a very dense, diverse and well preserved ichnofauna representing a high tiering complexity. Ichnofabric B represents an intermediate situation between ichnofabrics A and C and occurs in chalk samples immediately adjacent to marl beds. The observed changes in ichnofabrics between chalk and marl are related to the amount of clay in the samples and the differences in the occurrence of trace fossils are interpreted as due to differences in the visibility of traces between chalk and marl and not due to differences in ecological stress upon the endobenthic community of the two lithologies. The study thus provides an excellent example of how the effect of taphonomic factors may give a misleading and biased impression of apparent differences in the endobenthic community between chalk and marl.     

Comparison of British and American Carboniferous cyclic rock sequences

Classification is of interest to geologists as a convenient means of expressing ideas and concepts. Most classification schemes categorize a continuum into discrete classes or states based on some prominent character of the objects being classified. Unknowns then are identified as to their position within the classification scheme. Until recently most geologic classification schemes have been qualitative. With advent of the computer, applications of many quantitative statistical techniques have become practical. These techniques offer the advantages of repeatability and objectivity. This report gives results of the applications of several techniques for classifying Carboniferous cyclic rock sequences. Twenty sections were measured in detail in Great Britain and the United States. Particular importance was placed on noting transition from one lithology to another. Seven lithologic types were distinguished: (a) sandstone, (b) siltsone, (c) nonfossiliferous shale, (d) seatearth or underclay, (e) coal, (f) fossiliferous shale, and (g) limestone. It was noted also which part of the sequence was marine and which nonmarine. From the original data, the number of changes per 100 ft were calculated as well as an entropy index indicating the “orderliness” of the sequence and a matching index obtained by comparing the similarity in sequences of lithology between pairs of sections. The matching index is based on qualitative characters and in this regard belongs to a type of sequential analysis of scaleless nonnumeric data. The matching coefficients were clustered and displayed as dendrograms. A cluster analysis also was performed using nine variables (number of changes per 100 ft, entropy index, percentage thickness of sandstone, siltstone, nonfossiliferous shale, seatearth and coal, fossiliferous shale, and limestone, and percentage of nonmarine units) and the results displayed as dendrograms. In addition principal components analysis utilized the nine variables to determine if groups were present in the data. The first three principal components were interpreted geologically and a three-dimensional model constructed. Three loosely grouped clusters could be recognized in this display: (1) cyclic sequences associated with deltaic complexes, (2) sequences characteristic of deposition farther offshore, and (3) those composed mainly of marine sequences formed in an offshore open-marine environment.     

二连盆地吉尔嘎朗图凹陷煤层气储层特征及勘探潜力

通过分析二连盆地吉尔嘎朗图凹陷煤层的煤厚分布、煤岩煤质、孔隙、等温吸附等特征,并从生气条件和保存条件方面分析其勘探潜力。结果表明,吉尔嘎朗图凹陷煤层厚度10~394 m,显微煤岩组分以腐植组为主（体积分数为80.5%~96.7%）,为低煤级褐煤;煤层Langmuir体积为3.55~10.88 m3/t,平均7.29 m3/t;煤孔隙结构以微孔和小孔为主,孔隙形态多为开放型的圆筒孔或平板孔,这类孔隙结构对煤层气的吸附能力强,煤层气含量为0.97~3.83 m3/t,平均2.08 m3/t。综合以上分析认为,研究区东南部为下一步煤层气勘探目标区,其优势特征为:煤层离正断层较远,煤层气不易散失;煤层顶板岩性以泥岩和粉砂质泥岩为主,有利于煤层气的保存、次生生物气的补给。      

Organic geochemical study of sequences overlying coal seams; example from the Mansfield Formation (Lower Pennsylvanian), Indiana

Roof successions above two coal seams from the Mansfield Formation (Lower Pennsylvanian) in the Indiana portion of the Illinois Basin have been studied with regard to sedimentary structures, organic petrology and organic geochemistry. The succession above the Blue Creek Member of the Mansfield Formation is typical of the lithologies covering low-sulphur coals (< 1%) in the area studied, whereas the succession above the unnamed Mansfield coal is typical of high-sulphur coals (>2.%). The transgressive-regressive packages above both seams reflect the periodic inundation of coastal mires by tidal flats and creeks as inferred from bioturbation and sedimentary structures such as tidal rhythmites and clay-draped ripple bedforms. Geochemistry and petrology of organic facies above the Blue Creek coal suggest that tidal flats formed inland in fresh-water environments. These overlying fresh water sediments prevented saline waters from invading the peat, contributing to low-sulphur content in the coal. Above the unnamed coal, trace fossils and geochemical and petrological characteristics of organic facies suggest more unrestricted seaward depositional environment. The absence of saline or typically marine biomarkers above this coal is interpreted as evidence of very short periods of marine transgression, as there was not enough time for establishment of the precursor organisms for marine biomarkers. However, sufficient time passed to raise SO₄²⁻ concentration in pore waters, resulting in the formation of authigenic pyrite and sulphur incorparation into organic matter.