Stress and pore pressure histories in complex tectonic settings predicted with coupled geomechanical-fluid flow models

Most of the methods currently used for pore pressure prediction in sedimentary basins assume one-dimensional compaction based on relationships between vertical effective stress and porosity. These methods may be inaccurate in complex tectonic regimes where stress tensors are variable. Modelling approaches for compaction adopted within the geotechnical field account for both the full three-dimensional stress tensor and the stress history. In this paper a coupled geomechanical-fluid flow model is used, along with an advanced version of the Cam-Clay constitutive model, to investigate stress, pore pressure and porosity in a Gulf of Mexico style mini-basin bounded by salt subjected to lateral deformation. The modelled structure consists of two depocentres separated by a salt diapir. 20% of horizontal shortening synchronous to basin sedimentation is imposed. An additional model accounting solely for the overpressure generated due to 1D disequilibrium compaction is also defined. The predicted deformation regime in the two depocentres of the mini-basin is one of tectonic lateral compression, in which the horizontal effective stress is higher than the vertical effective stress. In contrast, sediments above the central salt diapir show lateral extension and tectonic vertical compaction due to the rise of the diapir. Compared to the 1D model, the horizontal shortening in the mini-basin increases the predicted present-day overpressure by 50%, from 20 MPa to 30 MPa. The porosities predicted by the mini-basin models are used to perform 1D, porosity-based pore pressure predictions. The 1D method underestimated overpressure by up to 6 MPa at 3400 m depth (26% of the total overpressure) in the well located at the basin depocentre and up to 3 MPa at 1900 m depth (34% of the total overpressure) in the well located above the salt diapir. The results show how 2D/3D methods are required to accurately predict overpressure in regions in which tectonic stresses are important.     

Evolution of pore-fluid pressure during folding and basin contraction in overpressured reservoirs: Insights from the Madison–Phosphoria carbonate formations in the Bighorn Basin (Wyoming,USA)

Reconstructing the evolution of paleofluid (over)pressure in sedimentary basins during deformation is a challenging problem, especially when no hydrocarbon-bearing fluid inclusions are available to provide barometric constraints on the fluid system. This contribution reports the application to a natural case (the Bighorn Basin) of recent methodological advance to access fluid (over)pressure level prevailing in strata during sub-seismic fracture development. The fluid pressure evolution in the Mississippian-Permian Madison–Phosphoria limestone reservoir is tentatively reconstructed from the early Sevier Layer Parallel Shortening to the Laramide folding in two basement-cored folds: the Sheep Mountain Anticline and the Rattlesnake Mountain Anticline. Results point out that supra-hydrostatic pressure values prevail in the limestone reservoir during most of its whole Sevier–Laramide history. The comparison of the reconstructed fluid overpressure values within situ measurements in various overpressure reservoirs in other oil-producing basins highlights that the supra-hydrostatic fluid pressure gradually reaches the lithostatic value during the whole basin contraction and fold development. During most of the LPS history, however, overpressure level can be defined by a mean gradient. Among the factors that control the pressure evolution, the mechanical stratigraphy, the stress regime under which fractures developed and regional fluid flow are likely dominating in the case of the Bighorn Basin, rather than classical factors like disequilibrium compaction or fluid generation during burial. A coeval evolution between fluid overpressure and differential stress build-up is also emphasized. The approach presented in this paper also provides estimates of strata exhumation during folding.     

2D modeling of overpressure in a salt withdrawal basin,Gulf of Mexico,USA

This study demonstrates the utilization of 2D basin models to address overpressure development due to compaction disequilibrium in supra-allochthonous salt mini-basins with very high sedimentation rates in the Gulf of Mexico. By properly selecting 2D line sections with moderate stratigraphic resolution, it is possible to predict timing of overpressure development and approximate present-day overpressure distributions in the mini-basin. This study shows that even low resolution models with approximate information on the net-to-gross (sand:shale ratio) can average ±0.4 ppg with a maximum error of 1.0 ppg relative to pressure measurements in sandstones. The models based on age, depth, approximate lithology and an interpretation of complicated salt movement are adequate to evaluate pressure to address issues around trap containment and may be used for preliminary well planning. This study tested the results of overpressure prediction utilizing different stratigraphic resolutions and shows the sensitivity of overpressure modeling to 2D line selection. Also, three models were built to investigate how the permeability of salt welds affects overpressure development in an adjacent salt mini-basin. These results indicate that even a salt weld permeability reduction of 1.5 log mD results in a pressure difference between neighboring mini-basins. Additionally, these models qualitatively reproduced the seismic velocity volume which is supporting evidence that the salt welds in this mini-basin are at least partially sealing.     

Palaeopressure reconstruction to explain observed natural hydraulic fractures in the Cleveland Basin

Natural fractures observed within the Lower Jurassic shales of the Cleveland Basin show evidence that pore pressure must have exceeded the lithostatic pressure in order to initiate horizontal fractures observed in cliff sections. Other field localities do not show horizontal fracturing, indicating lower pore pressures there. Deriving the burial history of the basin from outcrop, VR and heat-flow data gives values of sedimentation rates and periods of depositional hiatus which can be used to assess the porosity and pore pressure evolution within the shales. This gives us our estimate of overpressure caused by disequilibrium compaction alone, of 11 MPa, not sufficient to initiate horizontal fractures. However, as the thermal information shows us that temperatures were in excess of 95 °C, secondary overpressure mechanisms such as clay diagenesis and hydrocarbon generation occurred, contributing an extra 11 MPa of overpressure. The remaining 8.5 MPa of overpressure required to initiate horizontal fractures was caused by fluid expansion due to hydrocarbon generation and tectonic compression related to Alpine orogenic and Atlantic opening events. Where horizontal fractures are not present within the Lower Jurassic shales, overpressure was unable to build up as high due to proximity to the lateral draining of pressure within the Dogger Formation. The palaeopressure reconstruction techniques used within this study give a quick assessment of the pressure history of a basin and help to identify shales which may currently have enhanced permeability due to naturally-occurring hydraulic fractures.     

辽河盆地大民屯凹陷流体压力特征

大民屯凹陷是辽河断陷内4个下第三系凹陷之一。在综合利用钻井、试井及地震等资料的基础上，系统研究并论述了大民屯凹陷流体压力特征。基于57口井的声波测井资料，凹陷内泥岩压力特征可区分为正常压力、异常压力或强超压等类型；根据152口井391个点的压力测试数据，凹陷内产油层段的压力梯度多接近于1；利用公式法模拟计算了47条地震剖面的流体压力、剩余压力及压力系数的分布特征，凹陷内剖面压力系统自上而下一般由正常压力、弱超压和强超压3部分组成。此外，还根据流体压力演化的基本原理及钻井、岩性与试井等实际资料，模拟恢复了大民屯凹陷的压力演化史，其可划分为超压原始积累、超压部分释放及超压再积聚3个阶段。总体上，大民屯凹陷的超压强度低于渤海湾盆地其他地区的超压强度。     

Compaction of smectite-rich mudstone and its influence on pore pressure in the deepwater Joetsu Basin,Sea of Japan

Pore pressure prediction is needed for drilling deepwater wildcats in the Sea of Japan because it is known from past experience that there can be drilling problems can arise due to overpressure at shallow depths. The “Joetsu Basin” area is located offshore to the southwest of Sado Island on the eastern margin of the Sea of Japan. The sedimentary succession of the Neogene is mainly composed of turbidite sediments which contained smectite-rich mudstones. The cause of overpressure in the study area is expected to be a combination of mechanical disequilibrium compaction and chemical compaction, especially from the illitization of smectite.We have constructed basin models and performed numerical simulations by using 1D and 3D PetroMod to understand clearly the history of fluid flow and overpressure development in the lower Pliocene Shiya Formation and Middle to Upper Miocene Teradomari Formations. A compaction model coupled with both mechanical and chemical compaction for smectite-rich sediments is used for pore pressure calibration. We have examined three key relationships: porosity-effective stress, porosity-permeability, and the kinetics of smectite-illite transformation. We determined the ranges for the parameter values in those relationships that allow a good fit between measured and modelled pore pressures to be obtained. Results showed that for the most likely case, high pore pressure in the Lower and Upper Teradomari developed since 8.5 Ma and 5.5 Ma, respectively. Pore pressures in studied structures have approximately doubled since 1 Ma due to the high deposition rate of the Pleistocene Haizume Formation and smectite-illite transformation in the lower Pliocene-Shiya and Middle to Upper Miocene- Lower and Upperr Teradomari formations. In three cases (high case, most likely case and low case), the overpressures in the Shiya, Upper and Lower Teradomari Formations are less than 1 MPa, 15 and 30 Ma, respectively.The results provide a basis for planning future wells in the “Joetsu Basin” area and in other basins where geological conditions are similar, i.e., deepwater, high sedimentation rate, high geothermal gradient and smectite-rich sediments.     

Prediction of hydrodynamic forces on submarine pipelines using an improved Wake II Model

The hydrodynamic force model for prediction of forces on submarine pipelines as described includes flow history effect (wake effects) and time dependence in the force coefficients. The wake velocity correction is derived by using a closed-form solution to the linearized Navier–Stokes equations for oscillatory flow. This is achieved by assuming that the eddy viscosity in the wake is only time dependent and of a harmonic sinusoidal form. The forces predicted by the new Wake (Wake II) Model have been compared to Exxon Production Research Company Wake Model in terms of time histories (force shape) and magnitudes of peak forces. Overall, the model predictions by the Wake II Model are satisfactory and represent a substantial improvement over the predictions of the conventional models. The conventional force models representing adaptations of Morison's equation with ambient velocity and constant coefficients give predictions that are in poor agreement with the measurements especially for the lift force component. The Wake II Force Model can be used for submarine pipeline on-bottom stability design calculations for regular waves with various pipe diameters.     

Prediction of hydrodynamic forces on submarine pipelines using an improved Wake II Model

The hydrodynamic force model for prediction of forces on submarine pipelines as described includes flow history effect (wake effects) and time dependence in the force coefficients. The wake velocity correction is derived by using a closed-form solution to the linearized Navier–Stokes equations for oscillatory flow. This is achieved by assuming that the eddy viscosity in the wake is only time dependent and of a harmonic sinusoidal form. The forces predicted by the new Wake (Wake II) Model have been compared to Exxon Production Research Company Wake Model in terms of time histories (force shape) and magnitudes of peak forces. Overall, the model predictions by the Wake II Model are satisfactory and represent a substantial improvement over the predictions of the conventional models. The conventional force models representing adaptations of Morison's equation with ambient velocity and constant coefficients give predictions that are in poor agreement with the measurements especially for the lift force component. The Wake II Force Model can be used for submarine pipeline on-bottom stability design calculations for regular waves with various pipe diameters.     

Elastoplastic consolidation above and beneath strip anchors under uplift forces

Although the uplift behavior of offshore plate anchors under undrained conditions has been investigated well in the past, studies on the behavior of anchors under long-term sustained loading are in relatively few numbers. The time required for consolidation under sustained load is important because the shear strength of soil changes after dissipation of excess pore pressure. In this paper, small strain finite-element analyses have been performed to investigate the consolidation time history above and beneath strip anchors. The modified cam clay plasticity constitutive model is used for modeling coupled pore fluid stress analysis. The effects of magnitude of preloading with embedment level have been studied. As expected, the FE results have shown that excess pore pressure dissipation time for soil above the anchor increased with the increase in embedment depth and the magnitude of preload. Rapid dissipation of negative excess pore pressure beneath the anchor was observed with increasing embedment depth, if the preload magnitude is equal to or more than 60% of the undrained capacity. Observed consolidation responses are presented as nondimensional design charts and simplified equations for ease of practice.     

Pressure cells and pressure seals in the UK Central Graben

The Central Graben of the North Sea is characterised by high levels of overpressure (up to 40 MPa overpressure at 4500 m depth). We present pressure data for Cenozoic and Mesozoic reservoirs. Palaeocene sandstones control pressures in Tertiary mudstones and Cretaceous Chalk by acting as a regional ‘drain’. We divide the Jurassic into 18 pressure cells. The rift structure of the Graben controls the magnitude of pressure in each cell. Lateral hydraulic communication exists over 10 km distance between deeply-buried terraces (> 5000 m depth) and shallow structural highs (< 4500 m depth). Lateral communication increases pressure in the structurally-elevated sandstones to the minimum stress. This dynamic process produces zones of vertical fluid flow on the Forties-Montrose High, termed Leak Points. Vertical flow at Leak Points produces a 20 MWm⁻² heat flow anomaly and controls hydrocarbon retention. Leak Points are water-wet, while deep terraces in hydraulic communication with Leak Points are condensate-bearing. The Kimmeridge Clay Fm. forms the pressure seal in deep terraces.     

A pseudo-coupled analytic fluid-structure interaction method for underwater implosion of cylindrical shells

Underwater implosion, the rapid collapse of a structure caused by hydrostatic pressure, is a fully coupled, highly dynamic and nonlinear fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problem. The primary motivation behind studying implosion is the short-duration, high-pressure pulse generated in the surrounding water. This paper presents a simplified analytic method to estimate the energy in the pressure pulse, based on potential flow theory. The method accounts for the varying fluid pressure and accompanying FSI. The focus is on long, thin, unstiffened metallic cylindrical shells that collapse in mode 2. The implosion pulse energy is shown to be equal to the maximum system kinetic energy developed during collapse. The kinetic energy is calculated using an energy balance approach and analytic solutions for plastic energy dissipation and energy required to compress the internal air. The time-varying fluid pressure, and subsequently the work done by the fluid on the cylinder, is found using a novel explicit time-stepping methodology. The result is a pseudo-coupled analytic solution for the fluid pressure time history and implosion pulse energy. Solutions for pulse energy agree with RANS numerical simulations within 5%.     

Compaction of diagenetically altered mudstones – Part 2: Implications for pore pressure estimation

Diagenetically altered mudstones compact mechanically and chemically. Consequently, their normal compaction trends depend upon their temperature history as well as on the maximum effective stress they have experienced. A further complication is that mudstones are commonly overpressured where clay diagenesis occurs, preventing direct observation of the hydrostatic normal compaction trend. A popular way to estimate pore pressure in these circumstances is to calculate the sonic normal compaction trend in a well with a known pressure–depth profile by applying Eaton's method in reverse, and then to estimate pore pressure in offset wells using Eaton's method conventionally. We tested this procedure for Cretaceous mudstones at Haltenbanken. The results were inconsistent because the sonic log responds differently to disequilibrium compaction overpressure and unloading overpressure, and their relative contributions vary across the basin. In theory, a two-step method using the density and sonic logs could estimate the contributions to overpressure from disequilibrium compaction and unloading. The normal compaction trend for density should be the normal compaction trend at the maximum effective stress the mudstones have experienced, not at hydrostatic effective stress. We advocate the Budge-Fudge approach as a starting point for pore pressure estimation in diagenetically altered mudstones, a two-step method that requires geological input to help estimate the overpressure contribution from disequilibrium compaction. In principle, the Budge-Fudge approach could be used to estimate the normal compaction trend for mudstones at the maximum effective stress they have experienced, and so form the basis of the full two-step method through the use of offset wells. Our initial efforts to implement the full two-step method in this way at Haltenbanken produced inconsistent results with fluctuations in estimated pore pressure reflecting some of the fluctuations in the density logs. We suspect that variations in the mineralogical composition of the mudstones are responsible.     

海洋平台输液管道振动流特性研究

该文研究了海洋平台输液管道振动流的行为特性。依据振荡流体力学基本原理 ,建立了输液管道非定常、不可压缩、粘性振动流的物理模型和数学模型。推导出了关于流场速度、压力系数的微分方程组 ,得到了不同条件下流动的速度和压力分布。结果表明流体诱发的海洋平台输液管道振动流的行为特性受管道结构形状及流体性质的影响。比较等截面管道的变分解和数值解 ,说明本文所选用的方法用于研究海洋平台输液管道振动流是有效的。     

Pore pressure assessment from well data and overpressure mechanism: Case study in Eastern Tunisia basins

Abstract

Independent and complementary methods were used for pore pressure assessment in the eastern Tunisian basins. Drilling data and surveys allow settling the pore pressure profile in these basins. The main used parameters are mud weights, formation pressure surveys, drilling parameters, well logs, fluids exchange with formation and borehole issues. In the eastern Tunisia platform, the pore pressure profiles show changes in overpressure magnitude in all the three dimensions of the basin (location and depth/stratigraphy). We highlighted two overpressure intervals form bottom to top: The late Cretaceous in the North-eastern part, and the Tertiary overpressure interval hosted in the Palaeocene to Miocene series. The structural analysis of overpressure location shows that the Tertiary interval is likely to have originated in a disequilibrium compaction in Cenozoic grabens. Pore pressure cross sections and maps confirm the link between active normal faults that segmented the basin to grabens and highs and pore pressure anomalous area. In the Senonian interval, we noted mature source-rocks that can explain the overpressure in the late Cretaceous interval. In addition, the recent to active compressive tectonics may have contributed to both pore pressure anomaly generations. The fluid overpressures characterization in the eastern Tunisian sedimentary basins helps in hydrocarbons exploration. Indeed, the overpressure interval in the reservoir levels stimulates and improves the production in the oilfields and contributes to hydrocarbon trapping. Moreover, the adequate prediction of pore pressure profile contributes to reduce drilling cost and enhance the drilling operations safety.     

Turbulence-plankton interactions: a new cartoon

Climate change redistributes turbulence in both space and time, adding urgency to understanding of turbulence effects. Many analytic and analog models used to simulate and assess effects of turbulence on plankton rely on simple Couette flow. There shear rates are constant and spatially uniform, and hence so is vorticity. Over the last decade, however, turbulence research within fluid dynamics has focused on the structure of dissipative vortices in space and time. Vorticity gradients, finite net diffusion of vorticity and small radii of curvature of streamlines are ubiquitous features of turbulent vortices at dissipation scales but are explicitly excluded from simple, steady Couette flows. All of these flow components contribute instabilities that cause rotation of particles and so are important to simulate in future laboratory devices designed to assess effects of turbulence on nutrient uptake, particle coagulation, motility and predator‐prey encounter in the plankton. The Burgers vortex retains these signature features of turbulence and provides a simplified “cartoon” of vortex structure and dynamics that nevertheless obeys the Navier‐Stokes equations. Moreover, this idealization closely resembles many dissipative vortices observed in both the laboratory and the field as well as in direct numerical simulations of turbulence. It is simple enough to allow both simulation in numerical models and fabrication of analog devices that selectively reproduce its features. Exercise of such numerical and analog models promises additional insights into mechanisms of turbulence effects on passive trajectories and local accumulations of both living and nonliving particles, into solute exchange with living and nonliving particles and into more subtle influences on sensory processes and swimming trajectories of plankton, including demersal organisms and settling larvae in turbulent bottom boundary layers. The literature on biological consequences of vortical turbulence has focused primarily on the smallest, Kolmogorov‐scale vortices of length scale η. Theoretical dissipation spectra and direct numerical simulation, however, indicate that typical dissipative vortices with radii of 7η to 8η, peak azimuthal speeds of order 1 cm s^?1 and lifetimes of order 10 s or longer (and much longer for moderate pelagic turbulence intensities) deserve new attention in studies of biological effects of turbulence.     

Sedimentary fluids/fault interaction during syn-rift burial of the Lodève Permian Basin (Hérault,France): An example of seismic-valve mechanism in active extensional faults

During basin burial, interstitial fluids initially trapped within the sedimentary pile easily move under thermal and pressure gradients. As the main mechanism is linked to fluid overpressure, such fluids play a significant role on frictional mechanics for fault reactivation and sediment deformation.The Lodève Permian Basin (Hérault, France) is an exhumed half-graben with exceptional outcrop conditions providing access to barite-sulfide mineralized systems and hydrocarbon trapped into syn-rift roll-over faults. Architectural studies show a cyclic infilling of fault zone and associated bedding-parallel veins according to three main fluid events during dextral/normal faulting. Contrasting fluid entrapment conditions are deduced from textural analysis, fluid inclusion microthermometry and sulfur isotope geothermometer. We conclude that a polyphase history of trapping occurred during Permian syn-rift formation of the basin.The first stage is characterized by an implosion breccia cemented by silicifications and barite during an abrupt pressure drop within fault zone. This mechanism is linked to the dextral strike-slip motion on faults and leads to a first sealing of the fault zone by basinal fluid mineralization.The second stage consists of a succession of barite ribbons precipitated under overpressure fluctuations, derived from fault-valve action. This corresponds to periodic reactivations of fault planes and bedding-controlled opening localized at sulphide-rich micro-shearing structures showing a normal movement. This process formed the main mineralized ore bodies by the single action of fluid overpressure fluctuations undergoing changes in local stress distribution.The last stage is associated with the formation of dextral strike-slip pull-apart infilled by large barite and contemporaneous hydrocarbons under suprahydrostatic pressure values. This final tectonic activation of fault is linked to late basinal fluids and hydrocarbon migration during which shear stress restoration on the fault plane is faster than fluid pressure build-up.This integrated study shows the interplay action between tectonic stress and fluid overpressure in fault reactivation during basin burial that clearly impact potential economic reservoirs.     

Long waves dissipation and harmonic generation by coastal vegetation

In this paper, we study the harmonic generation and energy dissipation as water waves propagating through coastal vegetation. Applying the homogenization theory, linear wave models have been developed for a heterogeneous coastal forest in previous works (e.g. [17], [10], [11]). In this study, the weakly nonlinear effects are investigated. The coastal forest is modeled by an array of rigid and vertically surface-piercing cylinders. Assuming monochromatic waves with weak nonlinearity incident upon the forest, higher harmonic waves are expected to be generated and radiated into open water. Using the multi-scale perturbation theory, micro-scale flows in the vicinity of cylinders and macro-scale wave dynamics are separated. Expressing the unknown variables (e.g. velocity, free surface elevation) as a superposition of different harmonic components, the governing equations for each mode are derived while different harmonics are interacting with each other because of nonlinearity in the cell problem. Different from the linear models, the leading-order cell problem for micro-scale flow motion, driven by the macro-scale pressure gradient, is now a nonlinear boundary-value-problem, while the wavelength-scale problem for wave dynamics remains linear. A modified pressure correction method is employed to solve the nonlinear cell problem. An iterative scheme is introduced to connect the micro-scale and macro-scale problems. To demonstrate the theoretical results, we consider incident waves scattered by a homogeneous forest belt in a constant shallow depth. Higher harmonic waves are generated within the cylinder array and radiated out to the open water region. The comparisons of numerical results obtained by linear and nonlinear models are presented and the behavior of different harmonic components is discussed. The effects of different physical parameters on wave solutions are discussed as well.     

Physical modelling of chemical compaction,overpressure development,hydraulic fracturing and thrust detachments in organic-rich source rock

Geological evidence for overpressure is common worldwide, especially in petroleum-rich sedimentary basins. As a result of an increasing emphasis on unconventional resources, new data are becoming available for source rocks. Abnormally high values of pore fluid pressure are especially common within mature source rock, probably as a result of chemical compaction and increases in volume during hydrocarbon generation. To investigate processes of chemical compaction, overpressure development and hydraulic fracturing, we have developed new techniques of physical modelling in a closed system. During the early stages of our work, we built and deformed models in a small rectangular box (40 × 40 × 10 cm), which rested on an electric flatbed heater; but more recently, in order to accommodate large amounts of horizontal shortening, we used a wider box (77 × 75 × 10 cm). Models consisted of horizontal layers of two materials: (1) a mixture of equal initial volumes of silica powder and beeswax micro-spheres, representing source rock, and (2) pure silica powder, representing overburden. By submerging these materials in water, we avoided the high surface tensions, which otherwise develop within pores containing both air and liquids. Also we were able to measure pore fluid pressure in a model well. During heating, the basal temperature of the model surpassed the melting point of beeswax (∼62 °C), reaching a maximum of 90 °C. To investigate tectonic contexts of compression or extension, we used a piston to apply horizontal displacements.In experiments where the piston was static, rapid melting led to vertical compaction of the source layer, under the weight of overburden, and to high fluid overpressure (lithostatic or greater). Cross-sections of the models, after cooling, revealed that molten wax had migrated through pore space and into open hydraulic fractures (sills). Most of these sills were horizontal and their roofs bulged upwards, as far as the free surface, presumably in response to internal overpressure and loss of strength of the mixture. We also found that sills were less numerous towards the sides of the box, presumably as a result of boundary effects. In other experiments, in which the piston moved inward, causing compression of the model, sills also formed. However, these were thicker than in static models and some of them were subject to folding or faulting. For experiments, in which we imposed some horizontal shortening, before the wax had started to melt, fore-thrusts and back-thrusts developed across all of the layers near the piston, producing a high-angle prism. In contrast, as soon as the wax melted, overpressure developed within the source layer and a basal detachment appeared beneath it. As a result, thin-skinned thrusts propagated further into the model, producing a low-angle prism. In some experiments, bodies of wax formed imbricate zones within the source layer.Thus, in these experiments, it was the transformation, from solid wax to liquid wax, which led to chemical compaction, overpressure development and hydraulic fracturing, all within a closed system. According to the measurements of overpressure, load transfer was the main mechanism, but volume changes also contributed, producing supra-lithostatic overpressure and therefore tensile failure of the mixture.     

参数化浅海流体动力学模型中的耗散与频散

对几个参数化浅海流体动力学模型的耗散性和频散关系进行了理论分析,提出三点结论:1.深度平均(或积分)的浅海流体动力学模式不能充分表达湍耗散;2.浅海中的强耗散将对长波振荡具有本质的影响;3.几种不同的湍参数化动力模型将对长波产生不同的频散效应。     

Complex accumulation and leakage of YC21-1 gas bearing structure in Yanan sag,Qiongdongnan basin,South China Sea

YC21-1 is a gas-bearing structure found within the Yanan sag in the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea. While the structure bears many geological similarities to the nearby YC13-1 gas field, it nevertheless does not contain commercially viable gas volumes. The main reservoirs of the YC21-1 structure contain high overpressures, which is greatly different from those of the YC13-1 structure. The pressure coefficients from drillstem tests, wireline formation tests and mud weights are above 2.1. Based on well-log analysis, illite content and vitrinite reflectance data of mudstones in well YC21-1-2, combining with tectonic and sedimentation characteristics, the timing and causes of overpressure generation are here interpreted. The results indicate the existence of two overpressure segments in the YC21-1 structure. The first overpressure segment resides mainly within the lower and the middle intervals of the Yinggehai Formation, and is interpreted to have been mainly caused by clay diagenesis, while disequilibrium compaction and hydrocarbon generation may also have contributed to overpressure generation. The second overpressure segment comprising the Sanya Formation (Pressure transition zone) and the Lingshui and Yacheng Formations (Hard overpressure zone) is interpreted to owe its presence to kerogen-to-gas cracking. According to petrography, homogenization temperature and salinity of fluid inclusions, two stages of oil-gas charge occurred within the main reservoirs. On the basis of overpressure causes and oil-gas charge history, combining with restored tectonic evolution and fluid inclusion characteristics, a complex accumulation and leakage process in the YC21-1 gas bearing structure has been interpreted. Collective evidence suggests that the first oil charge occurred in the Middle Miocene (circa 16.3–11.2 Ma). Small amount of oil generation and absence of caprocks led to the failure of oil accumulation. Rapid subsidence in the Pliocene and Quaternary gave rise to a sharp increase in geotemperature over a short period of time, leading to prolific gas-generation through pyrolysis and, consequently, overpressure within the main reservoirs (the second overpressure segment). During this period, the second gas charge occurred in the Pliocene and Quaternary (circa 4.5–0.4 Ma). The natural gas migrated in several phases, consisting of free and water soluble phases in a high-pressure environment. Large amounts of free gas are considered to have been consumed due to dissolution within formation water in highly pressured conditions. Water soluble gas could not accumulate in high point of structure. When the pore-fluid pressures in main reservoirs reached the fracture pressure of formation, free gas could leak via opened fractures within cracked caprocks. A repeated fracturing of caprocks may have consumed natural gas stored in formation water and have made water-soluble gas unsaturated. Therefore, the two factors including caprocks fracturing and dissolution of formation water are interpreted to be mainly responsible for the failure of natural gas accumulation in the YC21-1 structure.