Structural controls on non fabric‐selective dolomitization within rift‐related basin‐bounding normal fault systems: Insights from the Hammam Faraun Fault,Gulf of Suez,Egypt

Fault‐controlled dolostone bodies have been described as potential hydrocarbon‐bearing reservoirs. Numerous case studies have described the shape and size of these often non fabric selective dolostone bodies within the vicinity of crustal‐scale lineaments, usually from Palaeozoic or Mesozoic carbonate platforms, which have undergone one or more phases of burial and exhumation. There has been little attention paid, however, to fault‐strike variability in dolostone distribution or the preferential localization of these bodies on particular faults. This study focuses on dolostone bodies adjacent to the Hammam Faraun Fault (HFF), Gulf of Suez. This crustal‐scale normal fault was activated in the Late Oligocene, coincident with the onset of extension within the Suez Rift. Dolomitization in the prerift Eocene Thebes Formation occurred in the immediate footwall of the HFF forming two massive, non facies selective dolostone bodies, ca. 500 m wide. Facies‐controlled tongues of dolostone on the margins of the massive dolostone bodies extend for up to 100 m. The geochemical signature of the dolostone bodies is consistent with replacement by Miocene seawater, contemporaneous with the rift climax and localization of strain along the HFF. A conceptual model of dolomitization from seawater that circulated within the HFF during the rift climax is presented. Seawater was either directly drawn down the HFF or circulated from the hanging wall basin via a permeable aquifer towards the HFF. The lateral extent of the massive dolostone bodies was controlled by pre‐existing HFF‐parallel fracture corridors on the outer margins of the damage zone of the fault. The behaviour of these fracture corridors alternated between acting as barriers to fluid flow before rupture and acting as flow conduits during or after rupture. Multiple phases of dolomitization and recrystallization during the ca. 10 Ma period in which dolomitization occurred led to mottled petrographical textures and wide‐ranging isotopic signatures. The localization of dolomitization on the HFF is interpreted to reflect its proximity to a rift accommodation zone which facilitated vertical fluid flow due to perturbed and enhanced stresses during fault interaction. It is possible that the presence of jogs along the strike of the fault further focused fluid flux. As such, it is suggested that the massive dolostones described in this study provide a window into the earliest stages of formation of fault‐controlled hydrothermal dolostone bodies, which could have occurred in other areas and subsequently been overprinted by more complex diagenetic and structural fabrics.     

Multiple dolomitization and later hydrothermal alteration on the Upper Cambrian-Lower Ordovician carbonates in the northern Tarim Basin,China

Thick Upper Cambrian-Lower Ordovician carbonates were deposited on a shallow marine platform in the northern Tarim Basin, which were extensively dolomitized, particularly for the Upper Cambrian carbonates. The resulting dolomite rocks are predominantly composed of matrix dolomites with minor cement dolomites. Based on petrographic textures, matrix dolomites consist of very finely to finely crystalline, nonplanar-a to planar-s dolomite (Md1), finely to medium crystalline, planar-e(s) dolomite (Md2), and finely to coarsely crystalline, nonplanar-a dolomite (Md3). Minor cement dolomites include finely to medium crystalline, planar-s(e) dolomite (Cd1) and coarsely crystalline, nonplanar saddle dolomite (Cd2), which partially or completely fill dissolution vugs and fractures; these cements postdate matrix dolomites but predate later quartz and calcite infills. Origins of matrix and cement dolomites and other diagenetic minerals are interpreted on the basis of petrography, isotopic geochemistry (O, C and Sr), and fluid inclusion microthermometry. Md1 dolomite was initially mediated by microbes and subsequently precipitated from slightly modified brines (e.g., evaporated seawater) in near-surface to very shallow burial settings, whereas Md2 dolomite was formed from connate seawater in association with burial dissolution and localized Mg concentration (or cannibalization) in shallow burial conditions. Md3 dolomite, however, was likely the result of intense recrystallization (or neomorphism) upon previously-formed dolomites (e.g., Md1 or Md2 dolomite) as the host carbonates were deeply buried, and influenced by later hydrothermal fluids. Subsequent cement dolomite and quartz crystals precipitated from higher-temperature, hydrothermal fluids, which were contributed more or less by the extensive Permian large igneous province (LIP) activity in Tarim Basin as evidenced by less radiogenic Sr in the cement and parts of matrix dolomites. This extensive abnormal hydrothermal activity could also have resulted in recrystallization (or neomorphism) on the previous matrix dolomites. Faults/fractures likely acted as important conduit networks which could have channeled the hydrothermal fluids from depths. However, the basin uplift triggered by the Late Hercynian Orogeny from the Late Permian would have facilitated downward infiltration of meteoric water and dilution of hydrothermal fluids, resulting in precipitation of later calcites in which lighter C and more radiogenic Sr components demonstrate such a switch of fluid properties. This study provides a useful analogue to understand the complicated dolomitizing processes and later hydrothermal alteration intimately related to the Permian LIP activity within Tarim Basin and elsewhere.     

Petrological and geochemical constraints on diagenesis and deep burial dissolution of the Ordovician carbonate reservoirs in the Tazhong area,Tarim Basin,NW China

Deeply buried (4500–7000 m) Ordovician carbonate reservoirs in the Tazhong area, Tarim Basin, NW China show obvious heterogeneity with porosity from null in limestones and sweet dolostones to 27.8% in sour dolostones, from which economically important oils, sour gas and condensates are currently being produced. Petrographic features, C, O, Sr isotopes were determined, and fluid inclusions were analyzed on diagenetic calcite, dolomite and barite from Ordovician reservoirs to understand controls on the porosity distribution. Ordovician carbonate reservoirs in the Tazhong area are controlled mainly by initial sedimentary environments and eo-genetic and near-surface diagenetic processes. However, vugs and pores generated from eogenetic and telogenetic meteoric dissolution were observed to have partially been destroyed due to subsequent compaction, filling and cementation. In some locations or wells (especially ZG5-ZG7 Oilfield nearby ZG5 Fault), burial diagenesis (e.g. thermochemical sulfate reduction, TSR) probably played an important role in quality improvement towards high-quality reservoirs. C2 calcite and dolomite cements and barite have fluid inclusions homogenization temperatures (Ths) from 86 to 113 °C, from 96 to 128 °C and from 128 to 151 °C, respectively. We observed petrographically corroded edges of these high-temperature minerals with oil inclusions, indicating the dissolution must have occurred under deep-burial conditions. The occurrence of TSR within Ordovician carbonate reservoirs is supported by C3 calcite replacement of barite, and the association of sulfur species including pyrite, anhydrite or barite and elemental sulfur with hydrocarbon and ¹²C-rich (as low as −7.2‰ V-PDB) C3 calcite with elevated Ths (135–153 °C). The TSR may have induced burial dissolution of dolomite and thus probably improved porosity of the sour dolostones reservoirs at least in some locations. In contrast, no significant burial dissolution occurred in limestone reservoirs and non-TSR dolostone reservoirs. The deeply buried sour dolostone reservoirs may therefore be potential exploration targets in Tarim Basin or elsewhere in the world.     

Multiphase dolomitization of deeply buried Cambrian petroleum reservoirs,Tarim Basin,north‐west China

Cambrian dolostone reservoirs in the Tarim Basin, China, have significant potential for future discoveries of petroleum, although exploration and production planning is hampered by limited understanding of the occurrence and distribution of dolomite in such ancient rocks buried to nearly 8 km. The study herein accessed new drill core samples which provide an opportunity to understand the dolomitization process in deep basins and its impact on Cambrian carbonate reservoirs. This study documents the origin of the dolostone reservoirs using a combination of petrology, fluid‐inclusion microthermometry, and stable and radiogenic‐isotopes of outcrop and core samples. An initial microbial dolomitization event occurred in restricted lagoon environments and is characterized by depleted δ¹³C values. Dolomicrite from lagoonal and sabkha facies, some fabric‐retentive dolomite and fabric‐obliterative dolomite in the peloidal shoal and reef facies show the highest δ¹⁸O values. These dolomites represent relatively early reflux dolomitization. The local occurrence of K‐feldspar in dolomicrite indicates that some radiogenic strontium was contributed via terrigenous input. Most fabric‐retentive dolomite may have precipitated from seawater at slightly elevated temperatures, suggested by petrological and isotopic data. Most fabric‐obliterative dolomite, and medium to coarse dolomite cement, formed between 90°C and 130°C from marine evaporitic brine. Saddle dolomite formed by hydrothermal dolomitization at temperatures up to 170°C, and involved the mixing of connate brines with Sr‐ enriched hydrothermal fluids. Intercrystalline, moldic, and breccia porosities are due to the early stages of dolomitization. Macroscopic, intergranular, vuggy, fracture and dissolution porosity are due to burial‐related dissolution and regional hydrothermal events. This work has shown that old (for example, Cambrian or even Precambrian) sucrosic dolomite with associated anhydrite, buried to as much as 8000 m, can still have a high potential for hosting substantial hydrocarbon resources and should be globally targeted for future exploration.     

鄂尔多斯盆地靖边气田高桥区块马五41段白云岩储层建设性埋藏成岩作用及意义

受古岩溶作用的影响,鄂尔多斯盆地靖边气田高桥区块形成了层位较稳定的溶蚀孔洞白云岩储层。利用钻井岩心、铸体薄片、阴极发光及地球化学手段等,对研究区马五41段白云岩储层埋藏环境下建设性成岩作用进行了系统研究。研究表明,区内埋藏环境下建设性成岩作用有埋藏白云石化作用、埋藏溶解作用、裂缝作用等。研究区晶粒白云岩C、O同位素比值与奥陶纪海水的C、O同位素值相比明显偏负,表明地层经历了埋藏白云石化作用,埋藏白云石化作用使得岩石体积缩小、岩石孔隙度有所增加,有利于晶间孔的形成。埋藏溶解作用可形成大量的溶蚀孔、洞、缝等储集空间,为油气的储集成藏提供了有利的场所。裂缝的发育增加了溶蚀孔洞的连通性,有效地提高了储层的孔隙度与渗透率。上述3种建设性成岩作用相互叠加配合,使得裂缝与原本存在的孔隙配套,对良好油气储集空间的形成起了决定性控制作用。     

鄂尔多斯盆地西北部中奥陶统斑状白云岩成因研究

在鄂尔多斯盆地西北部,中奥陶统桌子山组和马五段到马三段斑状白云岩广泛分布。通过岩石、矿物学及地球化学特征研究,发现该白云岩具有岩溶、生物遗迹、深埋藏的证据,其原岩是早成岩阶段浅埋藏环境下形成的粉晶~细晶白云岩,在晚成岩阶段深埋藏环境下发生差异白云石化,形成细~粉晶白云石组成的斑块。因此,细晶~粗粉晶斑状白云岩受生物影响,是表生岩溶作用和深埋藏环境导致的差异白云石化作用的产物。     

乌尔禾-风城地区二叠系白云质岩类岩石学特征及成因分析

为了探讨准噶尔盆地西北缘乌尔禾-风城地区二叠系风城组白云质岩类的成因, 利用岩矿鉴定技术,地球化学分析技术等手段, 系统分析该套云质岩类的地球化学特征。研究表明,该区云质岩类有别于海相碳酸盐岩,受外物源的影响较大,成份复杂,多为过渡性岩类。以泥质白云岩和白云质泥岩和白云质粉砂岩为主,含有少量的凝灰质白云岩和白云质凝灰岩。岩石矿物学特征和地球化学分析数据均表明,研究区的云质岩类主要形成于水体安静、深度较大、盐度偏高的半封闭陆源近海湖湾环境。二叠系时期气候炎热,蒸发作用强烈与火山活动频繁,加之淡水补给相对匮乏,为该区的云质岩类形成提供了良好的镁离子来源和水动力条件。这时湖湾中沉积的富含文石或高镁方解石的泥岩或凝灰岩,在早成岩阶段经过渗透回流白云石化作用形成了大量泥质白云岩、白云质泥岩和白云质粉砂岩。在中晚成岩阶段,经过埋藏作用生成自形或半自形的细晶-中晶白云石。     

Regional coal seam gas distribution and burial history of the Hunter Coalfield,Sydney Basin

Basin modelling has been used to improve understanding of the origin and temporal evolution of coal seam gas in the Hunter Coalfield of the Sydney Basin. Burial history models were produced based on data from seven boreholes located in the southern, eastern, central and western areas of the coalfield. Mean random vitrinite reflectance (R_v,r) data, derived from measurements of mean maximum reflectance (R_v,max), were used for calibration of the models. A qualitative sensitivity analysis of one model shows that varying the paleoheat flow has a greater influence on calculated R_v,r than varying the eroded overburden thickness.

The differences between the constructed models are significant enough to provide plausible explanations for regional gas distribution in the Hunter Coalfield. Coals in the south of the coalfield appear to have the greatest potential for thermogenic gas generation. Modelling has shown that areas that have low gas contents and decreased permeability have been uplifted more, and buried less, compared with areas that have high gas contents. Burial history modelling shows noticeable variations in the extent of burial and uplift, and, consequently, in thermal maturities and potential for thermogenic gas generation; together with the assessment of other coal and gas property data, it appears that present-day gas contents may partially reflect coal ranks and adsorption capacities, with late-stage biogenic gas generation replenishing CH₄ volumes that were lost following uplift during the Late Cretaceous.     

Major,minor element chemistry and oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions of Marun oil‐field brines,SW Iran: Source history and economic potential

Cation and anion concentrations and oxygen and hydrogen isotopic ratios of brines in the Asmari Formation (Oligocene–early Miocene) from the Marun oil field of southwest Iran were measured to identify the origin of these brines (e.g. salt dissolution vs. seawater evaporation) as well as the involvement of water–rock reaction processes in their evolution. Marun brines are characterized by having higher concentrations of calcium (11 000–20 000 mg/L), chlorine (120 000–160 000 mg/L) and bromide (600–1000 mg/L) compared to modern seawater. Samples are also enriched in ¹⁸O relative to seawater, fall to the right of the Global Meteoric Water Line and local rain water, and plot close to the halite brine trajectory on the δD versus δ¹⁸O diagram. Geochemical characteristics of Marun brines are inconsistent with a meteoric origin, but instead correspond to residual evaporated seawater modified by water–rock interaction, most significantly dolomitization. In addition, anhydrite precipitation or sulphate reduction appears to be important in chemical modification of the Marun brines, as indicated by lower sulphate contents relative to evaporated seawater. Extensive dolomitization, the presence of anhydrite nodules and high salinity fluid inclusions in the upper parts of the Asmari Formation fit a model whereby the Marun brines likely originated from the seepage reflux of concentrated seawater during the deposition of the overlying Gachsaran Formation evaporites in the Miocene. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

深埋藏条件下鲕粒灰岩的热水交代实验研究

在相对静岩压力40 MPa、地温150℃(大体相当于4 000 m深埋条件)、用时15 d的条件下,对灰色中厚层状鲕粒灰岩进行深埋藏热水交代白云化实验研究。结果表明:反应前后岩石的结构发生了轻微变化,尾液中的主要化学成分Ca2+浓度从0 mg/L增加到337 mg/L,Mg2+浓度从过饱和溶液降低到2 830 mg/L。电子探针分析结果表明,固体样CaO含量由61.000%降为60.830%,而MgO则由0.296%升到0.350%。可见,参与实验的固、液样品反应前后主量元素Ca、Mg有一定的变化。但根据样品的宏观观察、镜下鉴定、扫描电镜及X衍射图谱的综合对比,认为在该实验条件下,尚未产生明显的白云化现象。