Sequence stratigraphy of the Miocene section,southern Gulf of Mexico

This study focuses on the interpretation of stratigraphic sequences through the integration of biostratigraphic, well log and 3D seismic data. Sequence analysis is used to identify significant surfaces, systems tracts, and sequences for the Miocene succession.The depositional systems in this area are dominantly represented by submarine fans deposited on the slope and the basin floor. The main depositional elements that characterize these depositional settings are channel systems (channel-fills, channel-levee systems), frontal splays, frontal splay complexes, lobes of debrites and mass-transport complexes.Five genetic sequences were identified and eleven stratigraphic surfaces interpreted and correlated through the study area. The Oligocene-lower Miocene, lower Miocene and middle Miocene sequences were deposited in bathyal water depths, whereas the upper Miocene sequences (Tortonian and Messinian) were deposited in bathyal and outer neritic water depths. The bulk of the Miocene succession, from the older to younger deposits consists of mass-transport deposits (Oligocene-lower Miocene); mass transport deposits and turbidite deposits (lower Miocene); debrite deposits and turbidite deposits (middle Miocene); and debrite deposits, turbidite deposits and pelagic and hemipelagic sediments (upper Miocene). Cycles of sedimentation are delineated by regionally extensive maximum flooding surfaces within condensed sections of hemipelagic mudstone which represent starved basin floors. These condensed sections are markers for regional correlation, and the maximum flooding surfaces, which they include, are the key surfaces for the construction of the Miocene stratigraphic framework. The falling-stage system tract forms the bulk of the Miocene sequences. Individual sequence geometry and thickness were controlled largely by salt evacuation and large-scale sedimentation patterns. For the upper Miocene, the older sequence (Tortonian) includes sandy deposits, whereas the overlying younger sequence (Messinian) includes sandy facies at the base and muddy facies at the top; this trend reflects the change from slope to shelf settings.     

Palynological,palaeoenvironmental and sequence stratigraphical analyses of a Turonian-Coniacian sequence,Beni Suef Basin,Eastern Desert,Egypt: Implication of Pediastrum rhythmic signature

Sixteen samples from the “E” to “B” members of the Abu Roash Formation encountered in the Beni Suef Basin, Eastern Desert of Egypt were palynologically analyzed for palaeoenvironmental and sequence stratigraphic investigations. The integrated palynofacies and lithofacies analysis of the studied section indicates deposition of five alternating regressive and transgressive sequences in well-oxygenated, proximal shelf settings. The Abu Roash “E” and the upper “D” to the lower “C” members were deposited during pronounced regressive phases in oxic, shallow marginal marine settings. The upper “B” Member was deposited during a recurring regressive phase but of a lower magnitude in oxic, shallow inner neritic conditions. The lower “D” Member was deposited during a minor transgression phase in dysoxic, shallow inner neritic settings. While the upper “C” to the lower “B” section was deposited during a stronger transgressive episode in a relatively deep, inner neritic environment of prominent dysoxic conditions. This interchange in the depositional setting was documented by the pronounced and concurrent, cyclic nature of the freshwater algae, peridinioid dinoflagellate cysts, pteridophyte spores, and reworked sporomorphs with variable intensities. Their increasing and conversely their diminishing trends clearly reflect alternating regressive-transgressive periods of reduced and relatively normal salinity conditions, respectively. Overall, sedimentation of the studied Abu Roash section indicates a recurring rise in sea level, which accentuated during the earliest Santonian time.The analogous peaking in the Pediastrum signals with those of the pteridophyte spores and reworked taxa indicate a good connection between these Pediastrum signals and the pronounced fluviatile influxes of terrigenous sediments during regressive phases. Accordingly, this can be used to identify regressive sequence boundaries and hence the clastic reservoirs. Even with the small counts recorded herein, we believe high ratios of peridinioid/gonyalulacoid dinocysts are significantly paralleled by peaking signals of freshwater algae and regressive sedimentation phases. This must be preliminary documented here. Probably future palynological studies will be able to fully interpret and address this important Pediastrum rhythmic event in different sequence stratigraphic settings.The palynological parameters, age controlled sporomorph marker taxa, lithology, and gamma ray data were used to differentiate the Abu Roash members into three distinctive 3rd order depositional sequences (AR SQ1, AR SQ2, and AR SQ3). These sequences match well with the global stratigraphic sequences Tu 3, Tu 4, and Co 1 and connect the local rise in sea level to the global eustatic sea level rise.     

High-resolution sequence stratigraphy of clastic shelves VI: Mixed siliciclastic-carbonate systems

High-frequency sequences composed of mixed siliciclastic-carbonate deposits may exhibit either vertical or horizontal changes between siliciclastics and carbonates. Vertical facies shifts occur between systems tracts and define a ‘reciprocal sedimentation’ pattern, typically consisting of transgressive/highstand carbonates and forced regressive/lowstand siliciclastics, although variations from this rule are common. Mixed systems with lateral facies change, usually typifying transgressive and/or highstand systems tracts, may exhibit proximal siliciclastics and distal carbonates or vice-versa, although variations may also occur along depositional strike. The marked variability of mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sequences makes the definition of a universal sequence stratigraphic model impossible, as the composition and geometries of systems tracts may change considerably, and sequence stratigraphic surfaces and facies contacts may vary in terms of occurrence and physical expression. However, some resemblance exists between siliciclastic sequences and mixed sequences showing lateral facies changes between siliciclastics and carbonates. In particular, these mixed sequences display 1) a stratal architecture of the clastic part of the systems tracts that is comparable to that of siliciclastic deposits, 2) a dominant role of the inherited physiography and of erosional processes, rather than carbonate production, in shaping the shelf profile, and 3) a local lateral juxtaposition of siliciclastic sandstones and carbonate bioconstructions due to hydrodynamic processes. These observations are helpful in predicting the location of porous and potential sealing bodies and baffles to fluid flow at the intra-high-frequency sequence scale, and ultimately they are useful for both petroleum exploration and production.     

Sedimentology and seismic geomorphology of a lacustrine depositional system from the deep zone of the Gaoyou Sag,Subei Basin,eastern China

Sandstones of the Dainan Formation in the Gaoyou Sag of the Subei Basin are important hydrocarbon reservoirs. This paper studies the sedimentary facies and sandstone dispersal patterns in the Gaoyou Sag, based on the analysis of sedimentology and seismic geomorphology. The data used in this study include lithological data, wire-line-log data and three-dimensional (3D) seismic data. The target strata are the Eocene Daiyi Member (E₂d₁³, E₂d₁² and E₂d₁¹) and the lower Dai'er Member (E₂d₂⁵), which belong to three third-order sequences. Five types of depositional systems were identified in the Dainan Formation based on core observation and log-facies analysis. They are, respectively, delta, fan delta, sub-lacustrine fan, nearshore subaqueous fan and lacustrine system. Stratal slices from 3D seismic volumes have been used to map the sandstone dispersal patterns and to document the evolution of the depositional systems within these third-order sequences and associated systems tracts. In the low-stand systems tract and the high-stand systems tract, sandstones of delta, fan delta and nearshore subaqueous fan were well developed and can be delineated by stratal slices showing distinct progradation towards the deep lake centre. In the transgressive systems tract, sandstones are less common. Stratal slices indicate that the depositional environments of individual third-order sequences evolved from gravel-rich or sand-rich fans to lacustrine mudstones, and finally to mixed sandstone–mudstone fans. Sandstone dispersal patterns appear to be primarily controlled by syn-sedimentary faults, and generally sandstone thickness decreases with distance from the syn-sedimentary faults. Deltas and fan deltas have different characteristics in sand-body thickness because they have different sedimentary subfacies. The proposed geomorphology and sedimentary evolution of the lacustrine depositional system may aid in the prediction of potential reservoir distribution in the Gaoyou Sag.     

中国盆地动力学研究现状及展望

沉积盆地既是人类最重要的资源宝库,又包含了丰富的全球气候变化、流体流动和地球动力学等相关信息。人类社会对矿产资源和水资源的大量需求推动盆地分析领域的快速发展,地球科学家对沉积盆地开展了多年的系统性探索,在盆地形成和演化机制、沉积充填、盆地流体及相关资源的聚集过程等诸多方面的研究取得了一系列重要的进展和突破,形成了一门新兴的学科—盆地动力学。近年来,我国学者在大型叠合盆地和大陆边缘盆地的动力学过程、陆相盆地层序地层、深水沉积、源—汇系统等方向取得了显著成绩和突出进展。相关成果不仅有效地服务于能源、矿产、水资源等各类资源勘探,而且为地球动力学、重大构造事件、全球环境变迁及气候演变研究提供了丰富资料和详实证据。     

碳酸盐岩层序地层格架内组构选择性孔隙分布特征——以塔里木盆地塔中地区上奥陶统良里塔格组台地边缘相为例*

组构选择性孔隙是塔中地区良里塔格组台地边缘相油气储集层的重要孔隙类型,目前该类型的孔隙在层序地层格架内的分布特征仍不清晰。作者在前人建立的层序地层格架的基础上,通过大量的岩心、薄片、测井及地震资料的分析,在塔中地区良里塔格组台地边缘相识别出7类主要组构选择性孔隙: 粒内溶孔、粒间溶孔、铸模孔、粒间孔、窗格孔、生物体腔孔及格架孔。高频层序中,组构选择性孔隙在90%的礁(丘)滩复合体中上部的大气淡水渗流带—潜流带中成层集中发育,厚度10~40 m,且各类型孔隙纵向上分布特征不同。受研究区湿润的古气候、相对海平面的频繁波动、台地边缘礁滩相较大的沉积速率及较好的初始渗透性等因素控制,组构选择性孔隙的发育具有层位性、旋回性及区块差异性等分布规律。即组构选择性孔隙层主要发育在高位体系域内沉积的良三段—良一段中;纵向上发育5期,主要分布在进积型准层序组6、8及9中,其次是加积型准层序组5、7、10;自东向西,各井区孔隙层数量、厚度及物性均逐步降低,主要孔隙类型由粒内溶孔、铸模孔、粒间溶孔及体腔孔逐渐变为以窗格孔、粒内溶孔及粒间溶孔。     

多功能孔压静力触探在基坑工程降水设计中的应用分析

针对南京长江四桥漫滩沉积土,分别进行了室内试验和多功能地震波孔压静力触探（SCPTU）原位测试,从SCPTU应用于场地复杂地层 的精细划分、长江漫滩沉积黏性土透水性能的评价和预测渗透系数kh 3个方面进行了详细分析,试验结果表明：综合利用 多功能SCPTU测试qt、fs、u2 3个参数可以对具有高度分层性和不均匀性的长江漫滩沉积土进行精确分层,对不同性质土 层界面、同一土层内透水或不透水夹层进行精确探测;利用SCPTU钻进过程中的孔压消散试验功能,可以对复杂的混合土层的透水性能进行评价;基于SCPTU的渗透系数kh预测值均具有一定的离散性,一般比室内试验结果高1～2个数量级,Burns & Mayne方法预测值可以作为工程初设阶段的参考值;SCPTU的应用为基坑工程降水设计提供了一种简便、快捷的新型技术手段。     

适用于注气储层描述的单砂体解剖技术

国内外实践已经证明二氧化碳驱油是一种成功的提高油藏采收率的技术。由于气体的易流动性,注气过程中往往存在气窜的问题。单砂体精细解剖技术是研究储层非均质性的一种重要方法。在密井网资料基础上,以高分辨率层序地层学原理为指导,采用层次界面分析技术,分析隔夹层分布模式及砂体叠置模式,刻画单砂体在三维空间的展布规模及形态。 依据能量单元研究方法,建立高渗条带划分标准,刻画高渗条带分布范围,预测注气井组气窜方向和规模,为注气调剖提供依据。另外,基于单砂体精细解剖和气窜优势通道评价方法,建立了适用于注 气储层单砂体精细解剖的技术流程,该技术能够科学地解决注气过程中气窜问题,同时为精细表征储层非均质性研究方法提供借鉴。     

青藏高原东北缘若尔盖盆地黄土的成因

通过对盆地黄土的粒度组分、石英砂的表面结构以及其它地质现象的综合研究,对若尔盖盆地黄土成因进行了探讨.在黄土的概率累计曲线上,跃进组分和悬移组分反映明显,以悬移组分为主,并采用矩阵法计算了黄土的粒度参数.对黄土扫描电镜观察和石英颗粒表面特征的统计分析,反映出气流搬运的特点,以发育碟形坑为其主要标志,具有风成环境的表面特征组合.黄土中孢粉稀少,并在邻区黄土层中发现有冰楔构造.根据上述特征分析出,若尔盖盆地黄土应为冰缘风成黄土.以测年资料为依据,黄土形成年代主要为马兰期茶镇梁子黄土和离石期索克藏寺黄土.      

新疆库车坳陷古近系苏维依组高精度层序地层及其发育的主控因素探讨

库车坳陷位于塔里木盆地北缘南天山山前,古近系苏维依组沉积期为前陆盆地发育阶段,沉积了巨厚的河流一三角洲和滨浅湖碎屑岩建造.库车坳陷独特的地理位置和苏维依组野外大面积连续出露,为高精度层序地层分析和层序发育的主控因素探讨提供了有利条件.以相对易于追踪对比的水进期稳定泥岩为界.在苏维依组2个三级层序中进一步划分出10个四级层序和数十个五级层序.四级层序中发育有三角洲前缘河口坝、水下分流河道、下切水道、曲流砂坝、干盐湖等沉积.其中四级层序Pssl和Pss6中的曲流河道砂坝、下切谷充填和四级层序Pss3,Pss5,Pss8中的三角洲前缘河口坝、水下分流河道等砂体构成区内的主力储层,与上覆的浅湖泥或干盐湖膏泥岩构成良好的储盖组合.四级层序地球化学特征和准层序的叠置样式表明,高精度层序发育是构造沉降背景下气候作用、湖平面波动和沉积物源供给综合作用的结果,其中气候因素和沉积物源供给起了决定性作用.干旱和潮湿气候影响了湖平面波动,控制着层序充填和准层序叠置形式;逆冲带近端、远端与盆地中部沉积物源供给不同,决定了盆地内不同部位的层序发育样式和准层序的叠置形式不同.