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.     

Reactivity of dolomitizing fluids and Mg source evaluation of fault-controlled dolomitization at the Benicàssim outcrop analogue (Maestrat basin,E Spain)

The mechanisms responsible for the formation of huge volumes of dolomitized rocks associated with faults are not well understood. We present a case study for high-temperature dolomitization of an Early Cretaceous (Aptian–Albian) ramp in Benicàssim (Maestrat basin, E Spain). In this area, seismic-scale fault-controlled stratabound dolostone bodies extend over several kilometres away from large-scale faults. This work aims at evaluating different Mg sources for dolomitization, estimating the reactivity of dolomitizing fluids at variable temperature and quantifying the required versus available fluid volumes to account for the Benicàssim dolostones. Field relationships, stable ¹³C and ¹⁸O isotopes, as well as radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotopes, indicate that dolomitization at Benicàssim was produced by a high-temperature fluid (>80 °C). ¹³C and ¹⁸O isotopic compositions for dolomite vary from +0.5 to +2.9‰ V-PDB and from +21.1 to +24.3 V-SMOW, respectively. A Mg source analysis reveals that the most likely dolomitizing fluid was seawater-derived brine that interacted with underlying Triassic red beds and the Paleozoic basement. Geochemical models suggest that evolved seawater can be considerably more reactive than high-salinity brines, and the maximum reactivity occurs at about 100 °C. Mass-balance calculations indicate that interstitial fluids with high pressure and/or high temperature relative to the normal geothermal gradient cannot account for the volume of dolomite at Benicàssim. Instead a pervasive fluid circulation mechanism, like thermal convection, is required to provide a sufficient volume of dolomitizing fluid, which most likely occurred during the Late Cretaceous post-rift stage of the Maestrat basin. This study illustrates the importance of fluid budget quantification to critically evaluate genetic models for dolomitization and other diagenetic processes.     

塔里木盆地塔北东部下奥陶统基质白云岩的稀土元素特征及其成因

白云岩成因机制的核心问题之一是白云石化流体的来源.本文选择塔北东部地区下奥陶统蓬莱坝组白云岩、云质灰岩作为研究对象,在沉积学和岩石学基础上对基质白云岩的稀土元素地球化学特征进行了分析研究.结果表明,白云岩、云质灰岩中Sc、Th、Hf、Zr等元素的含量远远低于这些元素在陆源沉积物中的含量,并且Th、Zr的含量与Y/Ho比值间不具有明显的正相关关系,La的正异常、较高的Y/Ho比值等特征均表明塔北东部下奥陶统蓬莱坝组碳酸盐岩形成的环境为未受陆源物质混染的浅海相沉积.而白云岩负Ce异常、正La异常、轻微富集的Gd正异常以及La正异常与Y异常的正相关性等典型稀土元素特征均反映了白云石化流体具有典型的海水来源特征;而基质白云岩与白云质灰岩之间的ΣREE+Y,ΣLREE和∑HREE含量差异表明,在白云石化过程中稀土元素发生了一定程度的流失,且HREE较之于LREE更易于发生流失,因此白云石化过程中成岩流体对HREE的移出量大于LREE的移出量是塔北东部下奥陶统白云岩具有相对富集的LREE及相对较低的Y/Ho比值的主要原因.结合岩石学、沉积学、微量元素以及稳定同位素特征的综合分析认为,塔北东部地区下奥陶统蓬莱坝组基质白云岩是海水白云石化作用的结果.个别白云岩样品的Eu正异常以及同层位构造裂隙方解石的δ~(18O) 、~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr以及流体包裹体均表明下奥陶统蓬莱坝组受到后期热液流体的影响,但其对研究样品基质白云岩的影响程度比较弱.     

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     

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.     

加拿大阿尔伯达省西部上泥盆统凯恩组白云岩的成因

加拿大阿尔伯达省西部上泥盆统凯恩组主要由粉晶白云岩和细晶白云岩组成，另外还常见一种充填溶蚀孔洞的亮晶白云石。粉晶白云岩纹理、泥裂和鸟眼等构造发育，其δ＾１３Ｃ为＋１．０‰－＋３．０‰，δ＾１８Ｏ为－６．０‰－－４．３‰，为潮坪上混合水白云化形成。细晶白云岩分布于假整合面之下，其δ＾１３Ｃ为＋０．２‰－＋２．９‰，δ＾１８Ｏ为－６．９‰－－４．６‰，也是混合水白云化的产物。亮晶白云石洁净明亮、晶粒粗     

鄂尔多斯盆地东部下奥陶统白云岩地球化学研究

在岩石学研究的基础上，运用稳定同位素，微量元素，Ｘ射线衍射，阴极发光，扫描电镜及流体包裹体等技术和方法，对鄂尔多斯盆地东部下奥陶统白云岩进行综合研究表明，区内白云岩化具多期叠加的特点，白云岩储集性与白去岩组构，白云岩化程度及白云岩成因密切相关，按成岩阶段可划分为准同生白云岩，成岩（早期和晚期）白云岩和后生（早期及晚期）白云岩（石）其中，准同生白云岩属蒸发泵－渗透回流白云化成因：成岩白云岩早期和晚期     

Fault‐controlled dolomite bodies as palaeotectonic indicators and geofluid reservoirs: New insights from Gargano Promontory outcrops

The Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous platform‐slope to basinal carbonate strata cropping out in Gargano Promontory (southern Italy) are partly dolomitized. Fieldwork and laboratory analyses (petrographic, petrophysical and geochemical) allowed the characterization of the dolomite bodies with respect to their distribution within the carbonate succession, their dimensions, geometries, textural variability, chemical stability, age, porosity, genetic mechanisms and relation with tectonics. The dolomite bodies range from metres to kilometres in size, are fault‐related and fracture‐related, and probably formed during the Early Cretaceous at <500 m burial depths and temperatures <50°C. The proposed dolomitization model relies on mobilization of Early Cretaceous seawater that flowed, downward and then upward, along faults and fractures and was modified in its isotopic composition moving through Triassic and Jurassic strata that underlie the studied dolomitized succession. Despite the numerous cases reported in literature, this study demonstrates that hydrothermal and/or high‐temperature fluids are not necessarily required for fault‐controlled dolomitization. Distribution and geometries of dolomite bodies can be used for palaeotectonic reconstructions, as they partly record the characteristics (size, attitude and kinematics) of the palaeo‐faults, even if not preserved, that controlled dolomitization. In Gargano Promontory, dolomites record Early Cretaceous palaeo‐faults from metres to kilometres long, striking north‐west/south‐east to east/west and characterized by normal to strike‐slip kinematics. Dolomitization increases the matrix porosity by up to 7% and, therefore, can improve the geofluid storage capacity of tight, platform‐slope to basinal limestones. The results have a great significance for characterization of geofluid (for example, hydrocarbons) reservoirs hosted in similar dolomitized carbonate successions. Distribution, size and shapes of reservoir rocks (i.e. dolomite bodies) could be broadly predictable if the characteristics of the palaeo‐fault system present at the time of dolomitization are known.     

塔里木盆地塔中19井奥陶系蓬莱坝组云灰互层段的 岩性旋回特征与“顶侵型”埋藏云化模式的建立

在塔里木盆地西部台地区奥陶系蓬莱坝组地层中,发育了厚层的白云岩与灰岩的互层段,其中塔中19井蓬莱坝组云灰互层段存在着相对固定的岩性旋回,每个旋回上段为泥晶灰岩,中段为粉晶云岩,下段为硅化砂屑灰岩。对旋回3段泥晶灰岩/粉晶云岩/硅化砂屑（球粒）灰岩进行了地球化学研究发现:1）微量元素组成上,相比于泥晶灰岩与砂屑灰岩,白云岩富集大多数种类的微量元素。一般来说,白云岩样品的稀土总量（6.17×10-6～18.62×10-6）都高于互层的灰岩样品(2.86×10-6～6.80×10-6),但在PAAS标准化图解上,两者的配分模式却很一致,指示了白云岩为灰岩云化的产物。2）白云岩化分为两个期次,分别形成了高钡云岩与低钡云岩。高钡云岩表现出了高S特征,指示了Ba以重晶石形式在白云岩中富存;同时高钡云岩其高Fe、Mn含量特征指示了高钡云岩云化卤水来自热液。3）高钡云岩与低钡云岩表现出了不同的碳、氧同位素特征,指示了两期白云岩化事件。高钡云岩δ13C值与灰岩相当,δ18O值较高（-6.0‰～-3.2‰）,可能指示了交代流体来源于岩浆热液;低钡云岩δ13C值为-1.7‰～-1.5‰,高于泥晶灰岩,δ18O值变化为-9.7‰～-8.5‰,低于泥晶灰岩,推测交代流体为海水演化热液。4）灰岩87Sr/86Sr值变化很小,为0.708 983～0.709 039,粉晶云岩白云岩87Sr/86Sr值较高,并且变化范围较大,为0.708 914～0.709 409,可能由成岩作用演化造成。由于粉晶云岩沿低孔渗条件的泥晶灰岩下层分布,热液流体进入云化体系的方式只能为流体从底部通过裂缝向上运移,遇盖层封堵而沿盖层下层流动发生云化。我们将这种云化模式定义为“顶侵型埋藏云化模式”,该模式下形成的白云岩与其上泥晶灰岩构成了良好的储盖组合,具有广阔的勘探前景。     

The porosity origin of dolostone reservoirs in the Tarim,Sichuan and Ordos basins and its implication to reservoir prediction

Origin of dolostone remained a controversial subject, although numerous dolomitization models had been proposed to date. Because of the dolomitization’s potential to be hydrocarbon reservoirs, one debatable issue was the role of dolomitization in porosity construction or destruction. Based upon case studies of dolostone reservoirs in various geological settings such as evaporative tidal flat (Ordos Basin, NW China), evaporative platform (Sichuan Basin, SW China), and burial and hydrothermal diagenesis (Tarim Basin, NW China), here we systematically discuss the origin of porosity in dolostone reservoirs. Contrary to traditional concepts, which regarded dolomitization as a significant mechanism for porosity creation, we found two dominant factors controlling reservoir development in dolostones, i.e., porosity inherited from precursor carbonates and porosity resulted from post-dolomitization dissolution. Actually, dolomitization rarely had a notable effect on porosity creation but rather in many cases destroyed pre-existing porosity such as saddle dolostone precipitation in vugs and fractures. Porosity in dolostones associated with evaporative tidal flat or evaporative platform was generally created by subaerial dissolution of evaporites and/or undolomitized components. Porosity in burial dolostones was inherited mostly from precursor carbonates, which could be enlarged due to subsequent dissolution. Intercrystalline porosity in hydrothermal dolostones was either formed during dolo- mitization or inherited from precursor carbonates, whereas dissolution-enlarged intercrystalline pores and/or vugs were usually interpreted to be the result of hydrothermal alteration. These understandings on dolostone porosity shed light on reservoir prediction. Dolostone reservoirs associated with evaporative tidal flat were laterally distributed as banded or quasi-stratified shapes in evaporite-bearing dolostones, and vertically presented as multi-interval patterns on tops of shallowing-upward cycles. Dolostone reservoirs associated with evaporative platform commonly occurred along epiplatforms or beneath evaporite beds, and vertically presented as multi-interval patterns in dolostones and/or evaporite-bearing dolostones of reef/shoal facies. Constrained by primary sedimentary facies, burial dolostone reservoirs were distributed in dolomitized, porous sediments of reef/shoal facies, and occurred vertically as multi-interval patterns in crystalline dolostones on tops of shallowing-upward cycles. Hydrothermal dolomitization was obviously controlled by conduits (e.g., faults, unconformities), along which lenticular reservoirs could develop.