Combining Paleomagnetic and Re‐Os Isotope Data to Date Hydrocarbon Generation and Accumulation Processes

Abstract

AbstractUnraveling the complex relationship between orogenesis and hydrocarbon formation and accumulation is challenging and is often hampered by physical and chemical overprints of younger events. The Permian reservoir in the Longmen Shan orogen, South China, is such an example, and its evolution has been hotly debated. In this study, we use a new combination of paleomagnetic dating analysis and Re–Os isotope dating to try to resolve this. Paleomagnetic dating of the hydrocarbon‐host carbonate indicates two remagnetization events during: (a) the Late Triassic, and (b) the Middle Jurassic–Cretaceous. These two remagnetization events are shown to represent two distinct stages of hydrocarbon accumulation. The paleomagnetic estimates are supported by Re–Os dating of bitumen (∼264 Ma) and oil (∼94 Ma). The two different Re–Os ages are associated with two periods of oil generation. We interpret these data in terms of known geological processes: (a) the ∼260 Ma Dongwu large igneous province caused oil generation, and the Indosinian tectonic event caused the migration and accumulation; and (b) the Late Cretaceous Yanshan orogenic events promoted another generation and entrapment of oil in the same reservoir. This combined approach reliably tracks the sequence of oil generation and accumulation, even when the source rock is uncertain, and multi‐phase accumulation and complex tectonism has occurred. Given that paleomagnetic and Re–Os dating are independent methods which can constrain multiple geological processes, when used together they have the potential to be universally applied.