Genetic types and geochemical characteristics of natural gases in the Jiyang Depression, China

Abstract

Natural gases were widely distributed in the Jiyang Depression with complicated component composition, and it is difficult to identify their genesis. Based on investigation of gas composition, carbon isotope ratios, light hydrocarbon properties, as well as geological analysis, natural gases in the Jiyang Depression are classified into two types, one is organic gas and the other is abiogenic gas. Abiogenic gas is mainly magmatogenic or mantle-derived CO2. Organic gases are further divided into coal-type gas, oil-type gas, and biogas according to their kerogen types and formation mechanisms. The oil-type gases are divided into mature oil-type gas (oil-associated gas) and highly mature oil-type gas. The highly mature oil-type gases can be subdivided into oil-cracking gas and kerogen thermal degradation gas. Identification factors for each kind of hydrocarbon gas were summarized. Based on genesis analysis results, the genetic types of gases buried in different depths were discussed. Results showed that shallow gases (<1,500 m) are mainly mature oil-type gases, biogas, or secondary gases. Secondary gases are rich in methane because of chromatographic separation during migration and secondary biodegradation. Secondary biodegradation leads to richness of heavy carbon isotope ratios in methane and propane. Genesis of middle depth gases (1,500–3,500 m) is dominated by mature oil-type gases. Deep gases (3,500–5,500 m) are mainly kerogen thermal degradation gas, oil-cracking gas, and coal-type gas.