Lithofacies Characteristics, Depositional Environment and Sequence Stratigraphic Framework in the Saline Lacustrine Basin-A Case Study of the Eocene Low Member of Xingouzui Formation, Jianghan Basin, China

Abstract

The Jianghan Basin is a lacustrine basin in central China developing multiple salt bearing deposits in the Eocene with the success of shale oil exploration in the Qianjiang Formation. The lower member of the Xingouzui Formation in the Chentuokou Depression has become another exploration target. However, rapid changes in lithofacies and strong sedimentary heterogeneity limit the exploration progress. This study aimed to explore the sequence division, lithofacies characteristics, and sedimentary environment using sedimentological, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The sequence stratigraphic analysis indicates that the low member of the Xingouzui Formation is divided into two third-order sequences, namely SQ1 and SQ2, and four system tracts, including highstand systems tract (HST), lake expanding system tract (EST), early highstand system tract (EHST), and late highstand system tract (LHST). Moreover, a total of nine major lithofacies and five lithofacies associations (LA1-5) were identified. The organic geochemical data show that the laminated argillaceous dolomite in EST and EHST developed the best oil content with an average TOC of 1.18% and S1 of 3.18 mg/g, The laminated argillaceous dolomite deposited in anoxic conditions with a humid climate, moderate salinity, and stratified deep waterbody is a favorable exploration facies for shale oil.