Palaeo-environmental evolution and organic matter enrichment of Eopalaeozoic shales, northwestern Tarim Basin, China: Integrated organic and inorganic geochemistry approach

Abstract

The Eopalaeozoic was a pivotal transitional period following the Neoproterozoic glaciation that witnessed dramatic changes in global ocean environments. The black rock series were extensively sedimented, preserving the original seawater signature. However, due to the scarcity of geological records, the palaeo-environment and organic matter (OM) enrichment in the Tarim Basin, China, are poorly constrained. Herein, Eopalaeozoic shales from typical outcrops in the Kalpin block, northwestern Tarim Basin, have been subjected to integrated organic and inorganic geochemistry research. In the study area, Eopalaeozoic black rock series can be found in the Yuertusi Formation (YUF), Saergan Formation (SAF) and Yingan Formation (YIF) from bottom to top. Although the maturity is moderate (~1.2%), the OM abundance varies greatly vertically. Microscopic observations and biomarkers revealed that the OM source was dominated by diverse planktonic algae. The chemical alteration index indicates a transition from cold and dry climates with low chemical weathering to warm and humid climates with moderate chemical weathering, and subsequently back to cold and dry climates. The stratified water column and euxinic–suboxic conditions are revealed by redox proxies (Mo, enrichment factors, Th/U, MoU covariation pattern, pristane/phytane and gammacerane index). The YUF was deposited in a euxinic environment. Productivity proxies (biogenic Ba, Cu/Al, Ni/Al and carbon isotopes) show that primary productivity was superelevated in the lower YUF and moderate in the other formations. Primary productivity and preservation conditions were heavily influenced by complementary hydrothermal activities and upwelling currents. The hydrothermal activities and upwelling currents provide abundant nutrients and highly reductive environments, creating enormous possibilities for the formation of excellent source rocks with considerable hydrocarbon geological significance.