Quantitative analysis of paleoenvironment of Qingshankou Formation in northern Songliao Basin, Northeastern China

Abstract

The Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao Basin of northeastern China is an important layer for unconventional oil exploration. To solve the problem of the main controlling factors of shale oil enrichment, to quantitatively analyze the paleosalinity, paleoclimate, paleoredox environment, provenance, and lake productivity, and to clarify the relationship between sedimentary environment and total organic carbon, we have analyzed quantitative reconstruction of the sedimentary environment by using comprehensive analysis of multiple indicators with major and trace elements, fossils, and biomarkers. The results are as follows: the paleosalinity index w(Sr)/ w(Ba) ratio is 0.4–4, the w(B)/ w(Ga) value is 0.7–8.5, and the w(Pr)/ w(Ph) value is 0.8–2.8, which mainly stand for fresh brackish to saline water. The paleoclimate CIW′ (Chemical index of weathering, CIW = [A12O3/(AI203 + CaO+Na20)] × 100 [molecular proportions]) value is 90–100, indicating a warm and humid climate. The redox index w(V)/ w((V + Ni)) value is 0.54–0.89, which mainly belongs to the dysoxic environment. The provenance input of terrigenous debris index w(Ti)/ w(Al) value is 0.026–0.034, mainly standing for low terrigenous debris input. The production index CAL (enrichment degree of Cu) value is 1–3, belonging to high production. We conclude that the humid climate, the fresh brackish to saline and dysoxic water, and the high lake production provide favorable geologic conditions for biological reproduction and then provide a foundation for the formation, enrichment, and preservation of organic matter. The quantitative reconstruction of the paleoenvironment of the Qingshankou Formation has theoretical significance for Gulong shale oil exploration and development.