Sedimentation mechanisms and enrichment of organic matter in the Ordovician Wufeng Formation-Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan Basin

Abstract

Abstract A large, typical, marine, organic-rich shale is developed in the Ordovician Wufeng Formation-Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan Basin, China, which has rich shale gas resources. This paper uses this type of shale as an example to analyze the influence of the depositional environment on the enrichment mechanisms and sedimentary processes of its organic matter (OM). Based on thin sections and field emission scanning electron microscope observations from well core samples, along with X-ray diffraction and geochemical analysis, the mineralogy, organic and inorganic geochemistry characteristics, as well as the lithofacies, are analyzed. The results show that the shale is mainly composed of quartz and clay minerals but also contains calcite, feldspar, pyrite, etc. The OM includes solid bitumen, algae, graptolite, spongy spicule, radiolarians, etc. The total organic carbon (TOC) content ranges between 0.5% and 6.17%, with an average value of 2.5%. Based on the mineral compositions, the TOC content and sedimentary structure, five kinds of lithofacies are identified. According to the primary productivity, redox conditions, paleosalinity and sedimentation rate characteristics, the formation's sedimentary environment is divided into five intervals. During the OM enrichment processes, the primary productivity, sedimentation rate and redox conditions affect the generation, accumulation and preservation of OM. There is a good positive correlation between primary productivity and TOC content, as well as the redox condition. Sedimentation rate is inversely proportional to TOC content. The change and evolution of the sedimentary environment over these five intervals form different OM occurrence characteristics and associations with lithofacies. Based on the characteristics of OM, lithofacies and the sedimentary environment, as well as the geological background of the study area, the mode of OM occurrence and enrichment was proposed.