Seismic geomorphology and depositional system of delta and terminal fan: A case study of the Neogene Shawan Formation in the Chepaizi Uplift, Junggar Basin, China

Abstract

The mainpurpose of this article is to demonstrate the utility of stratal slice images for exploring the sequence stratigraphy and sedimentology of complex depositional systems. A seismic sedimentological study was performed to map sediment dispersal characteristics of the Neogene Shawan Formation in the Chepaizi Uplift of the Junggar Basin, China. The Chepaizi Uplift is developed on the Carboniferous igneous rock basement that lies at the western boundary of the Junggar Basin. The data sources primarily include lithology, well-logging and seismic data. In the main target strata, the Neogene Shawan Formation can be divided into three fourth-order sequences (SQN1s1, SQN1s2, and SQN1s3), and the sequence SQN1s1 is subdivided into three fifth-order sequences (SQN1s11, SQN1s12, and SQN1s13). Based on the established fine-sequence stratigraphic framework, the sedimentary facies types have been identified, they are shallow braided-river deltas, fan deltas, littoral and sublittoral lakes, braided rivers, and terminal fans. Then, stratal slices have been used to clearly depict the boundaries of sedimentary facies. Accurate results have been obtained that characterize braided river channels, terminal fans, littoral and sublittoral lake beaches, and subaqueous distributary channels in the braided-river delta front. Additionally, this seismic sedimentology study reflects variations in source area and evolution history.