Vertical dominant migration channel and hydrocarbon migration in complex fault zone, Bohai Bay sag, China

Abstract

The quantitatively/semi-quantitatively formation conditions of vertical dominant hydrocarbon migration pathways were analyzed based on the big data analysis of petroleum geological parameters of complex fault Zone zone in the central-south Bohai Bay. According to this condition, the vertical dominant migration pathway and its charge points/segments are searched through structural modeling assistant analysis in the East Sag of Huanghekou. Under the constraints of charge points/segments, numerical simulation of hydrocarbon charge and migration is carried out to successfully predict hydrocarbon migration pathways and hydrocarbon enrichment blocks in shallow layers of complex fault zone. The main results are as follows: (1) The hydrocarbon charge in shallow layers of the active fault zone is differential, the charge points/sections of vertical dominant migration pathways are the starting points of shallow hydrocarbon migration and are very important for the hydrocarbon migration and accumulation in the shallow layers. (2) Among the shallow faults, those cutting the deep transfer bins or deep major migration pathways, with fault throw of more than 80 m in the accumulation period and the juxtaposition thickness between fault and caprock of the deep layers of less than 400 m are likely to be vertical dominant migration pathways in the sag area. (3) By controlling the vertical dominant migration pathways and charging points/segments in carrier layer, Neo-tectonic movement caused the differential hydrocarbon accumulation in the complex fault zone. The research results are of great significance for the fine exploration of the complex fault zone.