Crystalline Dolomite Research Articles

Unravelling calcrete environmental controls in volcanic islands, Gran Canaria Island, Spain

Volcanic islands are unique contexts to analyze the controls on calcrete development in settings with varied relief, climate and vegetation, and lacking carbonate host rocks. This paper discusses the formation of Quaternary calcrete profiles in Gran Canaria volcanic Island, under direct influence of the SAL (Saharian Air Layer). Calcrete profiles are multi-storey and composed of prismatic, massive, laminar, pisolithic, ooid-bearing, sandy mudstones with rhizoliths and brecciated horizons. Host rocks include basalts, siliceous mudstones, volcanic sands and gravels and bioclastic-rich sands. Carbonate is mostly calcite but some dolomite occurs in massive horizons. The main microfabrics include laminated micrite, fine crystalline dolomite, desiccated micrite, micrite-clay groundmass, oriented Mg-rich clays, peloids, spherulites and coated grains. δ13C varies from −3.26 to −9.18‰ VPDB and δ18O from +0.86 to −3.24‰ VPDB. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios are between 0.707504 and 0.708860, indicating that calcium was mostly supplied from the CaCO3-rich aeolian dust coming from the Sahara Desert.Calcrete profiles are mostly pedogenic with roots and microorganisms enabling carbonate precipitation within the soils. The correlation trend of δ13C and δ18O points to a climate control on precipitation, with the heavier isotope values in the horizons containing dolomite. Sedimentation rates interplayed with calcrete formation processes and erosion to outline the profiles/horizons. Amalgamated laminar horizons formed when the rate of calcrete formation was higher than sedimentation and erosion, whereas areas or periods with relatively higher sedimentation allowed the separation of calcrete horizons.The direction of the winds supplying aeolian dust, and the varied relief, vegetation and climate favored better development of calcretes in the relatively arid and lowland areas of the eastern side of the island. Our study shows that calcretes contain the record of the paleoenvironmental controls that operated in volcanic islands with no previous carbonate substrates.

Characteristics and controlling factors of dolomite karst reservoirs of the Sinian Dengying Formation, central Sichuan Basin, southwestern China

The Sichuan Basin is a typical superimposed oil- and gas-bearing basin with abundant hydrocarbon resources in deeply buried marine carbonate rocks. The petrological characteristics, origin, diagenetic evolution and controlling factors of the high-quality Sinian Dengying dolomite reservoirs were investigated based on outcrop and core observations in addition to data from various analyses, including thin section, casting thin section, scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence, carbon and oxygen isotope, major and trace elements, and X-ray diffraction analyses. The main lithologies of the Dengying reservoirs are microbial dolomite, crystalline dolomite, granular dolomite and karst breccia dolomite. The reservoir spaces include microbial pores, interparticle dissolution pores, intraparticle dissolution pores, intercrystalline pores, karst caves and fractures. Three models to explain the origin of Dengying dolomites are proposed: (1) syngenetic microbial dolomitization, (2) penecontemporaneous reflux dolomitization and (3) burial dolomitization. Development of the high-quality Dengying dolomite reservoirs in the central Sichuan paleo-uplift was essentially controlled by two factors: sedimentation and supergene karstification. High-quality reservoirs were developed mainly in algal mound and grain-shoal sediments deposited on the platform margin and intraplatform margin. Affected by the multistage Tongwan movement, long-term weathered crust karstification resulted in the formation of a large number of dissolution-enlarged pores and caves in the Dengying reservoirs. Multistage fractures, especially the unfilled tectonic fractures that formed during the late Yanshanian–Himalayan period, connected the relatively isolated pores and karst caves and effectively improved the permeability of the reservoirs. The results of this study provide a deeper understanding of the origin and preservation mechanism of deeply buried paleocarbonate reservoirs and can also effectively guide future exploration in the Sinian Dengying Formation of the Sichuan Basin.

Diagenetic differentiation in the Ordovician Majiagou Formation, Ordos Basin, China: Facies, geochemical and reservoir heterogeneity constraints

Diagenesis is a key process that affects carbonate reservoir formation and evolution. This paper presents a detailed study of a carbonate shoal reservoir in the Ordovician Majiagou Formation, Ordos Basin, China. This reservoir records different diagenetic features that are related to reservoir heterogeneity. Petrographic observations and geochemical data reveal that the two facies present in a single shoal exhibit differences in rock and pore textures, spatial distributions, and reservoir properties. The shoal margins consist of grain dolomite with few intergranular pores and pervasive cement infilling, whereas the shoal core is dominated by crystalline dolomite with abundant intercrystalline pores. These two types of reservoir experienced multi-stage and different diagenetic pathways. The shoal deposits were pervasively dolomitized during the very early diagenesis with the dolomitizing fluid of highly saline seawater due to evaporation. The shoal margins were then cemented due to the inflow of hypersaline seawater and gypsum precipitation during penecontemporaneous to shallow burial, which resulted in significant reservoir degradation. However, this densification and relatively poor reservoir properties of the shoal margins protected the shoal core from cementation and alteration by hypersaline seawater. During deep burial, continued diagenetic modification and recrystallization occurred preferentially in the shoal core as the diagenetic fluid flowed and migrated into the layers with relatively high porosity–permeability. This resulted in intense lithological and porosity transformation within the shoal core. Multiple stages of diagenetic differentiation affected the formation and preservation of dolomite reservoir, which provide new insight into the carbonate reservoir heterogeneity. The results have implications for future oil–gas exploration in high-quality reservoirs developed in old superimposed basins, such as the Ordos Basin and those in a similar geological setting.

Petrographic and geochemical evidence of the diagenetic environment and fluid source of dolomitization of dolomite: a case study from the Ma55 to Ma51 submembers of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation, central Yishan Slope, Ordos Basin, China

Dolomite is the most important component of the prolific reservoirs in the Ma55 to Ma51 submembers of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation in the central Yishan Slope, Ordos Basin. However, the origins of the different types of dolomite are unclear because of the different diagenetic environments and complex diagenetic fluids. This paper mainly focuses on the diagenetic environment and diagenetic fluid associated with the dolomite. The petrographic features of the dolomite were studied on the basis of core observation and thin section identification. Geochemical characteristics were analyzed according to the O, C and Sr stable isotopes and major and trace elements. The results demonstrate that, petrographically, the dolomite can be divided into four types, namely, type 1, type 2, type 3 and type 4. Type 1 is mainly characterized by dolomite with gypsum and salt dissolution as well as breccia structures with no clay minerals filling between breccia clasts. Type 2 is characterized by powder-fine crystalline dolomite with apparent residual textures and residual intergranular and intercrystal pores. Type 3 is characterized by leopard limestone or dolomite with leopard textures and massive bioborings. Finally, type 4 is characterized by karst breccia dolomite with many fractures and caves filled by abundant terrigenous clay minerals. In combination with the petrographic data, analysis of the geochemical data reveals that the type 1 dolomite formed in an early near-surface diagenetic environment and the diagenetic fluid might have been early freshwater. Type 2 and type 3 dolomite formed in a shallow-burial diagenetic environment. The diagenetic fluid of type 2 dolomite might have been hypersaline brine that was influenced by freshwater, but that of type 3 dolomite might have been a mixed fluid consisting of seawater and freshwater, which was less saline than the type 2 dolomite fluid. Type 4 dolomite formed in an epidiagenetic near-surface environment and the diagenetic fluid might have been superficial freshwater carrying abundant terrigenous clay minerals. The study shows that the analysis of the diagenetic environment and fluid of dolomite has great significance for research on dolomite origins. The porosity and permeability values of the four types of dolostone reservoirs indicate that type 1 dolomite reservoirs are the best reservoir, type 2 dolomite reservoirs have good physical properties, type 4 dolomite reservoirs are relatively good reservoirs, and the worst reservoir is the type 3 dolomite reservoirs.

Diagenetic Pore Fluid Evolution and Dolomitization of the Silurian and Devonian Carbonates, Huron Domain of Southwestern Ontario: Petrographic, Geochemical and Fluid Inclusion Evidence

Core samples from two deep boreholes were analyzed for petrographic, stable and Sr isotopes, fluid inclusion microthermometry and major, minor, trace and rare-earth elements (REE) of different types of dolomite in the Silurian and Devonian carbonates of the eastern side of the Michigan Basin provided useful insights into the nature of dolomitization, and the evolution of diagenetic pore fluids in this part of the basin. Petrographic features show that both age groups are characterized by the presence of a pervasive replacive fine-crystalline (<50 µm) dolomite matrix (RD1) and pervasive and selective replacive medium crystalline (>50–100 µm) dolomite matrix (RD2 and RD3, respectively). In addition to these types, a coarse crystalline (>500 µm) saddle dolomite cement (SD) filling fractures and vugs is observed only in the Silurian rocks. Results from geochemical and fluid inclusion analyses indicate that the diagenesis of Silurian and Devonian formations show variations in terms of the evolution of the diagenetic fluid composition. These fluid systems are: (1) a diagenetic fluid system that affected Silurian carbonates and was altered by salt dissolution post-Silurian time. These carbonates show a negative shift in δ18O values (dolomite δ18O average: −6.72‰ VPDB), Sr isotopic composition slightly more radiogenic than coeval seawater (0.7078–0.7087), high temperatures (RD2 and SD dolomite Th average: 110 °C) and hypersaline signature (RD2 and SD dolomite average salinity: 26.8 wt.% NaCl eq.); and (2) a diagenetic fluid system that affected Devonian carbonates, possibly occurred during the Alleghenian orogeny in Carboniferous time and characterized by a less pronounced negative shift in δ18O values (dolomite δ18O average: −5.74‰ VPDB), Sr isotopic composition in range with the postulated values for coeval seawater (0.7078–0.7080), lower temperatures (RD2 dolomite Th average: 83 °C) and less saline signature (RD2 dolomite average salinity: 20.8 wt.% NaCl eq.).

Fragmentation of dolomite bed material at elevated temperature in the presence of H2O & CO2: Implications for fluidized bed gasification

With the aims of improving the understanding of the use of dolomite bed materials in a fluidized bed (FB) gasifier, dolomite primary fragmentation behaviors and mechanisms at elevated temperatures were thoroughly investigated by means of quantitative analysis of particles production, size distribution, and particles shape (in terms of HS circularity and convexity). Crystalline Glanshammar and amorphous Sala dolomites of different original particle sizes (300–350 μm, 350–500 μm, and 500–1000 μm) were treated under various conditions, such as temperatures of 650, 750, and 950 °C and gas conditions of N2, N2 & steam, and H2O & CO2. Crystalline Glanshammar dolomite exhibited severe fragmentation, while amorphous Sala dolomite only fragmented slightly. Fragmentation mechanisms were proposed for amorphous and crystalline dolomite. In case of the Glanshammar dolomite, the release of H2O trapped in the crystal lattices and trace level of CO2 at structure defects, contributed to 10% and 55% of the primary fragmentation, respectively. The presence of CO2 can significantly mitigate the fragmentation of crystalline Glanshammar dolomite, which is probably either due to the prevention of CO2− dissociation at the defects or filling of cations by interchanging CO2− with the dolomite, consequently, allowing for a stabilization of dolomite structure. The analysis shows that elutriation in fluidized bed gasifier can be reduced significantly when either using amorphous Sala dolomite as bed material or treatment of the Glanshammar dolomite in the presence of CO2 before its utilization in a fluidized bed.

Spectrum of pore types and networks in the deep Cambrian to Lower Ordovician dolostones in Tarim Basin, China

Abstract The complex tectonic activities and multi-stage diagenetic modifications lead to the formation of a heterogeneous pore network spectrum ranging from macropores (centimeter-size) to nanometer-size pores ( Three types of matrix dolomites (dolomicrite, microbial dolomite and crystalline dolomites) and two types of dolomite cements (saddle dolomite or crystalline dolomites) are recognized in the Cambrian to Lower Ordovician dolostones. The pore systems include open vugs (enlarged dissolution pores), fabric dissolution pores, intercrystal (dissolution) pores, micro-fractures, as well as intracrystal pores, forming dual or multiple pore networks. The NMR T2 spectra are mainly characterized by bi-modal distributions and mostly right-skewed. The very low T2 components ( 1000 ms) represent the vuggy pores with pore sizes spanning from hundreds of μm to thousands of microns. The transition zones (100 ms

An archaeometric study of early Copper Age pottery from a cave in Romania

AbstractEarly Copper Age pottery sherds discovered in a cave within the crystalline dolomites of the Southern Carpathians (Romania) were investigated by polarized light optical microscopy (OM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) to obtain information on the pottery production in the Copper Age in the territory of present-day Romania. Microscopically, the clayey matrix of the ceramic body is highly birefringent or consists of low-birefringent and isotropic parts mixed together, containing fragments of quartz, muscovite, alkali feldspar, plagioclase, biotite, chlorite, heavy minerals and metamorphic and magmatic rocks, as well as an opaque material. The EMPA data revealed an Fe-rich illite-like matrix and helped to identify the mineral nature of the inclusions. Local pottery production in bonfires or surface clamps is envisaged. Miocene illitic clays may have been used as raw materials, mixed with a small amount of sandy temper. The thermal changes revealed by OM, the modification of the XRPD peaks and the EMPA data suggest firing temperatures of between 800 and 850°C.

Dolomitization and its impact on porosity development and preservation in the deeply burial Lower Ordovician carbonate rocks of Tarim Basin, NW China

The deeply buried dolostones (>6000 m) of the Lower Ordovician Penglaiba Formation are currently the key targets of hydrocarbon exploration in the Tarim Basin. Petrographic, isotopic, and fluid inclusion microthermometric data were obtained in an attempt to determine the origin of dolostones and its effect on porosity development. Based on the petrography examination, three matrix dolomites and two dolomite cements were identified: very finely to finely crystalline, nonplanar-a to planar-s (D1) dolomite; finely to medium crystalline, planar-s to planar-e (D2) dolomite; medium to coarse crystalline, nonplanar-a (D3) dolomite; medium to coarse crystalline dolomite cements (Cd and Sd). D1 dolomite, which commonly occurs widely distributed throughout the study area, is characterized with δ13CVPDB values of −2.4 to −0.1‰, δ18OVPDB values of −8.1 to −4.1‰, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70899–0.70979, inferring the seawater origin. D2 dolomite, merely confined to one side of the stylolite, has δ13CVPDB values of −1.8 to −0.4‰, δ18OVPDB values of −8.3 to −3.7‰, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70871–0.70955, suggesting that D2 is precipitated in shallow-middle burial conditions and the dolomitizing fluids is derived from the residual primitive seawater in the formation. D3 dolomite is considered to be formed at higher temperatures under deep burial conditions considering its crystal textures and the δ18OVPDB values of −9.0 to −6.8‰. The two dolomite cements, Cd and Sd dolomites, are characterized with the inclusion Th values of 119–163 °C and 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70941–0.70993, inferring the hydrothermal origin. Based on the distribution, petrography and geochemistry data of D1, the mainly hydrological system for dolomitization in the Penglaiba Formation is interpreted to be the seepage-reflux model. Intercrystalline pores and vugs are two types of pores associated with dolomitization, the latter being the most dominant type that is related to hydrothermal dolomitization.

Genesis and characteristics of the dolomite reservoirs in Middle Devonian Guanwushan Formation, Northwest Sichuan Basin, SW China

Abstract A great breakthrough has been made on oil-gas exploration of the Middle Devonian Guanwushan Formation in Northwest Sichuan Basin. The further exploration shows that the dolomite reservoir is complicated with insufficient investigation. Taking the Middle Devonian Guanwushan Formation as an example, systematic study has been carried out on its reservoir character, mechanism and genesis of dolostone. The field and core data suggest that reservoir types of Guanwushan Formation consist of crystalline dolomite, breccia dolomite and reef dolomite, and reservoir space is characterized by intercrystal (dissolution) pores, residual pores among breccias, intragranular dissolution pores, pockets as well as fractures. Besides, pore structure is of good configuration, showing medium-low porosity and moderate permeability, with average porosity and permeability of 2.23% and 0.44mD respectively, which suggesting fracture-pore and fracture-cavity reservoir. Combined with the previous research, it is suggested that the reservoir of Guanwushan Formation was controlled by facies, dolomitization and two-step karstification, with reef-shoal facies being material base for reservoir development, early dolomitization being key factor for reservoir space preservation, polyphase karstification being foundation for reservoir development and tectogenesis finally finalizing the reservoir.

Geochemistry characteristics and dolomitization mechanism of the Upper Cambrian dolomite, eastern Ordos Basin, China

There are widely developed carbonate formations in the lower Palaeozoic, Ordos Basin, China. However, previous studies have paid more attention to the Ordovician formations and largely ignored the Cambrian formations, which also have a larger sediment thickness. Recently, with the continuous discovery of dolomite gas fields in the Ordovician Majiagou formation, more investigations have begun to focus on the deeper dolomite in the Cambrian Sanshanzi Formation (Є3s). This study looks into the origin of the dolomite through a combination of petrology, major–trace elements, and stable isotope and rare earth element (REE) analysis of samples from five outcrops. The results show that the main dolomite types in the study area are dolarenite (Type 1), micrite‐fine crystalline dolomite (Type 2), and medium crystalline dolomite (Type 3). The δ13C values and δ18O values of each dolomite formation are close to those of seawater‐derived dolomite and have slightly higher Na2+ concentrations, suggesting that dolomite formation is closely related to the denser seawater. The REE compositions are characterized by enrichment for light REEs and depletion for heavy REEs, exhibiting an apparent negative Eu anomaly and a slight negative Ce anomaly, indicating that the dolomites of the Є3s may form in a weak‐reduction to the weak‐oxidation environment. The total REE (ΣREE) concentrations of Type 3 dolomites are lower than other types, suggesting that those dolomites may mean that the REEs are lost during the diagenesis. Type 1 dolomite has lower MgO and CaO values and a higher Mn2+ concentration than the other two types of dolomites, indicating that Type 1 dolomite suffered the action of atmospheric fresh water. Type 2 dolomite has lower Mg and Ca values than Type 3 dolomite, suggesting that Type 3 dolomite has a higher dolomitization degree. Further study into the combined palaeogeographical background confirms the dolomitization model of the study area: Type 1 and Type 2 dolomites may have been formed by penecontemporaneous or seepage–reflux dolomitization during early‐stage diagenesis. Subsequently, stratigraphic uplift lead to the Type 1 dolomite suffering the action of atmospheric fresh water, but there was no dorag dolomitization. Type 2 dolomite became the main dolomite type by seepage–reflux dolomitization in this period. Later, Type 2 dolomite was converted into Type 3 dolomite during progressive burial.

Multiphase dolomitization of a microbialite-dominated gas reservoir, the middle Triassic Leikoupo Formation, Sichuan Basin, China

Microbialites have great economic potentials in hosting hydrocarbons throughout the geological record. Diagenesis, particularly dolomitization, has been proven to be crucial in microbialite reservoir development, however, the impacts of dolomitization on microbialite reservoir quality were not yet clearly understood. In this study, core samples covering the Middle Triassic Leikoupo formation were collected, and combination of petrology, fluid-inclusion microthermometry, and stable and radiogenic isotopes analyses was conducted, aiming at unraveling the origin of the dolomites and their reservoir characteristics in the microbialites from the Sichuan Basin, China. Two types of microbial dolostone reservoir were determined and compared in terms of their dolomitization mechanisms and reservoir characteristics. Organogenic dolomitization mediated by microbial activities probably resulted in the initial biotic dolomicirte (D1) precipitation in sediment pile as a consequence of bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR), characterized by significant δ13C depletion compare to the middle Triassic seawater value. An early stage dolomitization, occurred in fluids dominated by seawater was responsible for the precipitation of very fine crystalline dolomite (D2). Burial dolomitization, precipitated medium-to coarsely crystalline dolomite cements (D3) from burial brine in temperatures between 120 °C and 160 °C and characterized by elevated 87Sr/86Sr values and slightly low δ13C values. Last hydrothermal dolomitization event, represented by saddle dolomite cement (D4), has probably occurred and is associated with deeply-seated hydrothermal fluids at temperatures >200 °C. Abiotic microbialite dolomudstone reservoir quality (D2) (porosity = 7.4%; permeability = 24.9 mD) superior to the biotic microbial-mediated dolomudstone reservoir (D1) (porosity = 1.4%; permeability = 0.6 mD). Microbialite dolomudstone reservoirs (D2) are microporous, with the presence of both primary porosity, e.g., framework and interparticle, and secondary porosity, e.g., solution-enlarged and micropores. The wide occurrence of intragranular and micro-fracture, together with the proximity of larger macropores, may increase connectivity and allow for a combined micropore to macropore transport process for natural gases. Micropores in these dolostones were interpreted to be formed by mole to mole replacement of calcite by dolomite. Hence, this study emphasizes the important role of dolomitization in the formation of ancient microporous microbialites reservoirs characterized by low porosity and low permeability.

Origin of crystal dolomite and its reservoir formation mechanism in the Xixiangchi Formation, Upper Cambrian in Southeastern Sichuan basin

This paper takes the thick and widely distributed crystal dolomite of Xixiangchi Formation, Upper Cambrian in Southeastern Sichuan basin as an example, the reservoir characteristics and main controlling factors of crystal dolomite have been analyzed systematically, and the genesis and reservoir formation mechanism of crystal dolomite have been discussed. It shows that the main reservoir rocks of crystal dolomite include powder crystalline dolomite and finely crystalline dolomites, and the intercrystal pores and dissolved intercrystal pores are the main reservoir spaces, with few dissolved vugs and fractures developed in the reservoir. The pore structure analysis shows that the throats of crystal dolomite reservoir are mainly lamellar, reflecting a good configuration between pores and throats, medium- low porosity and low permeability, representing typical porous-type reservoir. Dolomitization analysis indicates that the dolomitization occurred in the penecontemporaneous or early diagenetic stage. The degree of dolomitization decreased gradually from the top to the bottom in each sedimentary cycle, and distribution of dolomite in the study area shows that the content of dolomites decreases from the west to the east, which reflects the degree of dolomitization weakening eastward. Combined with the geochemical research of crystal dolomite, the C and O isotope data reflect the same characteristics of seawater during the late Cambrian. It indicates that the dolomitization might be related to the seepage-reflux of seawater in the early time. Recrystallization played an important role in the genesis of the crystal dolomite, because most of crystal dolomites remain residual granular texture. The intercrystal pores formed by seepage–reflux dolomitization acted as superior seepage channels for the reservoir transformation, and the recrystallization adjusted the previous pores and made them better, while the karstification was the key to the dissolved pore formation.

Analysis of the Ordovician Carbonate Hydrothermal Process in Tadong Area, Xinjiang, China

Hydrothermal activity played an important part in the formation of the Ordovician dolostone reservoirs in Tadong area (eastern Tarim Basin). By applying the technologies of thin rock section microscopic identification, cathodoluminescence analysis, carbon and oxygen isotope analysis, trace element, rare earth element analysis, among others, the mineralogical characteristics and geochemical characteristics of the hydrothermal process are studied. It can have seen that the Ordovician hydrothermal process has represented by dolomite in various forms in the aspect of petrology and mineralogy. It is mainly composed of medium-megacryst crystalline dirty dolomite and powder-megacryst crystalline cleaner dolomite. The geochemical characteristics are the hydrothermal origin, medium-megacryst crystalline dirty dolomite with lower δ18O value, high Mn-Fe content, and positive Eu anomaly. The powder-megacryst crystalline has cleaner dolomite, with higher δ18O value, the Mn content low, and the negative Eu anomaly. Provide a reference for the Ordovician carbonate in Tadong area oil and gas exploration in the study.

Fluid system and pressure evolution study based on isotope and fluid inclusion geochemistry: a case study on the Sinian Dengying and the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation in the Gaoshiti-Moxi structure, Central Sichuan Basin

Systematic microscopic observation and analysis reveal multi-stage mineral fillings and fluid charging in the Sinian (Ediacaran) Dengying and the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation in the Gaoshiti-Moxi structure, Central Sichuan Basin. Reservoir pore space is filled with five different stages of minerals from the edge to the center: fine crystalline dolomite, rimmed bitumen, coarse crystalline dolomite, stripped or oil droplet-like bitumen, and calcite or quartz, respectively. Sr, C, and O isotopic analysis for fine crystalline dolomite and the late stage calcite and quartz filled in reservoir pore space indicate that, prior to oil-generating window of the Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation, the Sinian Dengying and the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation were within the same connected and open fluid system. But after the gas-generating window, the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation evolves gradually into a relatively independent and closed fluid system. By restoring the paleo fluid pressure, it is found that the paleo fluid pressure coefficient of the Sinian Dengying Formation has gone from 1.0, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, and 1.0 to 1.1 at different evolution stages of source rock (at corresponding Ro value of 0.5, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0, and over 2.8, respectively), and the paleo fluid pressure coefficient of the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation has varied from 1.0, 2.1 to 2.2, 1.8 to 1.9, 1.6 to 1.8, and 1.55 to 1.75. The pressure restoration result reveals that overpressure has never occurred in the Sinian Dengying Formation during the geological history, but overpressure commonly occurred in the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation, and the values varied at different evolution stages of source rock. This pressure evolution process also demonstrates that the Sinian Dengying and the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation, prior to the oil-generating window, were within an identical normal pressure fluid system. Meanwhile, it also matches well with the present exploration discoveries: the overpressured gas pools of the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation are preserved up to now and hold hundreds of billions cubic meters of gas reserves, while the Sinian Dengying Formation contains residual normal pressure gas pools that formed after the adjustment of natural gas over a large area.

Pore-fillings of dolomite reservoirs in Sinian Dengying Formation in Sichuan basin

Abstract The Sinian Dengying Formation in the Sichuan basin is an important potential reservoir for oil and gas exploration in the periphery of the Sichuan basin. Its reservoirs were well developed. And many kinds of fillings which lead to the decrease of pores can be seen in reservoir pores and caves. In this paper, the pore fillings of the Dengying Formation reservoir in Sichuan basin are the object of study. The types and characteristics of the fillings are studied in detail by means of rock slices analysis, cathode luminescence, trace elements and inclusion temperature measurement. The study shows that the fillings include dolomite fillings and siliceous quartz fillings and bitumen fillings. Among them, dolomite fillings can be divided into botryoidal dolomite fillings, foliated dolomite fillings, finely-medium crystalline dolomite fillings and coarse crystalline dolomite fillings. 50%–80% of the pores are filled by the dolomite fillings with botryoidal structure, and the pores can be partially full filled; 0%–20% of pores are filled by foliated dolomite fillings; 20–80% of the pores are filled by finely-medium dolomite fillings; 20–80% of the pores are filled by coarse crystalline dolomite fillings. 1%–5% of secondary pores are often filled by siliceous quartzs, and the pores can be partially full filled. Bitumen fillings often occur after the above-mentioned fillings, and the residual pores are often semi-filled by bitumens, which makes the original pores and throat smaller and reduces the effective porosity and permeability of the reservoir. So, it is a destructive diagenesis. The pore fillings make the secondary porosity in the reservoir significantly lower, which is not conducive to the formation and preservation of the Dengying Formation reservoir.

СОСТАВ ФЛЮИДНЫХ ВКЛЮЧЕНИЙ ПО КР-СПЕКТРАМ В ПАЛЕОЗОЙСКИХ КАРБОНАТНЫХ ПОРОДАХ СЕВЕРО-ОСТАНИНСКОГО МЕСТОРОЖДЕНИЯ, ЗАПАДНАЯ СИБИРЬ

Актуальность исследования связана с возможностью обнаружения залежей углеводородов в карбонатных отложениях палеозоя Западной Сибири и увеличения нефтегазового потенциала региона. Цель: определение с помощью спектроскопии комбинационного рассеяния состава газово-жидких включений в доломитизированных карбонатных породах Северо-Останинского нефтяного месторождения, что позволит уточнить информацию о составе флюида и условиях образования вторичных доломитов в известняках, в связи с приуроченностью к ним зон нефтегазонакопления. Объект: карбонатные отложения кровельной части доюрского фундамента Северо-Останинской площади Западной Сибири. Методы: петрографический (кристаллооптический) анализ, спектроскопия комбинационного рассеяния (КР-спектроскопия или рамановская спектроскопия), люминесцентная микроскопия. Результаты. Разрез скважин Северо-Останинского месторождения сложен органогенно-оолитовыми известняками, часто доломитизированными, и доломитами разной степени зернистости. Петрографическое изучение карбонатных пород позволило выделить основные фазы развития доломита в известняках: первичный пелитоморфный материал, слагающий матрицу пород совместно с кальцитом; вторичный кристаллический доломит, выполняющий трещины и образующий частично правильные ромбоэдрические кристаллы. С использованием метода рамановской спектроскопии удалось обнаружить в газово-жидких включениях вторичных кристаллов доломита спектры с пиками 1187, 1243, 1348 см–1, типичными для кероген-содержащего органического вещества, и пиками 1525 и 1597 см–1, характерными для разупорядоченного углеродсодержащего материала. Такие пики в спектрах комбинационного рассеяния (КР-спектрах) генерируются связанными колебаниями Caromatic–Calkyl, ароматическими эфирами, C–C и C–H в ароматических кольцах, установлены и соединения типа С=O. Наличие установленных газовых фаз во флюидных включениях позволяет предположить, что формирование вторичного кристаллического агрегата доломита в карбонатных породах происходило из флюидного раствора, содержащего углеводородное вещество.

Application of Stable Strontium Isotope Geochemistry and Fluid Inclusion Microthermometry to Studies of Dolomitization of the Deeply Buried Cambrian Carbonate Successions in West-Central Tarim Basin, NW China

Detailed petrographic, geochemical (O-C-Sr isotopes) and fluid inclusion studies of the deeply buried Cambrian carbonates in the West-central Tarim Basin revealed three types of crystalline dolomites (fine-crystalline, nonplanar-a(s), dolomite (RD1), fine- to medium-crystalline, planar-e(s) dolomite (RD2), and medium- to coarse-crystalline, nonplanar-a dolomite (RD3)), medium- to coarse-crystalline, nonplanar-a saddle dolomite cement (CD) and early and later-stage calcite cement. The occurrence of RD1 along low-amplitude stylolites points to link with pressure dissolution by which minor Mg ions were likely released for replacive dolomitization during early- to intermediate-burial seawater dolomitization. The increasing crystal sizes of RD2 and RD3 with irregular overgrowth rims suggests intense recrystallization and replacement upon the RD1 or remaining precursor limestones by dolomitizing fluids during late intermediate burial dolomitization. The overlap of δ18O, δ13C and 87Sr/86Sr values of RD1-RD3 and CD dolomite with coeval seawater values, suggests that the principal dolomitizing fluids that precipitated these dolomites was connate (Cambrian) seawater preserved in the host limestones/dolomites. Their high 87Sr/86Sr ratios suggest influx of radiogenic strontium into the Cambrian seawater. Two regimes of fluid flow are recognized in the study area: firstly, influx of magnesium-rich higher-temperature basinal brines along deep-seated faults/fractures, resulting in cementation by CD dolomite. Secondly, the incursion of meteoric waters, mixing with ascending higher-temperature basinal brines, and an increase in Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio in the fluids probably results in the precipitation of calcite cement in vugs and fractures.

Multiphase dolomitization in the Jutana Formation (Cambrian), Salt Range (Pakistan): evidences from field observations, microscopic studies and isotopic analysis

Excellent dolomite exposures are observed in the eastern Salt Range (Pakistan), where the Cambrian Jutana Formation consists of two distinct units (i.e. oolitic – pisolitic unit and massive dolomite unit). Field observations revealed that the lower, oolitic-pisolitic unit mostly comprises medium to thick bedded, interlayered brown yellowish dolostone containing ooids/pisoids and faunal assemblages, and grey whitish sandstone with distinct depositional sedimentary features (i.e. trough-, herringbone- and hhummocky crossbedding). The upper massive dolostone unit consists of thick bedded to massive dolostone. These two units are separated by shale. Petrographic studies identified three dolomite types, which include: fine crystalline dolomite (Dol. I), medium-coarse crystalline dolomite (Dol. II) and fracture associated, coarse crystalline dolomite (Dol. III). Stable isotope studies indicate less depleted δ 18 O values for Dol. I (-6.44 to -3.76‰V-PDB), slightly depleted δ18O values for Dol. II (-7.73 to -5.24‰V-PDB) and more depleted δ 18 O values for Dol. III (-7.29 to -7.20‰V-PDB). The δ 13 C values of the three dolomite phases are well within the range of Cambrian sea-water signatures. Furthermore, δ 26 Mg-δ 25 Mg signatures (Dol. I; δ 26 Mg=-1.19 to -1.67, δ 25 Mg=-0.61 to -0.86 and Dol. II; δ 26 Mg=-1.34 to -1.59, δ 25 Mg=-0.70 to -0.83) indicate three phases of dolomitization in different diagenetic settings. First, an initial stage of dolomitization during the early Cambrian resulted from altered marine, Mg-rich fluids associated with the mixing zone mechanism. Second, a late stage of dolomitization was associated with burial during late Permian. A third dolomitization phase was related to post-Eocene times.

Autochthonous Micrite to Aphanodolomite: The Microbialites in the Dolomitization Processes

In the present paper, we examine the influence of micrite types, autochthonous or allochthonous, on the dolomitization processes. The recrystallized and dolomitized Carnian samples from Rifugio Vallandro and Alpe di Specie erratic boulders (South Tyrol, Italy) offer a unique example for studying the relationship between microbialites and dolomitization processes. The comparison between the carbonates of the well-preserved erratic boulders of Alpe di Specie and the isochronous, recrystallized, and dolomitized, samples of Rifugio Vallandro, allows for hypothesizing the role of microbialites on dolomitization processes. The Rifugio Vallandro samples represent variously dolomitized boundstone (made of corals, sponges, and peloidal crusts) with a fine texture (aphanodolomite) which contain organic matter relics, suggesting microbial-mediated mineralization. Geomicrobiological characterization of the microbialites from Alpe di Specie indicates that they formed through microbial metabolic activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria, which thrive on organic matter accumulated in the suboxic to anoxic interspaces of the skeletal framework. Similar processes can be hypothesized for the microbialite precursor of Rifugio Vallandro. Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and other organic compounds trapped inside the fine crystal matrix can have a role in the dolomitization processes of the microbialites. High pH and high alkalinity, derived from the degradation of organic matter, may be critical in promoting the dolomitization of microbialites because the high pH increases the concentration and activity of the dissolved CO32−, thereby increasing the dolomite supersaturation and reaction rates. This process produces very fine dolomite (aphanodolomite) that replaces the original organic-rich micrite, while the fine crystalline dolomite forming larger euhedral crystals seems to derive from the allochthonous micrite due to the presence of a large amount of siliciclastics and the absence of organic remains.