Deep Fluid Research Articles

Genesis of Calcite Veins in 8# Coal Seam of the Upper Carboniferous Benxi Formation, Southeastern Margin of Ordos Basin

The 8# coal seam in the Benxi Formation of the southeastern margin of the Ordos Basin is a deep coal seam with abundant coalbed methane resources. Calcite veins are commonly developed within the 8# coal seam, and their formation processes and mechanisms have significant implications for the enrichment of deep coalbed methane. Genesis of the calcite veins was analyzed to reveal the impact of the calcite veins formation on coalbed methane accumulation, with an integrated application of petrographic study by thin section, cathodoluminescence analysis, carbon-oxygen isotope analysis, and homogeneous temperature measurements of fluid inclusions. The research findings indicate that the calcite veins in the 8# coal seam can be classified into three stages: C1, C2, and C3. The diagenetic fluids of C1 primarily originated from contemporaneous seawater. The fluids responsible for the formation of C2 primarily consist of organic fluids enriched in biogenic gas, whereas the fluids contributing to the formation of C3 are primarily associated with liquid hydrocarbons originated form decarboxylation of organic matter. Furthermore, the development of both C2 and C3 is influenced by deep hydrothermal fluids resulting from tectonic heating events during the Early Cretaceous. By combining analysis of the hydrocarbon accumulation history and burial history in the study area, it has been established that C2 formation occurred during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic, while C3 formation took place during the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. The exploration and production practices in the study area have firmly established the crucial significance of the formation and evolution of calcite veins within the 8# coal seam for the migration and accumulation of coalbed methane. The research outcomes provide valuable insights for the exploration of deep coalbed methane enrichment areas.

Reservoir Characteristics and Development Model of Subaqueous Pyroclastic Rocks in a Continental Lacustrine Basin: A Case Study of the Chaganhua Subsag in the Changling Fault Depression, Songliao Basin

Industrial oil and gas eruptions underwater have been found in the pyroclastic rocks of the Huoshiling Formation in the continental lacustrine basin of the Changling fault depression, Songliao Basin. This paper investigates the reservoir space characteristics, physical characteristics, and pore structure differences of subaqueous pyroclastic reservoirs in the Huoshiling Formation, and the causes of physical property differences of different types of reservoirs and their formation and evolution processes are analyzed. (1) The content of volcanic glass in tuff is higher, the reservoir space is dominated by devitrification pores and dissolution pores, and the coarser the grain size, the more favorable the physical properties, with larger pore sizes and higher porosities. The content of clay minerals in sedimentary tuff is high, the pores between clay minerals are the main pores, and the physical properties of sedimentary tuff are poor. The content of soluble components such as feldspar, debris, and laumontite is high in tuffaceous sandstone, which is dominated by dissolution pores. (2) Primary pores are not developed in the pyroclastic reservoirs in the study area, and the reservoirs are relatively dense, with an average porosity of 2.43% and an average permeability of 0.076 mD. The coarse-grained tuff has the highest porosity, followed by tuffaceous sandstone and fine-grained tuff, and the sedimentary tuff has the least favorable physical properties. (3) Devitrification was an important cause of the high-porosity and ultralow permeability of tuff reservoirs. Two oil and gas charges in the middle diagenetic stage led to the organic acid dissolution of rocks. In addition, fractures can provide migration channels for organic acids and deep hydrothermal fluids, leading to late dissolution, and can connect various scattered dissolution pores to improve the effectiveness of the reservoir space. (4) Coarse-grained tuff reservoirs that developed in the proximal facies are favorable targets for hydrocarbon exploration.

Гидротермально изменённые породы – индикаторы зон разгрузки углеводородов Красноленинского свода (Западная Сибирь)

Our own research data as well as numerous publications of recent years on modern problems of oil potential in the West Siberian oil and gas province were used in this study. Based on the Palyanovskaya, Talinskaya and adjacent areas of the Krasnoleninsky arch, the issues of deposits structure and confinement to certain regional levels of the section, the problems of unconventional reservoirs formation in the zones of tectonic deformations and hydrothermal-metasomatic changes in pre-Jurassic basement rocks (Paleozoic granites), as well as problems of highly permeable “supercollector” (the lower horizons of the Jurassiccomplex – Sherkalinskaya formation) and an almost impermeable reservoir with difficult to recover huge hydrocarbon reserves (its upper horizons – Bazhenov formation) are discussed. The oil deposits distribution in the Jurassic part of the section was shown to comply with the fluid migration model with the participation of deep hydrocarbon fluid. New types of unconventional reservoirs have been identified in the basement granites and in the unloading zones in the Jurassic deposits of the sedimentary cover.

Mineral Crushing Methods for Noble Gas Analyses of Fluid Inclusions

Noble gases are frequently probed for investigating fluid inclusions in minerals to unravel rock-forming processes through time. Over the last decades, heating and crushing have been the two main methods applied for noble gas extraction from fluid inclusions in ultrahigh vacuum (about 10-9 mBar). The heating of minerals or pieces of bulk rock causes the release of noble gases from both fluid inclusions and the mineral or rock matrix, the latter due to temperature-dependent mineral dehydration. Crushing of minerals only affects fluid inclusions and allows a release of noble gases at room temperature with minor contributions from the mineral matrix. This review describes different ultravacuum crushing techniques for noble gas analysis from fluid inclusions. It examines the technical details and operational conditions of each crushing system as well as methods to prepare samples prior to crushing. Crushing systems were found to have unique designs across the different laboratories reviewed; they include single or multiple sample loadings and manual, magnetic, or hydraulic operation of the crushing pistons. Due to the small amounts of noble gases released, the technology requires several mg to a few grams of rock material to achieve a measurement of all stable noble gas isotopes in a single fluid inclusion. While theoretically all stable noble gas isotopes are of interest, the elements and isotopes reported in different studies vary widely and reference materials as well as laboratory intercomparisons are lacking. The review includes applications on the origins of magmatic rocks and geochemical processes in the Earth’s mantle, the origin and chemical composition of deep crustal fluids and how these contribute to the formation of minerals of economic interest, and paleoclimate studies based on speleothems.

Regeneration of deposits of hydrocarbon fields of Ukraine

Formulation of the problem. In the world's oil and gas-bearing basins, there are known examples of an increase in the reserves of hydrocarbon deposits as a result of inflow of fluids from the deep subsoil. Recently, the theory of the Earth degassing is gaining popularity. There are more and more arguments in favor of the fact that in many oil- and gas-bearing provinces of the world, oil and gas deposits are constantly replenished due to the migration of hydrocarbons through degassing pipes. Certain prospects for maintaining oil and gas production are possible as a result of the natural recovery of depleted deposits in Ukraine as well. However, this issue has not been sufficiently studied and requires further research. The purpose of the article is to argue with actual materials for the regeneration of hydrocarbon deposits, to estimate the probable volumes of their replenishment, to determine the methods of geological research to outline the zones of nourishment of hydrocarbon deposits. Materials and methods. Research materials are actual materials from the development and permanent assessment of hydrocarbon reserves of Ukrainian deposits. The research methodology consists in the analysis of the facts of the replenishment of hydrocarbon deposits from the point of view of new scientific concepts of the supply of hydrocarbons from the deep subsoil. Results. Based on the results of the increase in reservoir pressures of spent gas condensate deposits and repeated calculations of hydrocarbon reserves of the Shebelynka, Chornukhy, Bilousivka and Proletarka deposits of the Dnipro-Donets Basin, a conclusion was made about the replenishment of deposits due to the vertical migration of oil and gas, the probable scales of deposit regeneration were estimated. The results of industrial development of the East Kazantyp and North Bulganak gas fields of the Indolo-Kuban depression also testify to their probable feeding from the depths. Adiabatic fracture formation associated with seismotectonic impulses and phenomena of natural rupture of rocks by deep fluids plays a significant role in the formation of unconventional deposits. The result of fluid fracturing of rocks is specific matrix microcracking. It is well manifested in well cores from depths of more than 5.5 km (Semyrenky, Machushy deposits of the Dnipro-Donets Basin). Hydrocarbon deposits at these depths have a zonal character and are not controlled by the structural factor. Scientific novelty, practical significance and recommendations. Actual materials have proven that some hydrocarbon deposits in Ukraine are constantly being replenished as a result of seepage of deep fluids. It is likely that the main channels of hydrocarbon supply to deposits are deep faults. To determine the degassing channels it is advisable to use the methods of field geophysics and geochemical studies. We can state that the replenishment of gas reserves of some Dnipro-Donets Basin fields according to confirmed facts ranges from 14 to 1800 million m3 annually. It is necessary to monitor the spent deposits, therefore it is advisable not to liquidate decommissioned wells, but to preserve them or transfer to the fund of observation wells, periodically measuring reservoir pressures and determining the character of fluid saturation of spent deposits. It is necessary to manage the process of extraction of hydrocarbons, applying a policy of balanced economical production.

Genetic Mechanism of Structurally Controlled Dolomites Derived from Seawater-Hydrothermal Mixed Fluids—A Case Study from Middle Permian, Central Sichuan Basin, South China

Dolomite bodies in the Middle Permian of the central Sichuan Basin have been reported as favorable natural gas reservoirs. The Middle Permian dolomite consists of three types of recrystallized dolomite (Rd1, Rd2, and Rd3) and one type of dolomite cement (Sd). Rd1 might be formed as the primary mineral along the calcite in the original sea-water. Its δ13C value and 87Sr/86Sr ratio, consistent with those of marine limestone and Permian seawater, support that the dolomitizing fluid for Rd1 was Permian seawater preserved in the strata. Rd2 consists of fine to medium (50 μm to 250 μm) and planar to curved crystals. Geochemical indicators (slightly high 87Sr/86Sr ratio, similar rare earth element patterns, negative δ18O, slightly high salinity) confirm that the dolomitizing fluid of Rd2 was mainly Permian seawater during shallow burial, with a small number of hydrothermal fluids. Rd3 and Sd are featured by very large (>250 μm), curved crystals, and high-temperature, high-salinity, and obviously positive Eu anomalies, suggesting that their diagenetic fluids were mainly hydrothermal fluids from deep. Additionally, inherited carbon sources and the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of some samples fall within the range of Permian seawater distribution, confirming the contribution of Permian seawater. ELIP activity caused the formation of this dolomite through the mixing of seawater and hydrothermal fluids. The main fluid circulation channels were activated basement faults, epigenetic karst pores, and shallowly buried high-permeability strata. During the peak period of ELIP activity, the continuous upwelling of deep hydrothermal fluids led to the continuous formation of Rd2, Rd3, and Sd. The dolomitization fluid of Rd2 was mainly composed of seawater and featured a certain lateral extension, which was away from faults. Rd3 and Sd are mainly distributed along the fault system, and excessive dolomitization caused by the hydrothermal activity, to some extent, inhibited the lateral movement of hydrothermal fluids. This study provides a good example for exploring the genetic mechanism and distribution pattern of structurally controlled dolomites under a volcanic activity background.

Step-over of strike-slip faults and overpressure fluid favor occurrence of foreshocks: Insights from the 1975 Haicheng fore-main-aftershock sequence, China

This study analyzed and summarized in detail the spatial and temporal distributions of earthquakes, tidal responses, focal mechanisms, and stress field characteristics for the M 7.3 Haicheng earthquake sequence in February 1975. The foreshocks are related to the main fault and the conjugate faults surrounding the extension step-over in the middle. The initiation timing of the foreshock clusters and the original time of the mainshock were clearly modulated by the Earth's tidal force and coincided with the peak of dilational volumetric tidal strain. As a plausible and testable hypothesis, we proposed a fluid-driven foreshock model, by which all observed seismicity features can be more reasonably interpreted with respect to the results of existing models. Together with some other known examples, the widely existing step-over along strike-slip faults and associated conjugate faults, especially for extensional ones in the presence of deep fluids, favor the occurrence of short-term foreshocks. Although clustered seismicity with characteristics similar to those of the studied case is not a sufficient and necessary condition for large earthquakes to occur under similar tectonic conditions, it undoubtedly has a warning significance for the criticality of the main fault. Subsequent testing would require quantification of true/false positives/negatives.

Origin of breccia dolomites in the middle Devonian Guanwushan Formation, NW Sichuan Basin, China: Implications for ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs

Deep to ultra-deep carbonate rocks have become a target for hydrocarbon exploration. The formation mechanisms of these deep to ultra-deep reservoirs are very complicated, and no consensus has yet emerged. This paper reports an investigation into the Middle Devonian Guanwushan Formation in the NW Sichuan Basin, China, which is a typical ultra-deep dolomite reservoir. Drilling-core and thin-section observations identified breccia matrix dolomite (MD) and interbreccia-filling dolomite (FD), of which the FD is commonly associated with sphalerite and barite. Geochemical analyses, including C and O isotopes, trace and rare earth element (REE) contents, and fluid inclusions, were conducted to investigate the origins of the different types of dolomite. Results indicate that the MDs generally retain the signature of syn-depositional seawater (relatively positive δ18O, low Fe and Mn, left-leaning REE patterns, and negative Ce anomalies), with involvement of meteoric water (relatively high Al, Ti and ΣREE). In contrast, the FDs were the diagenetic product of deep hydrothermal fluids (depleted δ18O, high Fe and Mn, and enrichment in MREEs), and the homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions is much higher than the normal burial geothermal temperature. The breccia dolomite reservoirs of the Guanwushan Formation were deposited as reef-core micro-facies and formed during the depositional to early diagenetic stages, and were the result of subaerial seawater dolomitization and meteoric water karstification. However, hydrothermal fluids subsequently modified the reservoir by cementation and filling. The Guanwushan Formation is a typical case of an ultra-deep carbonate reservoir that formed during the depositional to early diagenetic stages but was filled at the burial stage. Therefore, the favorable reservoir zones associated with deposition and early diagenesis should be the targets of future exploration. The findings of this study are expected to be of general significance for deep and ultra-deep oil and gas exploration in other regions and countries.

I saw the sign: Go nuts, it's the “acorn cyst” sign

The “acorn cyst” sign is an imaging sign encountered on breast ultrasound exams denoting a type of benign complicated cyst. An acorn cyst is comprised of a deep anechoic fluid portion (the “acorn”) and a more superficial echogenic layer of material (the “acorn cap”). Radiologists should attempt to distinguish the acorn cyst from more suspicious complex cystic and solid masses; if unable to do so, aspiration/biopsy can be performed to exclude a malignant lesion.

Geochemical precursory characteristics of soil gas Rn, Hg, H2, and CO2 related to the 2019 Xiahe Ms5.7 earthquake across the northern margin of West Qinling fault zone, Central China

The Xiahe Ms5.7 earthquake occurred in Xiahe county, Gannan prefecture, China (35.10°N, 102.69°E) on October 28, 2019, with a source depth of 10 km. This study investigates the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of cross-fault soil gas concentrations prior to the Xiahe Ms5.7 earthquake by analyzing Rn, Hg, H2, and CO2 data collected from 11 profiles across the northern margin of the West Qinling fault zone from 2016 to 2019. The spatial distribution of these gases showed varying trends, with Rn concentration intensity decreasing from the Wushan segment to the east and west sections, while Hg, H2, and CO2 all broke the trend in the West Qinling fault zone's northern margin. The soil gas concentration intensity demonstrated a significant response to the Xiahe Ms5.7 earthquake, particularly in the west Ganjia sections. By integrating the seismogenic model and numerical simulation results, we explored the physical mechanism underlying these abnormal trends. Our findings suggest that the continuous decline characteristic of fault gas could be a valuable indicator of fracture tectonic activity, while an upward trend after continuous decline may signal a medium and short-term seismogenic event in the source area. These results provide a foundation for improved tracking of earthquake location and timing in a fault zone through cross-fault soil gas methods, highlighting the importance of enhancing deep fluid flow monitoring and seismogenic model research in fault zones.

A localized meshfree technique for solving fractional Benjamin–Ono equation describing long internal waves in deep stratified fluids

This article proposes a local radial basis function partition of unity method to find the numerical solution of the time-fractional Benjamin–Ono equation. The proposed method is based on partitioning the original domain into several overlapping subdomains and employing the radial basis function approximation on each local subdomain. First, the time-discrete scheme of this equation is obtained by utilizing a finite difference approach. Then, spatial discretization is established by using the local radial basis function partition of unity method. Furthermore, the convergence and stability analysis of the proposed time-discrete scheme are investigated thoroughly. Also, numerical experiments are executed through some illustrated problems, and the results are compared with those acquired by the tanh approach and Kudryashov approach solutions to show the high accuracy and plausibility of the proposed method. Moreover, to demonstrate the physical significance, the conservation constants known as mass, momentum, and energy for this equation are also calculated by the proposed method.

Applicability of carbonate clumped isotope thermometry in the Tuchang-Jentse geothermal field

Temperature and oxygen isotope composition of fluids, which are critical for reconstructing thermal structures and characterizing hydrothermal fluids in a geothermal system, can be obtained using carbonate clumped isotope analysis. Ideally, carbonate clumped isotope compositions (Δ47) recording the thermal fluid temperatures and compositions for fault-associated veins and rhombic calcite crystals inside open cracks demonstrate previous tectonic activities and present reservoir conditions, respectively. We studied the clumped isotope geochemistry of veins and travertines in outcrops and cuttings from exploration wells in the Tuchang–Jentse geothermal field in Taiwan. The Δ47-based temperatures (Δ47-T; 161−8+8 to 238−14+16 °C) and calculated δ18Ofluid values (+2.0 to +5.0‰) of vein calcites were the highest, indicating mixing of the magmatic/metamorphic fluids with the meteoric water after water–rock interaction in the deep thermal fluid cycle and migration to shallow areas by fault activity. Rhombic calcites with high Δ47-T (142−6+6 to 185−4+5 °C) and low calculated δ18Ofluid (−9.1 to −5.3‰) correspond to downhole temperatures and measured δ18Ofluid of thermal fluids in the exploration wells, respectively, suggesting that the latest thermal fluid was of meteoric water origin. Travertines near faults have low calculated δ18Ofluid (−8.9 to −1.0‰) and Δ47-T that are above air temperatures (32−9+9 to 95−9+10 °C), implying that the local groundwater was subsequently heated by or mixed with deep fluid. Carbonate clumped isotope thermometry application demonstrates that the carbonate clumped isotope thermometer not only precisely estimates temperature in the carbonate-dominated system using drill cutting samples during the exploration phase, but also reveals the spatial and temporary evolution of geothermal fluids used as a reference for future site selection planning.

Weak Seismicity and Strongest Earthquakes Against the Background of the Variations of <i>S</i>-wave Attenuation Field

The paper considers the role of relatively weak earthquakes as a tool for studying the environment, including of strong earthquake process. The spatial structure of the attenuation field of several seismically active regions (of the Garm prognostic polygon in Tajikistan, Altai, the Caucasus, Eastern Anatolia, the Western Tien Shan), as well as the epicentral regions of a number of strong earthquakes, and the confinement of deepened seismicity to it are considered. It is shown that the attenuation field obtained from the short-period code of weak earthquakes in seismically active regions is inhomogeneous and consists of blocks with a high Q factor and weakened zones of strong attenuation. An uneven distribution of deepened earthquakes is noted. It is associated with the block structure: in weakened zones, their share is greater than in blocks with a high Q factor. Examples of variations in the of deepened seismic activity in weakened zones are demonstrated. It varies over time, increasing before strong earthquakes. Facts are presented that testify to the existence of a relationship between the Earth’s rotation rate and the activity of deepened seismicity. Examples are given of the activation of weak seismicity in the form of seismic swarms (series of weak earthquakes concentrated in space and time) in connection with strong events. A characteristic feature of these swarm series is the isometry of the earthquake localization areas in plan view and vertical elongation. As a rule, they coincide with weakened zones of strong absorption of S-waves. Intense localized seismicity, confined to one-dimensional volumes, is most likely associated with increased conductivity channels through which deep fluids migrate. The activation of swarm series is the result of active migration of deep fluids and an increase in fluid saturation of weakened zones. Fluids, in turn, are a catalyst for processes that lead to a decrease in the strength of rocks and the destruction of blocks in epicentral zones. In this case, the clusters to which the swarm series belong can be considered as local seismogenic zones. The appearance of compact isometric in plan and nearly vertical in section clusters of weak seismicity is often observed outside the epicentral zones of strong earthquakes. Such zones may simply be indicators of the seismotectonic situation in the region as a whole. It is assumed that a sharp change in the dynamics of atmospheric pressure during the preparation of a strong earthquake at hydrometeorological stations located in such areas is a consequence of the intergeospheric interaction of the lithosphere and atmosphere. Deep degassing seems to be one of the main mechanisms of the anomalous behavior of atmospheric pressure during the implementation of strong events. It is most active in weakened zones. The mechanisms of the impact of deep degassing on the outer geospheres remain the subject of discussion.

Geological Structure of Deep-Submerged Complexes of Sedimentary Basins: Hydrogeological Anomalies and Oil and Gas Potential as a Result of Implementation of Deep-Seated Fluids (on Example of the South Mangyshlak Fields)

The authors of the article substantiate the induced nature of hydrogeological anomalies in deep-submrged complexes of sedimentary basins. As a result of significant catagenetic transformations, the rocks of the lower hydrogeological floor have practically lost their primary capacitance-filtration properties. The water saturation of the rock matrix, the focal nature of the development of secondary reservoirs against the background of extremely low permeability of the surrounding strata makes it impossible to develop elision flows. This causes the high sensitivity of the lower floor to various compression processes, including those caused by the intrusion of the deep high-energy fluid flows. The injection of these fluid flows into low-permeability strata leads to the formation of centers of desalinated waters of various hydrochemical types, from hydrocarbonate-sodium to calcium chloride, and also to the formation of hydrodynamic anomalies. When moving away from the intrusion channels, the hydrodynamic and hydrochemical parameters gradually level off, approaching the background value. It is shown that when fluids are difficult to move upward, hydraulic fracturing occurs in the layers into which the oil-water mixture enters under high pressure. The injection of fluids into the formation is accompanied by the decompression of low-permeability strata, the formation of additional fractures, and the formation of secondary voids of metasomatic origin. As a result, secondary reservoirs of complex morphology are formed, filled with hydrocarbons. The coincidence in terms of hydrogeochemical and hydrodynamic anomalies, areas of secondary reservoirs with distinct traces of metasomatosis and associated accumulations of oil and gas indicate their genetic relationship. The oil and gas reservoirs and their accompanying hydrogeological anomalies are considered on the example of the fields of the South-Mangyshlak oil and gas region, which is part of the North Caucasian-Mangyshlak oil and gas province.

Quartz-Hosted Fluid Inclusions in Commercial Ores of Various Type at the Verninskoe Gold Deposit, Bodaibo District, Russia

The paper presents data on quartz-hosted fluid inclusions in commercial ores of various type (veinlet−disseminated and vein) of the Verninskoe gold deposit. The ores of various types were found out to significantly vary in the values of some of their physicochemical parameters of the fluids and in the composition of these fluids. The fluids that formed the gold veins have a somewhat higher initial temperature (356–246°C), a higher density of carbon dioxide in gas inclusions (1.00–0.84 g/cm3), and a higher fluid pressure (3170–1390 bar) than those of the fluids that formed the veinlet–disseminated ores (330–252°C, 0.87–0.54 g/cm3, and 1960–570 bar, respectively). The fluids that formed the gold veins were enriched in CО2, Sr, Ag, Ga, Ge, Mn, Fe, Ni, Sn, Ba, and REE, whereas the fluids that formed veinlet–disseminated mineralization were richer in HCO−3, Br, Sb, V, and Au. This situations may be explained by the interaction of the deep fluid with the terrigenous host rocks in the course of ore deposition. When vein quartz crystallized in relatively wide fractures, the fluid interacted with host rocks and changed not as much as when the veinlet−disseminated ores were formed in narrow fractures. The initial parameters of the fluid that formed the vein quartz were thus the closest to the characteristics of the fluid that transported the ore components, and the comparison of these data with the parameters of the fluids that formed the veinlet–disseminated mineralization demonstrates that they changed in the course of ore deposition. The mineral-forming fluids likely came from a deep-sitting source, and the mineral-forming processes may have involve granitoid-derived fluids.

Geology, morphology and mineralogy of sulfide-carbonate hydrothermal-bacterial structures on the surface of Tessel paleovolcano lava (south coast of Crimea)

Research subject. Sulfide-carbonate hydrothermal-bacterial structures on the surface of Tessel paleovolcano lava. Materials and methods. The structures under study were found during detailed geological works. Petrographic thin sections were studied using an Olympus Bx5 microscope. Carbonate and sulfide samples were examined using an RZMMA-202M scanning electron microscope. Results. For the first time, the contacts of the studied structures with their enclosing siltstones and mudstones were described. The structures are of tubular and flat shapes. In terms of mineral composition, the structures exhibit three zones: central, lateral and that of bacterial overgrowth. The middle part of the central zone features a fluid channel with inclusions of quartz, barite, nakrite, galena, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite, pyrite, shells of largefauna, ash and tuff material. Spherulites and microtubular carbonate formations testify to the participation of bacterial and archaean communities in the construction process. The study of carbonates and sulfides confirmed the use of deep fluids by prokaryotes. Conclusion. The main role in the formation of the sulfide-carbonate hydrothermal-bacterial structures under study belonged to the community of prokaryotes and fluids from the depths. The external morphology of the studied structures along with the presence of mineralogical zonality, a fluid channel, oil products, and oases of life with a large fauna indicate the similarity of their formation conditions to those of sulfide-carbonate smokers of the Piip volcano. Some differences in the mineral composition are associated with different depths and fluids of their formation.

Fluid-driven seismic swarms in the Gripp valley (Haute-Pyrénées, France)

SUMMARY An unusual seismic activity has recently occurred in the Gripp valley, located in the central part of the French Pyrenees. Since spring 2020, two new swarms appeared, clearly outside the usual location of the seismicity in this area. On 20 September 2020, almost concomitantly with the activation of the second seismic swarm, a hole suddenly opened in the bed of a local river, the Adour de Payolle. This hole drained the water from the river, which dried up over 500 m. We follow and study the spatial and temporal evolution of these clusters, using four temporary stations deployed a few days or months after the beginning of the crisis to complete the regional network. These additional data lead to the construction of a comprehensive catalogue of more than 4900 earthquakes, using both a template matching approach and a deep-learning based phase picking method to complete and improve the initial catalogue available from the French seismological agency. This allows highlighting a slow and clear migration of the seismicity during 1 yr. Precise absolute and relative event locations reveal a dipping faulting structure, confirmed by the focal mechanism estimated for the highest magnitude event of the sequence (ML 3). We propose to explain the observed migration of the seismicity by deep fluids going up through a newly discovered faulting structure.

Friction and stability of granite faults in the Gonghe geothermal reservoir and implications for injection-induced seismicity

The Gonghe Basin in northwest China has significant potential for the recovery of deep geothermal fluids. However, a large number of earthquakes were observed during stimulation by hydraulic fracturing with the maximum magnitude reaching ∼ ML 2. To understand the mechanisms of deep fault stability and the clusters of earthquakes, we recovered seven granite cores from the Gonghe geothermal reservoir and powdered them to simulate fault gouges. XRD results show that the granites are dominated by quartz and feldspar and show a high chlorite content. Triaxial shear experiments were conducted on the seven gouges to explore the frictional and stability properties at conditions typifying the depths of 2450–3600 m in the Gonghe geothermal site. Results show that the friction coefficients of the tested gouges are high and close to 0.70. At hydrothermal conditions, all gouges show slight velocity-weakening to velocity-neutral behavior, which is indicative of potentially unstable fault slip. Our results have important implications for understanding the fault stability behavior and induced seismicity during hydraulic fracturing in granite geothermal reservoirs.

Evidence of deep fluid activity in Jurassic tight sandstone reservoirs in the Northern Kuqa Depression

Understanding diagenetic fluid types and their effects on diagenesis is important to identify the main control factors of reservoir characteristics and predict reservoir sweet spots. Reservoir space destruction caused by strong cementation is notable in the Lower Jurassic Ahe Formation sandstones near the deep-rooted fault (Yiqikelike Fault) in the Kuqa depression. Different authigenic minerals and widely varying cementation contents indicate the complexity of diagenetic fluids. Therefore, we investigated strong cementation using petrographic and geochemical methods, including cathodoluminescence, scanning electron microscopy, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and stable isotope analysis. The contents of authigenic quartz and calcite increased as they approached the deep-rooted fault, with maximum concentration of quartz and calcite of up to 8.73% and 8.92%, respectively. Abnormally high homogenization temperatures of the fluid inclusions were observed in the quartz overgrowth, one of which reached 156 °C. In calcite, the rare earth element Eu exhibited abnormal characteristics, and the carbon isotopes ranged from −8.00‰ to −2.00‰. Therefore, it is likely that deep fluids are involved in reservoir diagenesis near a deep-rooted fault. This study provides a good example of diagenetic evolution in deep sandstone reservoirs and the negative effects of the involvement of deep fluids in diagenetic processes.

Parapatric speciation of Meiothermus in serpentinite-hosted aquifers in Oman.

The factors that control the distribution and evolution of microbial life in subsurface environments remain enigmatic due to challenges associated with sampling fluids from discrete depth intervals via boreholes while avoiding mixing of fluids. Here, using an inflatable packer system, fracture waters were isolated and collected from three discrete depth intervals spanning >130 m in a borehole intersecting an ultramafic rock formation undergoing serpentinization in the Samail Ophiolite, Sultanate of Oman. Near surface aquifer waters were moderately reducing and had alkaline pH while deeper aquifer waters were reduced and had hyperalkaline pH, indicating extensive influence by serpentinization. Metagenomic sequencing and analysis of DNA from filtered biomass collected from discrete depth intervals revealed an abundance of aerobes in near surface waters and a greater proportion of anaerobes at depth. Yet the abundance of the putatively obligate aerobe, Meiothermus, increased with depth, providing an opportunity to evaluate the influence of chemical and spatial variation on its distribution and speciation. Two clades of Meiothermus metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) were identified that correspond to surface and deep populations termed Types I (S) and II (D), respectively; both clades comprised an apparently Oman-specific lineage indicating a common ancestor. Type II (D) clade MAGs encoded fewer genes and were undergoing slower genome replication as inferred from read mapping. Further, single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and mobile genetic elements identified among MAGs revealed detectable, albeit limited, evidence for gene flow/recombination between spatially segregated Type I (S) and Type II (D) populations. Together, these observations indicate that chemical variation generated by serpentinization, combined with physical barriers that reduce/limit dispersal and gene flow, allowed for the parapatric speciation of Meiothermus in the Samail Ophiolite or a geologic precursor. Further, Meiothermus genomic data suggest that deep and shallow aquifer fluids in the Samail Ophiolite may mix over shorter time scales than has been previously estimated from geochemical data.