Distal Bar Research Articles

Sedimentary characteristics and reservoir architecture of a lacustrine mixed carbonate/siliciclastic system: the lower member of the ShangGanchaigou Formation, Neogene, in the western Qaidam Basin, China

Lacustrine mixed carbonate/siliciclastic sediment is an important type of oil and gas reservoir with significant potential. Although previous studies have investigated the sedimentary characteristics of the mixed depositional system in numerous oil and gas-bearing basins worldwide, a detailed sedimentary architecture model is still lacking for guiding reservoir characterization at the hydrocarbon reservoir scale. In this paper, a typical lacustrine mixed carbonate/siliciclastic sedimentary system, preserved in the lower member of the ShangGanchaigou Formation, Neogene, in the western Qaidam Basin, Western China, was deeply investigated based on well logging data from 640 wells, 438 m of cores from 3 core wells, and outcrop studies. The results demonstrate that 1) seven types of architecture elements, namely, distributary channel, channel mouth bar, distal bar, sheet-like sand, shallow water mud, algal mound, and marl flat characterized by different lithofacies associations, were recognized based on core and well logging data. 2) The lacustrine mixed carbonate/siliciclastic depositional system can be divided into three facies belts. Along the lakeward direction, the proximal facies belt is dominated by delta front deposits and characterized by gradually downstream bifurcating distributary channels and associated lateral amalgamated delta lobes. The middle facies belt is characterized by isolated and small-scale delta lobes and inter-lobe deposits, including sheet-like sand, small-scale algal mounds, and marl flats, and the distal facies belt is a combination of large-scale algal mounds and marl flats. 3) Within a depression, short-term base-level cycles controlled the facies belt transition, and the proximal, middle, and distal facies belts formed under relatively low, middle, and high base-level conditions, respectively. 4) The scale and connectivity of reservoirs gradually decreased from the proximal to the distal belt.

Sedimentary evolutionary processes, architecture, and sedimentary model of a lobate shallow-water delta: insights from flume simulation experiments

By using equipment such as time-lapse cameras and 3D laser scanners, this study conducted flume simulation experiments to obtain topographic elevation, the amount of sediment increment, sedimentary cross sections, and other related data and diagrams. Quantitative software was then utilized for sedimentological analysis to clarify the depositional evolution, architecture, and depositional model of lobate shallow-water deltas. The research results show that under the influence of hydraulic conditions and main distributary channels, lobate shallow-water deltas primarily undergo three evolution stages: initial channel formation, distributary channel system formation, and continuous stable evolution stage. The architecture elements of lobate shallow-water deltas can be divided into distributary channels dominated by channel deposition, proximal river mouth bars, transitional bars, and distal bars. The lateral composition and downstream deposition of the river-bar combination are the main structural units of the shallow water delta. The proximal profile distributary channels exist in the form of thick channel sand bodies with multiple repetitive intercalation cycles, and thick proximal bar deposits form on both sides of the distributary channels. The bifurcation of distributary channels in the middle profile leads to a reduction in channel scale, while large-scale proximal bars still develop on both sides of the channel. In the distal profile, a substantial river mouth bar complex is formed at the break of the delta front slope, and with the gradual progradation of the delta, the river mouth bar deposition zone becomes flattened. Based on the insights of the flume simulation experiments, a sedimentary model for lobate shallow-water delta was established.

Original Guide for Minimally Invasive Distal Osteotomy of the First Metatarsal Bone in the Treatment of Hallux Valgus

Background. Minimally invasive surgical interventions are widely used in trauma and orthopedic surgery. Both the surgical technique and the instruments applied are being improved, which contributes to better functional results of patients treatment.
 Aim of the study to present a new guide tool for minimally invasive surgical correction of acquired hallux valgus.
 Guide description. A guide tool intended to be used in minimally invasive surgical interventions for hallux valgus (HV) correction has been developed. It consists of several interconnecting components: the distal bar, the intramedullary guide, the proximal bar, and the wire guide. These components are fixed to each other. At the same time, the distal bar, the proximal bar, and the wire guide are connected with the possibility of adjusting their mutual positioning. The design of the proposed device enables to guide the first guiding wire and to place the cannulated screw in an optimal position. The presented clinical case illustrates the successful application of the described device. The patient underwent minimally invasive distal corrective osteotomy for hallux valgus of medium severity. According to the preoperative X-rays, the first intermetatarsal angle and the first toe deviation angle were 13.5 and 25, respectively. Six months after the surgery, they were 3 and 7, respectively. The result of the corrective surgery was considered excellent.
 Conclusion. Application of the proposed guide tool decreases surgery duration, reduces soft tissue damage and minimizes radiation exposure of the surgeon and the patient.

Implication Linkage among Microfacies, Diagenesis, and Reservoir Properties of Sandstones: A Case Study of Dongying Formation, Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin

The reservoir quality of sandstones is significantly impacted and transformed by sedimentation and diagenesis. It is necessary to clarify the internal relationship among them to precisely predict the sweet reservoir. In this study, five types of sedimentary microfacies are recognized through core observation and logging data: submerged distributary channel (fan delta), submerged interdistributary bay, submerged distributary channel (braided delta), distal bar, and turbidite fan. The major diagenetic processes, including compaction, cementation, and dissolution, have been analyzed based on petrography, scanning electron microscopy, and X-Ray diffraction. The dominant diagenetic cement includes calcite, smectite, kaolinite, illite, and I/S mixed-layer minerals, with small quantities of chlorite, pyrite, siderite, feldspar, and quartz cement. The reservoir quality is best in the submerged distributary channel (fan delta) sandstones, followed by submerged distributary channel (braided delta). Submerged interdistributary bay, distal bar, and turbidite fan are of poor reservoir quality. The grain size is the primary reservoir quality controlling factor, highly affected by sedimentary microfacies. Subsequent controls are diagenetic processes such as mechanical compaction, clay minerals formation, grain replacement, and dissolution that collectively influence the porosity and permeability.

Factors controlling reservoir quality of a retreating delta-front in shallow-water lacustrine in the Songliao Basin, Northeast China

Shallow-water lacustrine delta sand bodies with large areas of high-quality reservoirs are widespread in the first member of Yaojia Formation (k2y1) of the Upper Cretaceous in Qijia–Gulong area, central depression of the Songliao Basin. The analysis of elements affecting reservoir quality has always been a focus and difficulty of oil and gas exploration and development. Seismic profile interpretations, well log analysis, lithological associations, core observations, and heavy mineral assemblage determinations are used to interpret sequence stratigraphic framework and sedimentary evolution of K2y1. The latter is interpreted as a transgressive systems tract comprising three fourth-order sequences (SQ1–SQ3). Based on core observations and wireline logs, K2y1 primarily contained a shallow lake, distal bars, sand sheets, interdistributary bay, and subaqueous distributary channel deposits. The sand ratio and scale of the channels in the formations from SQ1 to SQ3 decreased which was reflecting the continuously retrograding sedimentary evolution of deltas to the lakeshore, as observed based on mutual calibration of single well sedimentary facies and root mean square amplitude attributes. Based on petrographic analysis of thin sections, particle sizes, scanning electron microscope (SEM) as well as X-ray diffraction, the effects of diagenesis and sedimentary facies on reservoir quality are investigated. In the process of delta-front retrogradation, the changes in reservoir quality in different sequences are primarily a result of the following factors: (1) the fine sandstone has better reservoir quality and more primary pores than the siltstone, which has higher argillaceous content. Additionally, in the fine sandstone, more primary pores can be preserved in the compaction process with higher reservoir quality. (2) Less authigenic illites have little influence on reservoir quality. When the authigenic illite content is >6%, the flocculent characteristics of authigenic illite crystals easily separate the intergranular pores into tinier micropores, thereby reducing the reservoir physical properties. (3) More than 3% of Pompon-like authigenic chlorites may occupy the pore throats of sandstone reservoirs. (4) The feldspars and rock fragments in the sandstone reservoir adjacent to the source rock easily form numerous secondary dissolution pores and improve the reservoir quality. The present study reveals that large-areas of subaqueous distributary channel sand bodies with stable lateral distribution, high reservoir quality, and significant petrophysical characteristics are the best-qualities of reservoir within the early stage of retreating delta-front system.

A Study on the Inhomogeneous Sedimentation—Diagenesis– Reservoir Formation Mode of Deep Tight Marine Clastic Rock Reservoirs in the Silurian Xiaoheba Formation, Southeast Sichuan

By means of thin section authentication, physical characteristics analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and vitrinite reflectance analysis, this paper, based on regional geological research achievements, studies the sedimentary facies and diagenesis of the southern and northern Silurian Xiaoheba Formation areas of Southeast Sichuan and their relationships with the physical characteristics of the reservoirs. The results indicate that, in the northern study area, the microfacies are mainly deposited in the underwater distributary main channel of the distal shallow-water delta front; while in the south, the microfacies include an estuary bar, sheet sand, distal bar, and interdistributary bay, which are far away from the main channel. The physical characteristics of sandstone are positively correlated with its particle sizes and thickness. The sand body of the underwater distributary main channel microfacies features high porosity, large crack opening, and good connectivity, followed by the sandstone of the estuary bar microfacies regarding those characteristics. By contrast, the physical characteristics of the sandstone reservoirs corresponding to the microfacies including the distal bar, sheet sand, and interdistributary bay are poor. The Xiaoheba Formation reservoir is located in the late diagenetic stage, with the reservoir space dominated by dissolved pores and micro-cracks; the diagenesis and pore evolution in the south are significantly different from those in the north. The Xiaoheba Formation reservoir in the northern area is far away from the carbonate rock platform of the same period in the south but is close to the center of hydrocarbon generation. Besides, the reservoir was sufficiently reformed by organic acid dissolution in the early-medium diagenetic stage, with only a little carbonate cementation formed in the early stage, while the cementation in the late diagenetic stage was weak. Therefore, the reservoir pores were relatively well preserved. However, the Xiaoheba Formation reservoir in the southern area has a large amount of calcite cement that was formed in the early diagenetic stage and the pores were blocked due to the influence of the carbonate platform. Since the dissolution was weak at the same time, the reservoir in the southern area is tight. Based on the understanding above, this paper established the inhomogeneous sedimentation–diagenesis–reservoir formation mode of the northern and southern areas of the study area.

The effects of bar holder material, cantilever and vertical misfit on stresses in implant supported overdentures: Three dimensional finite element analysis

Background/Aim: The aim of this study is to examine with finite element analysis the distal bar extension, the bar substructure material type and the amount of bar substructure-abutment mismatch, and the stress caused by the implant at the surrounding bone tissue in bar-retained prostheses. Material and Methods: A bar-retained prosthesis model has been designed on three implants placed in the fully toothless lower jaw at the places of both canines and the midline. Bar holder according to distal cantilever lengths was modeled to be 0 mm, 8 mm and 14 mm. The vertical incompatibility of the bar holder substructure with the abutment was modeled to be 0 µm, 100 µm and 200 µm. A total of twenty-seven (3x3x3) different models were obtained with three different bar infrastructure materials (titanium, gold and chromium-cobalt). 150 N occlusal force was applied to the central fossa of the left 1st molar tooth with a rigid food stuff. Results: In the cortical bone, the highest maximum principle stress value (2.78 MPa) was analyzed around the anterior implant socket in the model 13 (gold, cantilever 0mm, misfit 100 µm). The highest von Mises stress value (343.43 MPa, which occurred at the selected joints in bar holders) was observed in model 27 (chrome-cobalt, cantilever 14mm, misfit 200 µm). Conclusions: When the length of the cantilever is 14 mm, it causes a significant increase in stress around the implant, especially near the cantilever. It has been observed that bar infrastructures with high elastic modulus create higher stress values.

Research on Sedimentary Microfacies of an Oil Layer in a Block of Songliao Basin

This topic uses debris, core log, core description data, combines regional research results, determine that the oil layer in a block of the Songliao Basin is the most developed in the front subfacies and prodelta subfacies of delta underwater sediment. Microfacies include underwater distributary channels, underwater natural levees, distributary bays, estuary dams, distal bars, sheet sand, and prodelta mud. The contiguous distribution of dam sand is the main feature of this area. On the basis of single-well facies research, it is the first time that this topic has studied the features of the plane and profile distribution of the reservoir sedimentary facies belt in the study area, and finally builds the sedimentary facies model, and provides a solid geological basis for fine reservoir description and favorable area prediction.

Modern sedimentation in the wave-dominated delta beach bar sedimentary system of the Fenghe River in Jiaonan, Qingdao

Detailed analysis of a typical wave-dominated delta beach bar sedimentary system of the Fenghe River, in Qingdao, China, concentrated on identifying the sedimentological characteristics of wave-dominated delta beach bar sedimentary system. The aim of the study was to establish a sedimentological facies model for similar deposits. Using well-established sedimentological criteria for recognizing the characteristic of wave-dominated delta beach bar. This modern sedimentary system mainly hosts front subfacies, as well as sedimentary microfacies like underwater snake-like channel, mouth bar, distal bar, and sheet sand. From the river entrance to the mouth bar, more than 80% of the area is occupied by sheet sand, which is distributed widely across a flat terrain. The sheet sand is dominated by wave-built sedimentary structures, plus a few current-formed sedimentary structures. The sheet sand can be divided into an underwater shoal parallel to the coastline and a stable crescent-shaped above-water bar. The underwater shoal is a long ellipse in the plan and an asymmetric shape that is gentle seawards and steep landwards in the vertical section. The sedimentary structures are dominated by wave-formed ripple marks and cross bedding, overlaid with swash bedding. The above-water bar is composed of two bars formed at different stages. The sedimentary structures are dominated by swash bedding, low-angle wedge bedding, and wind-formed sedimentary structure. Both underwater shoal and the above-water bar are resulted from the transformation and redistribution of the sediments on the delta front sheet sand by waves. The two parts reflect a sedimentary association of genetic significance in the sedimentary environment of wave-dominated delta front.

Control function of Sedimentary Facies on Tight Oil Distribution—Taking Gaotaizi Oil Layer in Qijia Area as An Example

In order to find out the controlling factors of tight oil distribution in Gaotaizi oil layer, Qijia area, the authors consider that the sediment facies is shallow delta in G3-G4 oil layer through the fine study of sedimentary characteristics, and develops delta plain, delta front and prodelta subfacies from north to south. Multiple and small scale transgressions during with the base level falling cause the multistage superposition between delta outer front with prodelta mud, and the terminal of delta inner front with the mud of delta outer front, which provide the premise of source and storage match for inner source tight oil. Then, the authors analyze the control action of sediment facies on tight reservoir, high quality oil layers and the matching relationship between them, and point that there exist two kinds of tight oil reservoir in Qijia area, tight reservoir of distal bar in the rear of delta inner front, tight reservoir of sheet sand in delta outer front. By comparing the superiority of the three conditions, the former is better in reservoir condition, hydrocarbon source rock condition and source storage matching, which is the most important tight oil reservoir type. Finally, it is pointed out the tight reservoir of distal bar in rear of delta outer front is the most favorable microfacies in the next tight oil exploration in southern Qijia area.

Microfacies characteristics and reservoir potential of Triassic Baikouquan Formation, northern Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin, NW China

By using data such as lithology, thin sections, sedimentary structure, particle size, logging facies signs, mercury intrusion, porosity and permeability from 34 wells, 11 types of sedimentary microfacies were divided in this study. Upon analysis, sedimentary microfacies exert significant control on reservoirs, and high quality reservoirs are primarily developed with the following sedimentary microfacies: gray sandy conglomerate in underwater distributary channels microfacies of fan delta fronts sub-facies, river-estuary dams and gray sandstones of distal bars on the front edge of the fan delta that have strong hydrodynamic conditions and good stability. Relatively good reservoirs are primarily distributed in the braided channel in fan-delta plains with brown sandy conglomerates, main channel of underwater distributary channels on the front edge of the fan delta with gray conglomerates and underwater distributary channel ends on the front edge of the fan delta with gray fine sandstones. With the stable tectonic background, Triassic sedimentary microfacies in the Mahu sag control the distribution and development of reservoirs. Therefore, sites of high quality reservoirs can be predicted by sedimentary microfacies, and this study provides guidance for oil and gas exploration.

Effect of Using Distal Extension Bar on the Posterior Ridge Area in implant Supported Mandibular Overdentures

Effect of Using Distal Extension Bar on the Posterior Ridge Area in implant Supported Mandibular Overdentures

Literature Review on Adaptation of Fixed Prosthesis Metal Infrastructure

This article aims to carry out a systematic review of the current medical literature on the adaptation of structures of prostheses on prefabricated implants or melted in titanium, before and after laser welding. It was used as methodology a scan was carried out on the main indexing platforms for scientific articles. We found 40 articles on the subject; however, 24 had a low impact factor or index on the Qualis platform below B2 and were discharged. According to the method employed and based on the results obtained in the literature for the two techniques studied, it was concluded that the monoblock technique is safer than the distal bar technique since this technique promotes less or no distortion which would promote stresses on the implants.

The sedimentary facies and dynamic environment of the Diaokou lobe in the modern Huanghe River Delta of China

The Huanghe River captures the Diaokou River in 1964 and forms a deltaic lobe in the subsequent 12 a. The progradational process of the Diaokou lobe is in associated with complicated evolution of riverine sheet flooding, merging, and swinging. On the basis of 11 borehole cores and 210 km high resolution seismic reflection data set, the sedimentary sequence and dynamic environment of the Diaokou lobe (one subdelta lobe of the modern Huanghe River Delta) are studied. The stratigraphy of the lobe is characterized by an upward-coarsening ternary structure and forms a progradational deltaic clinoform. Totally six seismic surfaces are identifiable in seismic profiles, bounded six seismic units (SUs). These SUs correspond to six depositional units (DUs) in the borehole cores, and among them, SUs 4–6 (DUs D to F) consist of the modern Diaokou lobe. Lithological and seismic evidences indicate that the delta plain part of the Diaokou lobe is comprised primarily by fluvial lag sediments together with sediments from sidebanks, overbanks, fluvial flood plains and levees, while the delta front part is a combination of river mouth bar sands (majority) and distal bar and deltaic margin sediments (minority). As a result of the high sedimentation rate and weak hydrodynamic regime in the Huanghe River Delta, the sediments in the delta front are dominated by fine-grained materials. The grain size analysis indicates the Huanghe River hyperpycnal-concentrated flow shows the suspension, transportation and sedimentation characteristics of gravity flow, and the sediment transportation is primarily dominated by graded suspension, while uniform suspension and hydrostatic suspension are also observed in places. The strength of the hydrodynamic regime weakens gradually offshore from riverbed, river mouth bar, sidebank, distal bar subfacies to delta lateral margin and flooding plain subfacies.

Sedimentary facies identification of the Triassic in the Hongqiba region of the Northwest margin of Junggar Basin, West China

ABSTRACTThis study determined the lithological association and identified sedimentary facies of Triassic in the Hongqiba region through analyzing core samples, wireline log patterns, and seismic facies. The spatial variation of the sedimentary system in the Triassic was then determined based on source supply and hydrodynamic conditions. Results show that the Triassic in the Hongqiba region was dominated by coarse deposits derived from fan delta deposition system, including fan delta plain, fan delta front, and pre-fan delta. Primary microfacies are distributary channel, underwater distributary channel, inter-distributary bay, and distal bar. Climate changing from drought to humidity during the Triassic resulted in widespread lake transgression.

An apparently non-swinging tentorium in the Diplopoda (Myriapoda): comparative morphology of the tentorial complex in giant pill-millipedes (Sphaerotheriida).

The presence of a swinging tentorium is a key apomorphy of Myriapoda, but this character has been studied in detail in only few species. Here the tentorium, i.e., the peristomatic skeleton of the preoral chamber, is comparatively studied in three species of the millipede order Sphaerotheriida Brandt, 1833. Since dissections of the fragile tentorial components proved to be difficult, despite the large head size, they were analysed mainly in situ via micro-computed tomography. Our results confirm previous observations of large differences in the tentorial construction in the giant pill-millipedes compared to chilognathan diplopods. The tentorium of Sphaerotheriida consists of a curved, plate-like epipharyngeal bar with distal projections, an elongate and thin hypopharyngeal bar, and a plate-like triangular posterior process; a transverse bar is absent. Only seven muscles attach at the tentorium in giant pill-millipedes, including two antennal muscles and two muscles of the gnathochilarium. Within the order Sphaerotheriida, the composition of the tentorium and its muscular equipment seems to be conserved, except for some variability in the shape of the epipharyngeal bar. As the transverse bar has been considered essential for the mobility of the tentorium in myriapods, its absence in Sphaerotheriida may indicate that their tentorium is not capable of performing a swing. Loss of tentorial mobility may also pertain to the order Glomerida Brandt, 1833, inferred here from the absence of a posterior process. An apparently immobile tentorium in Glomerida and Sphaerotheriida can straightforwardly be correlated with transformations of the head related to their ability of volvation. The different transformations of the tentorium, here hypothesised to cause immobility, may support current assumptions that the ability of volvation evolved convergently in Glomerida and Sphaerotheriida. This conclusion, however, still requires more detailed studies of the head anatomy in Glomerida and Glomeridesmida Cook, 1895.

Characteristics of the tight sand reservoirs in the delta front in the Xu-2 Member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation (Hechuan area of the central Sichuan Basin, SW China)

The Xu-2 Member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation (Hechuan area, southwestern China) is an important potential sedimentary sequence for gas exploration in the central Sichuan Basin. Thus, we performed a comprehensive study of drilling parameters, sedimentary cores, well logging, and core test data and combined our results with previous research and the geological background of the basin. We found that the Hechuan area was a delta front that included underwater distributary channels, interchannels, and mouth and distal bars during deposition of the Xu-2 Member. The sand body genetic types were divided into three categories based on where they developed: an underwater distributary channel, a mouth bar, or a distal bar. The lithology of the Xu-2 reservoirs is mainly feldspathic litharenite, lithic arkose, subarkose, litharenite, and sublitharenite. Residual intergranular pores and intergranular dissolution pores are the major pore types in the reservoirs. Reservoirs with porosities of 0.18–15.84% and permeabilities of 0.001–8.72 × 10−3 μm2 showed a correlation coefficient of 0.7592. The reservoir throats are mainly tubular and constricted. Overall, the sedimentary environment and diagenesis are the major controlling factors for reservoir formation in the study area. The reservoir zones with relatively high porosity and permeability mainly developed in a delta front with underwater distributary channels and mouth bars. Chlorite growth preserved the primary pores during early diagenesis stage B, and intergranular dissolution pores resulted from contact with organic acids derived from source rocks during middle diagenesis stage A1. Compaction and cementation significantly decreased porosity during middle diagenesis stage A2. These important factors influenced reservoir quality.

Flume tank simulation on depositional mechanism and controlling factors of beach-bar reservoirs

The beach-bar reservoir has become an important exploration target in China, but its depositional mechanism and controlling factors have not yet been fully modeled. They have become an inhibitory factor for the exploration and development of beach-bar reservoirs. The depositional mechanism of beach-bars and their controlling factors have been studied by means of a flume experiment including seven runs under controlled boundary conditions which were the water level (Run 1, Run 2 and Run 3), wave parameters (Run 1, Run 4 and Run 5) and initial slope (Run 1, Run 6 and Run 7). The experiment revealed that the development of beach-bar was controlled by water level, wave parameters and initial slope. The deposited locations of distal bar and nearshore bar were controlled by the water level. Two beach-bars were migrated downward when the water level falls (Run 1, Run 2 and Run 3). The width and thickness of distal bar and nearshore bar were controlled by wave parameters, especially the wave height. They increased with the scale of wave. But, the maximum thickness is limited by the water level (Run 1, Run 4 and Run 5). The distance between distal bar and nearshore bar was controlled by the initial slope. It became shorter with the steeper slope. Distal bar and nearshore bar changed into one bar when the initial gradient was greater than 1/20 (Run 1, Run 6 and Run 7). The results suggest formative mechanism and controlling factors related to beach-bars.

Depositional environments and petrofacies of X\u2013XII sand groups of K2qn3 Formation, Daqingzijing area, Songliao Basin, China

Integration of the geological context, core analysis, and petrographic investigation, together with data from wireline logs, resulted in the recognition of petrofacies types and the representation of facies models characterizing the X–XII sand groups of the K2qn3 Formation in the Daqingzijing area of the Songliao Basin, China. The results show that the lithology of the reservoir’s X–XII sand groups includes shale calcium-bearing siltstone and sandstone, calcareous siltstone and silty sandstone. The petrofacies consist mainly of quartz, feldspar and rock fragments cemented by clay, and some samples include calcite. The studied interval was deposited onto a delta front. Four types of petrofacies were recognized: subaqueous distributary channel, mouth bar, distal bar and subaqueous interdistributary bay. According to background investigation, the study area’s X–XII sand groups have experienced a large-scale decline in lake level. There are many subaqueous distributary channels in layers 36–40, while other layers were mainly deposited in a subaqueous interdistributary bay.

High-resolution sequence stratigraphy, sedimentology and reservoir quality evaluation of the Yaojia Formation in the Longxi area of the Western Slope, Songliao Basin, China

Delta-front sand bodies with large remaining hydrocarbon reserves are widespread in the Upper Cretaceous Yaojia Formation in the Longxi area of the Western Slope, Songliao Basin, China. High-resolution sequence stratigraphy and sedimentology are performed based on core observations, well logs, and seismic profile interpretations. An evaluation of the reservoir quality of the Yaojia Formation is critical for further petroleum exploration and development. The Yaojia Formation is interpreted as a third-order sequence, comprising a transgressive systems tract (TST) and a regressive systems tract (RST), which spans 4.5 Myr during the Late Cretaceous. Within this third-order sequence, nine fourth-order sequences (FS9–FS1) are recognized. The average duration of a fourth-order sequence is approximately 0.5 Myr. The TST (FS9–FS5) mostly comprises subaqueous distributary channel fills, mouth bars, and distal bars, which pass upward into shallow-lake facies of the TST top (FS5). The RST (FS4–FS1) mainly contains subaqueous distributary-channel and interdistributary-bay deposits. Based on thin-sections, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high-pressure mercury-intrusion (HPMI) analyses, a petrographic study is conducted to explore the impact of the sedimentary cyclicity and facies changes on reservoir quality. The Yaojia sandstones are mainly composed of lithic arkoses and feldspathic litharenites. The sandstone cements mostly include calcite, illite, chlorite, and secondary quartz, occurring as grain coating or filling pores. The Yaojia sandstones have average core plug porosity of 18.55% and permeability of 100.77 × 10−3 μm2, which results from abundant intergranular pores and dissolved pores with good connectivity. Due to the relatively coarser sediments and abundant dissolved pores in the feldspars, the FS4–FS1 sandstones have better reservoir quality than the FS9–FS5 sandstones, developing relatively higher porosity and permeability, especially the FS1 and FS2 sandstones. The source–reservoir–cap-rock assemblages were formed with the adjoining semi-deep lake mudstones that were developed in the Nenjiang and Qingshankou Formations. This study reveals the deposition and distribution of the delta-front sand bodies of the Yaojia Formation within a sequence stratigraphic framework as well as the factors controlling the Yaojia sandstones reservoir quality. The research is of great significance for the further exploration of the Yaojia Formation in the Longxi area, as well as in other similar lacustrine contexts.