Formation Of Large Gas Fields Research Articles

Hydrocarbon accumulation and orderly distribution of whole petroleum system in marine carbonate rocks of Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on the situation and progress of marine oil/gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin, SW China, the whole petroleum system is divided for marine carbonate rocks of the basin according to the combinations of hydrocarbon accumulation elements, especially the source rock. The hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics of each whole petroleum system are analyzed, the patterns of integrated conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon accumulation are summarized, and the favorable exploration targets are proposed. Under the control of multiple extensional-convergent tectonic cycles, the marine carbonate rocks of the Sichuan Basin contain three sets of regional source rocks and three sets of regional cap rocks, and can be divided into the Cambrian, Silurian and Permian whole petroleum systems. These whole petroleum systems present mainly independent hydrocarbon accumulation, containing natural gas of affinity individually. Locally, large fault zones run through multiple whole petroleum systems, forming a fault-controlled complex whole petroleum system. The hydrocarbon accumulation sequence of continental shelf facies shale gas accumulation, marginal platform facies-controlled gas reservoirs, and intra-platform fault- and facies-controlled gas reservoirs is common in the whole petroleum system, with a stereoscopic accumulation and orderly distribution pattern. High-quality source rock is fundamental to the formation of large gas fields, and natural gas in a whole petroleum system is generally enriched near and within the source rocks. The development and maintenance of large-scale reservoirs are essential for natural gas enrichment, multiple sources, oil and gas transformation, and dynamic adjustment are the characteristics of marine petroleum accumulation, and good preservation conditions are critical to natural gas accumulation. Large-scale marginal-platform reef-bank facies zones, deep shale gas, and large-scale lithological complexes related to source-connected faults are future marine hydrocarbon exploration targets in the Sichuan Basin.

Regional unconformities and their controls on hydrocarbon accumulation in Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on outcrop, seismic and drilling data, the main regional unconformities in the Sichuan Basin and their controls on hydrocarbon accumulation were systematically studied. Three findings are obtained. First, six regional stratigraphic unconformities are mainly developed in the Sichuan Basin, from the bottom up, which are between pre-Sinian and Sinian, between Sinian and Cambrian, between pre-Permian and Permian, between middle and upper Permian, between middle and upper Triassic, and between Triassic and Jurassic. Especially, 16 of 21 conventional (and tight) gas fields discovered are believed to have formed in relation to regional unconformities. Second, regional unconformity mainly controls hydrocarbon accumulation from five aspects: (1) The porosity and permeability of reservoirs under the unconformity are improved through weathering crust karstification to form large-scale karst reservoirs; (2) Good source-reservoir-caprock assemblage can form near the unconformity, which provides a basis for forming large gas field; (3) Regional unconformity may lead to stratigraphic pinch-out and rugged ancient landform, giving rise to a large area of stratigraphic and lithologic trap groups; (4) Regional unconformity provides a dominant channel for lateral migration of oil and gas; and (5) Regional unconformity is conducive to large-scale accumulation of oil and gas. Third, the areas related to regional unconformities are the exploration focus of large gas fields in the Sichuan Basin. The pre-Sinian is found with source rocks, reservoir rocks and other favorable conditions for the formation of large gas fields, and presents a large exploration potential. Thus, it is expected to be an important strategic replacement.

Distribution rules, main controlling factors and exploration directions of giant gas fields in the Sichuan Basin

Over the past decade, great progresses have been made in natural gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin, where several large gas fields (such as Anyue) have been discovered. With the increase of data and the deepening of exploration, new knowledges have been gained in geological theory, thus it is necessary to further analyze the distribution characteristics and main controlling factors of large gas fields, thus to put forward new exploration directions for large gas fields. Therefore, based on the statistics on the geological parameters of 20 large gas fields discovered in this basin, the distribution rules, formation conditions and main controlling factors of large gas fields were analyzed, and the follow-up exploration directions were proposed. The following results were achieved. (1) Large gas fields are developed in different tectonic regions in the Sichuan Basin, mostly in the low and gentle tectonic belts in the central Sichuan Basin. Large gas fields are developed in seven series of strata in longitudinal stratigraphic sequences, which are dominated by the reef-shoal large gas fields formed in the Upper Permian Changxing–Lower Triassic Feixianguan Fms. (2) There are four sets of source rocks contributing to the formation of large gas fields, mostly from the assemblage of Xujiahe Fm source rocks. (3) Reservoirs in the large gas fields are dominated by porous carbonates and tight sandstones; large gas fields are mostly structural–lithological ones and normal pressure ones. (4) The development of marine large gas fields are mainly controlled by intracratonic rifts and paleo-uplifts. The controlling effect of intracratonic rifts is mainly from three aspects, namely the hydrocarbon generation center of source rocks, high-energy facies belts on the platform edges, and lateral sealing for hydrocarbon accumulation. The controlling effect of the paleo-uplifts mainly acts from another three aspects: intra-platform high-energy facies belts, karstic dolomite reservoirs and long-term hydrocarbon accumulation. The structures of foreland basins controlled the development of the continental large gas fields from four aspects: tectonic setting, source and reservoir assemblage, trap type and fracture distribution. In conclusion, a total of 5 domains with 14 favorable zones are the follow-up exploration directions of large gas fields in the Sichuan Basin.

New research progress of natural gas geological theories in China during the 12th Five-Year Plan period

With the continuous deepening of natural gas exploration, the quality of discovered resources gets worse and exploration targets are getting more and more complicated, so it is necessary to develop and improve natural gas geological theories continuously in order to tap and discover more natural gas resources. Therefore, geological theories on the formation of large gas fields were studied during the 12th Five-Year Plan period and the following progresses were mainly achieved. (1) Gas generation modes were established of oil cracking and highly evolved coal-measure source rocks in different geologic conditions. (2) A model was set up for evaluating quantitatively the hydrocarbon expulsion and detainment of various source rocks with different abundance. (3) Natural gas genesis identification chart was built up with multiple parameters and indexes. (4) Two carbonate rock sedimentation patterns and two tight sandstone sedimentation patterns were established. (5) A new method was developed for evaluating caprock–reservoir displacement pressure difference of immediate caprocks. (6) The hydrocarbon accumulation pattern of large gas fields was established and their main controlling factors and distribution laws were summarized. Then, the natural gas exploration theories were deepened in the following five fields and their application achievements are remarkable. First, the hydrocarbon-accumulation geological theory used for large ancient carbonate gas fields was innovatively understood to promote the discovery and confirmation of the Anyue supergiant gas field in the Sichuan Basin. Second, the hydrocarbon-accumulation geological theory suitable for large tight sandstone gas fields was developed to guide the exploration of tight sandstone gas in the Ordos and Songliao basins. Third, the hydrocarbon-accumulation theory of platform margin reefs was deepened to expand the exploration of platform margin reef gas in the Sichuan Basin. Fourth, the hydrocarbon accumulation mechanism and enrichment theory of large condensate gas reservoirs were deepened to guide the exploration of large condensate gas reservoirs in the Tarim Basin. And fifth, the exploration theory of volcanic gas reservoirs with hydrocarbon-generation fault troughs as basic units was completed to realize the strategic replacement of volcanic gas reservoir exploration.

Characteristics of source rocks, resource potential and exploration direction of Sinian-Cambrian in Sichuan Basin, China

The Anyue giant gas field was discovered in the Sinian-Cambrian Central Sichuan region of the Sichuan Basin in 2013, with geological reserves up to 1 × 1012m3, which is the first time for the exploration of natural gas paleo-reservoirs in the world. The gas source studies suggest that the Sinian natural gas is originated from the Sinian and Cambrian hydrocarbon source rocks, and the systematical study on the Sinian and Cambrian ancient source rocks has important scientific and practical significance for the global oil and gas geologic domain of the ancient stratum. Based on the drilling data and field profile observation of Sinian and Cambrian in Sichuan Basin, with adoption of the interpretation data of 28000 km-seismic and new drilling data, combined with geochemical analysis of source rocks of 2315 samples, this paper systematically studied the high quality hydrocarbon source rock center, where the source rocks are mainly distributed along the Mianzhu-Changning craton inner rift, with a accumulative thickness reaching 200–450 m, and 50–100 m for the thickness of source rocks in other areas. The hydrocarbon source rocks of the Sinian-Cambrian contributed about 56 %–63% of natural gas resources of the whole basin. Systematical evaluations have been conducted to the mudstone source rocks and their distribution in the III-section of Sinian Dengying Formation, where TOC value is ranging from 0.04% to 4.73%, with an average of 0.65%. The thickness of the source rocks in Central Sichuan region is ranging from 10 to 30 m. The oldest Sinian source rocks that can form large gas fields in China were systematically studied for the first time, and the total gas production intensity of the Sinian source rocks in the great Central Sichuan region is (15–28) × 108 m3/km2, where the gas source conditions for the formation of large gas fields are available. By using the genetic method and analogy method, the amount of natural gas resources of the Sinian-Cambrian in the basin are re-evaluated as (4.65–5.58) × 1012 m3, and the resources potential of natural gas is huge. The amount of natural gas resources in the Central Sichuan block accounts for about 66% of the total basin resources, which is the preferred selection for current exploration.

Sedimentary features and exploration targets of Middle Permian reservoirs in the SW Sichuan Basin

The exploration direction and targets for the large-scale Middle Permian gas reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin are hot spots and challenges in current exploration researches. The exploration successes of large gas field of Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation in Gaoshiti-Moxi region, Central Sichuan Basin, indicated that prospective sedimentary facies belt was the basis for the formation of large gas fields. In this paper, based on seismic data, outcrop data and drilling data, the tectonic framework and sedimentary features of the Middle Permian in the SW Sichuan Basin were comprehensively studied. The following conclusions were reached from the perspective of sedimentary facies control: (1) during the Middle Permian, this region was in shallow water gentle slope belts with high energy, where thick reef flat facies were deposited; (2) the basement was uplifted during Middle Permian, resulting in the unconformity weathering crust at the top of Maokou Formation due to erosion; the SW Sichuan Basin was located in the karst slope belt, where epigenic karstification was intense; and (3) reef flat deposits superimposed by karst weathering crust was favorable for the formation of large-scale reef flat karst reservoirs. Based on the combination of the resources conditions and hydrocarbon accumulation conditions in this region, it was pointed out that the Middle Permian has great potential of large-scale reef flat karst gas reservoir due to its advantageous geological conditions; the Middle Permian traps with good hydrocarbon accumulation conditions were developed in the Longmen Mountain front closed structural belt in the SW Sichuan Basin and Western Sichuan Basin depression slope belt, which are favorable targets for large-scale reef flat karst reservoirs.

Restoration of paleokarst geomorphology of Sinian Dengying Formation in Sichuan Basin and its significance, SW China

Abstract Based on newly drilled well data in the Gaoshiti area in the central Sichuan Basin, profile data of more than 150 field outcrops of the regional geological survey, and stratigraphic division and correlation of more than 30 wells in the Sichuan Basin and its adjacent areas, combined with regional seismic data, moldic methods are comprehensively used to restore the karst paleogeomorphy of the Dengying Formation, and thus studying the paleogeographic pattern and the significance of oil and gas exploration. The Sichuan Basin was surrounded by paleo-lands/underwater highlands in the late Sininan Dengying period, including Kangdian paleo-land in the west, Songpan paleo-land in the northwest, Hannan paleo-land in the north, Qianjiang-Zheng'an, Zhenba and Wuxi-Jianshi underwater highlands in the southeast and northeast. The Sichuan Basin was adjacent to Jiangnan Basin southeastwards and Qinling paleo-ocean northeastwards respectively. Affected by the separation of NS-striking Zitong-Junlian Aulacogen, NE-striking Langzhong-Tongjiang and Chongqing-Kaixian depressions in this basin, the Sichuan Basin presents the NS-trending framework of “three uplifts (Zhenba, Chuanzhong and Qianjiang-Zheng'an) and two depressions (Langzhong-Tongjiang and Chongqing-Kaixian)”, and is divided into two relatively isolated EW-trending paleo-uplift systems (NS-striking Mianyang-Leshan-Xichang paleo-uplift and nearly NE-striking Chuanzhong paleo-uplift). Controlled by karst paleogeomorphy of the Sinian Dengying Formation, the pattern of karst landscape consists of five secondary geomorphic units, such as karst highland, karst platform, karst slope, karst depression and karst basin, of which the karst platform and karst slope are the favorable zones for the development of karst reservoirs, providing advantages for the formation of large gas fields.

Contribution of moderate overall coal-bearing basin uplift to tight sand gas accumulation: case study of the Xujiahe Formation in the Sichuan Basin and the Upper Paleozoic in the Ordos Basin, China

Tight sand gas is an important unconventional gas resource occurring widely in different petroleum basins. In coal-bearing formations of the Upper Triassic in the Sichuan Basin and the Carboniferous and Permian in the Ordos Basin, coal measure strata and tight sandstone constitute widely distributed source–reservoir assemblages and form the basic conditions for the formation of large tight sand gas fields. Similar to most tight gas basins in North America, the Sichuan, and Ordos Basins, all experienced overall moderate uplift and denudation in Meso-Cenozoic after earlier deep burial. Coal seam adsorption principles and actual coal sample simulation experiment results show that in the course of strata uplift, pressure drops and desorption occurs in coal measure strata, resulting in the discharge of substantial free gas. This accounts for 28 %–42 % of total gas expulsion from source rocks. At the same time, the free gases formerly stored in the pores of coal measure source rocks were also discharged at a large scale due to volumetric expansion resulting from strata uplift and pressure drop. Based on experimental data, the gas totally discharged in the uplift period of Upper Paleozoic in the Ordos Basin, and Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the Sichuan Basin is calculated as (3–6) × 108 m3/km2. Geological evidence for gas accumulation in the uplift period is found in the gas reservoir analysis of the above two basins. Firstly, natural gas discharged in the uplift period has a lighter carbon isotope ratio and lower maturity than that formed in the burial period, belonging to that generated at the early stage of source rock maturity, and is absorbed and stored in coal measure strata. Secondly, physical simulation experiment results at high-temperature and high-salinity inclusions, and almost actual geologic conditions confirm that substantial gas charging and accumulation occurred in the uplift period of the coal measure strata of the two basins. Diffusive flow is the main mode for gas accumulation in the uplift period, which probably reached 56 × 1012 m3 in the uplift period of the Xujiahe Formation of the Sichuan Basin, compensating for the diffusive loss of gas in the gas reservoirs, and has an important contribution to the formation of large gas fields. The above insight has promoted the gas resource extent and potential of the coal measure tight sand uplift area; therefore, we need to reassess the areas formerly believed unfavorable where the uplift scale is large, so as to get better resource potential and exploration prospects.

Hydrocarbon accumulation conditions and exploration direction of Baiyun–Liwan deep water areas in the Pearl River Mouth Basin

An integrated geologic study was performed in the Baiyun–Liwan deep water areas, Pearl River Mouth Basin, based on the achievements obtained during the past five exploration stages. The following understandings were obtained. (1) The Baiyun Sag has superior source rock conditions and has experienced three tectonic evaluation stages like rifting, rifting-depression and depression. The Wenchang–Enping Fms deposited during the rifting stage have large hydrocarbon generation potentials. During the rifting-depression and depression stages, the deposition in the study area was controlled by the Oligocene and Miocene shelf slope break zones. The Oligocene Zhuhai Fm shallow marine delta-longshore depositional system and the Miocene Zhujiang–Hanjiang Fms deep fan depositional system were formed, and they are the most favorable reservoir-caprock assemblages in the study area. (2) The Hydrocarbon accumulation pattern in the deep waters is different from that in the northern shallow waters. Shelf slope break zone, composite conduction system consisting of structural ridge, fault, sandbody, unconformity and fluid diapir as well as late tectonic movement are the three major factors controlling hydrocarbon migration and accumulation in the study area. (3) The Liwan 3-1 gas field is a typical example. The superior trapping conditions, high-quality reservoirs of delta distributary channel controlled by shelf slope break zone, vertical conduction system consisting of fault and diapir, as well as the overlying massive marine mudstone caprock provide favorable geologic conditions for the formation of large gas fields. Four areas were identified as the targets of gas exploration in the near future: the deep water fan system in the central sag, the structural-stratigraphic traps in the uplifted areas on both sides of the main sag of Baiyun, a series of large structural traps on the fault terrace to the southwest of the main sag, and the ultra-deep frontiers in sags such as Liwan to the south of the main sag.

Theoretical and technical innovations in strategic discovery of a giant gas field in Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation of central Sichuan paleo-uplift, Sichuan Basin

Abstract Since 2011, huge gas fields have been discovered in the Sinian and Cambrian strata in Moxi–Gaoshiti region, central Sichuan paleo-uplift, with the geological reserves reaching more than one trillion cubic meters. The main gas-bearing layers include Deng 2 Member, Deng 4 Member and Longwangmiao Formation. Based on brief review of the exploration history of large gas province in central Sichuan paleohigh, the paper systematically describes the formation conditions and petroleum accumulation patterns of huge gas fields there, and points out the large ancient uplift background, huge net of hydrocarbon supply system, large-scale grain shoal reservoirs and regional reservoir-cap combinations are important material conditions for the formation of large gas fields. In view of the huge depth, high temperature, high pressure and some other complex formation conditions, a lot of efforts have been put into the research on logging, seismic, drilling, reservoir stimulation etc, and a series of accomplishments have been achieved, which work well in the exploration and development of gas in Sichuan Basin. The Sinian and Cambrian strata in the Sichuan Basin have a great potential for petroleum exploration.