Mudstone Facies Research Articles

Cyclic patterns in the Lower Ordovician Dumugol Formation, Korea: Influence of compaction on sequence-stratigraphic interpretation in mixed carbonate–shale successions

The Lower Ordovician mixed carbonate–shale Dumugol Formation of Korea was analysed to compare the stratal thickness and facies proportion of measured and decompacted successions and to assess the effect of compaction on the interpretation of cyclicity. Metre-scale cyclic units (MSUs) in the formation consist in part of outer-shelf shale, distal to intermediate mid-ramp limestone–shale couplets, and proximal mid-ramp lime mudstone facies. A total of 119 MSUs were recognised in the studied section. Thickness reduction was estimated based on petrographic evidence, including compressed to uncompressed burrows, firm- to hardground surfaces and differentially compacted laminae, and supplementary values of decompaction factors taken from the literature. Five oscillatory units in the apparent Fischer plots consist of thickening- to thinning-upward packages composed of shallowing- to deepening-upward MSUs. Similar thickness–facies relationships were observed in the lower two oscillatory units of the decompacted Fischer plots; these units are rich in shale. In contrast, a transition to an antithetic thickness–facies pattern occurs in the following units, with common occurrences of limestone facies. The different thickness–facies relationships in the measured and decompacted Dumugol successions indicate that a large portion of the major controls on the formation of sedimentary cyclicity changed from sediment accumulation rate to relative sea-level fluctuations. Such modification by compaction of the original sediment column appears to have been caused by early cementation in calcareous sediments, which resulted in differential thinning between limestone and shaly deposits. These findings reveal that diagenetic influences on sequence-stratigraphic and cyclostratigraphic interpretations have been underestimated, with consequent potential effects on associated local to regional geodynamic models, particularly for mixed carbonate–siliciclastic successions.

МИКРОФАЦИАЛЬНАЯ И ОСАДОЧНАЯ СРЕДА ТРЕТИЧНОГО ИЗВЕСТНЯКА, ПРОВИНЦИЯ ГОРОНТАЛО, ИНДОНЕЗИЯ

The research area is located in northern Limboto Lake in Gorontalo Province, which has complex geological characteristics. The geological complexities include stratigraphy and tectonics which influence the formation of the Limboto Basin. Limestone research in the Late Tertiary Limboto Basin is very intriguing to be done because of the lack of research in limestone. Gorontalo limestone outcrops, which become the focus of the research, have a total thickness of 30 meters. The research objective is to analyze facies, microfacies, and depositional environment of tertiary limestone. These two research objectives are attained by using two research methods, namely measurd section and petrography analysis. The research result exhibits that there are four Gorontalo limestones facies, including coralline rudstone intercalated with thin mudstone facies, sandy micrite intercession facies, coralline rudstone intercession facies and sandy allochem limestone intercession facies. According to the limestone micro- facies standard, the depositional environment of Gorontalo limestone is platform interior restricted (facies zone 8).

Causes and consequences of Oligocene-Miocene relative sea level change in Asia: An example from the Labuan Island (Sabah), Malaysia

Belait Formation: (A) Trough cross-bedded sandstone (fluvial) (B) Interbedded sandstone-mudstone (sandstone dominated) facies overlying mudstone facies (marine). • The Miocene Belait Formation in the Labuan Island formed due to forced regression. • The upper part of the Belait Formation indicates transgression and marine flooding. • The depositional environment changed during the Oligocene-Miocene in Sabah and Sarawak. • This was linked to regional tectonics and/or global relative sea level. • No record of paleoclimate shift like central Asia is inferred in this study. Labuan Island represents the emergent part of a north-eastward plunging anticline. The stratigraphic succession at Labuan is made up of four formations: the Crocker Formation, the Temburong Formation, the Setap shale Formation and the Belait Formation. The sedimentological aspects of the Labuan stratigraphic succession have been studied by several authors but the stratigraphic relationships between the formations is still a matter of conjecture. In this paper we have undertaken an outcrop based (1) sedimentary facies analysis of the Middle Miocene Belait Formation and (2) inferred the mode of stratigraphic sequence building of the Oligocene-Miocene successions. In significant contrast to the tide-storm interactive shallow-marine Belait Formation of Brunei and Sarawak, the Belait Formation of the Labuan island is made up of a lower fluvial and an upper shallow marginal marine to shelf facies association. The sedimentary succession from the Crocker, Temburong, Setap Shale and Belait formations represents a marine regression either due to a relative sea-level fall (forced regression) or to sediment supply exceeding the rate of sea-level rise (normal regression). The ~17 million years unconformity separating the fluvial facies association of the Miocene Belait Formation from the underlying shelfal sedimentary units (Oligocene Temburang and/or Setap shale formations) is a subaerial unconformity that is a consequence of rapid uplift and associated forced regression, and thus indicates the influence of regional tectonics on the mode of stratigraphic sequence building The change in paleocurrent pattern recorded by earlier researchers across the Oligocene-Miocene boundary also indicates tectonic tilt, and a change in sediment dispersal direction because of upliftment. The upper marginal marine facies association of the Belait Formation indicates transgression and the thick shelfal mudstone unit that overlies the marginal marine deposit indicates subsequent maximum flooding. Our sedimentological and stratigraphic analyses reveal that the shift in depositional environment during the Oligocene-Miocene transition is linked to regional tectonics and consequent sea level change and unrelated to paleoclimatic shift.

Plio-Pleistocene to Recent tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Lalmai anticline in the western Indo-Burman Range (Bangladesh): insights from lithofacies analysis and structural synthesis

The Lalmai anticline is one of the westernmost structures within the Eastern Fold Belt of the Bengal Basin that has surficial expression. The tectonic evolution of the Eastern Fold Belt is directly linked with the development of the Indo-Burman Range in response to the late Cenozoic convergence between the Indian and Burmese plates. However, very little is known about the Plio-Pleistocene to Recent tectonic evolution of the Lalmai anticline in the context of regional tectonics. Therefore, this research is aimed at lucid understand the Plio-Pleistocene to Recent tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Lalmai anticline based on detailed lithofacies and structural observations. Results show that Plio-Pleistocene Dupitila and Pleistocene Madhupur Clay formations are exposed in the Lalmai area. Based on sedimentary texture and structures, a total of six prominent lithofacies types have been identified. These are trough cross-stratified sandstone (St), planar cross-stratified sandstone (Sp), parallel laminated sandstone (Sl), massive sandstone (Sm), laminated shale (Fl), and mudstone (Fm) facies. The facies characteristics indicate a possible fluvial depositional environment for both the formations. Structural mapping shows that the bedding surfaces are nearly horizontal. Based on the missing of strata (both the Dupitila and Madhupur Clay formations) and presence of a fault escarpment, a N-S trending east-dipping reverse fault (namely, the Mainamati Fault) has been identified on the western margin of the Lalmai anticline. The tectonostratigraphic evolutionary models show that the last major structural activation along this Mainamati Fault can be linked to late Pleistocene to Recent time. This structural activation was possibly controlled by the latest ongoing E-W crustal shortening in response to the Indo-Burman subduction processes to the far east.

Characteristics of Chang 7 shale in Qingyang area, Ordos Basin

Chang-7 shale is the most important source rock of Mesozoic in Ordos Basin. The characteristics of Chang 7 shale in Longdong area of Ordos Basin are analyzed from the aspects of shale thickness, distribution, sedimentation, petrology and organic geochemistry. The results show that the shale in the study area is mainly distributed in the middle and lower part of Chang-7 member. The shale is mainly composed of deep lake and semi deep lake facies, with a thickness of 10m-40m and good horizontal continuity. The lithofacies are mainly black shale facies, laminated mudstone facies and silty mudstone or silty mudstone facies. The organic matter abundance is high, and the types of organic matter are mainly type I and type II, and they are in the mature evolution stage It has good oil-bearing property. In tight oil accumulation, shale is not only an important material source, but also provides an important reservoir forming power. Only with the existence of shale, can oil form industrial reservoir.

Characteristics of saline lake shale oil reservoir and its influence on shale oil enrichment in the Qianjiang Formation, Qianjiang Depression, Jianghan Basin, China

The enrichment mechanism and process of shale oil are key issues in the studies on shale oil. To date, a variety of methods have been applied to describe the characteristics of typical shale oil reservoirs and reveal the potential influencing factors on marine and freshwater continental shale. However, geological characteristics and influencing mechanism of saline lake shale oil reservoirs remain poorly understood. Here, we report our investigation on the petrological, organic geochemical, and pore structure characteristics of the 10th cyclothem of the third member (Eq3410) of the saline lake–formed Qianjiang Formation in Jianghan Basin using X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption, and high‐pressure mercury intrusion. The shales of Eq3410 contain high average carbonate contents (45.53%) and clay minerals (20.89%), as well as anisometric glauberite, quartz, feldspar, rock salt, and pyrite. The main lithofacies are dolomitic mudstone, argillaceous dolomite, and calcareous mudstone. The shale samples tested yield total organic carbon (TOC) and S1 + S2 values of 1.94 wt% and 10.46 mg HC/g rock, respectively, and are primarily types II1 and II2 kerogen with thermal maturities between 0.5 and 1.0%. The abundance of organic matter in calcareous mudstone and dolomitic mudstone facies of the Eq3410 shales was relatively high. Inorganic pores are the dominant pore types, including intercrystalline pores within the carbonate and clay minerals, while mesopores and macropores contribute most to the pore volume. Better pore structures exist in argillaceous dolomite and dolomitic mudstone facies, and their characteristics are mainly affected by the compositions of dolomite, clay minerals, and glauberite and, thus, the TOC and oil contents of the shale oil reservoir.

Characteristics of lacustrine deepwater fine-grained lithofacies and source-reservoir combination of tight oil in the triassic chang 7 member in Ordos Basin, China

The lithofacies characteristics of fine sedimentary rocks affect the hydrocarbon generation capacity and reservoir performance of tight oil and are closely related to the sedimentary environment. On the basis of field outcrops and core observations, combined with logging data, thin section identification, grain size analysis, organic carbon analysis and physical property tests, the fine sedimentary facies of the Chang 7 Member in the Ordos Basin are studied. Nine lithofacies types are identified in the study area, including planar and trough cross-bedding sandstone facies (Spt), massive bedding sandstone facies (Sm), slump deformation fine sandstone facies (Ssd), sand-mud interbedded facies (Sb), rippled siltstones facies (Fr), horizontal bedding mudstone facies (Mh), massive bedding mudstone facies (Mm), horizontal bedding shale facies (S) and tuff facies (T). Lithofacies types Spt, Ssd, Fr are developed in the gentle slope belt in the northeastern study area, which is a delta front-semi-deep lake sedimentary environment and mainly contains underwater distributary channel and estuary dam sedimentary microfacies types. Lithofacies types such as Sm, Sb, Mh and T are developed in the southwestern steep slope zone of the study area, which is a channel-type gravity flow sedimentary environment, and sedimentary microfacies types such as near-source channels, far-source channels and leading-edge dolomites are developed. In the vertical direction, during the Chang 73 sedimentation period, the lake surface area and water depth reached their maxima, and S and Mh lithofacies developed, which were conducive to the formation of high-quality hydrocarbon source rocks for tight oil. During the Chang 72-Chang 71 sedimentation period, the lake basin shrank, and the reducibility of the water body weakened. The delta front sand body composed of Spt lithofacies in the northeast and the sandy clastic flow sand body composed of Sm in the southwest constitute the main tight oil reservoirs. High-quality hydrocarbon-generating lithofacies and favourable reservoir lithofacies are spatially superposed and developed, forming two source-reservoir combinations in the Chang 7 tight oil source-reservoir formation and near source-reservoir formation.

Sedimentology of the Godula Formation in the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts. (Outer Western Carpathians, Czech Republic)

The present account summarizes the results of lithological and facies analysis of representative sections of the Godula Formation, in order to contribute to the understanding of the lithofacies structure of this formation, the processes involved in its development and the character of the depositional environment. The sedimentology of different parts of the Godula Formation was investigated in six representative sections in the western and central parts of the Moravskoslezske Beskydy Mts. The Godula Formation is made up mainly of Upper Cretaceous siliciclastic turbidites and was formed during the most significant depositional phase of the filling of the deep-sea Silesian Basin. On the basis of sedimentological research, five facies classes (including four subclasses) were defined: 1) conglomeratic sandstones, 2) sandstones, 3) sandstones with mudstones, 4) mudstones with sandstones and siltstones, and 5) mudstones with siltstones. The methodology of facies analysis allowed the identification of several facies association, corresponding to the medial and distal parts of a turbidite fan and associated siliciclastic apron. The facies of depositional lobes, lobe transitions and the apron are described. The sandstone and mudstone facies (F3) occurs mostly in the depositional lobes. The sandstone facies (F2) and mudstone with sandstone and siltstone facies (F4) are present only to a lesser degree. The facies of the lobe transitions include lithologic associations of the lobe fringe and channel levee environments. They comprise mainly the mudstones with sandstones and siltstones (F4) and the mudstone with siltstone facies (F5). In the apron deposits, the sandstone facies (F2) and the conglomeratic sandstone facies (F1) predominate. Palaeocurrent analysis from measurements made in selected profiles showed that in the Moravskoslezske Beskydy Mts., the dominant direction of sediment transport was from SW to NE. After applying correction of the known counterclockwise rotation of the nappes of the Outer Carpathians, this corresponds to a longitudinal direction along the original axis of the basin.

Evaluation of hydrocarbon source rock potential: Deep marine shales of Belaga Formation of Late Cretaceous-Late Eocene, Sarawak, Malaysia

In the Sibu-Tatau region of Sarawak, the Belaga Formation (Late Cretaceous- Late Eocene turbidites) is interpreted in relation to a submarine fan model deposited in the extinct ocean basin of the proto-South China Sea. A number of clastic rocks, which include sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, and black shale, define the formation. While it is considered one of the Rajang group's extensive and well-studied formations, yet no comprehensive studies have been carried out on the shales in Sarawak, Malaysia, to interpret their importance as a source rock to oil and gas fields. The present study highlights the prominent lithofacies in addition to the detailed source rock characterization of each member of Belaga Formation to discuss the potential source rock intervals present in these Cretaceous to Eocene rock units. Four major types of shales and mudstones facies were observed in the field, i.e. (i) Variegated colored shale facies (VSF), (ii) Black “Papery” shale facies (BSF), (iii) Gray to black mudstone facies (GMF), (iv) Silty/sandy shale facies (SSF). They show hemipelagic settling in a calm environment to turbiditic deposition at levees as well as distal lobe depositional environment. In this study primary geochemical studies such as Rock-Eval pyrolysis and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis were used to classify the thermal maturity, organic matter richness, and kerogen type of the studied shales. Forty-six selected shale samples were studied from the formation, including samples from members of the Layar (Upper Cretaceous), Kapit (Paleocene to Early Eocene), Pelagus (Early to Middle Eocene), Metah (Middle to Late Eocene) and Bawang (Eocene). The shales of Belaga Formation typically display low to moderate source rock potential, which is obvious by low TOC contents between 0.14 wt% and 7.22 wt% (average of about 2.97 wt%) and show a wide range of maturity (immature to over mature) evident from very low to very high Tmax values ranging from 293 °C to 610 °C. The results show that the kerogen is of type IV, with some units can be potential sources of gas.

SYN-RIFT FLUVIO-LACUSTRINE DEPOSITIONAL SYSTEM OF THE CRETACEOUS BIMA FORMATION IN THE GONGOLA SUB – BASIN, NORTHERN BENUE TROUGH, NE, NIGERIA

The facies analysis of the syn-rift sequences Bima I Formation in the Gongola Sub-basin of the Northern Benue Trough displayed assemblages of trough crossbedded sandstones facies, planar crossbedded sandstone facies, massive bedded sandstone facies, ripple laminated sandstone facies, parallel bedded sandstone facies and mudstones facies. These arrays of facies form two suites of facies association that consist of the lacustrine-delta complex depicting coarsening upward cycles and fluvial complexes showcasing fining upwards cycle the former accounts for a scenario where the incremental accommodation is lower than the sediment discharge, whereas the latter is reflective of a case where improved subsidence rate induces high accommodation rate that outruns sediment supply. The stratigraphic architecture of the syn-rift Bima I Formation indicated that the lacustrine-delta are restricted to the lower stratigraphic horizons whereas the fluvial complexes essentially defines the upper stratigraphic zones of this formation.

The fossil alga Chaetocladus gracilis revisited: new material from the Silurian of Sweden

ABSTRACT In 2006, a new species of non-calcified dasycladalean alga, Chaetocladus gracilis, from the upper Silurian of Skåne (Scania), southernmost Sweden, was erected. The original description was based on a single incomplete fossil recovered from the abandoned limestone quarry at Bjärsjölagård, a classic geologic locality in Scania. Here we present four additional and, importantly, more complete specimens from this same site and type stratum. This new material largely corroborates the general anatomical features of C. gracilis, but also adds some intricate details, most notably with regards to the external sheet-like phytoleim and organisation of the laterals. Elemental mapping confirmed an expected carbonaceous composition of the fossils, which are embedded in a calcareous mudstone. These additional fossils show that the originally described specimen was not a singular occurrence at this locality. Based on the state of preservation of our algal fossils, we note that the mudstone facies of the Ludlow Bjärsjölagård Limestone Member of the Klinta Formation (Öved-Ramsåsa Group), from which all C. gracilis have been recovered, share characteristics with deposits typically referred to as “algal-Lagerstätten”.

Tidal Flat Depositional System of the Cretaceous Yolde Formation of the Gongola Sub-basin Northern Benue trough N. E. Nigeria: Implication for Macro-Tidal Coastline

This research aims to evaluate the facies and facies association of the Yolde Formation at Kware stream in the Gongola Sub-basin of the Northern Benue Trough with objective of characterizing its paleodepositional environment. Six lithofacies consisting of trough crossbedded sandstone facies (St), massive bedded sandstone facies (Sm), planar crossbedded sandstone facies (Sp), ripple laminated sandstone facies (Sr), parallel sandstone facies (Sl) and mudstone facies (Fm) defining its stratal packages were skewed into distinctive assemblages of flaser, wavy and lenticular bedding. This present a fining upward signature with facies association typical of tidal flat system. This is evident of a coastal progradation with sequences reflecting migration of a supra-tidal mudflat over intertidal mixed-flat zone which progressively superposed subtidal sandflats. This is indicative of a coastal shoreline with a relatively progradational phase within the net transgressive regional framework of the Cretaceous Yolde Formation.

Incised Valley Depositional System of the Cretaceous Yolde Formation of the Gongola Sub-basin Northern Benue Trough N.E. Nigeria

This research was carried out in the Gongola Sub-basin of the Northern Benue Trough aimed at deciphering of the paleo-depositional environment of the Yolde Formation based on facies on facies analysis. Six lithofacies were identified to include trough crossbedded sandstone facies (St), massive bedded sandstone facies (Sm), planar crossbedded sandstone facies (Sp), ripple laminated sandstone facies (Sr), parallel sandstone facies (Sl) and mudstone facies (Fm). These build into two facies association of fluvial channel and tidally influenced fluvial channel facies associations. The fluvial successions typical characterizes the lower stratigraphic horizons and their contained dominances of trough crossbedded sandstone facies with high channel to overbank facies and contained mud-clast reflecting deep, high energy braided river system. The submergences of these channels by surging sea level rise generated the tidally influenced fluvial facies association and this package characteristically defines the upper interval stratigraphic architecture of this formation, displaying occasional bi-directional current system and abundant marine ichnogenera. This architectural symmetry is reflective of an incised valley fills, developing as a consequence of Cenomanian transgressive phase induced by the mid-Cretaceous global marine transgression.

Incised Valley Depositional System of the Cretaceous Yolde Formation of the Gongola Sub-basin Northern Benue Trough N.E. Nigeria

This research was carried out in the Gongola Sub-basin of the Northern Benue Trough aimed at deciphering of the paleo-depositional environment of the Yolde Formation based on facies on facies analysis. Six lithofacies were identified to include trough crossbedded sandstone facies (St), massive bedded sandstone facies (Sm), planar crossbedded sandstone facies (Sp), ripple laminated sandstone facies (Sr), parallel sandstone facies (Sl) and mudstone facies (Fm). These build into two facies association of fluvial channel and tidally influenced fluvial channel facies associations. The fluvial successions typical characterizes the lower stratigraphic horizons and their contained dominances of trough crossbedded sandstone facies with high channel to overbank facies and contained mud-clast reflecting deep, high energy braided river system. The submergences of these channels by surging sea level rise generated the tidally influenced fluvial facies association and this package characteristically defines the upper interval stratigraphic architecture of this formation, displaying occasional bi-directional current system and abundant marine ichnogenera. This architectural symmetry is reflective of an incised valley fills, developing as a consequence of Cenomanian transgressive phase induced by the mid-Cretaceous global marine transgression.

Tidal Rhythmites Depositional System of the Cretaceous Yolde Formation of the Gongola Sub-basin Northern Benue Trough N. E. Nigeria

Facies evaluation carried out on the Yolde Formation at Gabukka locality in the Gongola Sub-basin of the Northern Benue Trough was aimed at enacting its paleo-depositional environment. The formation at this locality revealed an intercalated succession of massive bedded sandstone facies (Sm), planar crossbedded sandstone facies (Sp), ripple laminated sandstone facies (Sr), parallel laminated sandstone facies (Sl) and mudstone facies (Fm). These successions developed a thinning and thickening stratigraphic profile depicting periodic rhythmic signatures indicating deposits of tidal rhythmites. Thickening rhythmic packages are reflective of a spring tide whereas thinning phases are indicative of neap tide. These depositional sequences are genetic to intense tides conditions, thus an indexing a tide dominated oceanographic within the course of development of the Cretaceous Yolde Formation.

Lithofacies Types and Quantitative Identification Methods of Reservoirs

Taking Xing A Block of Songliao Basin as an example, based on the core data of closed core wells, the sedimentary characteristics and genetic mechanism of its lithofacies are analyzed. It is considered that there are four types of core lithofacies developed in the study area, which are medium fine sandstone facies, siltstone facies, muddy silt facies and mudstone facies. Based on the crossplot recognition technology, the logging quantitative division standard of lithofacies is determined, and the quantitative interpretation chart of lithofacies is established. According to the laboratory analysis and test data, the reservoir quality characteristics of various lithofacies are summarized. The medium fine sandstone facies and siltstone facies are the main reservoirs in the study area with good physical and oil-bearing properties and high oil displacement efficiency; the physical and oil-bearing properties of argillaceous siltstone are poor and the oil displacement efficiency is low; in siltstone and argillaceous siltstone, the degree of water flooding is low and the remaining oil is relatively rich.

Tectonic history across the Iapetus suture zone in Ireland

Abstract The early Paleozoic rocks of eastern Ireland span the suture zone between the Laurentian and Ganderian continental margins of the Iapetus Ocean. The Grangegeeth Terrane comprises a Laurentian continental fragment and Ordovician volcanic arc that formed the southern margin of the late Ordovician Rathkenny Basin of Moffat Shale facies mudstone. Together, these were overstepped in Wenlock time by Laurentia-derived greywackes and became the southernmost tract of the Longford–Down Terrane accretionary prism as subduction brought them into the Laurentian-margin trench. South of the suture, Middle Ordovician failed rifting of a Ganderian volcanic arc terrane was followed by shortening during continuing subduction under the north-facing arc. In Newfoundland, a Ganderian volcanic arc migrated across the ocean in mid-Ordovician times to accrete to Laurentia. In Ireland, the late-accreted arc on the Laurentian margin was formed on a Laurentian microcontinent, and Ganderia had an active margin throughout Late Ordovician time. Silurian closure of Iapetus was between the leading edge of Ganderia and the Laurentian margin, unlike in the Canadian Appalachians, where separate Ordovician and Silurian sutures are recognized. Iapetus was narrow by Katian time but subduction-related magmatism continued into Wenlock times on both margins.

The lithofacies and depositional paleoenvironment of the Bima Sandstone in Girei and Environs, Yola Arm, Upper Benue Trough, Northeastern Nigeria

The Benue Trough is a contiguous intracontinental basin that formed part of the mega west and central African rift system (WCARS). The Cretaceous sedimentary succession preserved up to 6 km thick. The Aptian-Albian Bima Sandstone non-conformably overlies the Precambrian basement rock and the sandstone is the oldest Cretaceous succession in the Upper Benue Trough. This paper aimed at understanding its lithofacies and depositional environment in Girei and environs within Yola arm of the Upper Benue Trough. From the field studies, 13 lithofacies were identified; massive matrix supported and gravel dominated facies (Gmm), matrix supported gravel (Gmg), clast supported gravel (Gci), gravel stratified (Gh), and gravel stratified trough cross-bedded sandstone (Gt), sand, fine to very coarse grained trough crossbedded sandstone (St), sand, fine, medium, coarse to very coarse grained group planar cross-bedded sandstone (Sp), low angle planar crossbedded sandstone (Sl), sand, fine to coarse grained ripple cross laminated sandstone (Sr), sand, very fine, pebbly coarse grained horizontal bedded sandstone(Sh), Sand, fine to coarse grained massive sandstone (Sm), Convuluted sandstone (Sc), silt and mud (Fsm), and mudstone (Fm). The Bima Sandstone in the study area is sub-divided into proximal alluvial fan facies are composed of Gmm, Gmg, Gci, and Fsm, lithofacies, while the mid and distal fan facies are sequentially characterised by Gh, Gt, St, Sp, Sl, Sr, Sm, Sc, and Fm lithofacies. The alluvial fan facies are matrix supported and are restricted to the basin margin, and it may represent the basal part of the outcrop lithosections, the lack of internal organization of these lithofacies reflects high-strength viscous debris flow and it speaks volume of emergence of stream near the upland, however, the Gci facies probably indicate advancement of stream influence and reduction of gravity, the associated Fsm facies could be a backswamp and/or abandoned channel deposits. The mid fan facies have basal surface that is concave-upward in transverse crossection, well-developed thick amalgamated trough crossbedded sandstone (St) facies, theses attribute represent deep channel deposits, high flow regime, and continuous creation of accommodation space, it also points towards deep perennial sand braided river system. The distal fan facies is composed of amalgamated planar cross-bedded sandstone (Sp) associated with horizontal bedded sandstone (Sh), ripple cross lamination (Sr) and mudstone (Fm) facies with better developed floodplain deposit, pointing towards the influence of steady periodic high flow with topographic difference and it reflects shallow perennial sand-bed braided river. The lithofacies of the Bima Sandstone in Girei and environs, within the Yola arm generally show architectural stacking pattern that is generally thinning and fining upward indicating inactivity and/or fan retrogradation, and the depositional paleoenvironment varies from alluvial to braided river setting. The mid to distal fan facies of the Bima Sandstone can serve as good reservoir for hydrocarbon while the mudstone which is the floodplain deposit can serve as the seals and/or traps for the accumulated hydrocarbon.

Facies heterogeneity and source potential of carbonate-mudstone-dominated distal ramp deposits, Agrio Formation, Neuquén Basin, Argentina

ABSTRACTThe carbonate-mudstone-dominated Lower Cretaceous Agrio Formation is the youngest marine source rock of the hydrocarbon-prolific Neuquén Basin in Argentina, yet its facies variability and unconventional hydrocarbon potential remains relatively understudied. Detailed studies of mudstone facies variability in thick, carbonate mudstone successions deposited largely below storm wave base (i.e., chalk–marl, black shale, limestone), like the Agrio Formation, are rare and instead commonly focus on biostratigraphy or organic geochemistry alone. A continuous northern section of the Agrio Formation and a southern composite section of the lower Pilmatué and middle Avilé members, totaling ∼ 1,200 m of outcrop, were measured. From these measured sections, programmed pyrolysis (n = 339 samples), X-ray diffraction (XRD; n = 69), and thin sections (n = 69) were used to develop a high-resolution integrated macrofacies and microfacies scheme. The four most volumetrically abundant facies include detrital-quartz-silt-bearing fine mudstone (facies 1), radiolarian-bearing calcareous fine mudstone (facies 2), detrital-quartz-silt- and shell-bearing calcareous fine mudstone (facies 3), and calcareous wackestone (facies 4). All four facies are volumetrically dominated by carbonate mud matrix (i.e., micrite) that represents either 1) original pelagic coccolithophore deposition modified by diagenesis, 2) transported carbonate mud (i.e., bottom currents like contour currents or sediment gravity flows), or 3) a combination of both. Outcrop observations, XRD mineralogic trends, and petrographic variations in grain composition between detrital quartz silt, radiolarian and microfossil to macrofossil content (mainly benthic foraminifera and bivalves) distinguish the four mudstone facies. The facies scheme indicates distinctly more heterogeneous and current-influenced sedimentation in the downdip sub-storm wave base than previously described in the Agrio and in carbonate-dominated basinal settings in general. A depositional model is proposed for further testing that may prove valuable towards re-evaluating basinal carbonate mudstone successions worldwide. Utilizing TOC, S2, and HI value cutoffs, this study defines five discrete stratigraphic packages in the Agrio Formation that have the highest source potential, collectively totaling ∼ 140 m thick. The novel integration of macrofacies and microfacies analysis, stratigraphy, and a geochemical analysis allow both depositional insights and the assessment of a potential source rock. The study adds to a growing body of literature on 1) carbonate ramp (or slope) to basinal processes and 2) facies models for organic-rich, carbonate-dominated mudstone successions that are unconventional hydrocarbon systems.

Application of Multi-Resolution Graph-based Clustering for electrofacies prediction: a case study from the Horn River Shale, British Columbia, Canada

The Horn River Basin is a major shale gas play in British Columbia, Canada. An important component for identifying productive zones is to determine lithofacies. Quantitative core-based lithofacies classifications distinguish reservoirs and non-reservoir quality zones. In this study, Elemental capture spectroscopy (ECS) log data, XRD, and TOC data were integrated with core-description data to define the shale gas development interval in the Horn River Shale. Six lithofacies were determined and used as a training data for the supervised electrofacies classification. The Multi-Resolution Graph-based Clustering method (MRGC) was useful for prediction of electrofacies. The MRGC facilitated estimation of the electrofacies from the well logs of the non-coring wells based on our current construction model. We constructed a supervised MRGC model from well A. The probability scores of the electrofacies were 83%. This method was applied to non-coring wells B and C. Lateral variations in the facies were inferred using an electrofacies correlation or seismic-scale spatial model. Stochastic methods were applied to build a 3D facies model due to the insufficient electrofacies data. To increase the accuracy and applicability we used seismically derived-trend data (density and P-wave sonic inversion, envelope attributes) for sequential indicator simulation (SIS) modeling. After constructing a facies model, the faintly laminated siliceous mudstone (FLSM) and homogeneous siliceous mudstone (HSM) facies were shown to be dominantly distributed throughout the Evie Member and Muskwa Formation. These facies contain high silica compared to clay and higher TOC contents which are generally the main targets of a shale gas play. Therefore, the FLSM and HSM facies of the Muskwa Formation and Evie Member are potentially productive facies for shale gas development in the Horn River Shale.