Songliao Basin Research Articles

Study on the Formation Mechanism of The Strike-slip Fracture Zone in the Gulongnan Area of the Songliao Basin

The Gulongnan strike-slip fracture zone consists of multi-phase active faults, which play a crucial role in the transportation of hydrocarbons generated from depressions to the slope area, and is of high research value. However, the main controlling factors of reservoir formation in the context of the development of strike- slip fracture are still unclear, and the success rate of drilling wells is low, so there is an urgent need to carry out the research work on the formation process of strike-slip fracture zones and the mechanism of genesis. Based on the principle of similarity, this paper investigates the tectonic style and evolution law of extension and extrusion under the control of strike-slip faults in the study area through tectonophysical simulation experiments, in order to reproduce the dynamical evolution process, and achieves a high degree of agreement with the actual geological situation. The experimental results show that at the end of the depositional stage of the Qingshankou Formation in the study area, a weak east-west extrusion formed the dorsal tectonics, and then a strong east-west stretching formed the strike-slip fault zone, and the tectonic pattern of the study area was controlled by the two main faults formed in the early stage of the extrusion.

Application of nano-scratch technology to identify continental shale mineral composition and distribution length of bedding interfacial transition zone - A case study of Cretaceous Qingshankou formation in Gulong Depression, Songliao Basin, NE China

Bedding is the smallest macroscopic layer in a sedimentary sequence, usually containing different mineral compositions and ranging in thickness from a few tens of micrometers to a few millimeters. The microscale mineral composition and mechanical properties of the bedding interfacial transition zone (BITZ) have a significant influence on the crack propagation mode, which further leads to changes in hydraulic fracturing efficiency. At present, most of the identification of the shale mineral composition and the distribution length of the bedding interface transition zone relies on scanning electron microscope, but this method can only obtain the surface morphology and cannot further evaluate the mechanical properties. In this paper, the mechanical parameters such as friction coefficient and fracture toughness of shale samples from Songliao Basin were measured by nano-scratching technique. The damaged shapes and mineral composition in the scratched area were analyzed by scanning electron microscope. Indentation depth and fracture toughness data obtained from scratch tests were fitted with a Gaussian function to determine mineral composition. The slope of the d2-L curve is closely related to the mechanical behavior of minerals and is considered an effective parameter for identifying mineral composition. Based on the fluctuation characteristics of friction coefficient and fracture toughness curve, a quantitative method of shale BITZ distribution length based on linear regression is proposed, and the upgrade from single-parameter to multi-parameter combination is realized by using the method of dimensional analysis. The results of the study show that plastic minerals can effectively absorb energy and convert it into volume deformation and the rapid release of strain energy from brittle minerals results in the collapse of rock debris. The identification of mineral composition based on fracture toughness is a more accurate and effective method compared to the scratch depth and the slope of the d2-L curve. As the influence of mechanical performance was not considered, the length of BITZ distribution determined by SEM was significantly smaller than the analysis results of mechanical parameters. Compared with the friction coefficient method and the fracture toughness method, the dimensionless parameter method integrates several mechanical parameters and has high accuracy and applicability in identifying the distribution length of the interfacial transition zone of shale bedding. The results will help study the mechanical properties of different mineral interfaces of shale at the microscopic scale using the nano-scratch technique.

Mineral diagenesis in lacustrine organic-rich shales: Evolution pathways and implications for reservoir characteristics

Porosity in shale reservoirs is profoundly influenced by diagenetic processes that shape the evolution of pore space. In the Songliao Basin, the first member of the Qingshankou Formation (K2qn1) shale serves as a typical lacustrine clay-rich shale oil reservoir. It exhibits variable mineralogy and thermal maturity, with its reservoir quality strongly influenced by these variations. This study integrates microscopic observations, including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), cathodoluminescence (CL), and organic petrology, with bulk rock investigations employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rock-Eval pyrolysis, and elemental analysis, to reconstruct the diagenetic pathways leading to changes in porosity. The findings reveal that K2qn1 shale is primarily composed of extrabasinal grain assemblages, such as detrital quartz and clay minerals, with sedimentary organic matter mainly as lamalginite. As maturity exceeds 0.8 %Ro, the presence of authigenic clay minerals, primarily characterized by chlorite, becomes widespread, often associated with bitumen impregnation. Additionally, authigenic dolomite and pyrite form during the synsedimentary to early diagenetic stages. In immature to marginally mature stages (<0.6 % Ro), mechanical compaction is the primary factor leading to porosity reduction. Pores associated with organic matter become visible when maturity reaches the oil window (>0.7 % Ro). At the peak of hydrocarbon expulsion (approximately 1.2 % Ro), a high frequency of organic matter shrinkage pores at interfaces to clay minerals is present, likely playing a significant role in enhancing permeability. Although localized occurrences of dissolution and cementation can be observed, the development of these diagenetic processes is limited and exerts minimal influence on the physical properties of the bulk rock. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms governing diagenetic processes and reservoir evolution in markedly heterogeneous lacustrine shale, considering the diverse origins of grain assemblages.

Occurrence State and Enrichment Mechanism of Rhenium in the Qianjiadian Uranium Deposit in the Southwestern Songliao Basin, Northeast China

Rhenium is an extremely rare critical metal element in Earth’s continental crust. Owing to its extremely high melting point and heat-stable crystalline structure, rhenium is an essential component of alloy materials used in high-performance aircraft engines. Demand for rhenium resources is therefore growing. Currently, most rhenium is produced as a byproduct of molybdenum mining in porphyry copper–molybdenum deposits. Research has therefore focused on the enrichment characteristics of rhenium in this type of deposit, with little attention paid to rhenium in other types of deposits. This study reports the occurrence state and enrichment mechanism of rhenium in the Qianjiadian sandstone-type uranium deposit in the Songliao Basin, Northeast China. Sequential extraction revealed that the average proportions of different forms of rhenium are as follows: water-soluble (57.86%) &gt; organic-sulfide-bound (13.11%) &gt; residual (12.26%) &gt; Fe/Mn oxide-bound (10.67%) &gt; carbonate-bound (6.10%). Combining mineralogical analysis techniques such as SEM-EDS, EMPA, and XRD, it has been established that rhenium does not occur as a substitute in sulfides (e.g., molybdenite) or uranium minerals in various types of deposits. Instead, it is mainly adsorbed onto clay minerals and Fe-Ti oxides, and in a small number of other minerals (pyrite, organic matter, and pitchblende). Rhenium is similar to redox-sensitive elements such as uranium and vanadium, and it is transported in a water-soluble form by oxidizing groundwater to the redox transition zone for enrichment. However, unlike uranium, which generally forms as uranium minerals, rhenium is mainly adsorbed and enriched onto clay minerals (kaolinite and interlayered illite–smectite). Most of the rhenium in sandstone-type uranium deposits occurs in an ion-adsorption state, and is easily leached and extracted during in-situ leaching mining of uranium ores. This type of deposit demonstrates excellent production potential and will become a crucial recoverable resource for future rhenium supply.

Logging identification of lithology in fine-grained sedimentary rocks based on the FSSA-HKELM model: a case study of the Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao Basin (NE China)

Logging identification of lithology in fine-grained sedimentary rocks based on the FSSA-HKELM model: a case study of the Qingshankou Formation in the Songliao Basin (NE China)

The depositional settings of organic-rich shale in the faulted lacustrine basin: A case study of the Y1 Member of the Yingcheng Formation in the Songliao Basin

The depositional settings of organic-rich shale in the faulted lacustrine basin: A case study of the Y1 Member of the Yingcheng Formation in the Songliao Basin

A novel workflow for shale lithology identification – A case study in the Gulong Depression, Songliao Basin, China

A novel workflow for shale lithology identification – A case study in the Gulong Depression, Songliao Basin, China

CO2-enhanced oil recovery with CO2 utilization and storage: Progress and practical applications in China

CO2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is a strategic emerging technology that has undergone rapid development in recent years. CO2-Enhanced oil recovery with CO2 utilization and storage (CCUS-EOR) is currently the most practicable large-scale carbon reduction technology and has become a key tool for large-scale applications of CCUS. In the inceptive period, CCUS-EOR was targeted towards flooding, but has since been extensively adopted for industrialization. At present, CCUS-EOR is being developed for synergistic flooding and storage, and is expected to gradually transition to utilization in geological storage for supporting large-scale carbon reduction to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality. The primary mechanisms controlling CCUS-EOR differ for high-permeability, high-water-cut oil reservoirs; low-permeability oil reservoirs; extra-low permeability oil reservoirs; and tight and shale oil reservoirs. Therefore, identifying the main constraints in the CO2 flooding process and formulating effective development strategies are necessary for maximizing both oil recovery and storage. In the geological storage of CO2, attention must be paid to key factors such as the storage capacity, injectivity, and safety. The storage performance can be enhanced through methods such as synergistic CO2-enhanced water recovery and CO2 storage (CCS-EWR), as well as rapid carbon mineralization in basalt. Globally, CCUS projects have undergone rapid growth, with more than 90 % of operational projects led by or involving oil and gas companies. In China, CCUS-EOR is currently in the early stage of industrial application. The first million-ton CCUS project has recently been completed. China has great potential for CCUS-EOR. An advantage of CCUS-EOR is the early adoption to large-scale applications, while CO2 storage in saline aquifers provides a foundation for promoting large-scale development. In the future, multiple CCUS-EOR clusters are expected to be established in the Bohai Bay Basin, Songliao Basin, Ordos Basin, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta regions, which will drive high-quality development of CCUS applications in China. ChineseLibrary Classification Number TE341. Document CodeA.

Paleoenvironment and petroleum potential of the lacustrine shales in the Lower Cretaceous Shahezi Formation of the Southern Songliao Basin, NE China

Paleoenvironment and petroleum potential of the lacustrine shales in the Lower Cretaceous Shahezi Formation of the Southern Songliao Basin, NE China

Application of Seismic Attribute Analysis Technology Guided by Model Forward Modeling in L29 Area

Taking the SaErTU and Putaohua oil layers in the L29 well area of LHP oilfield in the northern Songliao Basin as the research object, In response to the difficulty of interference between thin interbedded sand and mudstone and strong reflection between strata, which have a significant impact on fine prediction of sand bodies, a stratigraphic model is established based on the geological characteristics of the target layer to eliminate the impact of stratigraphic reflection; Then add a thin layer of sand body to its interior, establish a thin interlayer model, and obtain a geological model that is more in line with the actual situation of the target layer. Using forward simulation, analyze the seismic response characteristics of sand bodies, extract 30 seismic attributes from 4 categories: amplitude statistics, composite seismic trace statistics, sequence and frequency spectrum statistics, and calculate the correlation between cumulative sandstone thickness and seismic attributes, and select a sensitive seismic attribute set;By combining sedimentary and drilling data, the seismic attribute with the highest sensitivity to the target layer is selected. The multi-level dimensionality reduction and gradual improvement of seismic attribute selection methods using “model forward modeling, attribute analysis, relevant optimization, and drilling implementation” can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of thin interbedded sand bodies and greatly reduce the risk of oilfield exploration and development.

Discovery of the Late Jurassic peraluminous rhyolites and tonalite porphyrites in the Tuquan area along the western margin of the Songliao Basin: Geological records from closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean to continental collision between the Siberian plate and the Erguna-Songliao block

Discovery of the Late Jurassic peraluminous rhyolites and tonalite porphyrites in the Tuquan area along the western margin of the Songliao Basin: Geological records from closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean to continental collision between the Siberian plate and the Erguna-Songliao block

Deformation and seismic anisotropy of the lithospheric mantle in southern Songliao Basin: Constraints from peridotite xenoliths

Deformation and seismic anisotropy of the lithospheric mantle in southern Songliao Basin: Constraints from peridotite xenoliths

Experimental and modeling study of CO2 solubility in formation brines at in-situ conditions

The dissolution of CO2 into formation brine, one of the dominant trapping mechanisms for geological carbon storage (GCS) in deep saline aquifers, has been widely investigated. Most experimental and modeling studies focused on the CO2 solubility in synthetic brines. However, rare studies have been performed to investigate CO2 solubility in real formation brines, especially when ion-ion interactions were considered. In this work, the CO2 solubility of seventy formation brines from major basins in China including the Junggar basin, Ordos basin, and North and South Songliao basin was measured at in-situ pressure and temperature conditions. Experimental results show that CO2 solubility has a strong relationship with pressure and total dissolved solids (TDS), while the relationship between solubility and temperature is weak. Three solubility regions were classified in terms of depth. In Regions I and III, CO2 solubility increases with depth and is independent with depth in Region II. However, the effect of salinity on CO2 solubility was observed in all regions. Additionally, a modified Duan's model used for a mixed-salt system was proposed using dataset from this study and literature. Comparisons with Duan's model for CO2 solubility in mixed-salt systems show the average absolute relative deviation equals 5.14%, which reveals a clear improvement in the modified model. In addition, the validation of the model was performed, and results show that the average absolute relative deviation before and after improvement are 12.10% and 5.11%, respectively, indicating the high accuracy of the improved model. Overall, this research improves the understanding of CO2 solubility in real formation brines and illustrates the efficiency and accuracy of the modified model, which is crucial for the evaluation of the CO2 storage capacity, fate of CO2 over storage site life for commercial GCS projects.

Paleoenvironment and petroleum potential of the lacustrine shales in the Lower Cretaceous Shahezi Formation of the Southern Songliao Basin, NE China

Paleoenvironment and petroleum potential of the lacustrine shales in the Lower Cretaceous Shahezi Formation of the Southern Songliao Basin, NE China

Differential Uplift Triggered Basin‐And‐Range System: Evidence From Low‐Temperature Thermochronology in Eastern NE Asia

AbstractSince the Mesozoic, eastern NE Asia has experienced multiple tectonic events, resulting in a complex structure and forming one of the world's largest Meso‐Cenozoic lacustrine basin systems. Presently, basin evolution models require further elucidation regarding the simultaneous generation of diverse rift basins and the potential impact stemming from the closure of the Mudanjiang Ocean, whose oceanic closure demarcated the boundary between the Songliao Basin and the eastern basins, raises questions about its influence on the development of the basin‐and‐range system. To address these questions, we augment new low‐temperature thermochronological data on basement highs separating the eastern NE Asia basins to investigate the shallow‐deep coupling process of tectonic evolution since the Mesozoic. The new cooling age pattern shows non‐overlapping and spatial differences among major basement highs. Inverse thermal modeling revealed five‐stage cooling episodes among the basement highs, but with different onset and cooling rates of each episode, indicating a significant differential uplift mode. A major reburial stage was identified throughout eastern NE Asia during the mid‐Cretaceous. Compiling cooling age patterns and inverse thermal modeling, we note the existence of a proto‐basin covering an area much larger than the previously contemplated “Pan‐Sanjiang” Basin. In general, our study indicates the final closure of the Mudanjiang Ocean occurred at ca. 150–140 Ma. Since the Early Cretaceous, with changes in the subduction direction, two‐stage flat slab subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific plate and the consequent subduction of the Pacific plate co‐dominated the basements' differential uplift and the formation of the eastern NE Asia basin‐and‐range framework.

Spatiotemporal relationship between hydrocarbon fluid and sandstone‐hosted uranium deposits in the Qianjiadian area, Songliao Basin

The spatiotemporal coupling relationship between deep hydrocarbon fluid and sandstone uranium mineralization within the shallow buried red‐variegated clastic rocks in the Qianjiadian area of the Songliao Basin remains a topic of controversy. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the source, nature and exudative age of deep exotic hydrocarbon, as well as the interaction mechanism and alteration process between hydrocarbon fluid and clastic rock. To achieve this, various methods were employed, including acidolysis hydrocarbon test (AHT), clay x‐ray diffraction (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), carbon isotope analysis (CIA) and LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb isotopic dating. The results indicate that some tight sandstones from the Qingshankou Formation in Dalin uranium deposit exhibit high acidolysis hydrocarbon content (AHC), reaching n × 104 μL/kg, and predominantly consisting of low mature oil‐type gas. Local microscopic observations reveal pore fluorescence and hydrocarbon‐bearing inclusions with nattier blue tone. Furthermore, the kaolinites present in the ore area's sand‐bodies show a significantly higher content anomaly, commonly exceeding &gt;50%, compared to the same layer in peripheral regions. Extensive dissolutions of lithic grains and feldspars are observed, along with the widespread occurrence of ferro‐dolomites and colloidal pyrites. Additionally, exotic asphaltenes are sporadically developed in localized areas. These findings provide evidence that the sand‐bodies experienced a significant exfiltration event of external gaseous fluids. The light carbon isotopes (δ13CV‐PDB ranging from −33.26‰ to −30.06‰) of group components and n‐Alkane suggest that the hydrocarbon originates from the source rock of the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation. A detailed two‐stage alteration sequence caused by acidic and reducing hydrocarbon is clarified, encompassing acidic corrosion, kaolinization, pyritization, silification and asphaltization during the exudation stage, followed by ferro‐dolomitization in the later cessation stage. Notably, vermicular secondary kaolinites, formed through the interaction between acidic hydrocarbon fluid and low‐temperature meteoric groundwater, serve as significant markers for the exfiltration of deep hydrocarbon fluid. In‐situ U–Pb dating of hydrocarbon‐bearing ferro‐dolomite yielded absolute exfiltration ages of 63.54 ± 4.13 and 65.93 ± 3.35 Ma. By integrating the tectonic–sedimentary–fluid evolution history and uranium mineralization characteristics in the study area, a three‐stage superimposed metallogenic model is proposed for the Upper Cretaceous red‐variegated layers: (1) the sedimentary and diagenetic stage of the target layer during the Late Cretaceous, (2) the predominant hydrocarbon exudation stage at the end of the Late Cretaceous, and (3) the main uranium mineralization stage since the Paleogene. This study enhances our understanding of coupled‐genetic sandstone‐type uranium deposit in a sedimentary basin and provides valuable guidance for prospecting similar red‐variegated beds in the Songliao Basin and other sedimentary basins worldwide.

Zircon U-Pb age of the volcanic rock from the Huoshiling Formation in the Yingtai Fault Depression, Songliao Basin, China

The Huoshiling Formation is the earliest volcanic stratum in the Songliao Basin. The report of geological age of it was rare, because of the lack of credible dating samples, which has seriously restricted the division and correlation of rift epoch strata, and the understanding of basin evolution. In this paper, the volcanic rocks of Huoshiling Formation whose lithostratigraphic characteristics are credible was found in LS101 Core, Yingtai Fault Depression, western Songliao Basin, and the zircon U-Pb geochronology research was carried out. The result provides new data for understanding the formation time of Huoshiling Formation. At the same time, it’s the first report of isotope age of volcanic rocks in Yingtai Fault Depression.

Position-specific carbon isotopes of propane in coal systems in China

Evaluating the origin and fate of hydrocarbons holds significance in many fields, such as energy, geology, astrobiology, biosphere, and environment. However, challenges arise in many cases owing to the limitations of conventional methods. Intramolecular isotope analysis of propane is a new technique that offers the potential to provide insights into gas formation mechanisms; however, a comprehensive understanding of the method remains limited. Specifically, there is little knowledge about its ability to distinguish gases generated by source rocks deposited in similar sedimentary environments such as coal and coaly mudstone. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate position-specific carbon isotopes of 40 propane samples from 15 coal-type gas accumulations across four basins in China (Sichuan, Ordos, Qaidam, and Songliao); additionally, clumped isotopologues of methane samples were also analyzed. These coal systems cover a wide range of thermal maturity (from marginally mature to over-mature) at various age strata from the Permian, Triassic, and Jurassic periods, to the Cretaceous period. Our results revealed that propane generated from coal and coaly mudstone differed greatly in intramolecular isotope compositions despite having similar bulk δ13C3 values. Propane generated from coaly mudstone at a wide range of maturity had relatively more stable δ13C values in both the central (δ13Ccental) and terminal carbons (δ13Cterminal), near the theory generation line of chain-alkane cracking in the plot of δ13Cterminal vs. δ13Ccental. However, propane generated from coal had higher stable δ13Cterminal values and lower δ13Ccentral values that progressively increased with maturity. Under cooling-down conditions, propane from over-mature natural gases became extremely 13C-depleted in both the terminal and central positions, with Δ13Ccentral (δ13Ccentral minus δ13Cterminal) values being as low as –10‰, suggesting a partial origin of methane polymerization. Two propane samples from Cretaceous brown sandstone in the Songliao Basin exhibited an increase in both central and terminal carbons, suggesting that they may have surpassed chemical oxidation owing to high-valence Fe(Mn) oxides. These results indicate that intramolecular isotopes of propane can effectively differentiate dominant gas sources in a coal system with coal or coaly mudstone, as well as easily identify isotopic fractionation caused by post-generation processes, such as methane polymerization, mixing and chemical oxidation.

In-situ hydrocarbon formation and accumulation mechanisms of micro- and nano-scale pore-fracture in Gulong shale, Songliao Basin, NE China

By conducting experimental analyses, including thermal pyrolysis, micro-/nano-CT, argon-ion polishing field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR), the Gulong shale oil in the Songliao Basin was investigated with respect to formation model, pore structure and accumulation mechanism. First, in the Gulong shale, there are a large number of pico-algae, nano-algae and dinoflagellates, which were formed in brackish water environment and constituted the hydrogen-rich oil source materials of shale. Second, most of the oil-generating materials of the Qingshankou Formation shale exist in the form of organo-clay complex. During organic matter thermal evolution, clay minerals had double effects of suppression and catalytic hydrogenation, which expanded shale oil window and increased light hydrocarbon yield. Third, the formation of storage space in the Gulong Shale was related to dissolution and hydrocarbon generation. With the diagenesis, micro-/nano-pores increased, pore diameter decreased and more bedding fractures appeared, which jointly gave rise to the unique reservoir with dual media (i.e. nano-scale pores and micro-scale bedding fractures) in the Gulong shale. Fourth, the micro-/nano-scale oil storage unit in the Gulong shale exhibits independent oil/gas occurrence phase, and shows that all-size pores contain oils, which occur in condensate state in micropores or in oil-gas two phase (or liquid) state in macropores/mesopores. The understanding about Gulong shale oil formation and accumulation mechanism has theoretical and practical significance for advancing continental shale oil exploration in China.

Prediction of Terrestrial Heat Flow in Songliao Basin Based on Deep Neural Network

AbstractHeat flow is a geothermal parameter for indicating the heat source distribution and evaluating geothermal reservoirs. Only 1,230 heat flow points are distributed unevenly in China, mainly concentrated in high‐temperature geothermal and southeast regions. The Songliao Basin is a potential geothermal field in China. Still, only 20 measurement points are known, making evaluating the geothermal genetic mechanism difficult. Sparse data interpolation using deep learning methods is highly accurate and widely used in fields such as image processing. In this work, we propose a deep neural network for predicting heat flow in the Songliao Basin. More than 4,000 global heat flows and 23 geological and geophysical parameters are used as reference constraints for training. The uncertainty error of the prediction is estimated based on the correlation and distance‐based generalized sensitivity analysis. The results show that the maximum heat flow is 85 mW/m2, the average is 67.1 mW/m2, and the error with the measured data is 10.64%. The previous geophysical and geological interpretation results indicate that the heat flow is higher in the west and lower in the east, with high anomalies in the central region, which may be related to the uplift of the deep mantle and the depression of the shallow low‐velocity sedimentary layer. Some high‐temperature melt bodies are in the deep layers, forming the current potential geothermal field. The measured data validates that the DNN is an effective method for predicting regional‐scale heat flow, providing reliable heat source information for evaluating geothermal resources.