Xisha Uplift Research Articles

The Effects of Controlling Gas Escape and Bottom Current Activity on the Evolution of Pockmarks in the Northwest of the Xisha Uplift, South China Sea

Submarine pockmarks are typical indicators of submarine gas escape activity. The deep strata of the Xisha Uplift are rich in biogenic and thermogenic gas, accompanied by strong bottom current activity. Investigating the effects of controlling submarine gas escape and bottom current activity on the formation and development of pockmarks in the Xisha Uplift is significant for understanding the evolution of submarine topography and geomorphology. This study utilized high-resolution multibeam data to identify 261 submarine pockmarks in the northwest of the Xisha Uplift. These pockmarks were categorized based on their morphology into circular, elliptical, elongated, crescent-shaped, and irregular types. The diameters of pockmarks in the study area range from 0.21 to 4.96 km, with maximum depths reaching 30.88 m. Using high-resolution multi-channel seismic data, we conducted a detailed analysis of the subsurface strata characteristics of the pockmarks, identifying chaotic weak reflections, bright spots, and high-angle reflectors. We believe that deep gas in the northwest of the Xisha Uplift escapes to the seafloor through migration pathways, such as faults, fractures, and gas chimneys, resulting in the formation of submarine pockmarks. Bottom current activity has a significant impact on already-formed pockmarks. Crescent-shaped and elongated pockmarks in the Xisha Uplift are largely the result of bottom current modifications of pre-existing pockmarks.

Submarine geohazards on the northwestern continental margin of the South China Sea and their mechanism

AbstractSubmarine geohazards significantly threaten human economic activities and essential infrastructure. Based on multi‐beam data and high‐resolution 2D seismic data, two types of submarine geohazards are identified: direct and indirect geohazards on the northwestern continental slope and the Xisha Uplift of the South China Sea (SCS). Direct geohazards include submarine landslides and active faults, while indirect geohazards include buried channels, submarine canyons, pockmarks, volcanoes and magma diapirs. This study comprehensively analyzes geomorphological features, including their characteristics, genesis and distribution. Statistical analysis reveals that the gradient of the Xisha Uplift slope is steeper than the shelf break, making it a more unstable region. However, assessing disaster potential indicates that submarine geohazards at the shelf break pose a greater threat than those at the Xisha Uplift. Many factors, including tectonic activity, sediment supply and relative sea‐level changes, influence submarine geohazards' formation. These hazards do not occur in isolation but often interact with one another. The research results provide a scientific basis for predicting deep‐sea geohazards near the northern continental margin and Xisha Island in the SCS.

Variability of frontally emergent and confined mass-transport complexes in the Qiongdongnan basin, northern South China sea: New perspectives from 2D and 3D seismic data

The frontal emplacement of the submarine and sublacustrine mass-transport complexes (MTCs) are subdivided into the frontally emergent and confined types. However, it remains unclear what factors control the variability of the frontal emplacement of submarine MTCs. High-resolution 2D and 3D seismic data are utilized to investigate the variability of four MTCs_1–4. The results show that (1) Four MTCs_1–4 herein in the lower slope are subdivided into frontally emergent MTCs_1 and 2 and frontally confined MTCs_3 and 4 (2) The magnitude (e.g., length, width, area and volume); of (frontally) emergent MTCs_1 and 2 is larger than that of confined MTCs_3 and 4; (3) Their flow directions and sources are variable; (4) Height drop (HD) and depth of the basal shear surface (DB) of emergent and confined MTCs_1–4 are greatly variable. Their HDs and DBs as controlling factors present/determine their gravitational potential energy, and HD/DB ratio controls their emplacement type (frontal emergence or confinement). High gravitational potential energy (mainly determined by high HD) of the sliding mass enables landslides to ramp out on the coeval seafloor, resulting in the creation of the gentle and/or moderate fontal ramps. Low potential energy (mainly presented by large DB) of the sliding mass prevents landslides from overrunning the undeformed downslope strata, forming the steep frontal ramps. Scales of sedimentation accumulation rate, slope gradient and earthquakes as possible triggering factors affect variability of MTCs_1–4. The sources of emergent MTCs_1 and 2 are from the continental margin slope. Confined MTC_3 comes from the upper slope of the northern flank of the Xisha uplift and confined MTC_4 derives from a point source (local lower slope). The variability of their gravitational potential energy, mainly depending on variable HDs and DBs, predominantly determines the emplacement variability of submarine MTCs and eventually affects their variable evolutions. This study provides new perspectives and enriches the repository of frontally confined and emergent (submarine) MTCs.

Tectonic Subsidence and Its Response to Geological Evolution in the Xisha Area, South China Sea

The evolution and mechanisms of tectonic subsidence in the Xisha area are poorly investigated, especially the spatiotemporal distribution features and reasons for the variations in tectonic subsidence. In this study, multi-channel seismic data and stratigraphic and lithologic features of wells are used to examine tectonic subsidence in the Xisha area from the Paleogene to Quaternary. The largest tectonic subsidence in the Xisha area is located in the Changchang Depression, with a maximum subsidence of 5.4 km, while the smallest tectonic subsidence is located on the Guangle Uplift and Xisha Uplift, which are close to 1.0 km and 1.5 km, respectively. Two rapid tectonic subsidence phases were mainly in the Oligocene, and from Middle to Late Miocene, with maximum subsidence rates of 0.45 m/ky and 0.32 m/ky, respectively. Five phases for the tectonic subsidence are proposed since the Paleogene based on our data. (1) The slow subsidence phase during the Eocene (53.5–32 Ma) was due to the transchronicity of the basement in the pro-rifted stage. (2) The rapid subsidence phase was common in the south and north margins of Qiongdongnan Basin, because of the faults triggered by the inherited stretched and thinned of crust in the Oligocene from 32 to 23.3 Ma. (3) The interim phase followed the rapid subsidence phase was in the Early Miocene (23.3–15.5 Ma) and marked the end of the rifted stage. (4) The accelerated rise phase started from the Middle Miocene (15.5 Ma) to the Late Miocene (5.5 Ma), and the reversal of the Red River Fault Zone may be tied to the acceleration of the tectonic subsidence. (5) The transitional phase started in the Pliocene (5.5 Ma) and lasts to the present. As the Red River Fault Zone changed from sinistral to dextral movement, the stress field of the study area has changed. Our results are helpful to better understand the spatiotemporal coupling relationship between tectonic subsidence and regional geological evolution in the Xisha area, South China Sea.

High-resolution acoustic data revealing periplatform sedimentary characteristics in the Xisha Archipelago, South China Sea

Newly collected high-resolution acoustic data are used to describe the morphologies and sedimentary characteristics along the slopes of isolated carbonate platforms in the Xisha (Paracel) Archipelago. Based on multibeam bathymetric and seismic data, we have identified seven types of morphological and depositional features around the platforms, including erosive grooves, mass transport deposits, gullies, confined channels, canyons, mounded sediments, and marginal contourite depressions. The occurrence of erosive channelized features around the platforms indicates that gravity flow is a major sediment-export mechanism for the transportation of excess neritic carbonates towards the slope. Marginal contourite depressions and mounded sediments are interpreted as bottom-current reworking products, suggesting an important role of bottom current and deepwater circulation of the South China Sea in shaping the slope morphology of the carbonate platforms. Furthermore, the bottom-current products tend to develop along the slopes of the carbonate platforms at the Xisha Uplift margin; in particular, erosional features formed by bottom current frequently occur in the southern side of the carbonate platforms. By comprehensive analysis of morphological and depositional features, we establish a facies model around the carbonate platforms to interpret different sedimentary transport processes, such as off-platform and along-slope sediment transport processes. These findings highlight a notable and complex relay-style channelized transport system consisting of grooves/gullies-channels-canyons, which has implications for linking neritic carbonate platforms into deep-sea basins.

Clay Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Pockmarked Surface Sediments from the Southwestern Xisha Uplift, South China Sea: Implications for Weathering and Provenance

In the northern South China Sea, pockmarks are widely distributed on the seabed offshore on the southwestern Xisha Uplift. The mineralogy and geochemistry of the clay minerals and surface sediments from the pockmark field were identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis to trace the provenance, weathering, and sediment transportation system in the area. The clay minerals are primarily comprised of illite, smectite, kaolinite, and chlorite, showing a distribution of average weight percentages of 35%, 35%, 18%, and 13%, respectively. Based on the surrounding fluvial drainage basins and various transport mechanisms (current or monsoon), illite and chlorite primarily originate from rivers in Taiwan and the Mekong and Red Rivers. Kaolinite primarily originates from the Pearl River, and smectite derived from the Luzon arc system is primarily transported by surface currents with significant influence from the Kuroshio intrusion.

Structure and Composition of Micro-Manganese Nodules in Deep-Sea Carbonate from the Zhaoshu Plateau, North of the South China Sea

The occurrence of deep-sea ferromanganese nodules and crusts on the seafloor is widespread, providing an important resource for numerous metals such as Ni, Co, and Cu. Although they have been intensively studied in the past, the formation of micro-manganese nodules within carbonate rocks has received less attention, despite the considerable amounts of manganese released from the dissolution of the calcareous framework. The micro-petrographic and geochemical characteristics of reef carbonate rocks recovered from the Zhaoshu plateau in the Xisha uplift, north of the South China Sea, were studied using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, confocal Raman spectrometry, and an electron probe micro-analyzer. The carbonate rocks are composed of biogenic debris, including frameworks of coralline algae and chambers of foraminifer, both of which are suffering strong micritization. Within the calcite micrite, numerous micro-manganese nodules were identified with laminated patterns. Mineral and elemental evidence showed that the Mn oxides in the carbonates are mixed with 10 Å vernadite, 7 Å vernadite and todorokite, both of which are closely associated with the carbonate matrix. The micro-nodules were found to have high Mn/Fe ratios, enriched in Ni and Cu and depleted in Co. We infer that theses nodules are mixed type with early diagenetic growth under oxic–suboxic conditions. The re-distribution of manganite within the rocks is likely influenced by micritization of the calcareous framework. We deduce that microbial-associated reduction of manganite induces the formation of diagenetic todorokite similar to nodules buried in marine sediments.

Post‐seafloor spreading magmatism and associated magmatic hydrothermal systems in the Xisha uplift region, northwestern South China Sea

AbstractSubmarine magmatism and associated hydrothermal fluid flows has significant feedback influence on the petroleum geology of sedimentary basins. This study uses new seismic profiles and multibeam bathymetric data to examine the morphology and internal architecture of post‐seafloor spreading magmatic structures, especially volcanoes of the Xisha uplift, in extensive detail. We discover for the first time hydrothermal systems derived from magmatism in the northwestern South China Sea. Numerous solitary volcanoes and volcanic groups occur in the Xisha uplift and produce distinct seismic reflections together with plutons. Sills and other localized amplitude anomalies were fed by extrusions/intrusions and associated fluid flow through fractures and sedimentary layers that may act as conduits for magma and fluid flows transport. Hydrothermal structures such as pipes and pockmarks mainly occur in the proximity of volcanoes or accompany volcanic groups. Pipes, pockmarks and localized amplitude anomalies mainly constitute the magmatic hydrothermal systems, which are probably driven by post‐seafloor spreading volcanoes/plutons. The hydrothermal fluid flows released by magma degassing or/and related boiling of pore fluids/metamorphic dehydration reactions in sediments produced local overpressures, which drove upward flow of fluid or horizontal flow into the sediments or even seafloor. Results show that post‐seafloor spreading magmatic activity is more intense during a 5.5 Ma event than one in 2.6 Ma, whereas the hydrothermal activities are more active during 2.6 Ma than in 5.5 Ma. Our analysis indicates that post‐seafloor spreading magmatism may have a significant effect on hydrocarbon maturation and gas hydrate formation in the Xisha uplift and adjacent petroliferous basins. Consequently the study presented here improves our understanding of hydrocarbon exploration in the northwestern South China Sea.

Post-rifting magmatism and the drowned reefs in the Xisha Archipelago domain

Fourteen isolated drowned reefs have been identified around the Xisha Uplift by multibeam and seismic data. The drowning processes of these reefs can be divided into three different stages, which correspond to three different accelerated tectonic subsidence periods. The drowning of the Xisha reefs is the result of the combined action of tectonic subsidence and sea level fluctuations, and the tectonic subsidence rate had to remain above 0.2 mm yr−1 for a long time. Three abrupt accelerated tectonic subsidence events that occurred in the late Miocene, Pliocene and early Quaternary in the Xisha Uplift were closely related to the thermal subsidence processes after three stages of post-rifting magmatism. The magmatism of the middle Miocene and the following thermal subsidence resulted in the drowning of reefs in the northwestern Xisha uplift (Zone A). During the early Pliocene, massive magmatic intrusions and volcanic eruptions occurred in the Xisha Uplift. Then, the subsequent thermal subsidence started the drowning process of reefs in the northeastern and western regions of the Xisha Uplift (Zone B and C). During the early Quaternary, large-scale magmatism also occurred in the Xisha Uplift. The subsequent thermal subsidence resulted in a new rapid tectonic subsidence, which caused the reefs in the southern and southeastern regions of the Xisha Uplift to drown (Zone D and E).

New insights on the origin of the basement of the Xisha Uplift, South China Sea

The study of basement geochronology provides crucial insights into the tectonic evolution of oceans. However, early studies on the basement of the Xisha Uplift were constrained by limited geophysical and seismic data; Xiyong1 was the only commercial borehole drilled during the 1970s because of the huge thickness of overlying Cenozoic strata on the continental margin. Utilizing two newly-acquired basement samples from borehole XK1, we present petrological analysis and zircon uranium (U)-lead (Pb) isotope dating data in this paper that enhance our understanding of the formation and tectonic features of the Xisha Uplift basement. Results indicate that this basement is composed of Late Jurassic amphibole plagiogneisses that have an average zircon 206Pb/238U age of 152.9±1.7 Ma. However, the youngest age of these rocks, 137±1 Ma, also suggests that metamorphism termination within the Xisha basement occurred by the Early Cretaceous. These metamorphic rocks have adamellites underneath them which were formed by magmatic intrusions during the late stage of the Early Cretaceous (107.8±3.6 Ma). Thus, in contrast to the Precambrian age (bulk rubidium (Rb)-strontium (Sr) analysis, 627 Ma) suggested by previous work on the nearby Xiyong1 borehole, zircons from XK1 are likely the product of Late Mesozoic igneous activity. Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous regional metamorphism and granitic intrusions are not confined to Xisha; rocks have also been documented from areas including the Pearl River Mouth Basin and the Nansha Islands (Spratly Islands) and thus are likely closely related to large-scale and long-lasting subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate underneath the continental margins of East Asia, perhaps the result of closure of the Meso-Tethys in the South China Sea (SCS). Controversies remain as to whether, or not, the SCS region developed initially on a uniform Precambrian-aged metamorphic crystalline basement. It is clear, however, that by this time both Mesozoic compressive subduction and Cenozoic rifting and extension had significantly modified the original basement of the SCS region.

Characteristics and genesis of the polygonal fault system in southern slope of the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea

Based on 3D seismic data, the polygonal fault system (PFS) discovered in the southern slope of the Qiongdongnan (QDN) Basin was studied through fine seismic interpretation and coherent cube analysis. The results show that: ① the PFS is mostly composed of small plate-type faults, with fault length of 1–3 km, maximum fault throw of 20–40 m and dip angle of 25°–45°; ② the PFS is mainly observed in the Huangliu Formation, deposited in the early stage of fast slope depression; ③ the PFS is layer-bound and can be separated into two tiers by T31′ interface with obvious channel incision features; ④ the PF of tier2 exhibit “y” structural style, including two parallel faults, master fault and associated fault, dipping in opposite directions. Their intersection relationship can be divided into three classes, and 14 sub-classes based on the fault intersection relationship of master fault and its associated fault; ⑤ the PFS is dominated by two strikes: NE60° and NW150°, indicating that it was controlled by tensile stress produced by differential settlement between the Xisha uplift and QDN basin; and ⑥ its genesis was jointly controlled by the syneresis of clay minerals and overpressure cyclical dehydration.

Middle Miocene mound-shaped sediment packages on the slope of the Xisha carbonate platforms, South China Sea: Combined result of gravity flow and bottom current

Deep-water mound-shaped sediment packages on the northern slope of the Xisha carbonate platforms in the northern South China Sea were analyzed by integrating high-resolution multi-channel seismic and drilling data. The mounds are distributed in the Beijiao depression of the Qiongdongnan Basin within the T41–T40 seismic horizons, which correspond to the middle Miocene. Mound-shaped reflections were identified both in the NE–SW and NW–SE oriented seismic profiles. The mound shapes are most prominent in the center of the NW–SE oriented seismic profiles, and the undulating tops flatten out towards the NW and SE. Similar reflections are mostly asymmetric, with steeper eastern flanks in the NE–SW oriented seismic profiles, and they are mostly round in shape. The wave impedance from the inversion calculation is 6–8×106kg/(m2·s). It is much lower than that of the reef reservoir in the LH11-1 Reef Oilfield. Paleogeographic analysis shows that the Xisha uplift was dominated by tropical shallow carbonate platforms, while the Beijiao depression became a bathyal environment in the middle Miocene. Drilling data confirmed that the mound-shaped sediment packages are mainly composed of calcareous mudstone. Therefore, we infer that the mound-shaped sediment packages could be reef complexes or they were presumably built by combined gravity flow and bottom current.

Estimating the time of pockmark formation in the SW Xisha Uplift (South China Sea) using reaction-transport modeling

Carbon cycling and fluid seepage in marine sediments over the late Quaternary were investigated at a now-extinct pockmark located in a mega-pockmark field in the SW Xisha Uplift (NW South China Sea). Measured particulate organic carbon (POC) content, and porewater sulfate (SO4 2-), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations and δ34S-SO4 2- distributions were used to constrain a non-steady-state reaction-transport model and quantify POC mineralization rates as well as estimate the time when fluid flow ceased at the investigated pockmark. An increase in POC content and δ34S-SO4 2- and a decrease in sulfate concentrations in the upper ca. 2m at the pockmark and a reference core implied an increase in the flux and reactivity of organic matter during the early Holocene around 10kyrB. P. caused by enhanced primary productivity during the strengthened southwestern summer monsoon. These features were simulated with the model assuming a Holocene increase in POC flux and reactivity. Subsequently, starting from an initial condition reminiscent of a modern active cold seep (Hydrate Ridge), hindcast simulations showed that fluid seepage at the pockmark ceased ca. 39kyr ago. This corresponds to a relative sea level high-stand, which is believed to be associated with gas hydrate stabilization. The non-steady-state model presented in this contribution can also be used to constrain the time when fluid seepage ceased at other presently extinct cold seeps when suitable sediment and porewater data are available.

Gas Hydrate Occurrence Inferred from Dissolved Cl− Concentrations and δ18O Values of Pore Water and Dissolved Sulfate in the Shallow Sediments of the Pockmark Field in Southwestern Xisha Uplift, Northern South China Sea

Deep-water pockmarks are frequently accompanied by the occurrence of massive gas hydrates in shallow sediments. A decline in pore-water Cl− concentration and rise in δ18O value provide compelling evidence for the gas hydrate dissociation. Mega-pockmarks are widely scattered in the southwestern Xisha Uplift, northern South China Sea (SCS). Pore water collected from a gravity-core inside of a mega-pockmark exhibits a downward Cl− concentration decrease concomitant with an increase in δ18O value at the interval of 5.7–6.7 mbsf. Concentrations of Cl−, Na+, and K+ mainly cluster along the seawater freshening line without distinct Na+ enrichment and K+ depletion. Thus, we infer that the pore water anomalies of Cl− concentrations and δ18O values are attributed to gas hydrate dissociation instead of clay mineral dehydration. Moreover, the lower δ18O values of sulfate in the target core (C14) than those in the reference core (C9) may be associated with the equilibrium oxygen fractionation during sulfate reduction between sulfate and the relatively 18O-depleted ambient water resulting from gas hydrate formation. The gas hydrate contents are estimated to be 6%–10% and 7%–15%, respectively, according to the offset of Cl− concentrations and δ18O values from the baselines. This pockmark field in southwestern Xisha Uplift is likely to be a good prospective area for the occurrence of gas hydrate in shallow sediments.

Architecture, development and geological control of the Xisha carbonate platforms, northwestern South China Sea

Newly acquired seismic data allow improved understanding of the architecture and evolution of isolated carbonate platforms on the continental slope of the northern South China Sea. The Xisha carbonate platforms were initiated on a basement high, the Xisha Uplift, in the early Miocene and have remained active up to the present. Their distribution is limited to pre-existing localized, fault-bounded blocks within the Xisha Uplift so individual platforms were small in size at the beginning of the Miocene. However, during the middle Miocene, the platform carbonate factories flourished across an extensive area with 55,900 km(2). The platforms began to backstep in response to a relative sea-level rise in the late Miocene. Platform-edge reefs, patch reefs, pinnacle reefs, atoll reefs and horseshoe reefs, all developed on various platforms. The distribution of platform carbonates shrank significantly during Pliocene-Quaternary time to isolated carbonate platforms, represented today by Xuande Atoll and Yongle Atoll. Tectonics and eustasy were the two main controls on platform development. Tectonics controlled both the initial topography for reef growth and the distribution of platforms, including those that survived the drowning event associated with the late Miocene rapid relative sea-level rise. Eustasy controlled high-frequency carbonate sequence development Crown Copyright (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Seismic characteristics of the Huaguang mass transport deposits in the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea: Implications for regional tectonic activity

Mass transport deposits (MTDs) occur in the South China Sea region, within the Qiongdongnan Basin, north of Guangle Uplift and west of Xisha Uplift. The MTDs (termed the Huaguang MTDs) are widely distributed in the late Miocene sedimentary strata, which belong to the upper Huangliu Formation (8.2–5.5 Ma). Their general flow direction is from south to north. As a large-scale buried MTD system, it covers an area of more than 18,000 km 2 . The system must be closely related to regional tectonic events, climate change, and variations in sedimentation rate . The dominant period when the Huaguang MTDs developed corresponds to the phase when the Red River Shear Zone reversed from left- to right-lateral slip. This event may have a close relationship with local uplift of Indochina, volcanism , and fault activation or re-activation within the surrounding area. Later in the Miocene, the accelerated onshore denudation and offshore basin subsidence of eastern Vietnam, and development of a mountainous river system, led to filling of the Yinggehai Basin and rapid accumulation of sediment which formed the regional steep bathymetry and weak cementation within the sediments. The sediment characteristics provide the critical conditions for forming MTDs. Polygonal faults within the MTDs and underlying strata show that fluid leakage took place following deposition of the MTDs. We suggest that the dominant trigger mechanism for large-scale MTDs was the activation or re-activation of major faults and associated volcanism in the late Miocene. • Huaguang MTDs is a large-scale buried MTD system. • Seismic data show many detail characteristic features of a large-scale MTDs. • The MTDs gave some key information for tectonic activity in the northwestern SCS. • The reversal of RRSZ may form the triggering mechanism of MTDs.

Pockmark activity inferred from pore water geochemistry in shallow sediments of the pockmark field in southwestern Xisha Uplift, northwestern South China Sea

Pockmarks are widespread on the seabed offshore southwestern Xisha Uplift, northwestern South China Sea. Some of them are so enormous that they are rare worldwide, but their activities were previously poorly known. We collected three gravity-piston cores from this pockmark field, one (C9) from outside, but in close proximity to, a giant pockmark and the other two (C14 and C19) from inside two giant pockmarks. The geochemistry of the pore waters, including SO42−, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), δ13CDIC values, and δ34S values of sulfate, was analyzed to elucidate the biogeochemical processes associated with sulfate consumption and to evaluate the current pockmark activity. The sulfate concentration–depth profiles of C9 and C19 are predominantly in response to organoclastic sulfate reduction (OSR), whereas the sulfate concentrations of C14 exhibit three zones of different concentration gradients resulting from varying proportions of contributions from OSR and anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). The estimated lower sulfur isotope fractionation factor suggests a higher microbial sulfate reduction rate in C14 than in C9 as a possible consequence of AOM. Based on the sulfate concentration gradient of C14 below 3.7 mbsf, the depth of the sulfate–methane interface (SMI) and the methane diffusive flux in C14 are calculated to be ∼14.3 mbsf and ∼0.0144 mol m−2 yr−1, respectively. The pore-water Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca weight ratios suggest that high Mg-calcite is in equilibrium with respect to pore water or has recently precipitated from pore water in C14. The δ13CDIC values of C9 and C19 are derived from a binary mixture of δ13C from organic matter and of δ13CDIC from bottom water, while DIC from bottom water, OSR, and AOM, concomitant with 13C-enriched DIC from below the SMI possibly all contribute to the DIC pool below 0.66 mbsf in C14. The integrated analysis of pore water geochemistry implies that the pockmark from which C19 was collected may be inactive while the pockmark from which C14 was obtained may currently be sluggish in activity with methane-bearing fluid weakly seeping from subsurface sediments.

The morphologies and genesis of mega-pockmarks near the Xisha Uplift, South China Sea

Pockmarks are normally regarded to be manifestations of fluids escape through the seabed. Kilometer-wide depressions, here called mega-pockmarks occur as widespread features near the Xisha Uplift, northern South China Sea. Most of the pockmarks observed in this area are multi-kilometers and much larger than normal-pockmarks reported worldwide. The maximum diameter observed is 3210 m and the maximum depth observed is 165.2 m based on multibeam data and 2D seismic data. The pockmarks are circular, elliptical and crescentic in plan view. Seismic profiles show that the genesis of pockmarks is related to fluid (gas and/or pore water) escape. According to the fluids pathways, the pockmarks fall into four types: (1) gas chimney-related; (2) depositional boundary-related; (3) gas chimney and inclined structure (fault)-related; (4) inclined structure-related. Bottom currents are strong and complex in the study area. The multibeam data and seismic profiles indicate that they may play an important role on extension, maintenance and shaping of pockmarks. The research of the study area is in its initial stage, and the identification of these features as indicators of fluid flow is probably useful for hydrocarbon exploration.

Double provenance depositional model and exploration prospect in the deep-water area of Qiongdongnan Basin

Abstract Based on the newly collected seismic data and the provenance supply mode, the depositional sequence, provenance features, and oil-gas exploration prospects were analyzed. The study area has the typical double-layer geologic structure of rift-depression and has double provenance supply in the north and south. The provenance supply in rifting period was mainly from the southern Xisha Uplift and the southwestern Indo-China Peninsula and was also from the northern South China Block; whereas the provenance supply in post-rifting period was mainly from Indo-China Peninsula. In the rifting period, the southern sediment formed a large-scale progradation body in Lingshui Formation and encountered the subsea apron formed by the northern provenance in the central depression; in the post-rifting period, the large-scale turbidite channel developed in Sanya Formation, the large-scale reef developed in the southeast of the study area in Meishan Formation in the depositional stage, and the large-scale incised valleys developed in Huangliu Formation in the late depositional stage. In the Late Quaternary Period, the northern provenance and southern provenance joined in the deep-water area of Qiongdongnan Basin. The seismic data and basin modeling indicate that the reservoirs of subsea apron and sand-rich turbidite channel above the hydrocarbon-generating sag can be the good exploration targets in the deep-water area.