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Multi-Source Genesis of Continental Carbonate-Rich Fine-Grained Sedimentary Rocks and Hydrocarbon Sweet Spots
Multi-Source Genesis of Continental Carbonate-Rich Fine-Grained Sedimentary Rocks and Hydrocarbon Sweet Spots
Cite this article as: PETROL. EXPLOR. DEVELOP., 2021, 48(1): 30–42. RESEARCH PAPER
Abstract: This paper systematically discusses the multiple source characteristics and formation mechanisms of carbonate-rich
fine-grained sedimentary rocks through the analysis of material source and rock formation. The hydrocarbon accumulation
characteristics of carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks are also summarized. The results show that the main reason
for the enrichment of fine-grained carbonate materials in rift lake basins was the supply of multiple material sources, including
terrestrial material input, formation of intrabasinal authigenic carbonate, volcanic-hydrothermal material feeding and mixed
source. The development of carbonate bedrock in the provenance area controlled the filling scale of carbonate materials in rift
lake basins. The volcanic-hydrothermal activity might provide an alkaline fluid to the lake basins to strengthen the material
supply for the formation of carbonate crystals. Authigenic carbonate crystals induced by biological processes were the main
source of long-term accumulation of fine-grained carbonate materials in the lake basins. Carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimen-
tary rocks with multiple features were formed through the interaction of physical, biochemical and chemical processes during
the deposition and post-deposition stages. The source and sedimentary origin of the fine-grained carbonate rock controlled the
hydrocarbon accumulation in it. In the multi-source system, the types of “sweet spots” of continental shale oil and gas include
endogenous type, terrigenous type, volcanic-hydrothermal type and mixed source type.
Key words: carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks; rift lake basins; multiple sources; hydrocarbon accumulation;
sweet spot of continental shale oil and gas
undergone physical, chemical, and biological processes carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks in this
during depositional and post-depositional stages[9], lead- work, in the hope to propel the discovery of more hydro-
ing to differentiation in their particle structure, accumu- carbon resources in the carbonate-rich fine-grained
lation patterns, coexistence with organic matter, and dia- sedimentary rocks in lacustrine rift basins of China.
genetic pathways. Thus fine-grained sedimentary rocks
1. Carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary
formed by them have widely different physical properties
rocks and continental shale oil and gas
and hydrocarbon accumulation capacities[1]. Understand-
ing lithofacies types of fine-grained sedimentary rocks is Carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks are de-
the base and core of evaluating integrated source-re- fined as the fine-grained sedimentary rocks dominated by
servoir[1011]. Based on composition, the fine-grained carbonate minerals[4], which are widely distributed in
sedimentary rock can be classified into carbonate-rich, continental rift basins in eastern and western China (Fig.
silty, and clayey and mixed-source fine-grained sedimen- 1). Based on the authors’ database[13], the calcite-rich
tary rocks[2]. fine-grained sedimentary rocks are mainly distributed in
Carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rock, widely the Eocene lacustrine strata of the Bohai Bay Basin, and
distributed in rift lake basins of China, is an important the Oligocene lacustrine strata of the Nanxiang Basin.
carrier of shale oil and gas[4,8,12]. The reasons of the depo- The dolomitic fine-grained sedimentary rocks are mainly
sition of fine-grained carbonate materials and the origins distributed in the Eocene lacustrine strata of the Jiang-
of fine-grained carbonate sedimentary rocks in conti- han Basin and the Cangdong Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin
nental lake basins haven’t been studied systematically so as well as in the Middle Permian lacustrine strata of the
far, limiting further understanding on their lithofacies Junggar and Santanghu Basin (Table 1). Oil and gas ex-
types and characteristics, and hindering the study on the ploration in shale formations dominated by carbon-
mechanisms of hydrocarbon accumulation in carbon- ate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rock was first started in
ate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks. Based on previ- the Henan Oilfield and has revealed good prospects. For
ous understandings of our study, we examined system- example, the carbonate fine-grained sedimentary rock in
atically the forming mechanisms of multi-source fine- third member of the Oligocene Hetaoyuan Formation in
grained carbonate materials in continental rift lake ba- the Biyang Sag yielded high oil and gas production after
sins and sorted the hydrocarbon accumulation types in fracturing[3]. Subsequently, shale oil and gas exploration in
Fig. 1. Carbonate content of petroliferous fine-grained sedimentary rocks in continental basins of China [13].
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JIANG Zaixing et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2021, 48(1): 30–42
the carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks was ions through weathering and leaching, which can provide
conducted in the Jiyang Depression[11] and in the Shulu material base for crystallization of carbonate minerals[18].
Sag by the Huabei Oilfield Company[14]. In recent years, If carbonate rocks prevail in the bedrock of provenance
breakthroughs in shale oil and gas exploration in car- region, the basin will mainly be filled by carbonate-rich
bonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks have been sediments. If carbonate and siliceous rocks jointly exist in
made successively in the Jimsar Sag [15], the Cangdong the bedrock, the distribution of carbonate sediments in
Sag[16], and the Qianjiang Sag[12], rendering the carbon- the basin will be affected by the type of terrigenous
ate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks the major source sources. If there is only a small amount of carbonate
of shale oil and gas in the continental rift basins of east- rocks in the provenance, sediments in the basin would
ern and western China. only contain a small amount of carbonate minerals[17].
Most of the Eocene lacustrine strata in the Bohai Bay
2. Multi-sourced geneses of carbonate-rich Basin overlie the basement of Cambrian-Ordovician
fine-grained sedimentary rocks marine carbonate rocks. The marine carbonate rocks
2.1. Sources of fine-grained carbonates exposed on the surface can supply carbonate debris and
dissolved ions to the lake basin. For example, the Shulu
The common occurrence of fine-grained carbonate Sag is a typical rift basin dominated by carbonate rock
sediments in continental rift basins is related to multiple provenancesthe Ningjin Uplift in the west and the
sources of Ca2+, Mg2+, and CO32 [7,17]. Through this study, Xinhe Uplift in the east[19]. Input of carbonate debris is an
we find that the major factors for the large-scale important source of carbonate sediments in the basin; as
development of fine-grained carbonate sediments in the a result, a large amount of carbonate breccia and
continental rift basins of China include rock composition carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks developed
of the provenances, biochemical conditions of the water in the Es3L[20]. A large amount of terrigenous carbonate
body in the basin, and volcanic-hydrothermal activity debris decompose into carbonate silt and mud during
during the depositional period. transportation and form carbonate-rich fine-grained
sedimentary rocks in the deepwater (Fig. 2a, b). In
2.1.1. Terrigenous source
addition, under warm and humid climates, the carbonate
The carbonate accumulation in lakes depends on the is supplied in the form of ions or colloids through
amount of carbonate or calcium-rich rocks in the chemical weathering, which is an another efficient
provenances or underground[17]. Limestone, dolomite, mechanism for carbonate deposition in the lake[20]. As a
marble, basalt, and carbonatite all can release calcium result, in the Es3L of the Shulu Sag, carbonate materials
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JIANG Zaixing et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2021, 48(1): 30–42
are the dominant components of the fine-grained sedi- crystallisation in lacustrine basins. Dolomite crystalli-
mentary rocks (Table 1). It should be noted that avail- sation resulting from an organic environment is also
ability of carbonate bedrock in a provenance is not man- considered to be a form of biologically influenced
datory for development of carbonate-rich fine-grained precipitation[25]. During the carbonate rock genesis,
sedimentary rocks in the basin; rather it mainly controls authigenic carbonate minerals are closely related to the
the development scale of the carbonate-rich fine-grained organisms and the organic matter they are made of. Such
sedimentary rock. coexistence of inorganic and organic matter is also
2.1.2. Intrabasinal biogenic source present in resulting sediments. For example, intracry-
stalline pores are formed in the interior of fine-grained
Intrabasinal biogenic source is an important source of
carbonate crystals due to the degradation of residual
authigenic carbonate in lacustrine basins. Carbonate
organic matter[26]. In addition, organic films and organic
minerals can be formed by evaporation, the chemomotive
filaments from the residual organisms surround the
force and solution concentration required for calcite
carbonate crystals (Fig. 2c). Organisms can also control
crystallisation do not control the calcite precipitation.
biomineralisation through an organic matrix composed
Without the participation of organisms such as algae, it is
of organic macromolecules to form calcareous organisms,
difficult to form large-scale chalk deposits in lakes[21]. The
which would evolve into ultramicrofossils in special
planktonic algae and bacteria in the lake can reduce the
partial pressure of CO2 in the water body through their forms (Fig. 2d). Changes in the chemistry conditions of
metabolism, which increases the pH of the water body the water caused by intrabasinal biological activities are
and makes the chemical equilibrium shift from HCO3 the main mechanism that causes the pre-existing Ca2+
toward CO32. They create a favourable microenvironment and Mg2+ to form carbonate crystals.
for calcite crystallisation[6,20]. Since the cell surface of 2.1.3. Volcanic-hydrothermal source
bacteria is negatively charged, positively charged metal
ions such as Ca2+ would be adsorbed on their surface[22], Hydrothermal fluid accompanied by volcanic eruption
making the cytoderm the base for calcite nucleation[23]. could increase the CO2 content and alkalinity of the water
Calcite formed in this way is called biologically-induced body by introducing Ca2+ and Mg2+, creating a suitable
calcite. The polysaccharides in the extracellular polymer environment for carbonate mineral crystallization [7].
secreted by organisms, as catalysts, can weaken the bond Volcanic activity is common in continental rift basins due
between Mg2+ and H2O, reducing the energy required for to their active tectonic activity. For example, a large
dolomite crystallisation[24]. The microorganisms and the amount of tuffaceous fine-grained clastic material has
organic matter they made of are essential for dolomite been found in the Jimsar Sag of Junggar Basin and
Fig. 2. The fine-grained carbonates formed from different sources. (a) Well ST3, 3 816.86 m, the Es3L of Shulu Sag, terrigenous
detrital carbonate particles; (b) Well ST3, 3 817.01 m, the Es3L of Shulu Sag, terrigenous dolomitic debris[20]; (c) Well ST1H,
4 206.60 m, the Es3L of Shulu Sag, organic ribbon and biologically induced calcite [20]; (d) Well NY1, 3 333.71 m, the Es4U of
Dongying Sag, calcareous nannofossils[4]; (e) Well LT1, 1 136.73 m, the C 1x of Luanping Basin, microcrystalline dolomite; (f ) Well
LT1, 958.06 m, the C1x of Luanping Basin, tuffaceous microcrystalline dolomite.
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JIANG Zaixing et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2021, 48(1): 30–42
Luanping Basin[2728]. Volcanic-hydrothermal materials carbonate materials can form carbonate-rich fine-grained
also provide material sources for the development of sedimentary rocks with different characteristics through
fine-grained carbonate sediments in continental rift ba- interactions of physical, chemical and biological pro-
sins. On one hand, the influx of hydrothermal fluids rich cesses in the depositional and diagenetic stages[4].
in Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, and CO32 increases the ion concentra-
2.2.1. Physical process
tion and temperature required for mineral crystallisation
of the water near the spring or fault in a short time, thus Physical processes refer to mechanical transportation
directly leading to precipitation of carbonate minerals in the depositional stage, including suspended deposition,
rich in Fe and Mg[29]. On the other hand, hydrothermal bottom current, and density current deposition induced
fluids diffuse around and increase the temperature of the by waves, storms, and earthquakes[3335]. For example, in
surrounding water, promoting the growth of microor- the Shulu Sag, a large amount of terrigenous carbonate
ganisms, and providing substances for biochemical reac- clastic material entered the lake basin in form of clastic
tions related to biological activities in the water[30]. Influ- flows[19] and then evolved into turbidite flows. The tur-
enced by volcanic activity, fine-grained sedimentary rocks bidites transported fine clastic materials into the deep
with microcrystalline dolomite laminae developed in the area of the lake basin, which were deposited into silty
Lower Cretaceous Xiguayuan Formation of the Luanping lamina with graded beddings (Fig. 3a, b). Clay-sized
Basin (Fig. 2e). carbonate mud was suspended in the water layer and
precipitated to form laminated carbonate-rich fine-
2.1.4. Mixed source
grained sedimentary rocks (Fig. 3c). The content and
Studying sources of fine-grained sediments in conti- grain size of terrigenous fine-grained carbonate clasts in
nental basins is a challenging task because different different laminae varied (Fig. 3d), reflecting the periodic
sources can exist in the same area at the same time, change of terrigenous material supply. The original car-
leading to the formation of sediments with mixed bonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks could be
sources[31]. For example, sediments that comprise a mix- eroded, transported, and redeposited by underflow to
ture of terrigenous clastic and carbonate sediments, tuffs, form laminae with lenticular structures[36] (Fig. 3b). In
hydrothermal minerals have been found. Such sediment addition, it has been found that the tectonic activity of
combinations are characterised by multi-source sedi- the rift lake basin can cause earthquakes and lake seiche,
ments mixed within one layer, which is different from resulting in the formation of thick turbidite layers due to
sediments formed by a single component from a single liquefaction and resuspension, leading to rapid settle-
source. Taking the Luanping Basin as an example, authi- ment in form of massive fine-grained sedimentary
genic microcrystalline dolomite and volcanic ash coexist rocks[33] (Fig. 3e, f ).
in some of the laminae (Fig. 2f ). Multi-source substances According to the genesis and sedimentary characte-
not only form a sediment combination but also may be ristics, the carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks
mutually supplemental in genesis. For example, tuff can formed by physical processes can be divided into lami-
release Mg2+ through hydrolysis, which contributes to nated carbonate siltstones, laminated marlstones, and
dolomite precipitation[27]. Mixed-source sediment combi- massive marlstones (Fig. 3).
nations have been found in many continental basins,
2.2.2. Biochemical process
such as the combination of authigenic dolomite and
authigenic albite in the Jianghan Basin[4] and the com- Carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks can be
bination of terrigenous carbonate debris and authigenic deposited in course of biochemical process triggered by a
calcite in the Bohai Bay Basin[20]. series of organic reactions and microbial life activities[4, 37].
The carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks
2.1.5. Other sources
formed that way are characterised by the development of
Sea water transgressing into lacustrine rift basins is authigenic carbonate laminae. For example, in the Bohai
another source of fine-grained carbonate sediments[32]. It Bay Basin, carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks
affects the salinity of water in the lake and brings about a with regular laminae are characterised by a combination
large amount of ions (SO42, Mg2+, etc.), nutrients, and of microbial induced calcite laminae and clay laminae
marine organisms. In addition, during burial diagenesis, containing organic matter[38] (Fig. 4a, b). Formation of
organic matter evolution may give rise to fluids rich in this rock is related to periodic change of material supply
HCO3—, which can transform or have carbonate precipi- and sedimentation in the lake basin caused by climate
tated[2]. and hydrological environment influences[20]. In the Eo-
cene lacustrine strata of the Jianghan Basin, carbon-
2.2. Formation of carbonate-rich sedimentary rocks
ate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks with high total
After entering the lake basin, multi-source fine-grained organic carbon (TOC) values are presented by the com-
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Fig. 3. Carbonate-rich fine-grained rocks formed by physical processes. (a) Well ST3, 3 817.90 m, the Es 3L of Shulu Sag, lami-
nated carbonate siltstone; (b) Well ST3, 3 797.77 m, the Es3L of Shulu Sag, laminated carbonate siltstone with graded bedding and
lenticular structure; (c) Well ST3, 3 809.50–3 809.80 m, the Es3L of Shulu Sag, laminated carbonate mudstone; (d) Well ST3,
3 676.60 m, the Es3L of Shulu Sag, laminated carbonate mudstone; (e) Well ST3, 3 897.30–3 897.60 m, the Es3L of Shulu Sag,
massive laminated carbonate mudstone; (f ) Well ST3, 3 997.31 m, the Es3L of Shulu Sag, massive laminated carbonate mudstone.
Fig. 4. Carbonate-rich fine-grained rocks formed by biochemical and chemical processes. (a) Well ST1H, 4 206.37 m, the Es 3L of
Shulu Sag, rhythmic laminated marlstone; (b) fluorescence photo of (a), organic lamina showing bright yellow light, calcite
lamina showing yellow green light; (c) Well BY2, 2 816.49-2 816.59 m, lower part of Eq3 of Qianjiang Sag, rhythmic laminated
dolomitic mudstone; (d) Well LT1, 1 241.40 m, the Xiguayuan Formation of Luanping Basin, rhythmic laminated dolomitic
mudstone with dolomicritic laminae and tuffaceous laminae; (e) Well FY1, 3 332.64 m, the Es4U of Dongying Sag, rhythmic
laminated marlstone with sparry calcite laminae; (f ) Well FY1, 3 397.56 m, the Es4U of Dongying Sag, sparry calcite laminae and
organic-rich clay laminae.
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JIANG Zaixing et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2021, 48(1): 30–42
3.1. Endogenous type laminae, organic matter is mostly enriched near or within
the laminae (Fig. 6c, d)[20, 41]. The hydrocarbons dis-
The “sweet spot” of endogenous type refers to hydro-
charged from their parent materials can directly enrich in
carbon accumulation in fine-grained sedimentary rock
the nearby authigenic carbonate laminae to form in situ
composed mainly of authigenic minerals. The petro-
self-sourced reservoirs. Affected by the HCO3-rich fluids
graphic carrier of this “sweet spot” is laminated carbon-
during the diagenetic stage, original carbonate materials
ate-rich mudstone containing authigenic carbonate
in local parts can be modified to form sparry calcite (Fig.
laminae. They mainly occur in the Bohai Bay Basin, Nan-
6c). Compared with the original carbonate laminae,
xiang Basin, and Jianghan Basin in eastern China.
sparry calcite laminae have better reservoir properties
Due to the low maturity of the continental shale res-
and can be favourable locations for shale oil and gas ac-
ervoirs, the development of organic matter pores is lim-
cumulation[45]. Hence, hydrocarbon migration and accu-
ited[42]. Hydrocarbons are mostly accumulated in the in-
mulation can also occur in the self-source and self-reser-
tercrystalline and intracrystalline pores of inorganic
voir “sweet spot” due to changes in the material struc-
minerals[4344]. Moreover, as carbonate minerals have
ture.
weak adsorption to hydrocarbons, the oil and gas in these
Based on the hydrocarbon accumulation model of the
reservoirs are more likely in free state[4344]. In the Eocene
“sweet spot” of endogenous type, it can be concluded that
lacustrine strata of the Bohai Bay Basin, authigenic cal-
the generation and migration of hydrocarbons are re-
cite laminae have intercrystalline and intracrystalline
stricted to the interior of the lithofacies. The formation of
pores, of which intercrystalline pores are filled with hy-
the shale oil and gas “sweet spot” depends on the hydro-
drocarbons (Fig. 6a). In addition, the sparry calcite lam-
carbon generation potential and reservoir property of the
inae formed in the diagenesis stage can develop more
carrier lithofacies. Taking the Es4U in the Well NY1 of the
interlaminar fractures, which together with intercrystalline
Dongying Sag as an example, this formation is mainly
pores and fractures make the migration and accumula-
composed of carbonate-rich mudstone and clay-rich
tion of hydrocarbons easier (Fig. 6b).
mudstone with abundant organic matter (Fig. 7). Ac-
Controlled by the origins of authigenic carbonate
cording to the free hydrocarbon content (S1) and oil sat-
uration index (OSI), it was found that hydrocarbons were
mainly concentrated in the carbonate-rich fine- grained
sedimentary rock with obvious sparry calcite and dolo-
mitization, this is because they have more matrix pores
developed. In addition, due to the limited migration of
hydrocarbons, the maturity of organic matter is also an
important factor affecting the formation of this kind of
“sweet spot”. With the increase of maturity indicated by
Ro value, the hydrocarbon conversion rate (S1/(S1+S2))
increases significantly, this is why the lower section has
higher oil content than the upper section. The
identification and evaluation of endogenous “sweet spots”
should not only take into consideration the potential of
hydrocarbon generation and accumulation of lithofacies
but also the thermal evolution degree of the organic
matter. Furthermore, it is necessary to study in detail the
evolution of fine-grained carbonates in depositional and
diagenetic processes, because diagenesis plays an impor-
Fig. 6. Reservoir spaces and hydrocarbon accumulation in
tant role in the transformation of materials and im-
the “sweet spot” of endogenous type. (a) Well ST1H, 4 209.30 provement of reservoir properties in lithofacies.
m, the Es3L of Shulu Sag, intercrystalline and intracrystalline
pores in calcite [42]; (b) Well NY1, 3 464.89 m, the Es4U of Shulu 3.2. Terrigenous type
Sag, interlaminar fractures between sparry calcite laminae;
(c) Well ST1H, 4 207.89 m, the Es3L of Shulu Sag, organic The “sweet spot” of terrigenous type refers to hydro-
matter-rich laminae[4]; (d) Well BY1, 3 126.32 m, lower part of carbon accumulation in fine-grained sedimentary rocks
the Eq3 of Qianjiang Sag, with scattered organic matter[4]; (e) mainly composed of terrigenous clastic materials. Typical
Well FY1, 3 182.69-3 183.69 m, the Es3L of Dongying Sag,
rhythmic laminated marlstone and rhythmic laminated
example is shale oil and gas accumulated in interbedded
marlstone with sparry calcite laminae, red arrows indicating mudstones and siltstones in the Yanchang Formation of
the potential direction of hydrocarbon migration. the Ordos Basin[46]. They are also found in formations
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JIANG Zaixing et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2021, 48(1): 30–42
Fig. 7. Lithofacies, organic geochemistry and mineral composition of Es4U in Well NY1 of the Dongying Sag. S1—free hydro-
carbon content, mg/g; S2—cracked hydrocarbon content, mg/g; OSI—oil saturation index.
pact reservoir.
As the input of terrigenous materials made the pres-
ervation conditions of organic matter poorer, the car-
bonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rock layers adjacent
to the terrigenous clastic sedimentary units have lower
organic matter abundances[47]. These fine-grained sedi-
mentary rock layers are not effective source rocks. For
Fig. 8. Reservoir spaces in the “sweet spot” of terrigenous example, the laminated carbonate-rich siltstone and limy
type[42]. (a) Well ST3, 3803.80 m, the Es3L of Shulu Sag, in-
tergranular pores between clastic particles; (b) Well ST3, mudstone formed by geologic event in the lower part of
3801.57 m, the Es3L of Shulu Sag, intergranular pores and Sha 3 M in the Shulu Sag have lower TOC values (Fig. 9).
fractures. One of the conditions for the formation of terrigenous
where carbonate-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks type “sweet spot” is the development of migration chan-
have been developed, such as the Zhanhua Sag and Shulu nels connecting effective reservoir rocks and source rocks.
Sag[47]. A previous study showed that the lower part of the Eq3L
A rift lake basin can develop abundant clastic sedi- in the Shulu Sag had high fractures in high density and
mentary units, which are controlled by the input of ter- mostly high angle. The fractures can connect the effective
rigenous materials and mechanical transport. Compared source rocks with reservoir rocks composed of clastic
to clay-rich fine-grained sedimentary rocks, these silty materials, making it possible for hydrocarbons to accu-
grains are more resistant to compaction, which results in mulate in the carbonate-rich siltstone and conglomerate
preserving more intergranular pore space. The overall to form “sweet spots” of terrigenous type (Fig. 9).
porosity and permeability of the lower part of Shahejie 3
3.3. Volcanic-hydrothermal type
Formation in the Shulu Sag is low owing to the influence
of compaction[14]. Rhythmic laminated marlstones formed The “sweet spot” of volcanic-hydrothermal type refers
by biochemical process cannot accumulate hydrocarbons to hydrocarbon accumulation in the fine-grained sedi-
due to their poor reservoir properties. The development mentary rocks mainly composed of materials derived
of “sweet spot” of endogenous type in the Shulu Sag is from volcanic sources or hydrothermally derived crystal-
limited. However, abundant carbonate siltstones and line materials. Typical examples of this type sweet spot
breccias are deposited in the formation of Shulu Sag due are the Lucaogou Formation in the Jimusar Sag of Jung-
to the abundant terrigenous material input[19]. These gar Basin, NW China[15] and the Xiguayuan Formation in
carbonate-rich clastic sedimentary units developed the Luanping Basin[28]. Volcanic eruption and associated
abundant intergranular pores and other forms of storage hydrothermal activities can give rise to tuff and dolomitic
space between the clastic carbonate particles (Fig. 8), mudstone in rift lake basins[30]. Tuff is a direct product of
which greatly improve the reservoir quality of the com- volcanic activity. Dolomite can be either a direct hydro-
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JIANG Zaixing et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2021, 48(1): 30–42
Fig. 9. Lithofacies, fracture density and organic geochemistry of Es3L in Well ST1H of Shulu Sag [42]. Rlld—deep lateral resis-
tivity; Rlls—shallow lateral resistivity.
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JIANG Zaixing et al. / Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2021, 48(1): 30–42
Fig. 11. Comprehensive geological histogram of the Lucaogou Formation in the Jimsar Sag [27].
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