Abstract:A new Sordes-like pterosaur Jianchangopterus zhaoianus gen. et sp. nov. is erected based on a almost complete skeleton with skull preserved. It is characterized by the following characters: seven and six pairs of upper jaw and lower jaw teeth respectively; the development of a recess on maxilla; the evenness of the dental margin in lateral view; a distinct central ridge along dorsal surface of the mandibular symphysis; wing phalanx 4 with strongly curved shaft approximately 96% the length of the wing phalanx 1. The discovery of a Sordes-like pterosaur Jianchangopterus, and other taxa from the same formation indicates that pterosaurs reached great diversities during the Middle to Upper Jurassic period.

Abstract:Prophaenognatha robusta gen. et sp. nov. (Scarabaeoidea: Scarabaeidae: Aclopinae), the best-preserved aclopine fossil so far, is described and illustrated from the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of the Jehol Biota, western Liaoning Province, NE China. The key to extinct and extant genera of Aclopinae is given and the monophyly of extant and fossil Aclopinae lineages is supported by five character states. The new taxon provides evidence about the evolution of Scarabaeoidea with its phylogenetic position inferred based on 68 morphological characters.

Abstract:Lower brachyceran flies are abundant in the Late Mesozoic of China. Many extant and extinct members of that have been found in Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Hebei and Shandong provinces. A new family, Origoasilidae fam. nov., belonging to the lower Brachycera, is built based on a new specimen from the Yixian Formation and is a representative of the Jehol Biota. The new endemic Mesozoic family possesses several unique characters in the wing. The relationship among the Origoasilidae fam. nov. and relative known lower brachyceran flies has been discussed

Abstract:According to the classic doctrine of angiosperm evolution, the archetype carpel in angiosperms is of plicate form. However, this concept is facing increasing challenges from the systematics based on molecular data, which now takes ascidiate carpel as ancestral. This reorientation in evolutionary thinking cannot be fully achieved unless there is supporting fossil evidence. Here a fruit, named Liaoningfructus, is reported from the famous Yixian Formation (Early Cretaceous, 125 Ma), which yielded several pioneer angiosperms in the past decades. The configuration of the fruit suggests that the carpel giving rise to the fruit is most likely ascidiate, favoring the above reorientation. There are two seeds in the fruit, and at least one of them is served by a vascular bundle arising from the bottom of the fruit, implying a basal placentation in the former carpel, which again is different from the classic thinking. This discovery not only enhances the diversity of angiosperms in the Yixian Formation, but also accelerates the on-going switching of thinking on angiosperm evolution

Abstract:The Early Ordovician System is composed mainly of a series of carbonate platform deposits interbedded with shale and is especially characterized by a large number of organic reefs or buildups that occur widely in the research area. The reefs have different thicknesses ranging from 0.5 m to 11.5 m and lengths varying from 1 m to 130 m. The reef-building organisms include Archaeoscyphia, Recepthaculitids, Batostoma, Cyanobacteria and Pulchrilamina. Through the research of characteristics of the reef-bearing strata of the Early Ordovician in the Yichang area, four sorts of biofacies are recognized, which are (1) shelly biofacies: containing Tritoechia-Pelmatozans community and Tritoechia-Pomatotrema community; (2) reef biofacies: including the Batostoma, Calathium-Archaeoscyphia, Pelmatozoa-Batostoma, Archeoscyphia and Calathium-Cyanobacteria communities; (3) standing-water biofacies: including the Acanthograptus-Dendrogptus and Yichangopora communities; and (4) allochthonous biofacies: containing Nanorthis-Psilocephlina taphocoense community. The analysis of sea-level changes indicates that there are four cycles of sea-level changes during the period when reef-bearing strata were formed in this area, and the development of reefs is obviously controlled by the velocity of sea-level changes and the growth of accommodation space. The authors hold that reefs were mostly formed in the high sea level periods. Because of the development of several subordinate cycles during the sea-level rising, the reefs are characterized by great quantity, wide distribution, thin thickness and small scale, which are similar to that of Juassic reefs in northern Tibet. The research on the evolution of communities shows that succession and replacement are the main forms. The former is favorable to the development of reefs and the latter indicates the disappearance of reefs.

Abstract:Two new lunar mare soil simulants, NAO-2 and NAO-3, have been created in National Astronomical Observatories (NAO), Chinese Academy of Sciences. These two simulants were produced from low-titanium basalt and high-titanium basalt respectively. The chemical composition, mineralogy, particle size distribution, density, angle of internal friction, and cohesion of both simulants have been analyzed, indicating that some characteristics of NAO-2 and NAO-3 are similar to those of Apollo 14 and Apollo 11 landing site soils. NAO-2 and NAO-3 will be of great benefit to the scientific and engineering research on lunar soil.

Abstract:A new mineral, jichengite ideally 3CuIr2S4·(Ni,Fe)9S8, was found as a constituent of placer concentrates at a branch of the Luanhe River, about 220 km NNE of Beijing. Its associated minerals are chromite, magnetite, ilmenite, zircon, native gold, iridium, ferrian platinum and osmium. The placer is distributed at places around ultrabasic rock, which hosts chromite orebodies, from which PGM originated. Jichengite occurs commonly as massive or granular aggregates. No perfect morphology of jichengite was observed. It is steel gray and opaque with metallic luster and black streak. It has a Mohs hardness of 5, VHN (d) μm 21.65, Hm 4.465, Hv = 268.1 N/um2. It is brittle and weakly magnetic. Cleavage {010} is rarely observed. No fracture was observed. Density could not be measured because of its too small grain size. Density (calc.) is 7.003 g/cm3. Reflect light is reddish-brown, without internal reflections. Anisotropism is distinct with grayish or yellowish white in crossed nicols and bluish violet-copper red in uncrossed nicols. Jichengite shows weak pleochroism and strong bireflectance. The reflectance values in air at the Standard Commission on Ore Mineralogy wavelengths are: 38.9, 34.3 at 470 nm, 38.9, 34.5 at 546 nm, 39.1, 35.3 at 590 nm, 39.2, 36.8 at 650 nm, parallel-axial extinction. The six strongest lines in the X-ray powder-diffraction pattern [d in ?, (I), (hkl)] are: 3.00 (100) (116), 2.80 (50) (205), 2.48. (50) (208), 1.916 (40) (2, 1, 10), 1.765 (60) (220), 1.753 (50) (2, 0, 16). Five chemical analyses carried out, yielding the following results: S 25.76 (25.49-5.97), Fe 10.03 (9.78-10.31), Co 0.78 (0.75-0.81), Ni 12.48 (12.32-12.85), Cu 4.77 (4.69-4.83), Ir 46.98(46.14-47.89), sum 100.80wt%, which produced a formula (Cu1.556Fe0.976)2.532(Ir5.063S10.126)·(Fe2.7451Ni4.404Co0.273)7.422S6.517. The ideal formula is X10Ir5S17.5, which was calculated by single crystal structure analyses, where X = Cu(II) + Fe(II) + Ni(II) + Co(II). The single crystal data were collected using a diffractometer with Mo Ka radiation and a graphite monochromate. The crystal system is trigonal with space group R3m and unit cell parameters a=7.0745(14) ?, c=34.267(10) ? (The superstructure not found), and the final R Indices [with 564 observed reflections, I>2sigma (I)] are R1=0.0495, wR2=0.1349. The specimens are deposited in the Geological Museum of China.

Abstract:A new superstructure was found in bafertisite [(Ba0.98Na0.02)1.00(Fe1.71Mn0.26Mg0.01)1.98 TiO[(Si1.82Ti0.04Al0.03Cr0.01)1.90O7](OH1.40F0.53Cl0.03)1.96] from Donghai County, Jiangsu Province, China. The occurrence of the superstructure reflections were observed by single crystal diffraction using a SMAR APEX CCD. The a*, b*and c* axis directions revealed extra weak reflection spots of the superstructure. The apparent 2a, 2b and 2c superstructure is monoclinic with unit cell a＝10.6502(15)?, b＝13.7233(19)?, c＝21.6897(3)?, α＝90o, β＝94.698(3)o, γ＝90o，space group Cm，Z=16. If c* extra weak reflections are ignored, the secondary supercell gave a cell a＝10.6548(15)?, b＝13.7284(19)?, c＝11.6900(17)?, α＝90o, β＝112.322(28)o, γ＝90o，space group Cm，Z=8. The basic subcell was obtained by ignoring all extra weak reflection spots and gave: a＝5.3249(17)?, b＝6.8669(22)?, c＝10.8709(36)?, α＝90o, β＝94.740(62)o, γ＝90o，space P21/m，Z=2. The superstructure has been refined to R = 0.063 for 7805 [R(int) = 0.0266] unique reflections I>2δ(I). The structure consists of an octahedra (O) sheet sandwiched between two heteropolyhedral (H) sheets. These sheets consist of Ti–octahedra and twin tetrahedral disilicate groups [Si2O7]. The O sheet comprises (Fe,Mg)O4 octahedra. The large Ba cation is located in the interlayer area. The refined structure shows Fe, Mg are partly ordered. The shifting of the TiO6 octahedron and SiO4 tetrahedron sites in the sheet may be a consequence of the superstructure.

Abstract:Two sedimentary sections were measured at Tai Co (Co means lake in Tibetan) in western Tibet, China. The two sections are almost all composed of clay carbonate beds except in their lower parts where there are carbonized plants at >10 cm depths and dark-colored carbonate clay and clay at 50–70 cm depths, yielding abundant gastropods, ostracods, and charophytes. The carbon and oxygen stable isotope values of carbonate, ostracods, and charophytes and ecological features of microfossil communities indicate the following climatic change in the area from 41.4 to 4.5 ka BP: at 41.4–26.2 ka BP, the climate was relatively wet; at 26.2–25.5 ka BP, it was slightly warm-dry; at 25.5–22.5 ka BP, it was warm-wet; at 22.5–21.0 ka BP, it was slightly cold-wet; at 20.5–17.5 ka BP, it became cold abruptly and slightly wet, implying the climate of the last glacial maximum; at 17.5–16.0 ka BP, it was slightly cold-dry; at 16.0–11.8 ka BP, it was slightly warm-wet; at 11.8–10.4 ka BP, it was relatively cold-dry, roughly equivalent to the climate of the Younger Dryas, and at 10.4 ka BP, the temperatures began to rise again; at 10.4–9.4 ka BP, it was slightly warm-wet; at 9.4–8.5 ka BP, there occurred short warm-wet oscillations; at 8.5–7.9 ka BP, it was slightly dry-cold, representing a strong temperature-lowering and drying event in the postglacial stage; at 7.8–6.3 ka BP, it was slightly warm-wet; at 6.3–4.5 ka BP, the climate tended to be cold-dry. 4.5 ka BP recorded the maximum aridity since the late part of the late Pleistocene.

Abstract:The Wurinitu molybdenum deposit, located in Honggor, Sonid Left Banner of Inner Mongolia, China, is recently discovered and is considered to be associated with a concealed fine-grained granite impregnated with molybdenite.?The wall rocks are composed of Variscan porphyritic-like biotite granite and the Lower Ordovician Wubin’aobao Formation.?LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of the fine-grained granite reveals two stages of zircons,?one were formed at 181.7±7.?4 Ma and?the other at 133.6±3.3 Ma. The latter age is believed to be the formation age of the fine-grained granite, while the former may reflect the age of inherited zircons, based on the morphological study of the zircon and regional geological setting. The Re-Os model age of molybdenite is 142.2±2.5?Ma, which is older than the diagenetic age of the fine-grained granite.?Therefore the authors believe that the metallogenic age of the Wurinitu molybdenum deposit should be?nearly 133.6±3.3 Ma or slightly later, i.e., Early Cretaceous.?Combined with regional geological background research, it is speculated that the molybdenum deposits were formed at the late Yanshanian orogenic cycle in the Hingganling-Mongolian orogenic belt, belonging to the relaxation epoch posterior to the compression and was associated with the closure of the Mongolia-Okhotsk?Sea.

Abstract:An integrated petrographic and geochemical study of the sandstones of the Maastrichtian-aged in the Orhaniye (Kazan-Ankara-Turkey) was carried out to obtain more information on their provenance, sedimentological history and tectonic setting. Depending on their matrix and mineralogical content, the Maastrichtian sandstones are identified as lithic arenite/wacke. The Dikmendede sandstones derived from types of provenances, the recycled orogen and recycled transitional. The chemical characteristics of the Dikmendede sandstones, i.e., fairly uniform compositions, high Th/U ratios (>3.0), negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* 0.72–0.99) and Th/Sc ratios (mostly less than 1.0), favor the OUC (old upper continental crust) provenance for the Dikmendede sandstones. The SiO2/Al2O3, Th/Sc (mostly <1.0) and La/Sc (<4.0) ratios are; however, slightly lower than typical OUC, and these ratios may suggest a minor contribution of young arc-derived material. The rare earth element (REE) pattern, and La/Sc versus Th/Co plot suggests that these sediments were mainly derived from felsic source rocks. The Dikmendede sandstones have high Cr (123–294 ppm) and Ni (52–212 ppm) concentrations, Cr/Ni ratio of 1.93, and a medium correlation coefficient between Cr and Ni and corresponding medium to high correlation of both (Cr and Ni, respectively) elements with Co. These relationships indicate a significant contribution of detritus from ophiolitic rocks. As rare earth element data are available for the Dikmendede sandstones, the Eu/Eu* is compared with LaN/YbN. Samples plot in the area of overlapping between continental collision, strike-slip and continental arc basins. The predominantly felsic composition of the Dikmendede sandstones is supported by the REE plots, which show enriched light REE, negative Eu anomaly and flat or uniform heavy REE. The Dikmendede sandstones have compositions similar to those of the average upper continental crust and post-Archean Australian shales. This feature indicates that the sediments were derived mainly from the upper continental crust. The Dikmendede sandstones have chemical index of alteration (CIA) values of 28–49, with an average of 40 indicating a low degree of chemical weathering in the source area. The compositional immaturity of the analyzed sandstone samples is typical of subduction-related environments, and their SiO2/Al2O3 and K2O/Na2O ratios and Co, Sc, Th and Zr contents reflect their oceanic and continental-arc settings. The Dikmendede sandstones were developed as flysch deposits derived from mixed provenance in a collision belt.

Abstract:Molar-tooth (MT) structure is an enigmatic sedimentary structure consisting of variously-shaped cracks and voids filled with a characteristically uniform, equant calcite microspar. It is globally distributed but temporally restricted to rocks from Neoarchean to Neoproterozoic age. The origin of MT structures has been debated for more than a century and the topic continues to be highly contentious. Some features of MT structure occurring in micritic limestones of the Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation (ca. 1500 Ma to ca. 1400 Ma), Jixian section, Tianjin City, North China show that: 1) there is a definite interface or lining, rich in organic material and pyrite, between the MT crack-filling calcite microspar and the micritic host rock, which is also rich in organic matter; 2) the micritic host rocks are notable for the absence of stromatolites and microbial laminites; 3) distinctive conglomeratic lag deposits made up of intraclasts of MT microspar result from storm reworking of the MT structures; 4) the MT structure is associated with possible algal megafossils such as Chuaria; 5) the MT microspar is made up of the larger calcite crystal and the MT crack is marked by the diversity of configurations; 6) both the TOC content and the carbon-isotopic value (δ13CPDB) among the host rock, the MT microspar and the possible algae fossil are obviously different. For the forming mechanism of the Gaoyuzhuang MT structure, these features can still indicate that: A) the MT microspar was formed by rapid precipitation and lithification; B) the MT microspar precipitated directly within the cracks; C) the decomposition of organic matter within the host micrite might be the chief mechanism producing gas bubbles; D) microscale gas-sediment interaction led to the generation of the MT cracks and the precipitation of microspar therein; E) the MT cracks might represent the track of migration and expansion of gas bubbles, and that the recrystallization of host micrites cannot be eliminated during forming process of the MT microspar; F) the MT structure is occurred in early diagenetic period; and G) the formation of MT microspars is a complex diagenetic process. Therefore, model of the microbially-induced gas-bubble expansion and migration is the best interpretation for the formation of the MT structure. Effectively, MT structures are a type of sedimentary structure that is formed in the early diagenetic period and is related to microbial activities and organic matter degradation.

Abstract:Early Miocene (ca.?21–18 Ma) volcanism in the Karacada? area comprises three groups of volcanic rocks: (1) calcalkaline suite (andesitic to rhyolitic lavas and their pyroclastics), (2) mildly-alkaline suite (alkali basalt, hawaiite, mugearite, benmoreite and trachydacite), and (3) a single trachyandesitic flow unit. Field observations, 40Ar/39Ar ages and geochemical data show that there was a progressive temporal transition from group 1 to 3 in a post-collisional tectonic setting. The calcalkaline suite rocks with medium-K in composition resemble those of subduction-related lavas, whereas the mildly-alkaline suite rocks having a sodic tendency (Na2O/K2O=1.5–3.2) resemble those of within-plate lavas. Incompatible element and Sr-Nd isotopic characteristics of the suites suggest that the lithospheric mantle beneath the Karacada? area was heterogeneously enriched by two processes before collision: (1) enrichment by subduction-related processes, which is important in the genesis of the calcalkaline volcanism, (2) enrichment by small degree melts from the astenosphere, which dominates the mildly alkaline volcanism. Perturbation of the enriched lithosphere by either delamination following collision and uplift or removal of the subducted slab following subduction and collision (i.e., slab breakoff) is the likely mechanism for the initiation of the post-collision volcanism.

Abstract:An important component of any CO2 sequestration project is seismic monitoring for tracking changes in subsurface physical properties, such as velocity and density. Different reservoirs have different amplitude variation with offset (AVO) responses, which can define underground conditions. In the present paper we investigate walkaway vertical seismic profile (VSP) AVO response to CO2 injection at the Ketzin site, the first European onshore CO2 sequestration pilot study dealing with research on geological storage of CO2. First, we performed rock physics analysis to evaluate the effect of injected CO2 on seismic velocity using the Biot-Gassmann equation. On the basis of this model, the seismic response for different CO2 injection saturation was studied using ray tracing modeling. We then created synthetic walkaway VSP data, which we then processed. In contrast, synthetic seismic traces were created from borehole data. Finally, we found that the amplitude of CO2 injected sand layer with different gas saturations were increased with the offset when compared with the original brine target layer. This is the typical class III AVO anomaly for gas sand layer. The AVO responses matched the synthetic seismic traces very well. Therefore, walkaway VSP AVO response can monitor CO2 distribution in the Ketzin area.

Abstract:The identification of unconformities is the key to reconstructing tectonic evolution, revealing crust movement and establishing tectonic cycle. For a long time, there were some controversial issues on the episodes of Variscan cycle (especially on the period of Carboniferous-Permian stages) of the Tianshan area. The essential questions fall on the numbers and property of unconformities in this area, for example, in the western Tianshan area. Previous research only recognized three or four fold movements. Detailed regional geological mapping of 1:50000 in the Tekes Daban area, western Tianshan have allowed us to characterize the seven unconformities within the Carboniferous-Permian strata and understand its implications for tectonic reconstruction of the Tianshan orogen. Seven angular unconformities, which indicate that seven tectonic episodes occurred in the Late Paleozoic Period, were identified in this area. Therein, the newly discovered unconformities based on the angle-unconformity between the Dongtujinhe and Keguqinshan Formations, and angle-unconformity between the Wulansayi and Wulang Formations, respectively indicates the Tekes episode and Gongliu episode. The unconformity between the Dongtujinhe and Yishijilike Formations is angle-unconformity instead of parallel unconformity indentified by previous research, so the former Bogda ascending can be revised as Bogda movement. Therefore, these newly identified seven episodes, including the Tekes episode, suggest that there are seven tectonic movements in the Tianshan area at least. This has significant implications for reconstruction of the Late Paleozoic tectonics in the Tianshan Area, NW China

Abstract:Secondary/minor structures occurring along the main fault surfaces are important indicators for judging the kinematic characteristics of faults. However, many factors can lead to the formation of these structures, which results in the difficulty for rapid judgment and application in the fields. A series of secondary faults/fractures developed due to the movement of main faults are the most important and widespread phenomena in the scope of brittle deformation. The morphology of the main fault surfaces is various, and former researchers mainly discussed the structures on the main even fault surfaces. However, the fluctuation of fault surfaces is the intrinsic character of the faults, and the intersection between the main fault and secondary faults/fractures can produce a series of kinematic indicators on the main fault surfaces. Based on previous studies and our observations, i.e. the structural traces of the P, R, R’, T and X shears/faults along the main faults, some indicators which are rarely reported previously, are described in the paper. Furthermore, their reliabilities are also discussed, and more practical and reliable criteria are brought forward. We suggest that the simple application of congruous and incongruous steps without knowing their exact origins should be abandoned in the fields, and several types of indicators along one fault surface should be checked with each other as much as possible. Meanwhile, the origins of some other arcuate indicators on the fault surfaces are also discussed, and new models are brought forward.

Abstract:To better understand the characteristics of coal pores and their influence on coal reservoirs, coal pores in eight main coalfields of North China were analyzed by mercury porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fractal characteristics of coal pores (size distribution and structure) were researched using two fractal models: classic geometry and thermodynamics. These two models establish the relationship between fractal dimensions and coal pores characteristics. New results include: (1) SEM imaging and fractal analysis show that coal reservoirs generally have very high heterogeneity; (2) coal pore structures have fractal characteristics and fractal dimensions characteristic of pore structures are controlled by the composition (e.g., ash, moisture, volatile component) and pore parameters (e.g., pore diameter, micro pores content) of coals; (3) the fractal dimensions (D1 and D2) of coal pores have good correlations with the heterogeneity of coal pore structures. Larger fractal dimensions correlate to higher heterogeneity of pore structures. The fractal dimensions (D1 and D2) have strong negative linear correlations with the sorted coefficient of coals (R2=0.719 and 0.639, respectively) that shows the heterogeneity of coal pores; (4) fractal dimension D1 and petrologic permeability of coals have a strong negative exponential correlation (R2=0.82). However, fractal dimension D2 and petrologic permeability of coals have no obvious correlation; and (5) the model of classic geometry is more accurate for fractal characterization of coal pores in coal reservoirs than that of thermodynamics by optimization.

Abstract:The values of grains containing oil inclusions (GOI) in 120 reservoir sandstone samples from the central Junggar Basin of Northwest China were investigated. The sandstones are characterized by different types of hydrocarbon production and shows. The values range from 0.015% to 19.9%, and show a fairly good correlation with the hydrocarbon production/shows, which are qualitatively suggestive of reservoir hydrocarbon abundance and petroleum migration. Thus, it may be implied that the values can reflect hydrocarbon migration, being not controlled mainly by the other influencing factors. Further correlation between the values and the reservoir hydrocarbon production and show types indicates that the GOI method can be used in hydrocarbon migration study when the petroleum type of a reservoir is normal oil or gas alone, but it should be used with caution when light oil charges the reservoirs or a complex hydrocarbon migration event takes place. The case study in the central Junggar Basin using the method presents some new understanding on hydrocarbon migration. Thus, the method may help to solve specific petroleum geological problems, and can be treated as a routine tool in hydrocarbon migration study.

Abstract:The exploration targets in the Kuqa Depression at present are mainly structure traps in Cretaceous-Tertiary. Due to the complexity of mountain distribution and reservoir forming conditions, the exploration of Jurassic in the eastern Kuqa Depression has been in a state of semi-stagnation since the discovery of the Yinan-2 gas reservoir. According to the concept and theory of “continuous petroleum reservoirs” and the re-analysis of the forming conditions of the Yinan-2 gas reservoir and regional natural gas in the eastern Kuqa Depression, it is believed that the deep Jurassic has good natural gas accumulation conditions as well as geological conditions for forming continuous tight gas reservoirs. The boundary of the Yinan-2 gas reservoir is not controlled by a structural spillpoint. The downdip part of the structure is dominated by gas, while the hanging wall of the fault is filled by water and forming obvious inverted gas and water. The gas reservoir has the normal temperature and ultra-high pressure which formed in the near source or inner-source. All of these characteristics indicate that the Yinan-2 gas reservoir is different from conventional gas reservoirs. The deep Jurassic in the eastern Kuqa Depression has multisets of source-reservoir-cap assemblages, which comprise interbedded sandstones and mudstones. These assemblages are characterized by a self-generation, self-preserving and self-coverage model. Reservoir sandstones and coal measure mudstones are interbedded with each other at a large scale. As the source rocks, Triassic-Jurassic coal measure mudstones distribute continuously at a large scale and can generate and expel hydrocarbon. Source rocks contact intimately with the overlying sandstone reservoirs. During the late stage of hydrocarbon expulsion, natural gas charged continuously and directly into the neighboring reservoirs. Petroleum migrated mainly in a vertical direction over short distances. With ultra-high pressure and strong charging intensity, natural gas accumulated continuously. Reservoirs are dominated by sandstones of braided delta facies. The sand bodies distribute continuously horizontal. With low porosity and low permeability, the reservoirs are featured by strong heterogeneity. It is hypothesized that the sandstones of the interior depression tend to be relatively tight with increasing depth and structure stress weakness. Thus, it is predicted that continuous tight gas reservoirs of ultra-high pressure may exist in the deep formations of the eastern and even the whole Kuqa Depression. So, it is worth evaluating the exploration potential.

Abstract:Sandy debris flow is a new genetic type of sand bodies, which has gained much attention in recent years and its corresponding theory is proved to be a significant improvement and even partial denial to the “Bouma Sequence” and “turbidite fan” deep-water sedimentary theories to some point. Oil exploration researchers are highly concerned with sandy debris flows for its key role in controlling oil and gas accumulation processes. In this article, by applying sandy debris flows theory and combining a lot work of core, outcrop observation and analysis plus seismic profile interpretation, we recognized three types of sedimentary gravity flows that are sandy debris flows, classic turbidites and slumping rocks in chang-6 member of Yanchang Formation in the deep-water area of central Ordos Basin. Among the three types, the sandy debris flows are the most prominent and possesses the best oil bearing conditions. On the contrary, the classic turbidites formed by turbidity currents are limited in distribution; therefore, previous Yanchang Formation deep-water sedimentary studies have exaggerated the importance of turbidite currents deposition. Further study showed that the area distribution of deep water gravity flow sand bodies in Yanchang Formation were controlled by the slope of the deep-water deposits and the flows had vast distribution, huge depth and prevalent advantages for oil forming, which make it one of the most favorable new areas for Ordos Basin prospecting.

Abstract:In order to discuss the role and influence of water during the generation of natural gas, the participation mechanism of water during the evolution of organic matter and its influences were summarized. In addition, we carried out an anhydrous cracking experiment of oil extracted from the Feixianguan Formation source rock in a closed system, which led to the establishment of the kinetic models for describing carbon and hydrogen isotopic fractionation during gas generation from organic matter. The models were calibrated and then applied to the northeastern Sichuan Basin. By combining a series of gas generation experiments from octadecane pyrolysis without water or with distilled water in varying mass proportions, several results were proved: (1) the hydrogen isotopic composition of natural gas becomes lighter with the participation of formation water; (2) we can quantitatively study the hydrogen isotopic fractionation with the kinetic model for describing carbon isotopic fractionation; (3) more abundant and reliable geological information can be obtained through the combined application of carbon and hydrogen isotopic indices.