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Abstract:Two new coniferous wood taxa, Protocedroxylon zhangii sp. nov. and P. zhalantunense sp. nov., are described from the Middle Jurassic Wanbao Formation in Zhalantun City, Inner Mongolia, NE China. The new discovery represents the first record of petrified wood in the Wanbao Formation, and contributes to further understanding the floral composition, especially that of the forest, of the Wanbao Formation. Anatomically, the two new species are characterized by having a mixed type of radial pitting and Abietineentüpfelung. In extant conifers, Abietineentüpfelung is considered to be characteristic of the wood of Pinaceae. The new discovery further indicates that the first occurrence of Abietineentüpfelung in conifer-like wood should be earlier than the Kimmeridgian. The palaeolatitudinal distribution pattern of Protocedroxylon indicates that the genus is a palaeobiogeographically consistent group, which was probably restricted to wetter and cooler temperate climates. In combination with distinct growth rings, the occurrence of Protocedroxylon suggests that a cool temperate and seasonal climate might have prevailed during the sedimentation period of the Wanbao Formation in eastern Inner Mongolia, NE China. Such a view is also in agreement with the palaeoclimatic conditions indicated by the plant megafossils of the Wanbao Formation.

Abstract:A >1500–km–long northeast–southwest trending Neoproterozoic metamorphic belt in the South China Craton (SCC) consists of subduction mélange and extensional basin deposits. This belt is present under an unconformity of Devonian–Carboniferous sediments. Tectonic evolution of the Neoproterozoic rocks is crucial to determining the geology of the SCC and further influences the reconstruction of the Rodinia supercontinent. A subduction mélange unit enclosed ca.1000–850–Ma mafic blocks, which defined a Neoproterozoic ocean that existed within the SCC, is exposed at the bottom of the Jiangnan Orogen (JO) and experienced at least two phases deformation. Combined with new (detrital) zircon U–Pb ages from metasandstones, as well as igneous rocks within the metamorphic belt, we restrict the strongly deformed subduction mélange as younger than the minimum detrital age ca. 835 Ma and older than the ca. 815 Ma intruded granite. Unconformably overlying the subduction mélange and the intruded granite, an intra–continental rift basin developed <800 Ma that involved abundant mantle inputs, such as mafic dikes. This stratum only experienced one main phase deformation. According to our white mica 40Ar/30Ar data and previously documented thermochronology, both the Neoproterozoic mélange and younger strata were exhumed by a 490–400–Ma crustal–scale positive flower structure. This orogenic event probably induced the thick–skinned structures and was accompanied by crustal thickening, metamorphism and magmatism and led to the closure of the pre–existing rift basin. Integrating previously published data and our new results, we agree that the SCC was located on the periphery of the Rodinia supercontinent from the Neoproterozic until the Ordovician. Furthermore, we prefer that the convergence and dispersal of the SCC were primarily controlled by oceanic subduction forces that occurred within or periphery of the SCC.

Abstract:The Salmas geothermal field is located in NW Iran. Subduction of Neo-Tethys oceanic crust beneath the Iranian microcontinent caused to propagation of the magmatic-Arc. Fractures and faults in the convergent zone have created path-ways for the circulation of geothermal fluid. Fracture concentration in the Salmas geothermal field has been characterized using of the fractal method and creation of a fracture density map that shows the highest concentration in the central part of the study area. The permeability of fractures has been evaluated by analyzing their orientation in respect to the paleostress axes. Also, the fractal analyzing result indicates the maximum fractal dimension (1.96) is around the thermal spring outlet. Paleostress analyzing revealed that in the central part of the study area, σ1 axes orientation is S90°W/10° and the σ2 dip is near to the vertical in this stress field, where strike slip faults can be propagated. In the SE part near the recharge of the thermal springs, the σ3 plunge increases to 70? and σ1 orientation is N15°E/20°, in this local tectonic regime thrust fault developed. Fractures have an important role in the circulation of fluid and the fractal dimension increases near the thermal springs in the Salmas geothermal field. Regarding the paleostress data fracture with N-S direction such as the F1 fault zone (parallel to the σ1 axes), a suitable pathway for deep circulation of geothermal fluid flow has been created.

Abstract:The study of Late Cretaceous magmatic rocks, developed as a result of magmatism and related porphyry mineralization in the northern Lhasa block, is of significance for understanding the associated tectonic setting and mineralization. This paper reports zircon chronology, zircon Hf isotope data, whole-rock Sr–Nd isotope data, and geochemistry data of Balazha porphyry ores in the northern Lhasa block. Geochemical features show that Balazha ore-bearing porphyries in the northern Lhasa block belong to high-Mg# adakitic rocks with a formation age of ~90 Ma; this is consistent with the Late Cretaceous magmatic activity that occurred at around 90 Ma in the region. The age of adakitic rocks is similar to the molybdenite Re–Os model age of the ore-bearing porphyries in the northern Lhasa block, indicating that the diagenesis and mineralization of both occurred during the same magmatism event in the Late Cretaceous. The Hf and Sr–Nd isotope data indicate that these magmatic rocks are the product of crust–mantle mixing. Differing proportions of materials involved in such an event form different types of medium-acid rocks, including ore-bearing porphyries. Based on regional studies, it has been proposed that Late Cretaceous magmatism and porphyry mineralization in the northern Lhasa block occurred during collision between the Lhasa and Qiangtang blocks.

Abstract:New zircon U–Pb ages, whole-rock geochemistry and zircon Hf isotopes from the Habo porphyry Western Yunnan, China, were determined to provide constraints on the timing of uplift of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau. The intrusive rocks consist of shoshonitic porphyry (syenite porphyry and monzonite porphyry). Zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb dating indicates coeval emplacement ages of ~35 Ma. The porphyries have alkaline affinities, enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) (e.g., Rb, Th, U, Pb), with depletion of high field strength elements (HFSEs) (e.g., Nb, Ti, Ta) and weak Eu anomalies. They display uniform Lu–Hf isotopic compositions with negative zircon εHf(t) values ranging from -3.9 to -0.6. The chemical characteristics of the syenite porphyries indicated that they most likely originated from the lower crust, with mantle-derived material involved in their generation. Geochemically, the monzonite porphyries are similar to the syenite porphyries; however, the lower MgO contents suggest that they were produced by different degrees of partial melting of the same lower crust source. Combined with the geochemical and isotopic data in this paper, imply that the alkali-rich porphyries of the Habo polymetallic deposit were derived from the partial melting of lower crust, enriched by mantle magma, formed in a conversion stage from stress extrusion (a strike-slip shear process) to local stress relaxation (a strike-slip pull-apart process) at the Ailaoshao tectonic zone.

Abstract:The Hongshi copper deposit is located in the middle of the Kalatage ore district in the northern segment of the Dananhu-Tousuquan island-arc belt in East Tianshan, Xinjiang, NW China. This study analyses the fluid inclusions and H, O, and S stable isotopic compositions of the deposit. The fluid-inclusion data indicate that aqueous fluid inclusions were trapped in chalcopyrite-bearing quartz veins in the gangue minerals. The homogenization temperatures range from 108°C to 299°C, and the salinities range from 0.5% to 11.8%, indicating medium to low temperatures and salinities. The trapping pressures range from 34.5 MPa to 56.8 MPa. The δ18OH2O values and δD values of the fluid range from ?6.94‰ to ?5.33‰ and from ?95.31‰ to ?48.20‰, respectively. The H and O isotopic data indicate that the ore-forming fluid derived from a mix of magmatic water and meteoric water and that meteoric water played a significant role. The S isotopic composition of pyrite ranges from 1.9‰ to 5.2‰, with an average value of 3.1‰, and the S isotopic composition of chalcopyrite ranges from ?0.9‰ to 4‰, with an average value of 1.36‰, implying that the S in the ore-forming materials was derived from the mantle. The introduction of meteoric water decreased the temperature, volatile content, and pressure, resulting in immiscibility. These factors may have been the major causes of the mineralization of the Hongshi copper deposit. Based on all the geologic and fluid characteristics, we conclude that the Hongshi copper deposit is an epithermal deposit.

Abstract:Spinel exsolution is widespread in titanomagnetite from the Fe-Ti oxide gabbro of the Panzhihua intrusion, Emeishan Large Igneous Province, SW China. However, little research has been conducted into the implications of patterns in the mineralogical characteristics of the spinel for spatial variation in the controls on the exsolution mechanism and, hence, the formation process of the ore deposit. This study selected the Lanjiahuoshan Ore Block in the Panzhihua V-Ti magnetite deposit to explore this issue, systematically studying exsolution textures in the titanomagnetite through petrographic observation and the integrated use of in-situ microanalysis. The results show that the exsolved spinel gradually becomes finer-grained and less abundant from the center to edge and the bottom to top of the ore bodies. Compositionally, there is an inverse correlation between the size of exsolved spinel grains and their Mg# value. In addition, there is compositional zonation in the spinel interiors, with a gradual increase in the Mg content and decrease in Fe content from the core to the rim. The analysis suggests that fractional crystallization of ferrotitanium magma with a high oxygen fugacity in a shallow magma chamber caused compositional differences in the primary magnetite solid solution in different parts of the Panzhihua intrusion. Additionally, the thermal evolution of the magnetite solid solution differed in different parts of orebody, bringing about variations in spinel development. Together, these effects resulted in spatial variation in the abundance, grain size, and morphology of spinel in different parts of the orebody and intrusion that follows an identifiable distribution law. Furthermore, the compositional zonation of exsolved spinels reflects the rapid growth of exsolution features in a high-temperature environment. Thus, the size, morphology, abundance, and composition of spinel exsolution features in titanomagnetite provide a valuable petrogenetic tool for estimating the maturity and formational environment of the deposit.

Abstract:Recent investigations found that hydrothermal activity and sulfide mineralization occurs along the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR). The Longqi and Duanqiao hydrothermal fields between 49° E and 53° E of the SWIR are two prospective mineralization areas discovered by Chinese scientists. With the aim to determine the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of sulfide minerals, we have conducted detailed studies for samples from the two areas using an optical microscope, X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and electron microprobe. The mineralization processes in the Longqi area are divided into three main stages: (1) the low-medium-temperature stage: colloform pyrite (Py I) + marcasite → euhedral pyrite (Py II), (2) the high-temperature stage: isocubanite (±exsolved chalcopyrite) + pyrrhotite → coarse-grained chalcopyrite (Ccp I), and (3) the medium–low-temperature stage: sphalerite + fine-grained chalcopyrite inclusions (Ccp II) → aggregates of anhedral pyrite (Py III) ± marcasite → Fe-oxide (-hydroxide) + amorphous silica. The mineralization processes in the Duanqiao area are divided into two main stages: (1) the medium–high-temperature stage: subhedral and euhedral pyrite (Py I′) → coarse-grained chalcopyrite (Ccp I′) and (2) the medium–low-temperature stage: sphalerite → fine-grained chalcopyrite (Ccp II′) + chalcopyrite inclusions (Ccp II′) → silica-cemented pyrite (Py II′) + marcasite → Fe-oxide + amorphous silica. We suggest that the fine-grained chalcopyrite inclusions in sphalerite from Longqi and Duanqiao were formed by co-precipitation and replacement mechanisms, respectively. Primary sphalerites from both fields are enriched in Fe (avg. 5.84 wt% for the Longqi field vs. avg. 3.69 wt% for the Duanqiao field), Co (avg. 185.56 ppm for the Longqi field vs. 160.53 ppm for the Duanqiao field), and Cd (avg. 1950 ppm for the Longqi field vs. avg. 525.26 ppm for the Duanqiao field). Cu contents in pyrite from the Duanqiao field (Py I′: avg. 849.23 ppm and Py II′: avg. 1191.11 ppm) tend to be higher than those from the Longqi field (Py I: avg. 26.67 ppm, Py II: avg. 445 ppm, and Py III: avg. 179.29 ppm). Chalcopyrite from both fields is enriched in Zn (Ccp I: avg. 3226.67 ppm, Ccp II: avg. 9280 ppm, Ccp I′: avg. 848 ppm, Ccp II′ (inclusions): avg. 1098 ppm, and Ccp II′ (fine-grained): avg. 1795 ppm). The varying contents of Zn in the different pyrite and chalcopyrite generations may result from the zone refining process. An integrated study of the mineralogy and mineralogical chemistry suggests that the hydrothermal fluids of the Longqi area are likely conditioned with higher temperatures and relatively lower fO2 and fS2 than those of the Duanqiao area, but in contrast to the former, the latter is much affected by the compositions of the surrounding rocks.

Abstract:The gold concentration areas in the northwestern Jiaodong Peninsula constituted an important gold metallogenetic region in Eastern China during the Mesozoic. The deep geological bodies’ texture characteristic is important for exploring the resources thoroughly and understanding the metallogenic process. The detailed textures were revealed using high-resolution seismic profiles through the three major ore-controlling structures-Sanshandao fault zone, Jiaojia fault zone and Zhaoping fault zone. This study aims to establish a deep structural framework of this area. Based on their formation mechanism, the fault structures developed in the area can be divided into regional and local fault structures. The structural styles are characterised by superimposing their compressional, strike-slip and extensional multi-stage activities. The crust is cut by vertical structures corresponding to a left-lateral strike-slip fault system on the surface. Nearby these structures are the arc-shape structures formed by multi-stage magma intrusions into the upper crust. Bounded by the Tancheng–Lujiang and Muping–Jimo fault zones, the current Jiaodong block, developed a series of NE-trending strike-slip fault systems, was probably formed by the assemblage of several obliquely aligned blocks. The intensive magmatism and hydrothermal activity between the blocks induced large-scale mineralisation. It provides a new angle of view for understanding the cratonic destruction and large ore-concentration formed during the Mesozoic.

Abstract:Based on comprehensive petrological, geochronological, and geochemical studies, this study analyzed the relationships between the Beiya gold-polymetallic skarn deposit and quartz syenite porphyries, and discussed the source(s) and evolution of magmas. Our results suggest that syenite porphyries (i.e. the Wandongshan, the Dashadi, and the Hongnitang porphyries), which formed between the Eocene and the early Oligocene epochs, are the sources for the gold-polymetallic ores at the Beiya deposit. Carbonate rocks (T2b) of the Triassic Beiya Formation in the ore district provide favorable host space for deposit formation. Fold and fault structures collectively play an important role in ore formation. The contact zone between the porphyries and carbonates, the structurally fractured zone of carbonate and clastic rocks, and the zone with well-developed fractures are the ideal locations for ore bodies. Four types of mineralization have been recognized: 1) porphyry-style stockwork gold–iron (copper) ore, 2) skarn-style gold-iron (copper and lead) ore in the near contact zone, 3) strata-bound, lense-type lead–silver–gold ore in the outer contact zone, and 4) distal vein-type gold–lead–silver ore. Supergene processes led to the formation of oxide ore, such as the weathered and accumulated gold–iron ore, the strata-bound fracture oxide ore, and the structure-controlled vein-type ore. Most of these ore deposits are distributed along the axis of the depressed basin, with the hypogene ore controlling the shape and characteristics of the oxide ore. This study provides critical geology understanding for mineral prospecting scenarios.

Abstract:The Niumaoquan layered gabbroic intrusion is in the southern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in North Xinjiang, China, and hosts a Fe-Ti oxide deposit in its evolved gabbroic phases. In this paper, we report zircon U-Pb age, Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes, plagioclase chemistry, and whole-rock geochemistry of the Niumaoquan layered gabbroic intrusion. Zircon grains separated from an anorthosite sample analyzed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry yielded a concordia age of 314.7±0.74 Ma, indicating that the Niumaoquan ore-bearing gabbroic intrusion was emplaced during the Late Carboniferous. The olivine gabbro texture and plagioclase chemistry suggest that plagioclase was an early crystallized silicate phase that crystallized prior to olivine. Fractional crystallization and accumulation of plagioclase significantly controlled the evolution of the Niumaoquan gabbroic intrusion and contributed to the formation of anorthosite layers, causing metallogenic elements to become enriched in the residual melt. The Niumaoquan gabbroic intrusion is characterized by the enrichment of large ion lithophile elements and depletion of high field strength elements, positive zircon εHf(t) values (+2.1 to +12.2), positive εNd(t) values (+3.3 to +5.2), and low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7039 to 0.7047), suggesting that the parental magma was produced by interactions between metasomatized lithospheric mantle and depleted asthenospheric melts at an early post-collision stage. The Fe-Ti oxide mineralization of the Niumaoquan intrusion benefited from interactions between depleted asthenospheric melts and lithospheric mantle, and fractional crystallization of abundant plagioclase and magnesian minerals.

Abstract:To understand the influence of the diagenetic water medium on the isotopic compositions of thermogenic coalbed gas, both hydrous and anhydrous closed-system pyrolyses were performed at temperatures of 250°C to 650°C on an herbaceous marsh peat. Compared to the results of anhydrous pyrolysis, the hydrocarbon gases generated from hydrous pyrolyses have very different hydrogen isotopic compositions. However, the carbon isotopic compositions of the hydrocarbon gases became only slightly heavier in hydrous pyrolysis, compared to that from anhydrous pyrolysis. With the progress of thermal evolution from peat to a more advanced thermal maturity of vitrinite reflectance values (Ro) of 5.5% during the pyrolysis, the difference in the average δD value increased from 52‰ to 64‰ between the hydrous pyrolysis with saltwater and anhydrous pyrolysis and increased from 18‰ to 29‰ between the hydrous pyrolysis with freshwater and anhydrous pyrolysis, respectively. The difference in the average δ13C value was only 1‰–2‰ between the hydrous and anhydrous pyrolysis. The relationships between the δD values of the generated hydrocarbon gases and Ro values as well as among δD values of the hydrocarbon gas species are established. The close relationships among these parameters suggest that the water medium had a significant effect on the hydrogen isotopic composition and a minimal effect on the carbon isotopic composition of the hydrocarbon gases. The results of these pyrolyses may provide information for the understanding of the genesis of coalbed gas from herbaceous marsh material with the participation of different diagenetic water media.

Abstract:In this study, we report U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic data for zircons from the Mesozoic sandstones of the Upper Yangtze area, which provide critical constraints on the provenance of these sediments and further shed light on the crustal evolution of the Upper Yangtze block. The results of isotopic chronology indicate the following: (1) The provenances of the study area are very complex, and the tectonic evolution process is relatively closed. (2) The provenances are mainly Archean–Proterozoic crystalline basement or recycled material; Paleoproterozoic crustal accretion in the western margin of the Yangtze block and Neoproterozoic magmatic activities related to subduction of the western margin of the Yangtze block; early Cambrian oceanic magmatic activity, which resulted from the intraplate extension of the northern margin of the Yangtze block; late Ordovician–early Silurian magmatic activity in the northern Yangtze block and Hercynian–Indochina uplift and erosion during the Hercynian movement. (3) The Yangtze crustal growth is episodic, and an increasing amount of ancient recycled material became part of the magmatic activity, as the zircon U–Pb ages are relatively young.

Abstract:The Mesozoic–Cenozoic tectonic movement largely controls the northwest region of the Junggar Basin (NWJB), which is a significant area for the exploration of petroleum and sandstone-type uranium deposits in China. This work collected six samples from this sedimentary basin and surrounding mountains to conduct apatite fission track (AFT) dating, and utilized the dating results for thermochronological modeling to reconstruct the uplift history of the NWJB and its response to hydrocarbon migration and uranium mineralization. The results indicate that a single continuous uplift event has occurred since the Early Cretaceous, showing spatiotemporal variation in the uplift and exhumation patterns throughout the NWJB. Uplift and exhumation initiated in the northwest and then proceeded to the southeast, suggesting that the fault system induced a post spread-thrust nappe into the basin during the Late Yanshanian. Modeling results indicate that the NWJB mountains have undergone three distinct stages of rapid cooling: Early Cretaceous (ca. 140–115 Ma), Late Cretaceous (ca. 80–60 Ma), and Miocene–present (since ca. 20 Ma). These three stages regionally correspond to the Lhasa-Eurasian collision during the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (ca. 140–125 Ma), the Lhasa-Gandise collision during the Late Cretaceous (ca. 80–70 Ma), and a remote response to the India-Asian collision since ca. 55 Ma, respectively. These tectonic events also resulted in several regional unconformities between the J3/K1, K2/E, and E/N, and three large-scale hydrocarbon injection events in the Piedmont Thrust Belt (PTB). Particularly, the hydrocarbon charge event during the Early Cretaceous resulted in the initial inundation and protection of paleo-uranium ore bodies that were formed during the Middle–Late Jurassic. The uplift and denudation of the PTB was extremely slow from 40 Ma onward due to a slight influence from the Himalayan orogeny. However, the uplift of the PTB was faster after the Miocene, which led to re-uplift and exposure at the surface during the Quaternary, resulting in its oxidation and the formation of small uranium ore bodies.

Abstract:The Devonian Donghe Sandstone complex in North Uplift of the Tarim Basin comprises of a series of diachronous sandy intervals deposited from the Late Devonian to Early Mississippian. They are constrained by a Late Devonian to Early Pennsylvanian 2nd-order supersequence and can be subdivided into five 3rd-order sequences, namely, S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5, from the oldest to youngest. Cores from four wells, 40 wireline logs, 410 thin sections, and porosity and permeability data from 639 spots from four wells were used to study the sediment provenance, build up the sequence-stratigraphic model of S5, and characterize the reservoirs at a feet scale. Detrital modes of sandstone from point counting indicate that Donghe Sandstone is directly sourced from recycled orogeny. The low content of feldspar and volcanic rock fragments suggests that Donghe Sandstone is recycled from sediment with a cratonic ultimate source. 1D and 2D chronostratigraphic correlation shows that at least 12 4th-order high-frequency sequences (HFSs), from the oldest HFS1 to the youngest HFS12, can be recognized in S5. Each HFS is characterized by a general trend of shallowing-upward facies assemblage. Sequence boundaries were defined at where regionally correlatable deep-water facies overlaying shallow-water facies. There is a general shallowing-upward trend in the S5 3rd-order sequence, characterized by a systematically increasing proportion of shallow-water facies (foreshore and upper shoreface), and a decreasing proportion of deep facies (offshore transition and lower shoreface). The shallowing-upward trend within both 3rd- and 4th-order sequences is resulted from a combined effect of eustatic sea-level change, tectonic activity, and sediment supply. The sequence-stratigraphic model of Donghe Sandstone S5 is similar to the rift-basin sequence-stratigraphic model. Sweet spots were defined as porosity >15% and permeability >100md intervals, and their distribution and lateral continuity were investigated. HFS is one of the primary controls on the distribution of sweet spots distribution and can be used to guide hydrocarbon exploration.

Abstract:The typical characteristics of shale gas and the enrichment differences show that some shale gases are insufficiently explained by the existing continuous enrichment mode. These shale gases include the Wufeng–Longmaxi shale gas in the Jiaoshiba and Youyang Blocks, the Lewis shale gas in the San Juan Basin. Further analysis reveals three static subsystems (hydrocarbon source rock, gas reservoirs and seal formations) and four dynamic subsystems (tectonic evolution, sedimentary sequence, diagenetic evolution and hydrocarbon-generation history) in shale- gas enrichment systems. Tectonic evolution drives the dynamic operation of the whole shale-gas enrichment system. The shale-gas enrichment modes controlled by tectonic evolution are classifiable into three groups and six subgroups. Group I modes are characterized by tectonically controlled hydrocarbon source rock, and include continuous in-situ biogenic shale gas (I1) and continuous in-situ thermogenic shale gas (I2). Group II modes are characterized by tectonically controlled gas reservoirs, and include anticline-controlled reservoir enrichment (II1) and fracture-controlled reservoir enrichment (II2). Group III modes possess tectonically controlled seal formations, and include faulted leakage enrichment (III1) and eroded residual enrichment (III2). In terms of quantity and exploitation potential, I1 and I2 are the best shale-gas enrichment modes, followed by II1 and II2. The least effective modes are III1 and III2. The categorization provides a different perspective for deep shale-gas exploration.

Abstract:The Tarim Basin is located in northwestern China and is the biggest basin in China with huge oil and gas resources. Especially the Lower to Middle Cambrian and Middle to Upper Ordovician possess the major marine source rocks in the Tarim Basin and have large shale gas resource potential. The Cambrian–Ordovician shales were mainly deposited in basin–slope facies with thicknesses between 30–180 m. For shales buried shallower than 4500 m, there is high organic matter abundance with TOC (total organic carbon) mainly between 1.0% and 6.0%, favorable organic matter of Type I and Type II, and high thermal maturity with RoE as 1.3%–2.75%. The mineral composition of these Cambrian–Ordovician shale samples is mainly quartz and carbonate minerals while the clay minerals content is mostly lower than 30%, because these samples include siliceous and calcareous shale and marlstone. The Cambrian and Ordovician shales are compacted with mean porosity of 4% and 3%, permeability of 0.0003×10?3–0.09×10?3 μm2 and 0.0002×10?3–0.11×10?3 μm2, and density of 2.30 g/m3 and 2.55 g/m3, respectively. The pores in the shale samples show good connectivity and are mainly mesopore in size. Different genetic types of pores can be observed such as intercrystal, intergranular, dissolved, organic matter and shrinkage joint. The reservoir bed properties are controlled by mineral composition and diagenesis. The maximum adsorption amount to methane of these shales is 1.15–7.36 cm3/g, with main affecting factors being organic matter abundance, porosity and thermal maturity. The accumulation characteristics of natural gas within these shales are jointly controlled by sedimentation, diagenesis, hydrocarbon generation conditions?, reservoir bed properties and the occurrence process of natural gas. The natural gas underwent short-distance migration and accumulation, in-place accumulation in the early stage, and adjustment and modification in the later stage. Finally, the Yulin (well Y1) and Tazhong (well T1) areas are identified as the targets for shale gas exploration in the Tarim Basin.

Abstract:Heavy biodegraded crude oils have larger numbers of coeluting compounds than non-biodegraded oils, and they are typically not resolved with conventional gas chromatography (GC). This unresolved complex mixture (UCM) has been investigated using comprehensive two- dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-ToFMS) within a set of biodegraded petroleums derived from distinct sedimentary basins, including northwestern Sichuan (Neoproterozoic, marine), Tarim (Early Paleozoic, marine), Bohai Bay (Eocene, saline/brackish) and Pearl River Mouth (Eocene, freshwater). In general, the hydrocarbons that constitute the UCM in petroleum saturate fractions can be classified into three catalogues based on the distributions of resolved compounds on two dimensional chromatograms. Group 1 is composed mainly of normal and branched alkanes, isoprenoid alkanes and monocyclic alkanes; Group 2 comprises primarily terpanes ranging from two to five rings, and Group 3 is dominated by monoaromatic hydrocarbons such as tetralins and monoaromatic steranes. In addition, the UCM is source dependent and varies between oil populations. i.e., the UCM of petroleum derived from Precambrian and Early Paleozoic marine, Eocene saline/brackish and freshwater source rocks is specifically rich in higher homologues of A-norsteranes, series of 1,1,3-trimethyl-2-alkylcyclohexanes (carotenoid-derived alkanes), and tetralin and indane compounds, respectively.

Abstract:The Silurian Kepingtage Formation in Tazhong area is regarded as an acid-sensitive hydrocarbon reservoir. However, formation mechanism of acid-sensitive of the reservoir cannot be interpreted by the existing acid-sensitive evaluation criterion based on damage rate. The contents of acid-sensitive minerals illustrated by bulk-rock XRD, scanning electron microscopy and clay mineral composition analysis exert the dominant control on acid-sensitive flow testing of the reservoir. The iron-bearing minerals (including pyrite cements and chlorite cements) mainly deteriorate reservoir quality, while the iron-free minerals (including calcite cements and dolomite cements) mainly improve permeability. The permeability variation of the tested samples is controlled by the relative content of two acid-sensitive minerals. On the basis of newly established sensitivity mechanism and its influence on permeability, the corresponding ion (Fe2+) stabilizer was added to the acidizing fluids during the acidification reconstruction, which inhibited the negative factors of acid-sensitive minerals and improved the target layer quality effectively.

Abstract:The mineral rock salts present in the Mahai Salt Lake of the Qaidam basin exhibit high solubilities in water. In addition, the multicomponent underground brine exhibits a high salinity and is easily precipitated. In the natural state, brine transport in the brine layer is extremely slow, and the brine is in a relatively stable chemical equilibrium state with the rock salt media. However, during mining, both the seepage and the chemical fields fluctuate significantly, thereby disrupting the equilibrium and leading to variations in the chemical composition and dynamic characteristics of the brine. Therefore, we selected underground brine from the Mahai Salt Lake, collecting a total of 183 brine samples over three stages of mining (i.e., the early stage of underground brine extraction, the initial stage of mining, and the later stage of mining). Using a range of analytical techniques, the chemical dynamics of the underground brine water and its evolution were systematically studied. We found that evaporation and enrichment were the main mechanisms of underground brine evolution in the Mahai Salt Lake, with cation exchange and mineral dissolution/precipitation being key factors in determining the dynamic characteristics and evolution of the brine.

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Abstract:this work focuses on one of the critical points of Earth’s history when the Solar System passed through the most distant point of its galactic orbit. During this event, Earth may have suffered from maximum extension, associated with its relative proximity to the Sun at that time, followed by long-term contraction related to its later distancing. This paper is based on generalized data on the Cretaceous evolution of the Earth as a whole and of East Asia in particular. The evidence suggests that major geological processes at this time may be interpreted as transitional changes in the state of Earth. A liquid nature of its core may have reacted to the gravitational and electromagnetic transformations. When the cosmic changes took place at 135-120 Ma, more turbulent flows in the outer core would have favoured the rise of voluminous magmatic plumes and associated fluid flows. These would substantially transform the mantle, crust, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. In particular, plume-related melting of overlying subducting slabs and lower continental crust could have initiated numerous adakitic melts that formed the East Asian Adakitic Province. These and associated juvenile events produced numerous metallic ore, coal, gas and oil deposits. The Cretaceous is one of the most significant resource-producing periods.

Abstract:The remarkable transition of early angiosperms from a small to a dominant group characterized the terrestrial ecosystem of the Cretaceous. This transition was instigated and promoted by environmental changes. Mid-Cretaceous is characterized by major geological events that affected the global environment. δ18O, palaeothermometer TEX86, and other climatic indices from marine sediments suggest rapid temperature increase during mid-Cretaceous despite occasional short cooling events. Simultaneously, terrestrial deposits in East Asia changed from coal-bearing to shale, then to red beds and evaporites. Plant assemblages and other paleoclimate indicators point to rapid aridification for mid-Cretaceous terrestrial environments. In addition, the wildfires were frequently spread all over the earth by the numerous charcoal evidence during the Mid-Cretaceous. Thus, we speculate that the seasonally dry and hot conditions of mid-Cretaceous created a fiery hothouse world. Early angiosperms increased in abundance and diversity and evolved from a few aquatic species to terrestrial herbaceous and then to the diversified flora of today. Angiosperms showed rapid physiological evolution in vein density and leaf area that improved photosynthesis and water absorption. These ecophysiological changes made early angiosperms well adapted to the hot and dry environment in mid-Cretaceous. Moreover, these physiological changes facilitated the fire–angiosperm cycles in mid-Cretaceous that likely further stimulated the early angiosperm evolution.

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