Quantitative reconstruction of source-sink system using modified fulcrum method: Upper Wuerhe Formation, Junggar Basin

Abstract

The Junggar Basin exemplifies a “source–sink” system in deep time, characterized by complex sedimentary processes. In this study, we provide a comprehensive characterization of the source-sink system and reconstruct the quantitative evolution of sediment supply, constrained by full-bank discharge data. Drawing on field outcrops, core samples, and seismic reflection profiles, we delineate the key sedimentary features of the Upper Wuerhe Formation. Incised valleys were identified through seismic reflection terminations and sedimentological analyses of well logs, mud logs, and cores. To quantify variations in sediment discharge driven by changes in the source area, we employed a modified fulcrum method. Valley geometries were measured directly from core data, with additional parameters—such as valley width (W_v) and paleo-slope (S)—estimated using empirical equations. Finally, we characterized shifts in sedimentary pathways and source-area dynamics based on the paleogeomorphology and depositional signatures within the sink region. More importantly, we use modified fulcrum approach to quantify the response of sand transport to the changes in the source area, and the valley data were used to estimate the full bank discharge (Q_{\text{bf}}), full bank bed load (Q_{\text{tbf}}) and full bank suspension load (Q_{\text{ss}}) of the river. Then the sediment supply in the source area can be restored. The results show: 1) the Upper Wuerhe Formation in the Upper Permian corresponds to a complete third-order sequence which can be further divided into a lowstand system tract (LST), a transgressive system tract (TST) and a highstand system tract (HST). The main transportation pathways in the study area are valleys, which predominantly developed during the LST and TST phases, and primarily infilled during the LST phase. 2) In terms of source area, light minerals, heavy mineral suite, and U–Pb zircon data are consistent and all show that the source comes from the surrounding mountains, and a small part comes from the uplift inside the basin. 3) The quantitative calculation results of the modified fulcrum approach indicate a decreasing trend in both the full bank bed load (Q_{\text{tbf}}) and full bank suspension load (Q_{\text{ss}}) from LST to TST, suggesting a gradual reduction in the overall sand transport volume of the river. This finding aligns with the outcomes of paleo-geomorphology and paleoclimate analysis, supporting the inference that the LST period exhibits strong source area characteristics and abundant material supply. Furthermore, the sedimentary features in the sink area further corroborates this result. 4) There are significant changes of “source–sink” system in two stages. The different characteristics of the source area, transfer system and sedimentary paleogeomorphology between the LST stage and TST stage ultimately led to significantly different sedimentary characteristics in the two stages. In LST stage, the source area produces a sufficient sediment discharge, and the powerful sediment discharge forms the valleys characterized by large numbers and large depth. The sediments are mainly coarse grained. In TST stage, the more humid climate narrows the source area, and the number and depth of valleys become less and shallower. The sediment volume in the sink is smaller than that in LST stage. On the whole, the evolution of the source region controls these factors and ultimately determines the evolution of the whole system. The results of quantitative reconstruction of sedimentary path using valley data are consistent with the results of U–Pb data, which can be used as a new method for quantitative study of “source–sink”.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

source-sink / modified fulcrum / valley data / U–Pb data

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