Multi-Directional and Multiphase Tectonic Modification, and Hydrocarbon Differential Enrichment in the Middle-Upper Yangtze Region

Abstract

Based on the analysis of the deformation styles in different tectonic belts of the Middle-Upper Yangtze region, as well as the dissection of typical hydrocarbon reservoirs, this study determined the controlling effects of deformations on the hydrocarbon accumulations, obtaining the following results. The Middle-Upper Yangtze region experienced significant deformations during the Late Indosinian (T₂–T₃), the Middle Yanshanian (J₃–K,), and the Himalayan, and five styles of tectonic deformations mainly occurred, namely superimposed deep burial, uplift, compressional thrusting, multi-layer decollement, and secondary deep burial. The distribution of hydrocarbon reservoirs in the piedmont thrust belts is controlled by the concealed structures on the footwall of the deep nappe. The gentle deformation area in central Sichuan experienced differential uplift, structural-lithologic hydrocarbon reservoirs were formed over a wide area. The eastern Sichuan-western Hunan and Hubei deformation area experienced Jura Mountains-type multi-layer detachment, compressional thrusting, and uplift. In relatively weakly folded and uplifted areas, conventional structural-lithologic hydrocarbon reservoirs have undergone adjustment and re-accumulation, and the shale gas resources are well preserved. In the strongly deformed areas, conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs were destroyed, while unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs have been partially preserved. The marine strata in the Jianghan Basin experienced compression, thrusting, and denudation in the early stage and secondary deep burial in the late stage. Consequently, the unconventional gas resources have been partially preserved in these strata. Secondary hydrocarbon generation become favorable for conventional hydrocarbon accumulations in the marine strata.

Keywords

multi-directional and multiphase tectonic modification / tectonic deformation style / differential hydrocarbon enrichment / Middle-Upper Yangtze region / Sichuan Basin / Jianghan Basin / petroleum geology

References

Chen A D, Wang W J, Yue K G, . Gas Source of Zhujiadun Gas Field, Yancheng Basin and Its Discovery Significance. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2001, 28(6): 45-49. 13 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Chen Z X, Li W, Wang L N, . Structural Geology and Favorable Exploration Prospect Belts in Northwestern Sichuan Basin, SW China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2019, 46(2): 413-425.

Chen S Y, Li C, Zhang P F, . The Unconformable Distribution of Caledonian and Indosinian Strata in Jiangnan-Xuefeng Area. Geology in China, 2011, 38(5): 1212-1219. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Chen X H, Chen L, Jiang S, . Evaluation of Shale Reservoir Quality by Geophysical Logging for Shuijingtuo Formation of Lower Cambrian in Yichang Area, Central Yangtze. Journal of Earth Science, 2021, 32(4): 766-777.

He W G. Influence of Mechanical Stratigraphy on the Deformation Evolution of Fold-Thrust Belts: Insights from the Analogue Modeling of Eastern Sichuan-Western Hunan and Hubei, South China. Journal of Earth Science, 2020, 31(4): 795-807.

He Z L, Wang X W, Li S J, . Yanshan Movement and Its Influence on Petroleum Preservation in Middle-Upper Yangtze Region. Petroleum Geology & Experiment, 2011, 33(1): 1-11. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

He Z L, Nie H K, Zhang Y Y. The Main Factors of Shale Gas Enrichment of Ordovician Wufeng Formation-Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan Basin and Its Adjacent Areas. Earth Science Frontiers, 2016, 23(2): 8-17

He Z L, Li S J, Wo Y J, . Major Factors Controlling Hydrocarbon Preservation Condition in the Marine Basins of China and Its Evaluation Ideas. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2017, 33(4): 1221-1232. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

He Z L, Hu Z Q, Nie H K, . Characterization of Shale Gas Enrichment in the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan Basin and Its Evaluation of Geological Construction-Transformation Evolution Sequence. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2017, 28(5): 724-733. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

He Z L, Li S J, Nie H K, . The Shale Gas “Sweet Window”: “The Cracked and Unbroken” State of Shale and Its Depth Range. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2019, 101: 334-342.

Jiao F Z, Yang Y, Ran Q, . Distribution and Gas Exploration of the Strike-Slip Faults in the Central Sichuan Basin. Natural Gas Industry, 2021, 41(8): 92-101. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Jin W Z, Tang L J, Yang K M, . Deformation and Zonation of the Longmenshan Fold and Thrust Zone in the Western Sichuan Basin. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2007, 81(8): 1072-1080. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Jin Z J, Yuan Y S, Liu Q Y, . Controls of Late Jurassic—Early Cretaceous Tectonic Event on Source Rocks and Seals in Marine Sequences, South China. Science China Earth Sciences, 2013, 56(2): 228-239.

Li S J, Xiao K H, Wang X W, . Thermochronology of Detrital Minerals in the Silurian Strata from Southern China and Its Geological Implications. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2008, 8: 1068-1076. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Li S J, Gao B, Wo Y J, . Destruction Types and Temporal-Spatial Distribution of Marine Hydrocarbon Reservoirs in South China. Petroleum Geology & Experiment, 2011, 33(1): 43-49. 55 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Li S J, Jin Z J, Yuan Y S, . Triaxial Stress Experiment of Mudstone under Simulated Geological Conditions and Its Petroleum Significance. Oil & Gas Geology, 2016, 37(4): 598-605. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Li S J, Li Y Q, He Z L, . Differential Deformation on Two Sides of Qiyueshan Fault along the Eastern Margin of Sichuan Basin, China, and Its Influence on Shale Gas Preservation. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2020, 121 104602

Li Z X, Zhao P, Sun Z X, . A Study on Maturation Evolution of Lower Silurian Marine Hydrocarbon Source Rocks and Thermal History in the Southern Jianghan Basin. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 2011, 54(1): 113-124.

Liu H F, Liang H S, Cai L G, . Structural Styles of the Longmenshan Thrust Belt and Evolution of the Foreland Basin in Western Sichuan Province, China. Acta Geologica Sinica, 1994, 68(2): 101-118. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Liu S G, Xu G S, Li J C, . A study on the Dynamics of Mountain-Building, Basin-Formation and Natural Gas Pool Formation in The System of Longmen Mountain and West Sichuan Foreland Basin, China. Journal of Chengdu University of Technology (Science and Technology Edition), 2003, 30(6): 559-566. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Liu S G, Sun W, Li Z W, . Tectonic Uplifting and Gas Pool Formation since Late Cretaceous Epoch, Sichuan Basin. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2008, 19(3): 293-300. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Liu S G, Deng B, Li Z W, . The Texture of Sedimentary Basin-Progenic Belt System and Its Influence on Oil and Gas Distribution: A Case Study from Sichuan Basin. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2011, 27(3): 621-635. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Liu S G, Deng B, Jansa L, . Multi-Stage Basin Development and Hydrocarbon Accumulations: A Review of the Sichuan Basin at Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Earth Science, 2018, 29(2): 307-325.

Liu Z X, Yan D T, Niu X. Insights into Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation Shale on the Yangtze Platform, South China. Journal of Earth Science, 2020, 31(1): 169-180.

Lou Z H, Ma Y S, Guo T L, . Evolution of Oil and Gas Preservation Conditions in Marine Formation in South China. Natural Gas Industry, 2006, 26(8): 8-11. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Ma Y S, Lou Z H, Guo T L, . An Exploration on a Technological System of Petroleum Preservation Evaluation for Marine Strata in South China. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2006, 80(3): 406-417. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Ma Y S, Cai X Y, Zhao P R, . Distribution and Further Exploration of the Large-Medium Sized Gas Fields in Sichuan Basin. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2010, 31(3): 347-354. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Shen C B, Hu D, Min K, . Post-Orogenic Tectonic Evolution of the Jiangnan-Xuefeng Orogenic Belt: Insights from Multiple Geochronometric Dating of the Mufushan Massif, South China. Journal of Earth Science, 2020, 31(5): 905-918.

Shi H C, Shi X B. Exhumation Process of Middle-Upper Yangtze since Cretaceous and Its Tectonic Significance: Low-Temperature Thermochronology Constraints. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 2014, 57(8): 2608-2619

Song Q W, Yan D P, Jiao S T, . The Response of Compounding Process of Dabashan and Xuefengshan Thrust Belt in J3-K1: The Structural Styles and Formation Mechanism of the Zigui Fold Belt, Western HuBei. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2014, 88(8): 1382-1400. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Wang J Q. Anxian Tectonic Movement. Oil & Gas Geology, 1990, 11(3): 223-234. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Wang S H, Hu X F, Lin J H, . Hydrocarbon Generation History and Late Hydrocarbon Generation Potential of Neopaleozoic Marine Source Rocks in the South of Jianghan Basin. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2009, 20(2): 222-227. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Wang W, Ji C H. Genesis and Exploration Direction of High-Efficiency Gas Reservoir in the Third Member of Feixianguan Formation in Tongnanba Area. Petroleum Geology and Recovery Efficiency, 2020, 27(3): 39-47. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Wang X F, Liu W H, Li X B, . Radiogenic Helium Concentration and Isotope Variations in Crustal Gas Pools from Sichuan Basin, China. Applied Geochemistry, 2020, 117 104586

Wang Y Z, Sun W, Liu S G, . Formation Condition and Process of Leikoupo Formation Gas Reservoir in the Piedmont Zone of Middle Segment of Western Sichuan, China. Journal of Chengdu University of Technology (Science and Technology Edition), 2021, 48(1): 35-45. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Wen L, Wang H, Xu L, . Characteristics and Main Controlling Factors of Gas Accumulation of the Middle Permian Qixia Formation in Western Sichuan Basin. China Petroleum Exploration, 2021, 26(6): 68-81. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Wo Y J, Wang X W. Geologic Configuration Types of the Middle-Upper Yangtze Region and Their Significance for Hydrocarbon Preservation in Marine Strata. Oil and Gas Geology, 2009, 30(2): 177-187. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Wu Z R, He S, Han Y J, . Effect of Organic Matter Type and Maturity on Organic Matter Pore Formation of Transitional Facies Shales: A Case Study on Upper Permian Longtan and Dalong Shales in Middle Yangtze Region, China. Journal of Earth Science, 2020, 31(2): 368-384.

Xu G S, Xu Y G, Liu S G, . Allegiance of Four Centers and Pool-Forming Process of Carboniferous in Sichuan Basin of China. Journal of Chengdu University of Technology (Science and Technology Edition), 2011, 38(4): 369-377. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Xu L H. Diversification of Reservoir Formation about Mesozoic-Palaeozoic Marine Carbonate Rock in South China. China Petroleum Exploration, 2012, 17(1): 14-18. 5 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Yan D P, Bing Z, Zhou M F, . Constraints on the Depth, Geometry and Kinematics of Blind Detachment Faults Provided by Fault-Propagation Folds: An Example from the Mesozoic Fold Belt of South China. Journal of Structural Geology, 2009, 31(2): 150-162.

Yang Y M, Chen C, Wen L, . Characteristics of Buried Structures in the Northern Longmenshan Mountains and Its Significance to Oil and Gas Exploration in the Sichuan Basin. Natural Gas Industry, 2018, 38(8): 8-15. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Yu X Q i, Chen Z W, Hu J, . Mesozoic Thrust-Nappe and Extensional Structure Frameworks in the East Segment of Southeast Yangtze Block, Southeast China. Journal of Earth Science, 2020, 31(4): 772-794.

Zhang G W, Meng Q R, Yu Z P, . Orogenesis and Dynamics of the Qinling Orogen. Science in China (Series D), 1996, 39(3): 225-234. (in Chinese with English Abstract)

Zhang G W, Guo A L, Wang Y J, . Tectonics of South China Continent and Its Implications. Science China Earth Sciences, 2013, 56(11): 1804-1828.

Zhang J B, Ding X Z, Liu Y X, . Geochronology and Geochemistry of the 890 Ma I-Type Granites in the Southwestern Yangtze Block: Petrogenesis and Crustal Evolution. Journal of Earth Science, 2020, 31(6): 1216-1228.

Zhu C S, Qiu N S, Cao H Y, . Tectono-Thermal Evolution of the Eastern Sichuan Basin: Constraints from the Vitrinite Reflectance and Apatite Fission Track Data. Earth Science Frontiers, 2017, 24(03): 94-104

Zou Y Y, Zhang S L, Shen C B, . Western Hunan-Hubei Fold Belt Exhumation Characteristics and Its Tectonic Implication in Mesozoic — Cenozoic: Evidence from Apatite Fission Track. Earth Science, 2018, 43(6): 2007-2018. (in Chinese with English Abstract)