Characteristics of Channel Sand Body Based on 3D Digital Outcrop Model: A Case Study of Shaximiao Formation Outcrop, in Sichuan Basin, China

Abstract

To address the shortage of characterization scale of field outcrops, we used the characteristics of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) oblique photography with a wide field of view and a high degree of quantification for image acquisition, data processing, and geological interpretation of the outcrops of the Shaximiao Formation in the Sichuan Basin. We established a 3D digital outcrop model (DOM), which combines the advantages of visualization and digitization the 3D DOM to interpret the characteristics of typical channel sand bodies. Within the study area, we have identified three types of channel deposition: composite channel deposition, crevasse channel deposition, and abandoned channel deposition. Among these, the composite channel deposition was mainly sandstone, the bottom contains conglomerate, with large cross-bedding, and the maximum thickness of the single sand body was 1.96 m. The crevasse channel deposition was mainly fine sandstone and siltstone, with massive bedding and small cross-bedding, and the maximum thickness of the single sand body was 0.64 m. The abandoned channel deposition dominated by mudstone with thin sandstone, the sandstone was mainly lenticular in section, and the maximum thickness of the single sand body was 0.28 m. We identified the depositional model of the studied region, which is dominated by braided river deposition, based on the growth size and correspondence of the sand bodies. The research provides a comparative foundation for the detailed characterisation of the underground reservoir sands found in the Jurassic Shaximiao Formation in the Sichuan Basin. It also serves as a reference for the effective study of UAV oblique photography technology in the field.

Keywords

unmanned aerial vehicle / oblique photography / digital outcrop model / channel sand body / Shaximiao Formation / Sichuan Basin

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