Control of Differential Tectonic Evolution on Tectonic Fractures in Different Tectonic Segments of Tight Gas Sandstone Reservoirs: Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation, Western Sichuan Foreland Basin

Abstract

In the context of complex tectonic evolution, due to the control of tectonic compression stress and faults on tectonic fractures, the formation and development of tectonic fractures in the T₃x² tight reservoirs present significant variations across different tectonic segments in the Western Sichuan Foreland Basin. We clarified the control of differential tectonic evolution on the formation and development of tectonic fractures in different tectonic segments through field-based observations, core samples, image logging, as well as fluid inclusion petrography and temperature determinations of fracture-filling materials, combined with 2D balanced cross-section restoration. The study area primarily manifests two types of tectonic fractures in the tight reservoirs: orogen-related fractures (regional fractures) and fault-related fractures. The orientations of these fractures are predominantly E-W, nearly N-S, NE, and NW. Specifically, the northern segment area only shows the development of regional fractures, while the southern and middle segments exhibit the development of both regional and tectonic fractures. There are three phases of tectonic fractures in different tectonic segments, and their formation times are relatively consistent. The Mesozoic tectonic events had a significant impact on the northern and central segments, with the amount of tectonic shortening and the rate of stratigraphic shortening gradually decreasing from the northeast to the southwest. The compressional stress resulting from tectonic compression also decreases from the northeast to the southwest. As a result, the development of first-phase and second-phase tectonic shear fractures is more pronounced in the northern and middle segments compared to the southern segment. Under the significant control of faults, the development of N-S- and NE-oriented fault-related fractures is more pronounced in the southern segment, while the development of NE-oriented fault-related fractures is relatively higher in the middle segment. Overall, there is an increased density of fractures and an increasing trend in fracture scale from the northern to the middle and then to the southern segment.

Keywords

tectonic evolution / natural fracture / tight gas / petroleum geology / Xujiahe Formation / Western Sichuan Basin

References

[1] Abuamarah B A, Nabawy B S, Shehata A M. et al.. Integrated Geological and Petrophysical Characterization of Oligocene Deep Marine Unconventional Poor to Tight Sandstone Gas Reservoir. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2019, 109: 868-885.

[2] An Q M, Ding L F, Wang H Z. et al.. Research of Property and Activity of Longmen Mountain Fault Zone. Crustal Deformation and Earthquake, 2004, 24(2): 115-119(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[3] Boyer S E, Elliott D. Thrust Systems. Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol. Bull., 1982, 66: 1196-1230

[4] Burchfiel B C, Chen Z L, Yupinc L. et al.. Tectonics of the Longmen Shan and Adjacent Regions, Central China. International Geology Review, 1995, 37(8): 661-735.

[5] Chang Y, Xu C H, Reiners P. et al.. The Exhumation Evolution of the Micang Shan-Hannan Uplift since Cretaceous: Evidence from Apatite (U-Th)/He Dating. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 2010, 53(4): 912-919(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[6] Chen S F, Wilson C J L, Worley B A. Tectonic Transition from the Songpan-Garzê Fold Belt to the Sichuan Basin, South-Western China. Basin Research, 1995, 7(3): 235-253.

[7] Chen Z X, Jia D, Zhang Q. et al.. Balanced Cross-Section Analysis of the Fold—Thrust Belt of the Longmen Mountains. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2005, 79(1): 38-45(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[8] Dahlstrom C D A. Balanced Cross Section. Can. J. Earth Sci., 1969, 6: 743-757.

[9] Deng J, Liu M J, Ji Y C. et al.. Controlling Factors of Tight Sandstone Gas Accumulation and Enrichment in the Slope Zone of Foreland basins: The Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Western Sichuan Foreland Basin, China. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2022, 214: 110474.

[10] English J M, Laubach S E. Opening-Mode Fracture Systems: insights from Recent Fluid Inclusion Microthermometry Studies of Crack-Seal Fracture Cements. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 2017, 458(1): 257-272.

[11] Espurt N, Angrand P, Teixell A. et al.. Crustal-Scale Balanced Cross-Section and Restorations of the Central Pyrenean Belt (Nestes-Cinca Transect): Highlighting the Structural Control of Variscan Belt and Permian-Mesozoic Rift Systems on Mountain Building. Tectonophysics, 2019, 764: 25-45.

[12] Fall A, Eichhubl P, Bodnar R J. et al.. Natural Hydraulic Fracturing of Tight-Gas Sandstone Reservoirs, Piceance Basin, Colorado. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2015, 127(1/2): 61-75.

[13] Forstner S R, Laubach S E. Scale-Dependent Fracture Networks. Journal of Structural Geology, 2022, 165: 104748.

[14] Ghiglione M C, Quinteros J, Yagupsky D. et al.. Structure and Tectonic History of the Foreland Basins of Southernmost South America. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 2010, 29(2): 262-277.

[15] Gong L, Su X C, Gao S. et al.. Characteristics and Formation Mechanism of Natural Fractures in the Tight Gas Sandstones of Jiulongshan Gas Field, China. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2019, 175: 1112-1121.

[16] Holditch S. Tight Gas Sands. Journal of Petroleum Technology, 2006, 58(6): 1-11.

[17] Jia C, He D, Lei Z. et al.Oil and GAS EXPLORATION in the Foreland Thrust Belt, 2000BeijingPetroleum Industry Press(in Chinese)

[18] Jia D, Chen Z X, Jia C Z. et al.. Longmen Shan FoldThrust Belt and Its Relation to the Western Sichuan Basin in Central China: New Insights Fiom Hydrocarbon Exploration. Geological Journal of China Universities, 2003, 9(3): 402-410(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[19] Jia D, Wei G Q, Chen Z X. et al.. Longmen Shan Fold-Thrust Belt and Its Relation to the Western Sichuan Basin in Central China: New Insights from Hydrocarbon Exploration. AAPG Bulletin, 2006, 90(9): 1425-1447.

[20] Jin W Z, Tang L J, Yang K M. et al.. 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)

[21] Jin W Z, Tang L J, Yang K M. et al.. Progress and Problem of Study on Characters of the Longmen Mountain Thrust Belt. Geological Review, 2008, 54(1): 37-46(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[22] Jin W ZTectonic Characters and Hydrocarbon Accumulation in Longmen Mountains Thrust Belt, Western Sichuan Basin, 2009BeijingChina University of Petroleum(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[23] Jin W Z, Tang L J, Yang K M. et al.. Segmentation of the Longmen Mountains Thrust Belt, Western Sichuan Foreland Basin, SW China. Tectonophysics, 2010, 485(1/2/3/4): 107-121.

[24] Judge P A, Allmendinger R W. Assessing Uncertainties in Balanced Cross Sections. Journal of Structural Geology, 2011, 33(4): 458-467.

[25] Kordi M. Sedimentary Basin Analysis of the Neo-Tethys and Its Hydrocarbon Systems in the Southern Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt and Foreland Basin. Earth-Science Reviews, 2019, 191: 1-11.

[26] Laubach S E, Lander R H, Criscenti L J. et al.. The Role of Chemistry in Fracture Pattern Development and Opportunities to Advance Interpretations of Geological Materials. Reviews of Geophysics, 2019, 57(3): 1065-1111.

[27] Law J B, Curtis B E. Introduction to Unconventional Petroleum Systems. AAPG Bulletin, 2002, 86(11): 1851-1852

[28] Leng J G, Li S B, Yang C Q. Determination of the Time of Gas Accumulation in the Xujiahe Formation of Xiaoquan-Fenggu Structural Belt in theWestern Sichuan Depression through Fluid Inclusion Analysis. Natural Gas Industry, 2011, 31(8): 38-42131 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

[29] Li H, Tang H M, Qin Q R. et al.. Characteristics, Formation Periods and Genetic Mechanisms of Tectonic Fractures in the Tight Gas Sandstones Reservoir: A Case Study of Xujiahe Formation in YB Area, Sichuan Basin, China. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2019, 178: 723-735.

[30] Li Z G, Jia D, Chen W. et al.. Late Cenozoic East-West Crustal Shortening in Southern Longmen Shan, Eastern Tibet: Implications for Regional Stress Field Changes. Tectonophysics, 2014, 623: 169-186.

[31] Li Z W, Liu S G, Chen H D. et al.. Structural Superimposition and Conjunction and Its Effects on Hydrocarbon Accumulation in the Western Sichuan Depression. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2011, 38(5): 538-551. in Chinese with English Abstract)

[32] Li Z W, Liu S G, Lin J. et al.. Structural Configuration and Its Genetic Mechanism of the West Sichuan Depression in China. Journal of Chengdu University of Technology (Science and Technology Edition), 2009, 36(6): 645-653

[33] Liang H R, Xu F H, Xu G S. et al.. Geochemical Characteristics and Origins of the Diagenetic Fluids of the Permian Changxing Formation Calcites in the Southeastern Sichuan Basin: Evidence from Petrography, Inclusions and Sr, C and O Isotopes. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2019, 103: 564-580.

[34] Lin SThe Research of Reservoir Forming Condtion of Xujiahe Formation in the North Area of West Sichuan Basin, 2015BeijingChina University of Geosciences(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[35] Liu J L, Yang X Z, Liu K Y. et al.. Differential Hydrocarbon Generation and Evolution of Typical Terrestrial Gas-Prone Source Rocks: An Example from the Kuqa Foreland Basin, NW China. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2023, 152: 106225.

[36] Liu S G, Yang Y, Deng B. et al.. Tectonic Evolution of the Sichuan Basin, Southwest China. Earth-Science Reviews, 2021, 213: 103470.

[37] Liu S, Shen Z, Lu Z. et al.Geochemical Characteristics and Enrichment Regularity of Tight Clastic Rock Natural Gas Reservoirs in Sichuan Basin, 2015BeijingScience Press(in Chinese)

[38] Lu G, Chen X W, Zou H. et al.. Provenance of the First Terrigenous Sediments in the Western Sichuan Basin during the Late Triassic: Implications for Basin Evolution from Marine to Continental. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2023, 147: 105992.

[39] Luo L, Meng W B, Gluyas J. et al.. Diagenetic Characteristics, Evolution, Controlling Factors of Diagenetic System and Their Impacts on Reservoir Quality in Tight Deltaic sandstones: Typical Example from the Xujiahe Formation in Western Sichuan Foreland Basin, SW China. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2019, 103: 231-254.

[40] Lyu W Y, Zeng L B, Zhang B J. et al.. Influence of Natural Fractures on Gas Accumulation in the Upper Triassic Tight Gas Sandstones in the Northwestern Sichuan Basin, China. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2017, 83: 60-72.

[41] Menegazzo M C, Catuneanu O, Chang H K. The South American Retroarc Foreland System: The Development of the Bauru Basin in the Back-Bulge Province. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2016, 73: 131-156.

[42] Meng Q-R, Wang E, Hu J-M. Mesozoic Sedimentary Evolution of the Northwest Sichuan Basin: Implication for Continued Clockwise Rotation of the South China Block. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2005, 117(3): 396.

[43] Mitra S, Namson J S. Equal-Area Balancing. American Journal of Science, 1989, 289(5): 563-599.

[44] Mohammadrezaei H, Ahmad Alavi S, Ghanadian M. et al.. The Effects of Wrench-Dominated Basement-Involved Faults on Folding of Overlying Strata in the Bahregansar Anticline, Western Persian Gulf, Iran. Comptes Rendus Géoscience, 2022, 354(G1): 105-118.

[45] Olson J E, Laubach S E, Eichhubl P. Estimating Natural Fracture Producibility in Tight Gas sandstones: Coupling Diagenesis with Geomechanical Modeling. The Leading Edge, 2010, 29(12): 1494-1499.

[46] Peacock D C P, Sanderson D J, Rotevatn A. Relationships between Fractures. Journal of Structural Geology, 2018, 106: 41-53.

[47] Qin S F, Zhang Y H, Zhao C Y. et al.. Geochemical Evidence for in situ Accumulation of Tight Gas in the Xujiahe Formation Coal Measures in the Central Sichuan Basin, China. International Journal of Coal Geology, 2018, 196: 173-184.

[48] Ratschbacher L, Hacker B R, Calvert A. et al.. Tectonics of the Qinling (Central China): Tectonostratigraphy, Geochronology, and Deformation History. Tectonophysics, 2003, 366(1/2): 1-53.

[49] Riahi Z T, Sarkarinejad K, Faghih A. et al.. Impact of Inversion Tectonics on the Spatial Distribution of Hydrocarbon Traps in the NW Persian Gulf and the Southern Dezful Embayment, SW Iran. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2021, 134: 105364.

[50] Royden L H, Burchfiel B C, van der Hilst R D. The Geological Evolution of the Tibetan Plateau. Science, 2008, 321(5892): 1054-1058.

[51] Song Y, Zhao M J, Fang S H. et al.. Dominant Factors of Hydrocarbon Distribution in the Foreland Basins, Central and Western China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2012, 39(3): 285-294.

[52] Su N, Zou L J, Shen X H. et al.. Fracture Patterns in Successive Folding in the Western Sichuan Basin, China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2014, 81: 65-76.

[53] Tang L J, Yang K M, Jin W Z. et al.. Multi-Level Decollement Zones and Detachment Deformation of Longmenshan Thrust Belt, Sichuan Basin, Southwest China. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 2008, 51(2): 32-43.

[54] Tao S Z, Zou C N, Mi J K. et al.. Geochemical Comparison between Gas in Fluid Inclusions and Gas Produced from the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation, Sichuan Basin, SW China. Organic Geochemistry, 2014, 74: 59-65.

[55] Ukar E, Ozkul C, Eichhubl P. Fracture Abundance and Strain in Folded Cardium Formation, Red Deer River Anticline, Alberta Foothills, Canada. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2016, 76: 210-230.

[56] Wang M M, Feng W, Jiang D Q. et al.. Interactions between Thin- and Thick-Skinned Tectonics at the Western Sichuan Basin, China. Tectonophysics, 2020, 796: 228628.

[57] Wang Y, Zhang K Y, Gan Q G. et al.. Fracture Development Characteristics in the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation, Western Sichuan Depression (China). Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2015, 135: 542-551.

[58] Wang Z L, Sun M L, Zhang L K. et al.. Evolution of Abnormal Pressure and Model of Gas Accumulation in Xujiahe Formation, Western Sichuan Basin. Earth Science, 2004, 29(4): 433-439(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[59] Wang Z, Lü X X, Wang S. et al.. Fracture Systems and Petrophysical Properties of Tight Sandstone Undergoing Regional folding: A Case Study of the Cretaceous Reservoirs in the Kuqa Foreland Thrust Belt, Tarim Basin. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2020, 112: 104055.

[60] Wei G, Jia D, Yang W. et al.Structural Characteristics and Oil and Gas in Sichuan Basin, 2019BeijingScience Press(in Chinese)

[61] Wei G, Li B, Chen H. et al.Tectonics Features Study in Foreland Thrust and Fold Belt in Central and Western of China, 2008BeijingPetroleum Industry Press(in Chinese)

[62] Yang K, Zhu H, Ye J. et al.The Geological Characteristics of Tight Sandstone Gas Reservoirs in West Sichuan Basin, 2012(in Chinese)

[63] Yang Y T, Miall A D. Migration and Stratigraphic Fill of an Underfilled Foreland Basin: Middle - Late Cenomanian Belle Fourche Formation in Southern Alberta, Canada. Sedimentary Geology, 2010, 227(1/2/3/4): 51-64.

[64] Zeng L BFormation and Distribution of Fractures in Low-permeability Sandstone Reservoirs, 2008BeijingScience Press House(in Chinese)

[65] Zeng L B. Microfracturing in the Upper Triassic Sichuan Basin Tight-Gas Sandstones: Tectonic, Overpressure, and Diagenetic Origins. AAPG Bulletin, 2010, 94(12): 1811-1825.

[66] Zeng L B, Li Y G, Wang Z G. et al.. Type and Sequence of Fractures in the Second Member of Xujiahe Formation at the South of Western Sichuan Depression. Earth Science, 2007, 32(2): 194-200(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[67] Zeng L B, Li Y G, Zhang G B. et al.. Controlling Factors for Fracture Distribution in the Low-Permeability Sandstone Reservoir of the Second Member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the South of Western Sichuan. Geol. China, 2007, 34(4): 622-627(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[68] Zeng L B, Lyu P, Qu X F. et al.. Multi-Scale Fractures in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs with Low Permeability and Geological Conditions of Their Development. Oil Gas Geol., 2020, 41(3): 449-454(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[69] Zeng L B, Tang X M, Wang T C. et al.. The Influence of Fracture Cements in Tight Paleogene Saline Lacustrine Carbonate Reservoirs, Western Qaidam Basin, Northwest China. AAPG Bulletin, 2012, 96(11): 2003-2017.

[70] Zeng L, Li Z, Shi C. et al.. Characteristics and Origin of Fractures in the Sandstone Reservoirs of Ultra-Low Permeability of the Upper Triassic Yancheng Formation in the Ordos Basin. Acta Geol. Sin., 2007, 81: 174-180(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[71] Zhang G W, Cheng S Y, Guo A L. et al.. ReUnderstanding of Mianlue Ancient Suture Zone in the Southern Margin of Qinling-Dabie Central Orogenic System—Also on the Assembly of Chinese Mainland Main Body. Geological Bulletin of China, 2004, 23(S2): 846-853(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[72] Zhang LResearch on Natural Gas Accumulation Process in the Southern Part of West Sichuan Foreland Basin, 2006BeijingChina University of Petroleum(in Chinese with English Abstract)

[73] Zhang T, Fang X M, Song C H. et al.. Cenozoic Tectonic Deformation and Uplift of the South Tian Shan: Implications from Magnetostratigraphy and Balanced Cross-Section Restoration of the Kuqa Depression. Tectonophysics, 2014, 628: 172-187.

[74] Zhang Y Z, Zeng L B, Lyu W Y. et al.. Natural Fractures in Tight Gas Sandstones: A Case Study of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Xinchang Gas Field, Western Sichuan Basin, China. Geological Magazine, 2021, 158(9): 1543-1560.

[75] Zou C N, Tao S Z, Zhu R K. et al.. Formation and Distribution of “Continuous” Gas Reservoirs Nd Their Giant Gas Province: A Case from the Upper Riassic Xujiahe Formation Giant Gas Province, Sichuan Basin. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2009, 36(3): 307-319.

[76] Zou C N, Zhu R, Liu K. et al.. Tight Gas Sandstone Reservoirs in China: Characteristics and Recognition Criteria. J. Pet. Sci. Eng., 2012, 88: 82-91.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, Part of Springer Nature