Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Sedimentary cycles of evaporites and their application in sequence division in the upper member of the Xiaganchaigou Formation in Yingxi Area, Southwestern Qaidam Basin, China

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Carbonates and Evaporites Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The upper member of the Xiaganchaigou Formation in the Yingxi Area of the Southwestern Qaidam Basin is a set of evaporite-bearing lacustrine series. In this study, petrographic analyses of rock thin sections, cores, drillings, logging as well as geochemistry were used to study the characteristics of the sedimentary cycles of the series. Concurrently, this study adopts a transgressive–regressive (T–R) cycle sequence theory, based on lithology, logging curves, the stacking pattern of the subsequences, and unconformity and seismic reflection terminal relations. This approach uses evaporites as the primary marker layer for identifying the initial lake flood surface and dividing the sequence of the evaporite-bearing series in the upper member of the Xiaganchaigou Formation. Results show a zonal distribution of evaporites transitioning laterally from the center to the margin of the basin to mixed carbonate rocks and then to clastic rocks. Vertically, there are two third-order sedimentary cycles and six fourth-order sedimentary cycles. Five types of evaporite lithofacies combinations were identified. Evaporites were formed by evaporative crystallization at a particular depth beneath lake water during a lacustrine regression during an arid paleo-climate and rapid subsidence of the basin basement. It has been established based on the asymmetric sedimentary cycle development model that during the lacustrine transgression stage, the mixed carbonate rocks were transformed into mudstone upward, and during the lacustrine regression stage, the mixed carbonate rocks transformed into gypsum rocks, glauberite, and halite, upward, while a delta and reef flat limestones developed at the edge of the basin. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the T–R cycle sequence division and the sedimentary cycle division.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Cao Z, Wei Z, Lin C, Zheng X, Ma X (2014) The kinetics of oil generation in a saline basin: a case study of the source rock of tertiary in Zha-haquan depression, Qaidam Basin, China [J]. Petrol Sci Technol 32(21):2648–2657

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen QL (2007) Favorable condition and exploration prospecting of lithologic hydrocarbon reservoir in large-scale saline basin—Case study on the Eogene in the southwest of Qaidam Basin [J]. Lith Res 19(1):46–51 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen ZH, Osadetz KG, Li MW (2005) Spatial characteristics of middle devonian oil and non-associated gases in the Rainbow area, Northwest Alberta [J]. Mar Pet Geol 22(3):391–401

    Google Scholar 

  • Cross TA (1988) Controls on coal distribution in transgressive-regressive cycles, upper Cretaceous, Western Interior, USA [M]. In: Wilgus CK (ed) Sea-Level Changes: an Integerated Approach. Springer, Londone

    Google Scholar 

  • Fu ST, Zhang DW, Xue JQ, Zhang XB (2013) Exploration potential and geological conditions of tight oil in the Qaidam Basin [J]. Acta Sedimentol Sin 31(4):672–682

    Google Scholar 

  • Galloway WE (1989) Genetic stratigraphic sequences in basin analysis (I): architecture and genesis of flooding-surface bounded depositional units [J]. AAPG Bull 73(2):125–142

    Google Scholar 

  • Gong XM, ZENG JH (2003) Impact of Paleogene evaporates on hydrocarbon accumulation in deep Bonan Sub-sag. Jiyang Depress Pet Explor Dev 30(5):24–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Guo P, Liu C, Wang P, Wang K, Yuan H, Li B (2019) Geochemical behavior of rare elements in Paleogene saline lake sediments of the Qaidam Basin, NE Tibetan Plateaup [J]. Carbon Evap. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-017-0394-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang CG, Yuan XY, Song CH, Yuan JY, Ni XL, Ma XM, Zhang SM (2018) Characteristics, origin, and role of salt minerals in the process of hydrocarbon accumulation in the saline lacustrine basin of the Yingxi Area, Qaidam, China [J]. Carbon Evap. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-017-0350-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang CJ, Chen KY, Yang XH (2002) Characteristics of sequence stratigraphy in the saline lake basin [J]. Oil Gas Geol 23(2):134–138 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu SY, Shi SY, Wang TS, Liu W, Bai B, Xu AN, Tu JQ, Huang SP, Jiang H (2016) Effect of gypsum-salt environment on hydrocarbon generation, reservoir-forming and hydrocarbon accumulation in carbonate strata [J]. China Pet Explor 21(2):20–27 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Halbouty MT (2003) Giant oil and gas fields of the decade, 1990–1999 [M]. Tuls 12:23–56

    Google Scholar 

  • Jia CZ, Zhao WZ, Wei GQ, Liu DL, Zhang JF (2003) Salt structures and exploration of oil and gas [J]. Pet Explor Dev 30(2):17–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang QC, Ma YS, Shen YC, Guo RT, Gao XQ, Liu B, Cui Jun WuKY (2019) High-frequency redox variations of the Eocene cyclic lacustrine sediments in the Yingxi area, western Qaidam Basin, China [J]. J Asian Earth Sci 174(2019):135–151

    Google Scholar 

  • Jin Q (2003) Geochemistry characteristics of trace elements in evaporates of the Tertiary [J]. J China Univ Pet Nat. Sci. 27(2):1–5 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson JG, Klapper G, Sandberg CA (1985) Devonian eustatic fluctuations in Euramerica. Geol Soc Am Bull 96(5):567–587

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu CL, Jiao PC, Wang EL, Chen YZ (2007) Sedimentation of glauberites and its effect on potash deposits formation in Lop Nur salt lake, Xinjiang, Chinam [J]. Miner Depos 26(3):322–329 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu CL, Ma LC, Jiao PC, Sun XH, Chen YZ (2010a) Chemical sedimentary sequence of Lop Nur salt lake in Xinjiang and its controlling factors [J]. Miner Depos 29(4):625–630 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu Q, Zhang LY, Song GQ, Song CY, Wang R (2009) Application of occurrences of gypsum minerals in saline lacustrine facies analysis and source rocks organic geochemistry evaluation: a case study of Wendong subdepression [J]. Geol J China Univ 15(3):371–379 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu SG, Zhang ZJ, Huang WM, Wang GZ, Sun W, Xu GS, Yuan HF, Zhang CJ, Deng B (2010b) Formation and destruction processes of upper Sinian oil-gas pools in the Dingshan-Lintanchang structural belt southeast Sichuan Basin China. Pet Sci 7(3):289–301

    Google Scholar 

  • Matano F, Barbieri M, Di Nocera S et al (2005) Stratigraphy and strontium geochemistry of Messinian evaporite-bearing successions of the southern apennines foredeep, Italy: implication for the Mediterranean “salinity crisis” and regional palaeogeography [J]. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 217(1):84–114

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma XM, Huang CG, Shi YJ (2019) Oil and gas enrichment patterns and major controlling factors for stable and high production of tight lacustrine carbonate rocks, a case study of Yingxi area in Qaidam Basin, West China [J]. Carbon Evap. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-019-00529-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Philipp SL (2008) Geometry and formation of gypsum veins in mudstones at Watchet Somerset SW England. Geo Mag 145(6):831–844

    Google Scholar 

  • Shi YJ, Xu L, Xing LT, Wang JG (2020) Geochemical characteristics of crude oil in the continental saline lake basin: a case study of the upper part of the lower Ganchaigou formation in Yingxi Qaidam Basin China [J]. Petrol Sci Technol 38(3):232–239

    Google Scholar 

  • Sui LW, Fang SH, Sun YH, Yang CY, Meng QX, Gui LL, Chen Y (2014) The tectonic evolution and accumulation controlling characteristics of Shizigou-Yingdong structural belt of western Qaidam Basin [J]. Geosci Front 21(1):261–270 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ulisses TM, Carry DK (1996) Development of sediment over pressure and its effective thermal maturation: application to the Gulf of Mexico Basin [J]. AAPG 80(9):1367–1396

    Google Scholar 

  • Vail PR, Mitchum RM Jr, Thompsons S (1977) Global-cycles of relative changes of sea level [J]. AAPG Memoir 83(1977):469–472

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu H, Zhao MJ, Lu XS, Zhuo QG (2016) Research progress of hydrocarbon accumulation mechanism controlled by salt [J]. Geol Sci Technol Inf 35(03):77–86 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang J, Xi P, Liu ZC, Wang YJ (1996) Cenozoic climate and topographical changes in the western Qaidam Basin[J]. Geol Rev 42(2):166–173 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang L, Jin Q, Lin LM, Liu YC, Zhang BM (2009) Characteristics of quality tertiary source rocks in west Qaidam Basin [J]. Nat Gas Ind 29(2):23–26 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang JG, Zhang DW, Yang SY, Li X, Shi YJ, Cui J, Zhang P, Wang YL, Yi DH, Chang HY (2019a) Sedimentary characteristics and genesis of the salt lake with the upper member of the lower Ganchaigou formation from Yingxi sag, Qaidam basin [J]. Mar Pet Geol 111(2020):135–155

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang YQ, Zhanguo L, Song GY, Zhang YS, Zhu C, Li SM, Wang P, Tang PC (2019b) Genesis of lacustrine carbonate breccia and its significance for hydrocarbon exploration in Yingxi region, Qaidam Basin, NW China[J]. Pet Explor Dev 46(1):104–112

    Google Scholar 

  • Xia QS, Huang CG, Cui J, Li YF (2019) Reservoir space type and storage capacity of Oligocene lacustrine carbonate in the Yingxi area of Western Qaidam Basin, China [J]. Carbon Evap. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-018-0476-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu SL, Lü XX, Yang MH, Ma YJ, Liu LF (2004) Controlling effect of gypsum and salt rocks on abnormally high pressure in Kuche Depression [J]. J Nat sci 19(4):5–8 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yi DH, Wang JG, Shi YJ, Sun JX, Ma XM, Wang P, Li YL (2017) Evolution characteristic of gypsum-salt rocks of the upper member of Oligocene Lower Ganchaigou Fm in the Shizigou area, western Qaidam Basin [J]. Nat Gas Ind 37(5):1–9 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang QT (1989) The origin and sedimentary environment analysis of glauberite [J]. Acta Sedimentol Sin 7(3):137–141 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zeng LB, Zhou TW, Lü XX (2004) Influence of tectonic compression on the abnormal formation pressure in the Kuqa depression [J]. Geol Rev 50(5):471–475 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang CC, Zhang S, Wei W, Wu CD, Liang JP, Niu W, Du JX, Fu XL, Cui KN, Wang C, Wang H (2014) Sedimentary filling and sequence structure dominated by T-R cycles of the Nenjiang formation in the Songliao Basin[J]. Sci Sinica Terrae 44(12):2618–2636 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang H, Chen G, Zhu YS, Huang CG, Ni XL, Ma XM, Zhang P (2018) Discovery of rare hydrothermal alterations of Oligocene dolomite reservoirs in the Yingxi area, Qaidam, West China [J]. Carbon Evap. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-017-0353-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao ZY, Zhou YQ, Ma XM, Ji GS (2007) The impact of saline deposit upon the hydrocarbon accumulation in petroliferous basin [J]. Oil Gas Geol 28(2):299–308 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, China

    Bin Xu & Zhiping Wu

  2. School of Geosciences, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, China

    Jianming Li

  3. Hubei Cooperative Innovation Center of Unconventional Oil and Gas, Wuhan, 430100, China

    Jianming Li

  4. Exploration and Development, Research Institute of Qinghai Oilfield Company, PetroChina, Dunhuang, 736202, China

    Yongshu Zhang & Jun Cui

Authors
  1. Bin Xu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jianming Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Zhiping Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yongshu Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jun Cui
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jianming Li.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Xu, B., Li, J., Wu, Z. et al. Sedimentary cycles of evaporites and their application in sequence division in the upper member of the Xiaganchaigou Formation in Yingxi Area, Southwestern Qaidam Basin, China. Carbonates Evaporites 35, 66 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-020-00603-7

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-020-00603-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation