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The lower limits of petrophysical properties for an effective reservoir are among the key parameters for assessing hydrocarbon reserves and are therefore directly related to hydrocarbon exploration and development strategies. However, the lower limits for marine sandstone gas reservoirs are still not clear and the impact factors also remain to be discussed. This study analysed the lower petrophysical property limits of an effective sandstone reservoir in the Qiongdongnan Basin using porosity, permeability and gas testing. The results showed that the lower porosity and permeability limits of effective reservoirs developed in the deltas are 8.9% and 1.2 × 10−3 μm2, respectively, and 11.3% and 4.0 × 10−3 μm2 in the submarine canyons and fans, respectively. Sedimentary facies, sediment transport distance, grain size and burial depth of sandstone significantly influence the lower physical property limits. The lower porosity and permeability limits increase with the increase in sediment transport distance as well as the decrease in sandstone grain size and burial depth. Sediment sources and sedimentary facies determine whether sandstone can become an effective reservoir in the Qiongdongnan Basin. Specifically, the sediment source dramatically influences the petrophysical properties of sandstone. The sandstone sourced from the Red River has higher porosity and permeability, followed by the sandstone sourced from the Hainan Uplift, and the sandstone sourced from the palaeo-uplift within the basin has the lowest porosity and permeability. The feldspar dissolution by CO2 and organic acid is the primary formation mechanism of the effective reservoir in the Lingshui Formation, whereas the dissolution of glauconite is more common in the sandstone reservoirs of the Sanya and Meishan formations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagenetic evolution of sandstone is very complicated under the conditions of high temperatures and pressures in deep-water, deep-buried regimes, which have great influence on reservoir quality. This study investigates the typical reservoir target of Neogene deep-water, submarine-fan sandstones under high-temperature, high-pressure regimes in the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea. Utilizing a thin section, scanning electron microscope (SEM), mineral geochemistry combined with burial history evolution, complex diagenetic events, and main controlling factors of the sandstone in the Neogene Meishan Formation were determined. The results show that the evolution of sandstone reservoirs is initially controlled by depositional framework compositions and subsequently modified by eogenetic and mesogenetic alterations during progressive burial. Eogenetic alterations mainly include the following: (1) mechanical compaction; (2) dissolution of feldspar; (3) low-Fe calcite cementation. Mesogenetic events were identified as the following: (1) dissolution of feldspar; (2) ferroan calcite and ankerite formation; (3) precipitation of quartz and clay mineral. Mechanical compaction is greatly influenced by the original depositional framework composition, and sandstone samples enriched in high contents of detrital clay matrix always experienced extensive mechanical compaction. Different phases of carbonate cement during different diagenetic regimes lead to continuous destruction on reservoir porosity. The dissolution of unstable feldspar minerals during eogenetic and mesogenetic environments leads to the development of secondary porosities and would enhance the quality of the reservoir. Overpressure formation is pervasively developed owing to early disequilibrium compaction and subsequent natural gas charging. Only well-sorted sandstones with low contents of detrital clay matrix could resist early mechanical compaction, lead to ample residual original porosities, and then undergo extensive mineral dissolution to generate sufficient secondary porosities. Subsequently, these porosities would be effectively protected by overpressure formation. Poor-sorted sandstones with high contents of detrital clay matrix would experience strong mechanical compaction and extensive destruction of original porosities. Thus, these sandstones are difficult to have significant dissolution and are unable to be effectively protected by overpressure formation. Therefore, the interplay between the original framework composition and the corresponding diagenetic pathways coupled with overpressure formation would result in strong reservoir heterogeneity for the deep-buried sandstones during progressive burial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early observations from the Perseverance rover suggested a deltaic origin for the western fan of Jezero crater only from images of the Kodiak butte. Here, we use images from the SuperCam Remote Micro‐Imager and the Mastcam‐Z camera to analyze the western fan front along the rover traverse, and further assess its depositional origin. Outcrops in the middle to lower half of the hillslopes comprise planar and inclined beds of sandstone that are interpreted as foresets of deltaic deposits. Foresets are locally structured in ∼20–25 m thick, ∼80–100 m long, antiformal structures interpreted as deltaic mouth bars. Above these foresets, interbedded sandstones and boulder conglomerates are interpreted as fluvial topset beds. One well‐preserved lens of boulder conglomerate displays rounded clasts within well‐sorted sediment deposited in overall fining upward beds. We interpret these deposits as resulting from lateral accretion within fluvial channels. Estimations of peak discharge rates give a range between ∼100 and ∼500 m3 s−1. By contrast, boulder conglomerates exposed in the uppermost part of hillslopes are poorly sorted and truncate the underlying beds. The presence of these boulder deposits suggests that intense sediment‐laden flood episodes occurred after the deltaic foreset and topset beds were deposited, although the origin, timing, and relationship of these boulder deposits to the ancient lake that once filled Jezero crater remains undetermined. Overall, these observations confirm the deltaic nature of the fan front, and suggest a highly variable fluvial input. Plain Language Summary: Early observations from the Perseverance rover of the Kodiak butte suggested a deltaic origin for the western fan of Jezero crater. Here, we use images from the SuperCam Remote Micro‐Imager and the Mastcam‐Z camera to analyze the western fan front along the rover traverse, and further assess its origin. We observe strata in the lower part of the fan front that we interpret as deltaic deposits formed below water in a lake. The strata of the upper part of the fan front contain sediments interpreted as fluvial deposits formed under various fluvial regimes, with some of them being deposited by the rivers that also fed the Jezero paleolake. Overall, these observations confirm the deltaic nature of the fan front, and suggest a highly variable fluvial input. Key Points: New observations from the Perseverance rover of the western fan front confirm a deltaic originDeltaic foresets in the lower fan front are organized as antiformal structures interpreted as delta mouth barsSandstones and conglomerates in the upper part of the fan front suggest a highly variable fluvial input [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tertiary-age deep-marine succession cropping out between Tarifa and Algeciras can be subdivided into two units, namely the Late Eocene-?Early Oligocene Getares Unit and the overlying Oligocene-?Early Miocene Algeciras Formation. These strata comprise six sedimentary facies, ranging from thick-bedded sandstones to mudstones. The depositional settings are variable, comprising sandstone/calcarenite packages with intercalated mudstones and marls. The lowermost coarse-grained package is the Getares Unit (fan-fringe setting). This is overlain by the thick-bedded sandstones of the Algeciras Fm (channel, channel-margin setting) which pass upwards into more laterally-extensive beds (sheet-like lobe). Sediments were derived from a coastal setting to the north, as evidenced by occasionally abundant plant remains, from direct fluvial input (hyperpycnal flow). Within this succession, 34 ichnogenera (48 ichnospecies) have been recorded, including, Belorhaphe, Capodistria, Chondrites, Circulichnis, Cochlichnus, Cosmorhaphe, Desmograpton, Gordia, Halopoa, ?Helicorhaphe, Helminthopsis, Helminthorhaphe, Imponoglyphus, Lorenzinia, Megagrapton, Oldhamia, Ophiomorpha, Palaeophycus, Paleodictyon, ?Phycodes, Phycosiphon, Planolites, Protopaleodictyon, Protovirgularia, Scolicia, Skolithos, Spirophycus, Spirophyton, Spirohaphe, Taenidium, Teichichnus, Thalassinoides Urohelminthoida and Zoophycos. Of the ichnofossil assemblages that were defined, most are concentrated in the fan-fringe (Getares Unit; 74%) and channel/channel-margin (lowermost Algeciras Fm; 41%) settings, with a marked reduction in the sheet lobe system (uppermost Algeciras Fm; 9%). The ichnofaunal assemblage from the Tarifa-Almeria section represents the Nereites ichnofacies, or more specifically, the Paleodictyon and Nereites subichnofacies, both typified by abundant graphoglyptids. Deposition in the Algeciras-Tarifa region commenced with the mudstones underlying the Getares Unit followed by a sandstone package (fan fringe; Punta de Getares), indicative of fan progradation. Subsequent mudstones suggest a phase of quiescence before the deposition of the thick, sandy hyperpycnites in the lower part of the Algeciras Fm (Punta del Carnero I & II) where deposition was probably related to flooding events in the source rivers to the N. These were subsequently overlain by the Tarifa area lobe sediments. Deposition of the succession coincided with the transition from a Greenhouse to an Icehouse climatic regime (Eocene-Oligocene) and this change may be reflected in the marked reduction in ichnofaunas moving from the lower (Punta del Carnero) to the upper (Tarifa) Algeciras Fm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Deep-marine two-part strata consisting of a sand-rich basal part overlain sharply by a mud-rich upper part have been termed linked debrites, hybrid event beds, transitional flow deposits, and bipartite facies. In continental slope and proximal basin floor strata of the Neoproterozoic Windermere Supergroup (western North America) and distal basin-floor strata of the Ordovician Cloridorme Formation (eastern North America), bipartite facies form the middle of a depositional continuum hundreds of meters long consisting upflow of thick-bedded, matrix-poor sandstone (<20% detrital mud matrix) to thin-bedded, sandy mudstone (50%–90% mud matrix). This consistent lithofacies change is interpreted to reflect particle settling in a rapidly but systematically evolving, negligibly sheared sand-mud suspension developed along the margins (Windermere) and downflow terminus (Cloridorme) of a high-energy, mud-enriched avulsion jet. In both study areas, beds of similar lithofacies type succeed one another vertically and transform to the next facies in the depositional continuum at about the same along-strike position, forming stratal units two to nine beds thick whose grain-size distribution gradually decreases upward. This spatial and temporal regularity is interpreted to be caused by multiple surges of a single, progressively waning turbidity current, with sufficient lag between successive surges for the deposition of a traction-structured sandstone overlain by mudstone cap. Furthermore, the systematic back-stepping or side-stepping recognized at the stratal unit scale is interpreted to have been driven by a combination of knickpoint migration and local topographic steering of the flows, which continued until the supply of mud from local seafloor erosion became exhausted, the main channel avulsed elsewhere, or a new stratal element developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paleogene Shahejie and Dongying formations of the eastern Bohai Bay Basin contain >500 m fluvial-deltaic deposits and >600 m deltaic-lacustrine deposits, both of which are important for oil and gas exploration. This study aims to figure out the deposition system distribution within the sequence stratigraphy and predict the exploration target. Sequence boundaries are recognized by unconformities in the seismic profiles and abrupt changes in the well-logging curves (acoustic, spontaneous potential, natural gamma-ray and resistivity), and two second-order and five third-order sequences (SQs1, SQs3 in the Shahejie Formation and SQd1-SQd3 in Dongying Formation) are identified. Four types of depositional system and distribution are determined by well-logging profiles, cores, relative sand content and root-mean-square seismic attributes. The SQs3 sequence is predominantly fan deltas and lacustrine deposits, the SQs1 sequence is predominantly shallow lacustrine deposits, the SQd3 sequence is predominantly braided-river delta, semi-deep lacustrine, and turbidite fan, and the SQd2 sequence is predominantly braided-river delta deposits, whereas the SQd1 sequence is predominantly braided-river deposits. The controlling factors are determined by basin subsidence simulation and fossil data of biological palynology, indicating that tectonic activity is the main controlling factor in SQs3 and SQd3 while climate is the main controlling factor in the SQs1, SQd2 and SQd1 sequences. Combined with the physical properties of sandstone, it is concluded that the beach bar in the SQs1 sequence, turbidite fan in the SQs3 and SQd3 sequences, and thick sandstone in the SQd2 sequence are the important exploration targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismic, core, drilling, logging, and thin-section data are considered to analyze the reservoir diversity in the east, middle, and west fan of the Liushagang Formation in the steep-slope zone of the Weixinan Sag, Beibuwan Basin. Three factors primarily affect the reservoir differences for steep-slope systems: (1) Sedimentary factors mostly control reservoir scales and characteristics and the drainage system and microfacies. Massive high-quality reservoirs have shallow burial depths. Channel development and sediment supply favor the formation of these reservoirs. The sedimentary microfacies suggest fan delta plain distributary channels. (2) Lithofacies factors primarily control reservoir types and evolution. The diagenesis of high-quality reservoirs is weak, and a weak compaction–cementation diagenetic facies and medium compaction–dissolution diagenetic facies were developed. (3) Sandstone thickness factors primarily control the oil-bearing properties of reservoirs. The average porosity and permeability of high-quality reservoirs are large, the critical sandstone thickness is small, the average sandstone thickness is large, and the oil-bearing capacity is high. Furthermore, the reservoir prediction models are summarized as fan delta and nearshore subaqueous fan models. The high-quality reservoir of the fan delta model is in the fan delta plain, and the lithology is medium–coarse sandstone. The organic acid + meteoric freshwater two-stage dissolution is developed, various dissolved pores are formed, and a Type I reservoir is developed. The high-quality reservoir of the nearshore subaqueous fan model is in the middle fan, and the lithology is primarily medium–fine sandstone. Only organic acid dissolution, dissolution pores, and Type I–II reservoirs are developed. Regarding reservoir differences and models, the high-quality reservoir of the steep-slope system is shallow and large-scale, and the reservoir is a fan delta plain distributary channel microfacies. Weak diagenetic evolution, good physical properties, thick sandstone, and good oil-bearing properties developed a Type I reservoir. The study of reservoir control factors of the northern steep-slope zone was undertaken in order to guide high-quality reservoir predictions. Further, it provides a reference for high-quality reservoir distribution and a prediction model for the steep-slope system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep‐water massive sandstones (DWMS) are characterized by large volumes of sand accumulations which are considered as potential reservoir intervals in deep‐marine environments. Lithological variations and bed thickness statistics are used to interpret the distribution of massive sandstones in a deep‐marine fan‐lobe system. These massive sandstones are interpreted based on lithological heterogeneities and detailed facies analysis in seventeen exposed sections of the Late Palaeogene deposits in Sabah, NW Borneo. Sedimentary logs containing details of lithology textures and structures were used to recognize nine sedimentary facies of DWMS. These lithofacies were then grouped into three sedimentary facies associations: (1) massive facies association with basal part of turbiditic Bouma sequence, (2) massive facies association having soft‐sediment deformation structures, and (3) massive facies association with erosional features. The facies analysis portrays inner to middle submarine fan deposition and was later applied to reconstruct the distribution of a channel‐lobe complex. Individual sandstone bed thicknesses vary from 1 m to more than 8 m and the number of massive sandstones in submarine lobes range from less than 10% to more than 50%. The thicknesses of massive sandstones in channels are more than 8 m, whereas distal lobes have thicknesses from 1–2 m only. These sandstones are concentrated in channels, proximal and medial lobe settings that can also be verified from calculating the average of all maximum thickness of massive sand intervals that is, 8.91 m. The lithological heterogeneities and the processes associated with the deposition of these massive sandstones are vital for potential hydrocarbon reservoirs in the deep‐marine environments around the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reservoir quality of sandstones is significantly impacted and transformed by sedimentation and diagenesis. It is necessary to clarify the internal relationship among them to precisely predict the sweet reservoir. In this study, five types of sedimentary microfacies are recognized through core observation and logging data: submerged distributary channel (fan delta), submerged interdistributary bay, submerged distributary channel (braided delta), distal bar, and turbidite fan. The major diagenetic processes, including compaction, cementation, and dissolution, have been analyzed based on petrography, scanning electron microscopy, and X-Ray diffraction. The dominant diagenetic cement includes calcite, smectite, kaolinite, illite, and I/S mixed-layer minerals, with small quantities of chlorite, pyrite, siderite, feldspar, and quartz cement. The reservoir quality is best in the submerged distributary channel (fan delta) sandstones, followed by submerged distributary channel (braided delta). Submerged interdistributary bay, distal bar, and turbidite fan are of poor reservoir quality. The grain size is the primary reservoir quality controlling factor, highly affected by sedimentary microfacies. Subsequent controls are diagenetic processes such as mechanical compaction, clay minerals formation, grain replacement, and dissolution that collectively influence the porosity and permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied deep (up to 6000 m) Lower Wilcox strata (Guadalupe A) immediately above the Midway shale using a 1000-km2 3D seismic volume and sparse six deep-well, wireline-log data in south-central Texas. Although some of the wells encounter sandstones collectively as thick as 500 m, traditional seismic attributes and seismic inversion are unable to reveal the sign and extent of the massive sand distribution in the intraslope minibasins. A new workflow that incorporates machine learning into seismic lithology and geomorphology was tested for quantitative mapping of sand-content sandstone thickness. The procedure significantly updates current workflows for better geologic and reservoir prediction with higher resolution and accuracy. In addition to good fit to impedance in training wells, results tied gamma-ray and sand-content curves at a blind-test well, ensuring high confidence in stratigraphic and depositional interpretation. The study recognized multiple thick, sandy intraslope minibasins in a 30-km-wide upper slope. Clinoforms on the shelf, erosional channels at the shelf edge, sandy channels, and fans in intraslope minibasins were found to support the interpretation of a unique sediment-disposal system triggered by hyperpycnal flows. Existence of massive sand accumulations in the upper slope zone in the Gulf Coast suggest the existence of another major mechanism of large sand transport during the early Wilcox in a high sea-level stand and possibly a future deep gas play in the area. • Machine learning integrated with seismic sedimentology improves workflows for quantitative sand-volume prediction. • A large training data set was built and tested with statistical modeling of sparse well data with stratigraphic control. • Results reveal intraslope minibasins in the upper slope, with maximum sandstone thickness of up to 500 m. • Hyperpycnal flows generated by river floods triggered disposal of massive sandy sediments to the upper slope. • In addition to basin-floor fans, intraslope subbasins are another major target for sand dispersal in the Lower Wilcox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithologic variations in deep-water slope channel systems provide critical insight into sedimentary processes on deep-water slopes, and are a key control on natural resource distribution and connectivity in subsurface reservoirs associated with ancient deep-water systems. While many studies have described these variations at outcrop-scale along depositional strike (across-channel), few have focused on documenting along-depositional-dip changes due to: (1) the dearth of along-slope perspectives afforded by outcrops; or (2) limited resolution and coverage of subsurface data sets. In this study, slope channel elements (≤30 m thick; ≤400 m wide) and composite channelform bodies composed of ≥2 stacked channel elements (channel complexes and channel systems; >30 m thick; >400 m wide) were characterized along a 50-km-long depositional-dip-oriented outcrop belt of the Campanian-Maastrichtian Tres Pasos Formation (Chile) to constrain longitudinal changes in channel fill character and stacking patterns. Results show that channel elements become more sandstone-rich downdip. Outcrop observations are supported by channel element net-to-gross ratios (measures of sandstone proportion), which increase downdip. Sandstone-prone channel elements within channel complexes and channel systems are more prevalent downdip; however, variability in lateral and vertical offset between successive channel elements downdip results in a poor correlation between net-to-gross values and paleoslope position when composite channelform bodies are considered. These findings suggest that the along-slope distribution of coarse-grained sediment in channel systems is tied to the degree of coarse-grained sediment bypass and erosion that occurs along a slope. The results of this study provide a detailed perspective into downdip changes in slope channel fill and stacking patterns, and help clarify aspects of analogous subsurface reservoirs, including sandstone proportion trends for several scales of deep-water slope channel architecture. • Deep-water slope channel systems are analyzed using outcrop and subsurface data • Sandstone content in studied slope channel systems is found to increase downslope • Sandstone content is linked to sand-rich sediment bypass/deposition along a slope • Channel fill stacking is linked to autogenic processes and local slope morphology • Study findings provide insight into the properties of analogous reservoir units [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The middle sub-member (Es3z) within the third member (Es3) of the Eocene Shahejie formation is the main source of the generation and accumulation of hydrocarbons in the lacustrine deltas of Bonan depression. Exploration and research work in different blocks is carried out separately. Types of sedimentary facies, and their vertical and lateral evolution in Es3z are not studied in detail. To fill this knowledge gap, we did a detailed analysis of facies and lithological characteristics through integrative studies of cores, well logs and seismic data. Identification of sedimentary structures and lithology of the reservoir zone from cores are calibrated with high-quality well logs and seismic data. Depositional facies in Es3z reservoirs are identified through analysis of sedimentary structures, grain size, log's trends and seismic sections. Es3z was deposited in the fan delta front setting where five facies associations are found, among them distributary channels consisting of MCS, CSg, PCSs, MS, RCL, WCS, PBSs, RCS and GBS lithofacies, natural levee containing DFs, and furthermore, sheet sand are associated to CBS and SSM lithofacies. GM, GGM and DGM lithofacies are related to inter-distributary deposits, whereas mouth bars consist of PLS, CS and CFS. Depositional history, flow direction of the sediments, and facies distribution are investigated through detailed facies mapping and cross-section profiling to show that the sediments were sourced from southeast to northwest. We found thicker succession of sedimentary profiles towards north and north-west directions. Belt distributary channel deposits, covering a wide range of areas, act as potential reservoirs along with mouth bar deposits, while mudstones in interdistributary channels act as a good source and seal rocks. The methodology adopted has great potential to explore the reservoirs of fan delta front in lacustrine deltas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Forties Sandstone Member is an important deep-water reservoir in the Central North Sea. The role of depositional characteristics, grain-coating clays, and diagenesis in controlling the reservoir quality of the sandstones is poorly understood. The main aim of the study is to understand the role of depositional characteristics, grain-coating and pore-filling clays, and diagenesis in controlling the reservoir quality evolution of turbidite-channel sandstones. The study employed a multi-disciplinary technique involving thin section petrography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the impact of grain size, clay matrix content, mode of occurrence of grain-coating chlorite and illite, and their impact in arresting quartz cementation and overall reservoir quality in the sandstones. Results of our study reveal that porosity evolution in the sandstones has been influenced by both primary depositional characteristics and diagenesis. Sandstones with coarser grain size and lower pore-filling clay content have the best reservoir porosity (up to 28%) compared to those with finer grain size and higher pore-filling clay content. Quartz cement volume decreases with increasing clay-coating coverage. Clay coating coverage of >40% is effective in arresting quartz cementation. Total clay volume of as low as 10% could have a deleterious impact on reservoir quality. The Forties Sandstone Member could potentially be a suitable candidate for physical and mineralogical storage of CO2. However, because of its high proportion (>20%) of chemically unstable minerals (feldspar, carbonates, and clays), their dissolution due to CO2 injection and storage could potentially increase reservoir permeability by an order of magnitude, thereby affecting the geomechanical and tensile strength of the sandstones. Therefore, an experimental study investigating the amount of CO2 to be injected (and at what pressure) is required to maintain and preserve borehole integrity. The findings of our study can be applied in other reservoirs with similar depositional environments to improve their reservoir quality prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Butano Sandstone forms part of an Eocene submarine fan deposited in the La Honda basin in central California. The Butano submarine fan has been subdivided into three main facies associations: southern inner-fan deposits, central middle-fan deposits, and northern outer-fan deposits. In spite of homogeneous quartzofeldspathic sandstone composition, these outcrop belts have several compositional and mineralogical differences, likely caused by post-depositional events related to the complex tectonic history of the La Honda basin, and expressed in deep-burial diagenesis and possible hydrothermal alteration. Both compaction and cementation reduced the intergranular volume (lower than 19 %) and the Compactional Index (average 0.9), indicating the major role of compaction in reducing original porosity. The southern proximal-fan and northern distal-fan outcrops exhibit different relative abundance of detrital quartz (Qm 43.5 %) than the middle-fan central outcrop (Qm 50.7 %). Primarily plagioclase and subordinately K-feldspar suffered leaching and intense dissolution during burial, particularly in the central part of the basin, even showing similar and quite constant distribution of alteration degree among the three outcrop belts (dominantly Fpc, Fpd, Fka, and Fkb grain types). Plagioclase abundance decreases in the middle-fan deposits proportionally with the increase of authigenic kaolinite, even where present in moderate amount; in contrast, authigenic kaolinite of inner-fan strata probably formed after partial dissolution of K-feldspar. Diagenetic changes are most abundant in the Butano Sandstone in the central part of the La Honda basin, likely primarily due to hydrothermal effects during deep burial. • Investigating the post-depositional processes affecting the framework composition of the Butano Sandstone. • Compaction play the crucial role, rather than cementation, in reducing the original porosity. • Dissolution affects primarily plagioclase grains and subordinately k-feldspar. • Samples belonging to the central portion of the Butano sandstone exhibits a higher volume of quartz due to diagenetic evolution of composition. • Burial diagenesis and hydrothermal effects influence the detrital mode of the Butano Sandstone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new workflow integrating intelligent inversion and lithology model is proposed. • This method improves the seismic resolution and prediction of tight sandbodies. • The results provide reliable geological information for horizontal well drilling. Lacustrine gravity-flow deposits are common in sedimentary basins, and sand bodies formed in the basin center mingled with organic rich mudstone may form excellent tight reservoirs of hydrocarbons. However, the complex architecture and intensive heterogeneities of lacustrine gravity-flow deposits commonly pose great risks for hydrocarbon exploration and development. To address this problem, a new workflow for predicting tight sandstone is proposed in this work. The workflow combines well log analysis, intelligent seismic inversion and 3D geological modelling to improve the prediction effectiveness of tight sandstone and sedimentary facies. The original 3D seismic data was firstly decomposed into three components with low, middle and high frequencies to improve the resolution of seismic inversion, and a nonlinear relationship between well logs and the decomposed 3D seismic data was then established by using an algorithm of support vector machine. A 3D lithofacies model was subsequently established integrating well logs and the seismic inversion result. The distribution of sand thickness was imaged relying on the lithofacies model. Correlations between the actual and predicted sand thickness based on the seismic attributes and the seismic inversion result was improved from 0.66 to 0.79. The prediction of sand bodies was further improved through the 3D lithofacies modelling, especially for these thin sandstone layers. Sedimentary facies of the Chang_7 member in the Qingcheng Oilfield, Ordos Basin, were characterized based on the distribution of sand bodies. Fan-shaped sand bodies are mapped in each zone of the Chang_7 member, revealing that the entire Chang_7 successions are of sub-lacustrine fan in origin. The Chang_7 member mainly contains six sedimentary architectural elements: main channel, branch channel, lobe, lobe edge, slump body and inter lobe/inter channel. The distribution of sedimentary facies is different in different zones, and appears to be largely related to the change of base-level. A horizontal well was designed according to the prediction of sand bodies, which show a higher probability of drilling into sandstone by approximately 10% compared with that of other horizontal wells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The early Miocene Burqan Formation is a deep-marine syn -rift succession. • Facies analysis indicate deposition in proximal to distal fan settings. • Depositional parameters (grain size and detrital matrix) exert dominant control on reservoir quality. • Diagenesis plays only a minor role on reservoir quality. • Mid-fan channel deposits are interpreted as excellent quality reservoirs. Understanding the distribution of sedimentary facies, their texture and diagenetic alterations in deep-marine rift systems are critical for improved reservoir quality predictions in the subsurface. Syn-rift deep-marine sandstones of the Miocene Burqan Formation, deposited by various sediment gravity flow types in the Midyan Basin (Red Sea, Saudi Arabia) are characterized using detailed sedimentological and petrographic analyses. Six distinctive lithofacies (F1-F6) have been identified within the Burqan Formation and grouped into three broad facies associations namely proximal, medial, and distal facies of a submarine fan. The proximal fan facies consists of disorganized conglomerate (F1) and structureless sandstone (F2). The medial fan facies are represented by graded bedded and channelized sandstone (F3) and sandstone dominated heterolithics (F4). Deposits of distal fan facies consist of mudstone dominated heterolithics (F5) and structureless mudstone (F6). The sandstones are predominantly arkoses and lithic arkoses with a low degree of diagenetic modification (Eo- and Telo-diagenesis; ≤ 2 km and ≤ 70 °C temperature) and low to moderate volumes of carbonate cement (mean = 7%). The structureless sandstone (F2), sandstone dominated heterolithics (F4) and mudstone dominated heterolithics (F5) have poor reservoir quality due to the presence of authigenic cement and matrix. Graded bedded and channelized sandstone (F3) lithofacies consists of excellent reservoir sandstone due to the least proportion of cement and virtual absence of detrital clay. The observed variability in composition and textural parameters within Burqan Formation indicates that sedimentological transport processes control the depositional reservoir quality which in turn dictates diagenetic modification in deep-marine sandstones with important implications for prediction of reservoir quality in deep-marine systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core, thin sections, cathodoluminescence (CL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), conventional well logs and image logs are used to unravel depositional microfacies, diagenetic facies and fractures in the deeply buried (6000–8100 m) Cretaceous Bashijiqike (K 1 bs) and Baxigai (K 1 bx) Formations in Kuqa depression of the Tarim Basin. Results show that depositional microfacies in core and well log data include distributary channel, river mouth bar and distributary bay deposits of fan-braided delta fronts as well as lacustrine deposits. We establish well log predictable models of depositional microfacies using conventional and image logs. The Cretaceous sandstones experienced low to medium mechanical compaction and low intensity dissolution. Dominant diagenetic minerals are carbonate cements, clay minerals and minor amounts of quartz cements. The pore spaces are primarily intergranular pores and rare dissolution pores. We identify three diagenetic facies according to compaction state and diagenetic minerals, including carbonate cemented facies, tightly compacted facies, and facies having limited compaction and lacking cement (slightly cemented and compacted facies). We use well log characteristics to interpret diagenetic facies in areas without core data. Fractures are also elements of reservoir quality, including vertical opening-mode fractures, high to medium dip angle fractures, low angle fractures that probably include small faults and horizontal fractures. Fractures include open, partially open, and closed (sealed) fractures. We used image logs to identify fracture attributes, and calculate fracture density, porosity, aperture, and length. Depositional microfacies and diagenetic facies determine the primary intergranular pores and diagenesis subsequently modified secondary pore spaces. Natural fractures acted as both reservoir porosity (probably less than 1%) and as hydrocarbon flow channels accounting for elevated permeability. We evaluate and predict reservoir quality by superposing depositional microfacies, diagenetic facies and fracture occurrence. • Reservoir quality is evaluated from depositional facies, diagenetic facies and fracture. • Hydrocarbon productivity is determined by fracture, and depositional-diagenetic controlled matrix pores. • Petrophysical facies is used for sweet spot prediction in deep buried tight sandstone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meteoric water flushing into deep-marine environments is a topic of debate since the actual transport mechanism remains elusive. In order to evaluate the potential impact of meteoric water on early diagenesis of deep-marine sandstones, two submarine fan sandstone reservoirs, the Eocene Frigg (Frigg oilfield) and the Palaeocene Heimdal (Grane field) that have the same source area, were compared and contrasted. Petrographic studies reveal that both sandstone reservoirs are at the eodiagenesis stage (<70 °C) at the present day. However, the Eocene Frigg sandstones are characterized by geological features suggestive of potential meteoric water diagenesis, such as dissolution and kaolinization of the silicate grains, whereas the Palaeocene Heimdal sandstones show negligible alteration. The δ13C V-PDB and δ18O V-PDB values of siderites in the Eocene Frigg sandstones range from +5.2‰ to +16.7‰, and from −8.2‰ to −6.6‰, respectively, indicating siderite formation during methanogenesis in meteoric pore water. Results from generic hydrogeochemical modelling scenarios lend further support to the hypothesis of meteoric water flushing. Thus, we suggest that massive meteoric water might have been brought into the Frigg turbidite sands by basinward migration of the meteoric water. This occurred because the East Shetland Platform experienced two stages of relative sea-level fall (during and at the end of the Eocene, Priabonian), and flushing might have taken place via connected incised canyons. The location of the Frigg sands deposited immediately below the Shetland escarpment and the narrow palaeo-shelf area may have facilitated such meteoric water incursions. Our study suggests meteoric water intrusions as a possible diagenetic control of deep-marine sandstones, and, therefore, meteoric water diagenesis should be considered in the prediction of properties of deep-marine sandstone reservoirs. • Diagenesis in two deep-marine turbidite sandstones was contrastively studied by a multi-disciplinary approach. • Meteoric water intrusion leads to the dissolution and kaolinization of detrital grains in turbidite sandstone reservoirs. • Massive meteoric water intrudes into the deep-marine turbidite sandstones during relative sea-level fall stages. • Hydrogeochemical modelling enables the retracting of meteoric water diagenesis in deep-marine turbidite sandstones. • Consideration of meteoric water diagenesis is required in reservoir quality prediction of deep-marine sandstones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zagórnik-Rzyki studied section includes the upper part of the Veřovice Fm and the lower part of the Lhoty Fm (Aptian–Albian), which are small fragments of the much thicker sedimentary succession of the Silesian Nappe (Polish Outer Carpathians). Logged section gives a good insight into the relatively proximal but muddy submarine fan environment with at least partially confined nature and widely distributed facies of heterolithic deposits and banded sandstone. Three distinguished facies associations represent a gradual lateral shift toward the depositional lobe flank in a relatively proximal setting, away from the main sediment distribution pathways. The studied heterolithic deposits show various internal sedimentary structures (muddy ripples, draped ripples, low-amplitude bed-waves, low-angle laminated bedforms, small lenticular bedforms and plane-parallel laminated mudstone) considered as a record of the dynamic of sedimentary processes on a submarine depositional lobe flank environment. Despite the predominance of finning upward grain size trends (wanning flow deposits), sedimentary structures in the heterolithic deposits may stack in a varied order, also forming coarsening upward trend (waxing flow deposits), bi-gradational trend (waxing to wanning flow deposits), and complex trends (deposits with multiple waxing to wanning flow pulses) indicating record of hyperpycnal flows. Lack of hybrid event beds despite the occurrence of transitional flow deposits is evidence that even in mud-dominated to mixed sand-mud submarine turbidite systems, the flow transformation from fully turbulent to cohesive laminar behaviour is incomplete in relatively proximal depositional environment. Instead, a variety of facies banded sandstone and heterolithic deposits may represent a significant fragment of the sedimentary record in the proximal depositional lobe flank setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recently discovered locality of the Katian age near Erfoud (Morocco) supports an assumption that at least some conulariids lived preferably in monospecific associations. Thousands of skeletons belonging to Archaeoconularia consobrina (Barrande, 1867) were documented in an extensive accumulation within a 20 cm thick calcareous sandstone bed containing also rounded intraclasts of fine-grained sediments. The specimens are well exposed on the top surface of the bed due to weathering. The specimens have the same prevailing orientation throughout the entire bed. The preservation and distribution patterns of these conulariids suggest a parautochthonous origin of the accumulation that was likely deposited after a single, high water-energy event, such as a storm or turbidite flow. The same taphonomic situation was recently described for Anaconularia anomala (Barrande, 1867) from a Sandbian site in the Czech Republic and for Archaeoconularia cf. consobrina (Barrande, 1867) in a different Sandbian site in Bohemia, Czech Republic. Thus, the monospecific conulariid assemblages with abundant specimens seem not to be exceptional. Such mass occurrences of conulariids are similar in (1) alignment of specimens along the pre­vailing current direction, (2) limited content of other faunal elements, and (3) the presence of intraclasts and the sandstone matrix. These taxa are interpreted as originally inhabiting an offshore environment below the storm wave base, with erected skeletons firmly attached to the sandy bottom at some calm places, or more probably deeply anchored in sand with the apical part (similar mode of life has recently been shown in fan mussels, which are often accompanied by algae forming sea meadows). During a single catastrophic event, conulariid skeletons were first broken off. This resulted in prevalence of the rounded schott ending in the apical region of the specimens. The apertural endings, including lappets, were destroyed during rapid transport prior to final de­position as aligned monospecific mass accumulations. It is worth noting that some localities, especially those in Morocco, yielded mass accumulations, with tests densely covered by diverse epibionts like brachiopods and edrioasteroids, while others are typified by undisturbed skeletons without attached epizoans or traces of attachment scars. All these taphonomic and palaeoecological aspects, as well as association with mass occurrences of algae, are subject to further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Deep-lacustrine systems are considerably less studied than their marine counterparts, mostly due to the low number of large and continuous outcrops worldwide. This study details outcrops and cores from Chang 7, Ordos Basin, China, which are composed dominantly of fine-grained deposits interbedded with amalgamated sandstones. Thick sandstone deposits, previously described as massive sandstones and interpreted as sandy debrites, are here re-interpreted as amalgamated sandstones, deposited by high-density turbidity currents associated with deep-lacustrine slope channels. Two outcrops composed of these deposits, which form intervals ranging from 6 to 20 m thick, laterally ranging from 600 to 1200 m, preserving evidence of sediment bypass such as erosional features and abundant trough cross-bedding, have been interpreted as lacustrine slope channels. Deposits composed dominantly of interbedded thin-bedded normal-graded sandstone and mudstone, with common occurrences of ripple cross-lamination (>70 % of the beds), interbedded with sporadic amalgamated medium-bedded sandstones have been interpreted as levee deposits. These deposits outcrop laterally to slope channel deposits, supporting the interpretation they are genetically and architecturally related. Similar deposits are also described in core, overlying channelised sand-prone deposits. Interbedded thin- to medium-bedded normal-graded sandstones and mudstones, which are not associated with a confining surface (non-channelised), nor an adjacent slope channel, have been interpreted as terminal splays. The re-interpretation of the sandstone-prone deposits of the Yanchang Formation as slope channel-levees to terminal splays provides a different approach to lateral and temporal distribution of architectural elements in intracratonic lacustrine basins, and therefore hydrocarbon exploration and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lithostratigraphic plays in the Dongfang area of the Yinggehai Basin at the northern margin of the South China Sea consist of a Neogene multistage, thinly bedded, channel-lobe system. Integrating high-resolution 3D seismic, lithological and well log data shows that the channel-lobe system developed primarily in the lowstand system tract of the Huangliu Formation. We investigated the developmental stages of lobes based on the stacking relationships of seismic events, the degrees of channel downcutting in lobes, and the occurrences of sandstone facies observed in the stratal slices. The lobes finally identified 9 small-scale stages, which reveal a complete sedimentary cycle controlled by high-frequency sea-level fluctuations. Facies architectures such as main channels, channels and overbank deposits were identified by using seismic sedimentology and geomorphology. Seismic stratal slices display the different characteristics of the sediment dispersal patterns in the northern part (block DF-a) and the southern region (block DF-b). The northern part contains isolated lobes. The southern region mostly contains deeply incised channels and meander belts that are wider than those in the northern part. Three main sediment dispersal patterns have been recognized, namely, channel-lobe, channelized lobe and non-channelized lobe. Sea level fluctuation and topographic variations exert strong influences on spatial-temporal evolution of the sediment diffusion and are the key controlling factors for the patterns. The methodology used in this study characterizes the submarine fan development in an area with limited well control; this methodology is more accurate for reservoir-scale exploration and development compared to other uses. • The standardized process of the stage analysis of different scales in the channel-lobe system. • Integrated with seismic, lithology, and well logging data to identify sediment-dispersal patterns in the channel-lobe system. • This study reveals a complete cycle transformation and key control factors within a high-resolution sequence. • This work can serve as a useful reference for sediment-dispersal patterns distinguish and stage analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shallow-marine turbidite fans in the Upper Miocene Huangliu Formation of the Yinggehai Basin in the northwestern South China Sea (SCS) provide an excellent opportunity to understand their sedimentary processes in a shelf depositional environment. The down-slope gravity flow processes and along-slope bottom-current reworking processes of shallow-marine turbidite fans were interpreted by using seismic, well logging, core, petrographic, geochemical, and petrophysical data. Several depositional elements were identified in the shallow-marine turbidite fans, namely, channel-fill high-density turbidites (HDTs), channel-fill low-density turbidites (LDTs) and associated frontal splays, sand-rich/mud-rich lobe deposits, and bottom-current reworked channel-fill/lobe deposits. Deep U-shaped (or V-shaped) seismic reflections and low root-mean-square (RMS) amplitudes characterize the channel-fill HDTs that consist of massive fine-grained sandstones with mud clasts. The channel-fill LDTs, characterized by V-shaped or worm-shaped reflections, mostly consist of normally graded, laminated and rippled, very fine-grained sandstones. Frontal splays are generally associated with channel-fill LDTs. The sand-rich lobe deposits show continuous high-amplitude sheet-like reflections and consist of HDTs and LDTs, whereas the mud-rich lobe deposits show continuous moderate-amplitude reflections and consist of muddy debrites. The bottom-current reworked sandstones (BCRSs), which comprise well-sorted, fine-grained sandstones with traction-current structures, are usually located in the upper parts of thick sandbodies. The variability of depositional elements from large-scale channel-fill HDTs with strong basal erosion in fan-1 to small-scale channel-fill LDTs in fan-2 is closely linked with sea-level fluctuations that result in variable gravity-flow energy and sediment input. However, the reoccurrence of large-scale channel-fill HDTs in fan-3 at sea-level highstands may possibly be attributed to enhanced sediment input from the source areas. Down-slope flow transformation from turbidity flows into muddy debris flows within an individual channel-lobe complex (CLC) resulted in a dramatic increase in clay content and resultant decreasing reservoir quality from the channel-fill HDTs to the mud-rich lobe deposits, because muddy sediments are incorporated into the precursor turbidity flows and turbulence is suppressed. Additionally, it is suggested that the widely developed traction-current structures and tidal signatures (double mud layers, mud-draped ripples, discrete wavy bedding, internal truncation surface, and convex-up laminae) are the products of reworking by internal waves and -tides. During periods of sea-level highstands, the upper parts of gravity-flow sandstones would undergo bottom-current reworking, thus resulting in the retransportation of muddy fines and the formation of reworked sandstones with traction-current structures and tidal signatures. In this study, a combination of traction-current structures, tidal signatures, vertical sequences showing sharp upper contacts and non-gradational upper contacts, and trace elements is considered to be convincing diagnostic criteria in distinguishing reworked sandstones from gravity-flow sandstones. The representative bottom-current reworked sandstones should be preferable hydrocarbon targets in further exploration because of their better reservoir properties compared with gravity-flow sandstones. This research offers some insight into gravity-flow processes and bottom-current reworking processes in a shallow marine environment. • The variability of depositional elements is associated with sea-level fluctuations. • Down-slope flow transformations result in the variations of reservoir quality. • The upper parts of gravity-flow deposits have been reworked by internal waves and -tides. • An association of diagnostic criteria can help to identify bottom-current reworked sandstones. • The bottom-current reworked sandstones may represent a preferable hydrocarbon unit than turbidites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]