Direct evidence for fluid overpressure during hydrocarbon generation and expulsion from organic-rich shales

Geology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 374-378
Author(s):  
Miao Wang ◽  
Yong Chen ◽  
Wyatt M. Bain ◽  
Guoqi Song ◽  
Keyu Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Wall Rock ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Bohai Bay ◽  
Hydrocarbon Generation ◽  
Calcite Veins ◽  
History Of ◽  
Fluid Overpressures ◽  
Adjacent Wall ◽  
Record Variable

Abstract Fluid overpressures are widely expected during hydrocarbon generation and expulsion from source rocks, yet direct evidence for this phenomenon is lacking in the case of organic-rich shales. Here we show that formation of bed-parallel fibrous calcite veins in mature laminated organic-rich shales in the Eocene Dongying depression, Bohai Bay Basin, east China, occurred in direct response to fluid overpressure due to hydrocarbon generation. The evidence for overpressure is recorded by coexisting primary aqueous and petroleum inclusions in the calcite fibers. Our results show that all analyzed fluid-inclusion assemblages record variable degrees of overpressure during vein dilation, ranging from only modestly in excess of hydrostatic, to approaching and perhaps exceeding lithostatic. Thus, our results indicate that fluid pressures during dilation of horizontal veins are not necessarily equal to the opposing force of overburden throughout the history of opening. This suggests that at least some of the vein dilation is accommodated by concomitant narrowing of the adjacent wall-rock laminae, likely by scavenging (dissolution and reprecipitation) of CaCO3 from the adjacent wall rock.

Beef veins record fluid overpressure during oil primary migration in source rocks

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miao Wang ◽  
Yong Chen ◽  
Matthew Steele-MacInnis
Keyword(s):  
Wall Rock ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Positive Pressure ◽  
Bohai Bay ◽  
Hydrocarbon Generation ◽  
Burial History ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Calcite Veins ◽  
Primary Migration ◽  
Adjacent Wall

<p>Bedding-parallel, fibrous calcite veins (commonly referred to as “beefs”) are widely developed within Eocene, lacustrine, laminated organic-rich source rocks in the Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, East China. Based on the study of vein petrography and fluid inclusions features, we demonstrate the vein was the product of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion from organic-rich shales. Consequently, the primary inclusions in the fibrous calcites recorded the fluid conditions during maturation of these source rocks. In most cases, the calcite-hosted primary inclusion assemblages are composed of the two-phase (oil + gas) hydrocarbon inclusions, with or without coexisting aqueous inclusions. Less commonly, the assemblages are made up of inclusions with only liquid hydrocarbon (i.e., monophase, high-density petroleum inclusions). In addition, many bitumen-bearing oil inclusions could also be observed in the fibrous calcite veins. By modelling the isochores of two-phase oil inclusions and coexisting aqueous inclusions, in light of the burial history for the basin, we conclude the fluid overpressure up to approximately twice (2x) the hydrostatic value (i.e., ~0.5–0.6x lithostatic) are the most common during the hydrocarbon generation and primary migration. The highest degrees of overpressure are recorded by the rare monophase petroleum inclusions. The resulting isochores of these highest density inclusions project to pressures that overlap with the lithostatic gradient. Thus, the monophase inclusions indicate pressures approaching and in some cases exceeding lithostatic. Our results indicate that fluids present during hydrocarbon generation and expulsion in organic-rich shales were indeed overpressured, but that lithostatic pressures were not the norm and evidently not a prerequisite for vein dilation, which means the fluid pressures during dilation of horizontal veins are not necessarily equal to the overburden throughout the history of the opening. This suggests that at least some of the vein dilation is accommodated and offset by concomitant narrowing of the adjacent wall rock laminae, likely by scavenging (dissolution/reprecipitation) of CaCO<sub>3</sub> from the adjacent wall rock, owing to the positive pressure dependence of calcite solubility, and presence of organic acids as byproducts of hydrocarbon generation.</p>

scholarly journals Evaluation of hydrocarbons generated from the Permo-Carboniferous source rocks in Huanghua Depression of the Bohai Bay Basin, China

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 1229-1244
Author(s):  
Xiao-Rong Qu ◽  
Yan-Ming Zhu ◽  
Wu Li ◽  
Xin Tang ◽  
Han Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Bohai Bay ◽  
Hydrocarbon Generation ◽  
Burial History ◽  
Bohai Bay Basin ◽  
Important Conclusion ◽  
The North ◽  
Huanghua Depression ◽  
History Of

The Huanghua Depression is located in the north-centre of Bohai Bay Basin, which is a rift basin developed in the Mesozoic over the basement of the Huabei Platform, China. Permo-Carboniferous source rocks were formed in the Huanghua Depression, which has experienced multiple complicated tectonic alterations with inhomogeneous uplift, deformation, buried depth and magma effect. As a result, the hydrocarbon generation evolution of Permo-Carboniferous source rocks was characterized by discontinuity and grading. On the basis of a detailed study on tectonic-burial history, the paper worked on the burial history, heating history and hydrocarbon generation history of Permo-Carboniferous source rocks in the Huanghua Depression combined with apatite fission track testing and fluid inclusion analyses using the EASY% Ro numerical simulation. The results revealed that their maturity evolved in stages with multiple hydrocarbon generations. In this paper, we clarified the tectonic episode, the strength of hydrocarbon generation and the time–spatial distribution of hydrocarbon regeneration. Finally, an important conclusion was made that the hydrocarbon regeneration of Permo-Carboniferous source rocks occurred in the Late Cenozoic and the subordinate depressions were brought forward as advantage zones for the depth exploration of Permo-Carboniferous oil and gas in the middle-northern part of the Huanghua Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China.

scholarly journals Thermal Maturation Regime Revisited in the Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, East China

Geofluids ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Haiping Huang ◽  
Hong Zhang ◽  
Zheng Li ◽  
Mei Liu
Keyword(s):  
Organic Geochemistry ◽  
Vitrinite Reflectance ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
East China ◽  
Burial Depth ◽  
Bohai Bay ◽  
Hydrocarbon Generation ◽  
Bohai Bay Basin ◽  
Dongying Depression ◽  
Hydrocarbon Maturation

To the accurate reconstruction of the hydrocarbon generation history in the Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, East China, core samples of the Eocene Shahejie Formation from 3 shale oil boreholes were analyzed using organic petrology and organic geochemistry methods. The shales are enriched in organic matter with good to excellent hydrocarbon generation potential. The maturity indicated by measured vitrinite reflectance (%Ro) falls in the range of 0.5–0.9% and increases with burial depth in each well. Changes in biomarker and aromatic hydrocarbon isomer distributions and biomarker concentrations are also unequivocally correlated with the thermal maturity of the source rocks. Maturity/depth relationships for hopanes, steranes, and aromatic hydrocarbons, constructed from core data indicate different well locations, have different thermal regimes. A systematic variability of maturity with geographical position along the depression has been illustrated, which is a dependence on the distance to the Tanlu Fault. Higher thermal gradient at the southern side of the Dongying Depression results in the same maturity level at shallower depth compared to the northern side. The significant regional thermal regime change from south to north in the Dongying Depression may exert an important impact on the timing of hydrocarbon maturation and expulsion at different locations. Different exploration strategies should be employed accordingly.

Hydrocarbon generation and evolution of the source rocks of the lower Es3 and upper Es4 members of the Shahejie Formation in the Niuzhuang Sub-sag, Jiyang Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, eastern China

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. SN11-SN21
Author(s):  
Zhenkai Huang ◽  
Maowen Li ◽  
Quanyou Liu ◽  
Xiaomin Xie ◽  
Peng Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Activation Energy ◽  
Eastern China ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Bohai Bay ◽  
Hydrocarbon Generation ◽  
Bohai Bay Basin ◽  
Jiyang Depression ◽  
Generation Threshold ◽  
Oil Generation ◽  
Shahejie Formation

Systematic organic petrology and geochemistry analyses have been conducted in the source rocks of the lower Es3 and upper Es4 members of the Shahejie Formation in the Niuzhuang Sub-sag, Jiyang Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, eastern China. The results indicate that the main organic types of shale and nongypsum mudstone in the lower Es3 and upper Es4 member are I-II1 kerogen, and the predominant ([Formula: see text]) activation energy frequencies range from 57 to [Formula: see text]. The similar distribution characteristics in the two source rocks indicate that they have a similar hydrocarbon maturation process. An extensive pyrolysis analysis indicates that the source rocks of the upper Es4 member do not have an obvious double peak hydrocarbon generation model. Previous studies indicate that the hydrocarbon index peak at a depth of 2500–2700 m is affected by migrating hydrocarbon. Major differences are not observed in the hydrocarbon generation and evolution process of the shale and nongypsum mudstone. The primary oil generation threshold of the lower Es3 and upper Es4 members is approximately 3200 m, and the oil generation peak is approximately 3500 m. The activation energy distribution of the gypsum mudstone of the upper Es4 member is wider than that of the shale and nongypsum mudstone, and lower activation energies account for a larger proportion of the activation energies. The above factors may lead to a shallower oil generation threshold for gypsum mudstone compared with that for shale and nongypsum mudstone.

GEOLOGY, SOURCE ROCKS AND HYDROCARBON GENERATION IN THE CLARENCE-MORETON BASIN

1982 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
A. R. Martin ◽  
J. D. Saxby
Keyword(s):  
Vitrinite Reflectance ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Geochemical Data ◽  
Hydrocarbon Potential ◽  
Hydrocarbon Generation ◽  
Tectonic Events ◽  
History Of ◽  
Rock Eval ◽  
Coal Measures ◽  
Migration Pathways

The geology and exploration history of the Triassic-Cretaceous Clarence-Moreton Basin are reviewed. Consideration of new geochemical data ('Rock-Eval', vitrinite reflectance, gas chromatography of extracts, organic carbon and elemental analysis of coals and kerogens) gives further insights into the hydrocarbon potential of the basin. Although organic-rich rocks are relatively abundant, most source rocks that have achieved the levels of maturation necessary for hydrocarbon generation are gas-prone. The exinite-rich oil-prone Walloon Coal Measures are in most parts relatively immature. Some restraints on migration pathways are evident and igneous and tectonic events may have disturbed potentially well-sealed traps. Further exploration is warranted, even though the basin appears gas-prone and the overall prospects for hydrocarbons are only fair. The most promising areas seem to be west of Toowoomba for oil and the Clarence Syncline for gas.

scholarly journals Hydrocarbon generation from Carboniferous-Permian coaly source rocks in the Huanghua depression under different geological processes

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 1540-1555
Author(s):  
Jin-Jun Xu ◽  
Qiang Jin
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Vitrinite Reflectance ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Bohai Bay ◽  
Hydrocarbon Generation ◽  
Oil And Gas Exploration ◽  
Geological Processes ◽  
Light Oil ◽  
Huanghua Depression ◽  
Higher Temperature

AbstractNatural gas and condensate derived from Carboniferous-Permian (C-P) coaly source rocks discovered in the Dagang Oilfield in the Bohai Bay Basin (east China) have important implications for the potential exploration of C-P coaly source rocks. This study analyzed the secondary, tertiary, and dynamic characteristics of hydrocarbon generation in order to predict the hydrocarbon potentials of different exploration areas in the Dagang Oilfield. The results indicated that C-P oil and gas were generated from coaly source rocks by secondary or tertiary hydrocarbon generation and characterized by notably different hydrocarbon products and generation dynamics. Secondary hydrocarbon generation was completed when the maturity reached vitrinite reflectance (Ro) of 0.7%–0.9% before uplift prior to the Eocene. Tertiary hydrocarbon generation from the source rocks was limited in deep buried sags in the Oligocene, where the products consisted of light oil and gas. The activation energies for secondary and tertiary hydrocarbon generation were 260–280 kJ/mol and 300–330 kJ/mol, respectively, indicating that each instance of hydrocarbon generation required higher temperature or deeper burial than the previous instance. Locations with secondary or tertiary hydrocarbon generation from C-P coaly source rocks were interpreted as potential oil and gas exploration regions.

scholarly journals Hydrocarbon Charging and Accumulation in the Permian Reservoirs of the Wumaying Buried Hill, Huanghua Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (23) ◽  
pp. 8109
Author(s):  
Runze Yang ◽  
Xianzheng Zhao ◽  
Changyi Zhao ◽  
Xiugang Pu ◽  
Haitao Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Active Faults ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
Coal Measure ◽  
Bohai Bay ◽  
Accumulation Time ◽  
Hydrocarbon Charging ◽  
History Of ◽  
Buried Hill

The Wumaying buried hill experienced multi-stage tectonic movements, which resulted in a complicated and unclear nature of the hydrocarbon accumulation process. To solve these problems, in this study—based on the structural evolution and burial–thermal history of the strata, using petrology, fluid inclusion microthermometry, geochemical analysis of oil and gas, Laser Raman spectrum, and fluorescence spectrum—the history of hydrocarbon charging was revealed, and the differences in hydrocarbon charging of different wells was clarified. The results indicate that the only source for Permian oil and gas reservoirs are Carboniferous–Permian coal-measure source rocks in the Wumaying buried hill. There are three periods of hydrocarbon charging. Under the channeling of faults and micro cracks, low-mature oil and gas accumulation was formed in the first period, and the accumulation time was 112–93 Ma. In the late Cretaceous, a large-scale uplift exposed and damaged the reservoirs, and part of the petroleum was converted into bitumen. In the middle–late Paleogene, the subsidence of strata caused the coal-measure to expel mature oil and gas, and the accumulation time of mature oil and gas was 34–24 Ma. Since the Neogene, natural gas and high-mature oil have been expelled due to the large subsidence entering the reservoir under the channeling of active faults; the accumulation time was 11–0 Ma. The microfractures of Permian reservoirs in the Wumaying buried hill are the main storage spaces of hydrocarbons, and the fractured reservoirs should be explored in the future. The first period of charging was too small and the second period was large enough in the WS1 well, resulting in only a late period of charging in this well.

Lower limit of hydrocarbon generation in source rocks: A case study from the Dongpu Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, East China

2019 ◽  
Vol 182 ◽  
pp. 103928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling Tang ◽  
Xiongqi Pang ◽  
Yan Song ◽  
Zhenxue Jiang ◽  
Shu Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limit ◽  
Source Rocks ◽  
East China ◽  
Bohai Bay ◽  
Hydrocarbon Generation ◽  
Bohai Bay Basin ◽  
Dongpu Depression
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