Abstract
The paper systematically analyzes the hydrocarbon migration characteristics of the Lower Cretaceous in the Erlian Basin, based on the geochemical data of mudstone and sandstone in the main hydrocarbon-generating sags. (1) The source rocks in K1 ba and K1 bt 1 are estimated to be the mature ones, their hydrocarbon expulsion ratio can reach 32%–72%. The Type-I sags in oil windows possess good hydrocarbon generation and expulsion conditions, where commercial reservoirs can be formed. (2) According to the curves of the mudstone compaction and evolution of clay minerals, the rapid compaction stage of mudstones is the right time of hydrocarbon expulsion, i.e., primary migration. (3) The timing between hydrocarbon generation and expulsion is mainly related to the accordance of the oil window and the rapid compaction stage of mudstones in the hydrocarbon generation sags of Type-I. That forms the most matching relation between hydrocarbon generation and migration. (4) The faults and unconformities are the important paths for the secondary hydrocarbon migration. Especially, the unconformity between K1 ba and K1 bt 1 has a favorable condition for oil accumulation, where the traps of all types are the main exploration targets. (5) Hydrocarbon migration effect, in the Uliastai sag, is most significant; that in the Saihan Tal and Anan sags comes next, and that in the Bayandanan and Jargalangt sags is worst.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Dickey P.A. (1975) Possible primary migration of oil from source rock in oil phase [J]. AAPG Bulletin. 59, 87–89.
Du Jinghu, Yi Shiwei, Zhang Yimin et al. (2003) Subtle Trap Exploration in Erlian Basin [M]. pp.89–92. Petroleum Industrial Publishing House, Beijing (in Chinese).
Fang Jie and Gu Lianxin (2005) Geochemistry and genesis of heavy oil in the Erlian Basin [J]. Chinese Journal of Geochemistry. 24, 57–65.
Fang Jie, Hou Fengxiang, Shun Tongtong et al. (1998) Thermal evolution of source rock organic matter in the Lower Cretanceous in Erlian Rifted Basin [J]. Xinjiang Petroleum Geology. 19, 476–480 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Fei Baosheng, Zhu Yuheng, Zhou Weihong et al. (2001) Oil and Gas Geology in Erlian Rifted Basin Groups [M]. pp.114–121. Petroleum Industrial Publishing House, Beijing (in Chinese).
Jones R.W. (1981) Role of geological and geochemistry in hydrocarbon migration [J]. AAPG Studies in Geology. 66, 198–221.
Kaximofu P.C. (1980) Ration evaluation of hydrocarbon migration degree [J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development. 34, 79–82 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Magara K. (1978) Geological model predicting optimum sandstone percent for oil accumulation [J]. Bull. Can. Pet. Geol. 26, 132–133.
Tissot B.P. and Weltere D.H. (1978) Petroleum Formation and Occurrence: A New Approach to Oil and Gas Exploration [M]. pp.50–70, 311–315. Springer-Valag, Berlin.
Zeng Xianzhang, Liang Digang, Wang Zhongran et al. (1989) The Biomarkers in Continental Crude and Source Rocks in China [M]. pp.167–168. Science and Technology Publishing House, Beijing (in Chinese).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zhao, W., Fang, J. Hydrocarbon migration characteristics of the Lower Cretaceous in the Erlian Basin. Chin. J. of Geochem. 26, 1–7 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-007-0001-2
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11631-007-0001-2