Abstract
This paper was conducted on the shale reservoir in the Dongying depression in the Shahejie Formation of Paleogene. Based on detailed core description, rock thin sections, argon ion polishing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, CT scanning and carbon-oxygen isotopic test, the formation mechanism of the inter-laminar fractures (or seams) and their development conditions were discussed by comprehensive analysis of the diagenetic evolution features and the reservoir space evolution characteristics. The results show that the laminated composite pattern in Dongying depression was dominated by vertical distribution of laminated calcite and clay minerals. Contrasted to the traditional understanding, development degree of inter-laminar fractures was much lower. Pure fluid between layers cannot exist without framework minerals, and the pre-existing well connected pore or horizontal overpressure micro seam was favorable paths of fluid migration. From the points of inter-laminar fractures origin mechanism and its evolution, the so called seams, were much more complex than traditional understanding that hydrocarbon generation raised the pore pressure and led to the parallel microfractures. But the inter-laminar fractures had little relationship with that whether the lamination was developed or bedding boundary was clear or not. In fact, the shale reservoir inter-laminar fractures were not rigorous fracture. They were controlled by pre-existing inter-granular pore (or seam) or dissolved pore, which distributed along carbonate laminae boundary and were connected by later super pressure, dissolution and the seepage force. And the development conditions were burial depth (bigger than 3 000 m) and the Ro value (>0.6%). Discussion on its origin and evolution has important petroleum geological significance on optimizing reservoir segment and favorable target areas selection.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Ahmad, A., Rezaee, R., Rasouli, V., 2014. Significance of Compressional Tectonic on Pore Pressure Distribution in Perth Basin. Journal of Unconventional Oil & Gas Resources, 7(9): 55–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.juogr.2014.01.001
Berg, R. R., Gangi, A. F., 1999. Primary Migration by Oil-Generation Microfracturing in Low-Permeability Source Rocks: Application to the Austin Chalk, Texas. AAPG Bulletin, 83(5): 727–756. https://doi.org/10.1306/e4fd2d6b-1732-11d7-8645000102c1865d
Bian, D., Zhao, L., Chen, Y., et al., 2011. Fracture Characteristics and Genetic Mechanism of Overpressure Carbonate Reservoirs: Taking the Kenkiyak Oilfield in Kazakhstan as an Example. Petroleum Exploration & Development, 38(4): 394–399. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1876-3804(11)60042-6
Chen, S. Y., Zhang, S., Wang, Y. S., et al., 2016. Lithofacies Types and Reservoirs of Paleogene Fine-Grained Sedimentary Rocks of Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 42(2): 129–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1876-3804(16)30025-8
Cobbold, P. R., Rodrigues, N., 2007. Seepage Forces, Important Factors in the Formation of Horizontal Hydraulic Fractures and Bedding-Parallel Fibrous Veins (“Beef” and “Cone-in-Cone”). Geofluids, 7(3): 313–322. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-8123.2007.00183.x
Ding, W. L., Li, C., Li, C. Y., et al., 2012. Dominant Factor of Fracture Development in Shale and Its Relationship to Gas Accumulation. Earth Science Frontiers, 19(2): 212–220 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Dong, C. M., Ma, C. F., Luan, G. Q., et al., 2015. Pyrolysis Simulation Experiment and Diagenesis Evolution Pattern of Shale. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 33(5): 1053–1061 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Fu, J. H., Deng, X. Q., Chu, M. J., et al., 2013. Features of Deepwater Lithofacies, Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin and Its Petroleum Significance. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 31(5): 928–938 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Guo, X. S., Hu, D. F., Wei, X. F., et al., 2016. Main Controlling Factors on Shale Fractures and Their Influences on Production Capacity in Jianshiba Area, the Sichuan Basin. Oil & Gas Geology, 37(6): 799–808 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Guo, X. W., He, S., Song, G. Q., et al., 2011. Evidences of Overpressure Caused by Oil Generation in Dongying Depression. Earth Science— Journal of China University of Geosciences, 36(6): 1085–1094 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Guo, X. W., Liu, K. Y., He, S., et al., 2012. Petroleum Generation and Charge History of the Northern Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China: Insight from Integrated Fluid Inclusion Analysis and Basin Modelling. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 32(1): 21–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2011.12.007
Hao, F., Zou, H. Y., Gong, Z. S., et al., 2007. Hierarchies of Overpressure Retardation of Organic Matter Maturation: Case Studies from Petroleum Basins in China. AAPG Bulletin, 91(10): 1467–1498. https://doi.org/10.1306/05210705161
He, S. H., Song, G. Q., Wang, Y. S., et al., 2012. Distribution and Major Control Factors of the Present-Day Large-Scale Overpressured System in Dongying Depression. Earth Science—Journal of China University of Geosciences, 37(5): 1029–1042 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Huang, C. Y., Zhang, J. C., Wang, H., et al., 2015. Lacustrine Shale Deposition and Variable Tectonic Accommodation in the Rift Basins of the Bohai Bay Basin in Eastern China. Journal of Earth Science, 26(5): 700–711. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-015-0602-3
Jiang, Z. X., Liang, C., Wu, J., et al., 2014a. Several Issues in Sedimentological Studies on Hydrocarbon-Bearing Fine-Grained Sedimentary Rocks. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 34(6): 1031–1039 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Jiang, Z. X., Zhang, W. Z., Liang, C., et al., 2014b. Characteristics and Evaluation Elements of Shale Oil Reservoir. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 35(1): 184–196 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Lazar, O. L., Bohacs, K. M., Schieber, J., et al., 2015. Mudstone Primer: Lithofacies Variations, Diagnostic Criteria, and Sedimentologic Stratigraphic Implications at Lamina to Bedset Scales. Society for Sedimentary Geology, Tulsa. 135–152
Lei, Y., Luo, X., Wang, X., et al., 2015. Characteristics of Silty Laminae in Zhangjiatan Shale of Southeastern Ordos Basin, China: Implications for Shale Gas Formation. AAPG Bulletin, 99(4): 661–687. https://doi.org/10.1306/09301414059
Li, Y., Wang, X., Wu, B., et al., 2016. Sedimentary Facies of Marine Shale Gas Formations in Southern China: The Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Southern Sichuan Basin. Journal of Earth Science, 27(5): 807–822. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-015-0592-1
Liang, C., Jiang, Z. X., Cao, Y. C., et al., 2016. Deep-Water Depositional Mechanisms and Significance for Unconventional Hydrocarbon Exploration. AAPG Bulletin, 100(5): 773–794. https://doi.org/10.1306/02031615002
Liang, C., Cao, Y. C., Jiang, Z. X., et al., 2017a. Shale Oil Potential of Lacustrine Black Shale in the Eocene Dongying Depression: Implications for Geochemistry and Reservoir. AAPG Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1306/01251715249
Liang, C., Jiang, Z. X., Cao, Y. C., et al., 2017b. Sedimentary Characteristics and Origin of Lacustrine Organic Rich Shales in the Salinized Eocene Dongying Depression. GSA Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1130/B31584.1
Liu, B., Lü, Y. F., Meng, Y. L., et al., 2015. Petrologic Characteristics and Genetic Model of Lacustrine Lamellar Fine-Grained Rock and Its Significance for Shale Oil Exploration: A Case Study of Permian Lucaogou Formation in Malang Sag, Santanghu Basin, NW China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 42(5): 1–10 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Liu, H. M., Zhang, S. P., Wang, P., et al., 2012. Lithologic Characteristics of Lower Es3, Shale in Luojia Area, Zhanghua Sag. Petroleum Geology and Recovery Efficiency, 19(6): 11–15 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Liu, J., Wang, J., Cao, Y. C., et al., 2017. Sedimentation in a Continental High-Frequency Oscillatory Lake in an Arid Climatic Background: A Case Study of the Lower Eocene in the Dongying Depression, China. Journal of Earth Science, 28(4): 628–644. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-016-0635-2
Liu, Q., Yuan, X. J., Lin, S. H., et al., 2014a. The Classification of Lacustrine Mudrock and Research on Its Depositional Environmen. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 32(6): 1016–1025 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Liu, Q., Zhang, L. Y., Shen, Z. M., et al., 2014b. Microfracture Occurrence and Its Significance to the Hydrocarbons Expulsion in Source Rocks with High Organic Matter Abundance, Dongying Depression. Geological Review, 50(6): 593–597 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Long, P. Y., Zhang, J. C., Jiang, W. L., et al., 2012. Analysis on Pores Forming Features and Its Influence Factors of Reservoir Well Yuye-1. Journal of Central South University (Science and Technology), 43(10): 3954–3964 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Ma, C. F., Dong, C. M., Luan, G. Q., et al., 2016. Types, Characteristics and Effects of Natural Fluid Pressure Fractures in Shale: A Case Study of the Paleogene Strata in Eastern China. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 43(4): 580–589 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Mctavish, R. A., 1998. The Role of Overpressure in the Retardation of Organic Matter Maturation. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 21(2): 153–186. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-5457.1998.tb00652.x
Ning, F. X., 2015. The Main Control Factors of Shale Oil Enrichment in Jiyang Depression. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 36(8): 905–914 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Ning, F. X., Wang, X. J., Hao, X. F., et al., 2017. Occurrence Mechanism of Shale Oil with Different Lithofacies in Jiyang Depression. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 38(2): 185–195 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Osborne, M. J., Swarbrick, R. E., 1997. Mechanisms for Generating Overpressure in Sedimentary Basins: A Reevaluation. AAPG Bulletin, 81(6): 1023–1041
Schieber, J., Zimmerle, W., 1998, The History and Promise of Shale Research. In: Schieber, J., Zimmerle, W., Sethi P., eds, Shales and Mudstones (vol. 1): Basin Studies, Sedimentology and Paleontology. Schweizerbart’sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart. 1–10
Slatt, R. M., O’Brien, N. R., 2011. Pore Types in the Barnett and Woodford Gas Shales: Contribution to Understanding Gas Storage and Migration Pathways in Fine-Grained Rocks. AAPG Bulletin, 95(12): 2017–2030. https://doi.org/10.1306/03301110145
Song, M. S., Xiang, K., Zhang, Y., et al., 2017. Research Progresses on Muddy Gravity Flow Deposits and Their Significances on Shale Oil and Gas: A Case Study from the 3(rd) Oil-Member of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in the Dongying Sag. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 35(4): 740–751 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Song, G. Q., Wang, Y. Z., Shi, X. H., et al., 2013. Paleosalinity and Its Controlling on the Development of Beach and Bar in Lake Facies. Journal of Southwest Petroleum University, 35(2): 8–14 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Sui, F. G., Liu, Q., Zhang, L. Y., 2007. Diagenetic Evolution of Source Rocks and Its Significance to Hydrocarbon Expulsion in Shahejie Formation of Jiyang Depression. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 28(6): 12–16 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Wang, G. M., Ren, Y. J., Zhong, J. H., et al., 2006. Genetic Analysis on Lamellar Calcite Veins in Paleogene Black Shale of the Jiyang Depression. Acta Geologica Sinica, 79(6): 834–838 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Wang, M., Chen, Y., Xu, X. Y., et al., 2015. Progress on Formation Mechanism of the Fibrous Veins in Mudstone and Its Implications to Hydrocarbon Migration. Advances in Earth Science, 30(10): 1107–1118 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Wang, X. P., Mou, C. L., Wang, Q. Y., et al., 2015. Diagensis of Black Shale in Longmaxi Formation, South Sichuan Basin and Its Periphery. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 36(9): 1035–1047 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Xue, L. H., Yang, W., Zhong, J. A., et al., 2015., Porous Evolution of the Organic-Rich Shale from Simulated Experiment with Geological Constrains, Samples from Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin. Acta Geologica Sinica, 89(5): 970–978 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Yang, R. C., Jin, Z. J., van Loon, A. J., et al., 2017. Climatic and Tectonic Controls of Lacustrine Hyperpycnite Origination in the Late Triassic Ordos Basin, Central China: Implications for Unconventional Petroleum Development. AAPG Bulletin, 101(1): 95–117. https://doi.org/10.1306/06101615095
Yuan, Y. S., Zhou, Y., Qiu, D. F., et al., 2015. Evolutionary Patterns of Non-Tectonic Fractures in Shale during Burial. Oil & Gas Geology, 36(5): 822–827 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Zanella, A., Cobbold, P. R., 2012. ‘Beef’: Evidence for Fluid Overpressure and Hydraulic Fracturing in Source Rocks during Hydrocarbon Generation and Tectonic Events: Field Studies and Physical Modelling, Geofluids VII International Conference, June 2012, Rueil-Malmaison
Zanella, A., Cobbold, P. R., le Carlier de Veslud, C., 2014. Physical Modelling of Chemical Compaction, Overpressure Development, Hydraulic Fracturing and Thrust Detachments in Organic-Rich Source Rock. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 55(8): 262–274. https://doi.org/10.13039/501100004342
Zhang, J. G., Jiang, Z. X., Jiang, X. L., et al., 2016. Oil Generation Induces Sparry Calcite Formation in Lacustrine Mudrock, Eocene of East China. Marine & Petroleum Geology, 71(1): 344–359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2016.01.007
Zhang, L. Y., Li, J. Y., Li, Z., et al., 2015. Development Characteristics and Formation Mechanism of Intra-Organic Reservoir Space in Lacustrine Shales. Earth Science—Journal of China University of Geosciences, 40(11): 1824–1833 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Zhang, S. W., Yuan, J., Sui, F. G., et al., 2008. Multiple Diagenetic Environments and Evolvement Model in Deep Formation of the 4th Member, Shahejie Formation in the Northern Dongying Sag. Chinese Journal of Geology, 43(3): 576–587 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Zhang, S., Chen, S. Y., Pu, X. G., et al., 2016a. Lithofacies Types and Reservoir Characteristics of Fine-Grained Sedimentary Rocks in Paleogene, Southern Bohai Fault-Depressed Lacustrine Basin. Journal of China University of Mining & Technology, 45(3): 568–581 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Zhang, S., Liu, H. M., Song, G. Q., et al., 2016b. Genesis and Control Factors of Shale Oil Reserving Space in Dongying Sag. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 37(12): 1495–1527 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Zhou, Y. Q., Zhou, Z. Z., Chen, Y., et al., 2011. Research on Diagenetic Environmental Changes of Deep Reservoir in Minfeng Area, Dongying Sag. Earth Science Frontiers, 18(2): 268–276 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Zhu, G. Y., Jin, Q., Zhou, J. L., et al., 2003. Study on the Infilling Patterns of Lacustrine Basins in the Dongying Depression. Petroleum Geology & Experiment, 25(2): 143–148 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Zou, C. N., Yang, Z., Zhang, G. S., et al., 2014. Conventional and Unconventional Petroleum “Orderly Accumulation”: Concept and Practical Significance. Petroleum Exploration and Develpoment, 41(1): 14–26 (in Chinese with English Abstract)
Acknowledgements
This project was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2014CB239102), the National Science and Technology Major Project (No. 2016ZX05049-4) and the National Natural Science Fundation of China (Nos. 41372107, 41572087). The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-016-0946-3.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Liu, H., Zhang, S., Song, G. et al. A discussion on the origin of shale reservoir inter-laminar fractures in the Shahejie Formation of Paleogene, Dongying depression. J. Earth Sci. 28, 1064–1077 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-016-0946-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-016-0946-3