Abstract
In the Qiongdongnan Basin, faults are well developed. Based on the drilling results, the traps controlled two or more faults are oil-rich. However, when only one fault cut through the sand body, there is no sign for hydrocarbon accumulation in the sandstone. In terms of this phenomenon, the principle of reservoir-forming controlled by fault terrace is proposed, i.e., when the single fault activates, because of the incompressibility of pore water, the resistance of pore and the direction of buoyancy, it is impossible for hydrocarbon to accumulate in sandstone. But when there are two or more faults, one of the faults acts as the spillway so the hydrocarbon could fill in the pore of sandstone through other faults. In total five gas bearing structures and four failure traps are considered, as examples to demonstrate our findings. According to this theory, it is well-advised that south steep slope zone of Baodao-Changchang Depression, south gentle slope zone of Lingshui Depression, north steep slope zone of Lingshui Depression, and north steep slope zone of Baodao Depression are the most favorable step-fault zones, which are the main exploration direction in next stage.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Chen Huanqing, Zhu Xiaomin, Zhang Gongcheng, et al. 2010. Characteristics of migration system of paleogene Lingshui Formation in the deep water area in Qiongdongnan Basin. Acta Geologica Sinica, 84(1): 138–148
Fu Guang, Wang Yougong, Lü Yanfang, et al. 2008. Research on main controlling factors for forming large and medium size gas fields in China. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 29(3): 342–344
Hippler S J. 1993. Deformation microstructures and diagenesis in sandstone adjacent to an extensional fault: implications for the flow and entrapment of hydrocarbon. AAPG Bull, 77(4): 625–637
Jiang Zhenxue, Pang Xiongqi, Zeng Jianhui, et al. 2005. Research on types of the dominant migration pathways and their physical simulation experiments. Earth Science Frontiers, 12(4): 507–516
Li Xuxuan, Zhu Guanghui. 2005. The fault system and its hydrocarbon carrier significance in Qiongdongnan basin. China Offshore Oil and Gas, 17(1): 1–7
Luo Qun, 2002. Fault controlling hydrocarbon theory and petroleum exploration practice. Earth Science-Journal of China University of Geosciences, 27(6): 752–756
Xie Wenyan, Sun Zhen, Zhang Yiwei, et al. 2007. Characteristics and formation mechanism of faults in Qiongdongnan Basin. Marine Geology and Quaternary Geology, 27(1): 71–78
Zhong Zhihong. 2000. The structure formation mechanism and hydrocarbon accumulation in the Yinggehai-Qiongdongnan Basin of the northern South China Sea [dissertation]. Nanjing: Department of Earth Sciences, Nanjing University, 59–75
Zhu Weilin, Zhang Gongcheng, Yang Shaokun, et al. 2007. Gas Geology in the Northern Continental Margin Basin of South China Sea. Beijing: Petroleum Industry Press: 145–156
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Foundation item: The Key Projects in the National Science & Technology Pillar Program during the Twelfth Five-year Plan Period under contract No. 2011ZX05025-002-05.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wang, Z., Liu, Z., Cao, S. et al. Vertical migration through faults and hydrocarbon accumulation patterns in deepwater areas of the Qiongdongnan Basin. Acta Oceanol. Sin. 33, 96–106 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13131-014-0579-2
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13131-014-0579-2