Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Nature and formation of evaporites in the passive continental margin period of the Sichuan Basin, China: a review

  • Review Paper
  • Published:
Arabian Journal of Geosciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Several layers of evaporites, which are mineral resources and play an important role in oil and gas accumulation, are present in the lower to middle Triassic strata of the Jialingjiang and Leikoupo formations in the Sichuan Basin. These evaporites are characterized by multiple layers, large thicknesses, extensive distributions, and clear salinization cycles. Many studies have been performed on the sedimentary environment, lithofacies paleogeography, and sub- and microfacies related to the formation of evaporites. However, the formation of evaporites from the perspective of prototype basins has been poorly studied. Previous studies have suggested that the prototype basin type of the Sichuan Basin was a passive continental margin basin before the Early Triassic and a foreland basin after the Middle Triassic. This paper analyzes the coupled tectonic, sedimentary, paleoclimatic, and provenance influences on the development of the Jialingjiang and Leikoupo formations in a passive continental margin setting. The controlling factors include paleostructures, stratigraphy, lithofacies paleogeography, paleocontinental location, paleoclimate, provenance, and sea level change. We conclude that the passive continental margin of the Sichuan Basin was favorable for the formation of evaporites.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alonso RN, Jordan TE, Tabbutt KT, Vandervoort DS (1991) Giant evaporite belts of the Neogene central Andes. Geology. 19(4):401–404

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Babel M (2007) Depositional environments of a salina-type evaporate basin recorded in the Badenian gypsum facies in the northern Carpathian Foredeep. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ 285(1):107–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Borchert H, Muir R O, et al (1964) Salt deposits. D. Van Nostrand Company LTD

  • Branson EB (1915) Origin of thick gypsum and salt deposits. Geol Soc Am Bull 26(1):231–242

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bruce CH (1973) Pressured shale and related sediment deformation: mechanism for development of regional contemporaneous faults. AAPG Bull 57:878–886

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen LR (2010) Investigation on sulfur isotopic composition and its geological genesis of marine Triassic anhydrite in Sichuan Basin. Journal of Sichuan University of Science & Engineering (Natural Science Edition) 23(2):238–248 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen LQ, Shen ZG, Hou FH et al (2010) Formation environment of Triassic evaporate rock basin and dolostone reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin. Pet Geol Exp 32(4):334–346 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ding T, Liu CL, Zhao YJ et al (2019) Chlorine isotope analysis of Triassic salt rock and geological significance of ancient salt lake in Sichuan Basin. China Carbonates and Evaporites 34(3):909–915

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fan H D. (2018) Tectonic Evolution and Formation Mechanism of Paleo-uplift in the Northeastern Sichuan Basin. Master dissertation of China University of Geosciences. (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Gong D X. 2016 The Triassic salt-forming environment, potash-forming conditions and genetic mechanism in Sichuan Basin. Doctoral dissertation of Chengdu University of Technology. (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Gong DX, Zhou JY, Chen KG et al (2014) Identification of the potassium-rich member in carbonate platform and its response to the gamma ray well logging from the perspective of cyclostratigraphy: a case study in Triassic of Guangan Area, in the Central Sichuan Basin. Geol J China Univ 20(2):230–238 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gong DX, Zhou JY, Wu CH et al (2015) Lithofacies paleogeography and salt-forming model of Lower-Middle Triassic in the Sichuan Basin. Acta Geol Sin 89(11):2075–2086 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gu ZX, He YB, Peng YM et al (2019) “Multiple⁃lagoon” sedimentary model of the lower Cambrian gypsum⁃salt rocks in the Sichuan Basin. Acta Sedimentol Sin 37(4):834–846 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Haq BU, Hardenbol J, Vail PR (1987) Chronology of fluctuating sea levels since the Triassic. Science. 235:1156–1167

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hardie LA, Eugster HP (1971) The depositional environment of marine evaporates; a case for shallow, elastic accumulation. Sedimentology. 16(3-4):187–220

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He LJ, Xu HH, Wang JY (2011) Thermal evolution and dynamic mechanism of the Sichuan Basin during the Early Permian-Middle Triassic. Earth Sci 54(12):1948–1195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-011-4240-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hou XW, Gong DX, Wen HG et al (2020) Study on the temporal and spatial distribution, microscopic characteristics and genesis of Triassic polyhalite in Sichuan Basin. GEOLOGICAL REVIEW 66(6):1555–1571 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hsü KJ (1973) The desiccated deep-basin model for the Messinian events. Messinian events in the Mediterranean. Amsterdam: North-Holland Publ Co:60–67

  • Huang JG (1998) The Triassic potash deposits in China: an example from the Sichuan Basin. Sedimentary Facies & Palaeogeography 18(4):23–43 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang D, Yang G, Yang TQ et al (2013) The distribution and evolution of salt layers in Leikoupo Formation in the Triassic, Sichuan Basin. Journal of southwest Petroleum University (Science & Technology Edition) 35(2):37–42. https://doi.org/10.3863/j.issn.1674-5086.2013.02.006 (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Huang HY, He DF, Li YQ et al (2019) Determination and mechanism formation of the Luzhou paleo-uplift in the southeastern Sichuan Basin. Earth Science Frontiers 26(1):102–120 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang M, Ma KY, Li P et al (1987) A study on paleomagnetism and physical properties of Triassic potassium-bearing strata in eastern Sichuan basin. Geophysical & Geochemical Exploration 11(4):267–274 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinsman JJ (1969) Modes of formation, sedimentary association and diagnostic features of shallow-water and supratidal evaporites. Amer Assoc Petrol Ueol Bull 53(4):830–840

    Google Scholar 

  • Li WB (2018) Study on formation conditions and genesis mechanism of Triassic miscellaneous stone deposits in northeast Sichuan. Master dissertation of Chengdu University of Technology (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Li DX, Liu SG, Zhang CJ et al (2010) Study on sedimentary facies of Middle Triassic Leikoupo formation of the southern area in Central Sichuan Basin. Offshore Oil 30(1):36–42 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li L, Tan XC, Zhou C et al (2012) Origin of the Leikoupo formation gypsum-salt and migration evolution of the gypsum-salt pot in the Sichuan Basin, and their structural significance. Acta Geol Sin 86(2):316–324 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liao ZH, Wu MN, Chen XF et al (2020) Fracture mechanical properties of carbonate and evaporite caprocks in Sichuan Basin, China with implications for reservoir seal integrity. Mar Pet Geol 119

  • Lin YT (2001) Study on sustainable development of potassium boron iodine and bromine in brine of Sichuan Basin. Journal of Salt Lake Research 9(2):56–60 ( in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lin YT, Chen SL (2008) Discussion on the evaporite generating modes, salt forming mechanism and potassium-hunting prospect of Lower-Middle Triassic in Sichuan Basin. Journal of Salt Lake Research 16(3):1–10 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lin YT, He JQ (2005) Study on palaeomagnetism and salt formation conditions of the stratum of Lower-Middle Trias Series (T1j-T2j) of Sichuan Basin. Journal of Salt Lake Research 13(4):1–4 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lin Y T, He J Q, Wang T D, et al. (2002) Geochemical characteristics of potassium-rich brine in middle Triassic Chengdu salt basin of Sichuan basin and its prospects for basin tapping; 24(2): 72-84 ( in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Lin YT, He JQ, Ye MC (2003) On potash-forming model and ore-hunting direction of Lower-Middle Triassic series in Sichuan Basin. Geology of Chemical Minerals 25(2):76–81 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lin YT, Yao YC, Kang ZH et al (2004) Study on the geochemical characteristics and resource significance of the highly mineralized potassium-rich brine in the Sichuan Xuanda Salt Basin. Journal of Salt Lake Research 12(1):8–18 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lin LB, Chen HD, Zhang CJ (2007) Sedimentary facies and palaeogeography of northwestern Sichuan Basin during the Leikoupoan (Middle Triassic). Sediment Geol Tethyan Geol 27(3):51–58 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lin LB, Chen HD, Yong D et al (2012) Characteristics and genesis of Middle Cambrian gypsum rock in Sichuan Basin. Journal of Jilin University 42(2):95–103 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu YK, Chang X (2003) Modeling of burial and subsidence history in Sichuan Basin. Chin J Geophys 46(2):203–205 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu Y, Xu X (2014) Petroleum distribution rules and controlling factor analysis of Gulf of Mexico Basin. Pet Geol Exp 36(2):200–204 ( in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu CL, Jiao PC, Wang ML (2010) A tentative discussion on exploration model for potash deposits in basins of China. Mineral Deposits 29(4):581–591 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu CL, Xuan ZQ, Cao T et al (2015) Research on potash exploration at China land mass-potash alteration and pattern of eastern Tethys Ocean. China. 37(4):193–197 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu CL, Wu CH, Wang LC et al (2016) Advance in the study of forming condition and prediction of potash deposits of marine basins in China’s small blocks: review. Acta Geosci Sin 37(5):581–606 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu SN, Chen ZH, Li HK et al (2004) Late Mesoproterozoic-early Neoproterozoic evolution of the Qinling orogen. Geological Bulletin of China 33(2):107–112 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Meng QR, Wang E, Hu JM (2005) Mesozoic sedimentary evolution of the northwest Sichuan Basin: Implication for continued clockwise rotation of the South China Block. GSA Bulletin 117(3-4):396–410

  • Qi W (2010) The evolution of North America and the formation of potash deposits. Acta Geol Sin 84(11):1576–1584 ( in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Qiu YM, Gao S (2000) First evidence of >3.2 Ga continental crust in the Yangtze craton of south China and its implications for Archean crustal evolution and Phanerozoic tectonics. Geology. 28(1):11–14 (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Schmalz RF (1969) Deep-water evaporite deposition: a genetic model. AAPG Bull 53(4):798–823

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun XH, Hu YF, Liu CL et al (2016) Argument that brine of salty lake in Sichuan Basin had reached crystallizing point of potash minerals during Triassic: evidence from chemical composition of fluid inclusions in halite. Mineral Deposits 35(6):1157–1168 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tian JC, Chen HD, Peng J et al (2000) Sequence division, correlation and framework of lower and Middle Triassic in Sichuan-Guizhou-Yunnan-Guangxi Region. Acta Sedimentol Sin 18(2):198–204

    Google Scholar 

  • Treesh M I, Friedman G M(1974) Sabkha deposition of the salina group (Upper Silurian) of New York state. In Coogan AH, ed. General geology of salt and other evaporites. United States: American Geological Institute; 36-46

  • Walther J (1894) Einleitung in die Geologie als historische Wissenschaft: Beobachtungen über die Bildung der Gesteine und ihrer organischen Einschlüsse. Nabu Press, Germany

    Google Scholar 

  • Walther J. (1900) Das gesetz der wüstenbildung in gegenwart und vorzeit. Dietrich Reimer (Ernst Vohsen)

  • Wang DS (1985) Indication significance of potassium-rich brine in potassium prospecting—a tentative discussion on general criterion of potash brine indicator. Geophysical & Geochemical Exploration 9(6):452–456 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang SL, Zheng MP (2014) Discovery of Triassic polyhalite in Changshou area of East Sichuan Basin and its genetic study. Mineral Deposits 33(5):1045–1056 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang JS, Xu ZQ, Yu X et al (2011a) Discussion of the source of rich potassium element and its precipitation characteristics form green-bean rock. Guangdong Trace Elements Science 18(11):53–58 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang L, Qu HJ, Zhang GC et al (2011b) The development law of the world ' s major foreland deepwater petroliferous basin source reservoir cap assemblage. Marine Oil and Gas Geology 16(4):22–31 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang HY, Jin X, Chen XQ (2013) The evaporite formation causes and the relationship between oil and gas reservoirs. World Well Logging Technology 2(194):53–56 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang MQ, Zhao YJ, Liu CL et al (2015a) Paleotemperature and significance of the evaporated seawater in salt-forming process of the forth member of Jialinjiang Formation in the eastern Sichuan Basin. Acta Petrol Sin 31(9):2745–2750 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang X J, Yang Z R, Han B (2015b) Superposed evolution of Sichuan Basin and its petroleum accumulation. Earth Science Frontiers (China University of Geosciences Beijing, Peking University); 22 (3):161-173 (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Wang L Q, Fan C H, Fan ZH , et al (2016) Presumption of the tectonic evolution and regional sedimentation of the Sichuan Basin based on seismic exploration technology; 36(7): 18-26 (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Wang WK, Xu GM, Song XB et al (2017) Genesis of gypsum-salt in the Leikoupo Formation and its hydrocarbon significance in the Sichuan Basin, China. Journal of Chengdu University of Technology 44(6):697–707 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Warren JK (2010) Evaporites through time: tectonic, climatic and eustatic controls in marine and nonmarine deposits. Earth Sci Rev 98(3–4):217–268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2009.11.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wei GQ, Chen GS, Du SM et al (2008) Petroleum systems of the oldest gas field in China: Neoproterozoic gas pools in the Weiyuan gas field, Sichuan Basin. Mar Pet Geol 25(2008):371–386

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wen Z, He DF, Tong XG (2012) Global evaporites development characteristics and their effects on formation of giant oil fields. Xinjiang Petroleum Geology 3(33):373–378 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xie FQ, Wang LD, Yu BS et al (2014) The formation of oil and gas fields in Foreland Basins—a case from Sichuan basin. Journal of Northeast Petroleum University 38(4):10–15 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xie FQ, Wu QH, Wang LD et al (2019) Passive continental margin basins and the controls on the formation of evaporites: a case study of the Gulf of Mexico Basin. Carbonates Evaporites 34:405–418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-017-0404-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu GS, Chen ML, Liu W et al (2012a) Lithofacies palaeogeography and forecast of potassium-rich brine of Leikoupo Formation in western Sichuan. Mineral Deposits 31(2):309–322 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu G S, Wu Q X, Meng Y Z, et al 2012b The lithofacies-paleogeographic of Jialingjiang Formation in Sichuan Basin and the aggregate potash center forecast; 34(1): 62-72 (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Xue P (1986) Origin of evaporites in a vast epicontinental platform sea. Geological Review 32(1):59–66 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yan MD, Zhang DW (2014) Drifting history of China’s main blocks during specific periods and its tectonic constraints on marine potash formation. Mineral Deposits 33(5):945–963 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin G, Ni SJ, Gao ZY et al (2008) Variation of isotope composition and deuterium excess of brines in Sichuan basin. J Mineral Petrol 28(2):56–62 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yuan J Q. 1989 Salt Mine Geology Proceedings of Professor Yuan Jianqi. Academy Publishing House, Beijing, China. (in Chinese )

  • Yuan JQ, Huo CY, Cai KQ (1983) The high mountain-deep basin saline environment—a new genetic model of salt deposits. Geological Review 29(2):63–69 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zeng DM, Wang XZ, Zhang F et al (2007) Study on reservoir of the Leikoupo Formation of Middle Triassic in northwestern Sichuan Basin. J Palaeogeogr 9(3):253–265 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang TJ (2018) Sedimentary facies of 4th member of the Leikoupo Formation in the Middle Triassic, the western Sichuan. Master dissertation of Chengdu University of Technology (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Zhang Q, Xu L, Jin XL et al (2009) Sedimentary environment analysis on T1j4 gypsum-salt rock in eastern Sichuan Basin. Journal of Salt Lake Research 17(4):1–5 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Q, Tu ZH, Rao L et al (2010) Control of later Permian Pengxi-Wusheng depressional platform on bioreef and shoal distribution within platform, Central Sichuan Basin. Natural gas exploration development 33(4):1–8 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang YQ, Dong SW, Li JH et al (2011) Mesozoic multi-directional compressional tectonics and formation-reformation of Sichuan Basin. Geol China 38(2):233–250 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zheng JP, Griffin WL, O ' Reilly SY et al (2006a) Widespread Archean basement beneath the Yangtze craton. Geology. 34(6):417–420

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng MP, Qi W, Zhang YS (2006b) Present situation of potash resources and direction of potash search in China. Geological Bulletin of China 25(11):1239–1246 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zheng MP, Yuan HR, Zang YS et al (2010) Regional distribution and prospects of potash in China. Acta Geol Sin 84(11):1523–1553 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zheng MP, Zhang Z, Zang YS et al (2012a) Potash exploration characteristics in China: new understanding and research progress. Acta Geosci Sin 33(3):280–294 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zheng RC, Li GH, Dai CC et al (2012b) Basin-mountain coupling system and its sedimentary response in Sichuan Analogous Foreland Basin. Acta Geol Sin 86(1):170–180 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou JY, Gong DX, Li M (2015) The characteristic of evaporite migration of salt basin and its tectonic control in Triassic Sichuan Basin. Acta Geologica Inica 89(11):1945–1952 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu LJ (1995) The genesis and characteristics of clay minerals of green-bean rock in Guizhou province. Acta Mineral Sin 15(1):76–81 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu HF, Liu CZ (1985) Prospectivenes of main salt-bearing formations in China. J Mineral Petrol 5(3):51–59 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu R X, Yang Z Y, Wu H N, et al. (1998) Paleomagnetic constraints on the tectonic history of the major blocks of China duing the Phanerozoic. Science in China(Series D:Earth Sciences); 41,1-1

Download references

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the editors and anonymous reviewers for their detailed and constructive comments, which have helped to greatly improve the manuscript. In addition, we deeply thank American Journal Experts (AJE) for performing English language editing.

Funding

This research was financially supported by the Project of Excellent Young Talents in Heilongjiang Province (grant no. 140119002), Longjiang Scholar Support Program (grant no. Q201803), and the Talent introduction and scientific research start-up funded project of Northeast Petroleum University (grant no. 2019KQ87), the 69th batch of China Postdoctoral Funds (grant no. 2021M690591), the Science and Technology Research and Development Project of Qinhuangdao City (grant no. 202005A049).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bohai-rim Energy Research Institute, Northeast Petroleum University, Qinhuangdao, 066000, Hebei Province, China

    Fenquan Xie, Jizhong Wu & Wenjuan Jia

  2. Key Laboratory of Oil & Gas Reservoir and Underground Gas Storage Integrity Evaluation of Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, 163318, Heilongjiang Province, China

    Fenquan Xie & Yonghe Sun

  3. The School of Earth Science, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, 163318, Heilongjiang Province, China

    Yonghe Sun

Authors
  1. Fenquan Xie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Yonghe Sun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jizhong Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Wenjuan Jia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Fenquan Xie or Yonghe Sun.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

We have read and have abided by the statement of ethical standards for manuscripts submitted to Arabian Journal of Geosciences. We declare that we have no financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that can inappropriately influence our work, there is no professional or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service and/or company that could be construed as influencing the position presented in, or the review of, the manuscript entitled.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Attila Ciner

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Xie, F., Sun, Y., Wu, J. et al. Nature and formation of evaporites in the passive continental margin period of the Sichuan Basin, China: a review. Arab J Geosci 14, 1328 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-07549-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-07549-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation