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Multi-Directional and Multiphase Tectonic Modification, and Hydrocarbon Differential Enrichment in the Middle-Upper Yangtze Region

  • Petroleum Geology
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Abstract

Based on the analysis of the deformation styles in different tectonic belts of the Middle-Upper Yangtze region, as well as the dissection of typical hydrocarbon reservoirs, this study determined the controlling effects of deformations on the hydrocarbon accumulations, obtaining the following results. The Middle-Upper Yangtze region experienced significant deformations during the Late Indosinian (T2–T3), the Middle Yanshanian (J3–K,), and the Himalayan, and five styles of tectonic deformations mainly occurred, namely superimposed deep burial, uplift, compressional thrusting, multi-layer decollement, and secondary deep burial. The distribution of hydrocarbon reservoirs in the piedmont thrust belts is controlled by the concealed structures on the footwall of the deep nappe. The gentle deformation area in central Sichuan experienced differential uplift, structural-lithologic hydrocarbon reservoirs were formed over a wide area. The eastern Sichuan-western Hunan and Hubei deformation area experienced Jura Mountains-type multi-layer detachment, compressional thrusting, and uplift. In relatively weakly folded and uplifted areas, conventional structural-lithologic hydrocarbon reservoirs have undergone adjustment and re-accumulation, and the shale gas resources are well preserved. In the strongly deformed areas, conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs were destroyed, while unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs have been partially preserved. The marine strata in the Jianghan Basin experienced compression, thrusting, and denudation in the early stage and secondary deep burial in the late stage. Consequently, the unconventional gas resources have been partially preserved in these strata. Secondary hydrocarbon generation become favorable for conventional hydrocarbon accumulations in the marine strata.

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Acknowledgments

This paper is dedicated to our alma mater, the China University of Geosciences for its 70th anniversary. Wish our respected alma mater a prosperous future. This study is jointly funded by the National Natural Science Foundation (Nos. U19B6003, U20B6001, 9175520021, 42002137) and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Strategic Leading Science & Technology Program (No. XDA14000000). This study received attention and guidance from multiple experts and researchers, including academicians Zhijun Jin, Chengzao Jia, Yongsheng Ma, Fang Hao, and Xusheng Guo. Many companies provided massive valuable basic data for this study, including SINOPEC Exploration Company, SINOPEC Southwest Oil & Gas Company, SINOPEC Jianghan Oilfield Company, SINOPEC East China Company, and some companies of the China National Petroleum Corporation. Moreover, this study received great support and assistance from relevant scientific research institutes at home and abroad. We would like to extend our gratitude to all of them. The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-022-1738-6.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, Beijing, 100027, China

    Zhiliang He

  2. School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100091, China

    Zhiliang He

  3. SINOPEC Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, Beijing, 102206, China

    Shuangjian Li, Yingqiang Li & Jian Gao

  4. SINOPEC Key Laboratory of Geology and Resources in Deep Strata, Beijing, 102206, China

    Shuangjian Li, Yingqiang Li & Jian Gao

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  1. Zhiliang He
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Correspondence to Zhiliang He or Shuangjian Li.

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He, Z., Li, S., Li, Y. et al. Multi-Directional and Multiphase Tectonic Modification, and Hydrocarbon Differential Enrichment in the Middle-Upper Yangtze Region. J. Earth Sci. 33, 1246–1259 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-022-1738-6

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