Braid-delta deposits from a broad shallow-marine setting: the middle member of the Kalpingtag Formation in the central Tarim Basin

Abstract

During the early Silurian, a transgressive and vast shallow sea with flat sea-floor covered the central Tarim Basin (the Tazhong area). The depositional environment of the middle member of the Kalpingtag Formation is controversial. In order to provide a basis for the prediction of reservoir sand, the sedimentary facies are recognized according to abundant core observations and descriptions combined with well-log analysis, isograms, seismic interpretations and regional sedimentary background. The middle member of the Kalpingtag Formation, which shows a retrograding sequence, is interpreted as braid-delta deposits influenced by minor tidal reworking. The sources of clasts are from the southern uplift. The subaqueous braid-delta deposits in the study area have some characteristics quite different from the common deltas that generally deposit in marginal seas. Four facies grouped to a delta front association are recognized, ranging from distributary-channel (Facies A), front bar (Facies B), sand sheet (Facies C) and interdistributary bay (Facies D). The distributary channels construct the sandbody framework of the delta front. Front bar deposits, which are fine-grained with low depositional dips, display a near-continuous sand strip around the entire periphery of the delta. Sand sheet deposits are mainly found in front of Facies B, gradationally contacting with the prodelta. The interdistributary bay is essentially the uppermost unit capping the channel sequence and generally made up of laminated and massive mudstones. The delta front deposits display extensive sheet-like bodies contrasting with the characteristic wedge shapes of common subaqueous delta bodies. The bimodal cross-stratification and mud drapes in the fine-to medium-grained sandstone in the distal area are inferred to reflect high-energy tidal processes.