Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary facies of Lower Oligocene Yacheng Formation in deepwater area of Qiongdongnan Basin, Northern South China Sea: Implications for coal-bearing source rocks

  • Published:
Journal of Earth Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

For unveiling coal-bearing source rocks in terrestrial-marine transitional sequences, the sequence stratigraphic framework and sedimentary facies of Lower Oligocene Yacheng Formation of Qiongdongnan Basin were investigated using seismic profiles, complemented by well bores and cores. Three third-order sequences are identified on the basis of unconformities on basin margins and correlative conformities in the basin center, namely SQYC3, SQYC2 and SQYC1 from bottom to top. Coal measure in Yacheng Formation of Qiongdongnan Basin were deposited within a range of facies associations from delta plain/tidal zone to neritic sea, and three types of favourable sedimentary facies associations for coal measure were established within the sequence stratigraphic framework, including braided delta plain and alluvial fan, lagoon and tidal flat, and fan delta and coastal plain facies associations. Results shown that, in the third-order sequences, coal accumulation in landward areas (such as delta plain) of the study area predominantly correlates with the early transgressive systems tract (TST) to middle highstand systems tract (HST), while in seaward areas (such as tidal flat-lagoon) it correlates with the early TST and middle HST. The most potential coal-bearing source rocks formed where the accommodation creation rate (Ra) and the peat-accumulation rate (Rp) could reach a state of balance, which varied among different sedimentary settings. Furthermore, intense tectonic subsidence and frequent alternative marine-continental changes of Yacheng Formation during the middle rift stage were the main reasons why the coal beds shown the characteristics of multi-beds, thin single-bed, and rapidly lateral changes. The proposed sedimentary facies associations may aid in predicting distribution of coal-bearing source rocks. This study also demonstrates that controlling factors analysis using sequence stratigraphy and sedimentology may serve as an effective approach for coal-bearing characteristics in the lower exploration deepwater area of South China Sea.

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

Similar content being viewed by others

References Cited

  • Aitken, J. F., 1994. Coal in a Sequence Stratigraphic Framework. Geoscientist, 4(5): 9–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen, J. P., Fielding, C. R., 2007. Sequence Architecture within a Low-Accommodation Setting: An Example from the Permian of the Galilee and Bowen Basins, Queensland, Australia. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 91(11): 1503–1539

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bohacs, K., Suter, J., 1997. Sequence Stratigraphic Distribution of Coaly Rocks: Fundamental Controls and Paralic Examples. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 81(10): 1612–1639

    Google Scholar 

  • Catuneanu, O., Abreu, V., Bhattacharya, J. P., et al., 2009. Towards the Standardization of Sequence Stratigraphy. Earth-Science Reviews, 92(1): 1–33

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Catuneanu, O., Galloway, W. E., Kendall, C. G. S. C., et al., 2011. Sequence Stratigraphy Methodology and Nomenclature. Newsletters on Stratigraphy, 44(3): 173–245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, H., Zhu, X., Zhang, G., 2012. Seismic Facies in a Deepwater Area of a Marine Faulted Basin: Deepwater Area of the Paleogene Lingshui Formation in the Qiongdongnan Basin. Acta Geologica Sinica, 86(2): 473–483

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diessel, C. F. K., 1992. Coal-Bearing Depositional Systems-Coal Facies and Depositional Environments. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. 461–514

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Diessel, C. F. K., 2007. Utility of Coal Petrology for Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis. International Journal of Coal Geology, 70(1): 3–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dong, W. L., Huang, B. J., 2000. Identification Marks and Source Discrimination of the Coal Type Gas in YGH and QDN Basins of South China Sea. Natural Gas Industry, 20(1): 23–27 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gong, Z. S., Li, S. T., 1997. Continental Margin Basin Analysis and Hydrocarbon Accumulation of the Northern South China Sea. Science Press, Beijing (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton, D. S., Tadros, N. Z., 1994. Utility of Coal Seams as Genetic Stratigraphic Sequence Boundaries in Nonmarine Basins-An Example From the Gunnedah Basin, Australia. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 78(2): 267–286

    Google Scholar 

  • Hao, L. M., Shao, L. Y., Shi, Z. B., et al., 2000. The Application of Depositional Cycle Frequence Cure to Episodic Coal Accumulation: With an Example from the Upper Permian in Southwest China. Journal of Paleogeography, 2(4): 14–21 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Holz, M., Kalkreuth, W., Banerjee, I., 2002. Sequence Stratigraphy of Paralic Coal-Bearing Strata: An Overview. International Journal of Coal Geology, 48(3): 147–179

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, B. J., Li, X. S., Wang, Z. F., et al., 2012. Source Rock Geochemistry and Gas Potential in the Deepwater Area, Qiongdongnan Basin. China Offshore Oil and Gas, 24(4): 1–7 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang, B. J., Xiao, X., Li, X. S., 2003. Geochemistry and Origins of Natural Gases in the Yinggehai and Qiongdongnan Basins, Offshore South China Sea. Organic Geochemistry, 34(7): 1009–1025

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jin, G. F., Gong, S. L., Zhang, C. X., et al., 2000. Sequence Stratigraphic Model of Coal Accumulating Process. Coal Geology & Exploration, 1(1): 1–5 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, B. F., Wen, X. R., Li, G. D., 1999. High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy Analysis on Permo-Carboniferous in North China Platform. Earth Science Frontiers, (S1): 81–93 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, W. H., Zhang, Z. H., Li, Y. C., et al., 2011. Geochemical Characteristics and Hydrocarbon Generation of Paleogene Oligocene Source Rocks in Qiongdongnan Basin. Natural Gas Geosciences, 22(4): 700–708 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, Z. X., He, Y. P., Liu, H. Y., et al., 2010. Sedimentology Characteristics and Coal-Forming Models in Yacheng Formation of Qiongdongnan Basin. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 31(4): 542–547 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, Z. X., Li, S. C., Wei, J. C., 1995. Episodic Transgressions and Coal Accumulation: An Example from the Late Carboniferous Coal Rich Units in the Western Shandong Coal Fields. Sedimentary Facies and Paleogeography, 15(1): 1–9 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, Z. X., Wei, J. C., Han, M. L., 2001. Coal Formation in Transgressive Events: A New Pattern of Coal Accumulation. Advance in Earth Sciences, 16(1): 120–124 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, Z. X., Yu, J. F., Guo, J. B., et al., 2003. Analysis on Coal Formation under Transgression Events and Its Mechanism in Epicontinental Sea Basin. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 21(2): 288–296 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, Z. X., Yu, J. F., Guo, J. B., et al., 2006. Deposition of Coal-Bearing Measures and Coal Accumulation under Marine Transgression ‘Events’ in North China Epicontinental Sea Basin. Journal of Coal Science & Engineering, 1(6): 29–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, Z. X., Zhang, G. C., Li, Y., et al., 2012. The Paleogene Coal-bearing Basin and Coal-Measures Distribution of China Sea Area. Earth Science Frontiers, 18(4): 314–326 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lü, D. W., Li, Z. X., Wei, J. C., et al., 2010. Sequence Division of Coal Strata Based on Different Coal Accumulation Theory. Journal of China University of Petroleum, 4(4): 49–56 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mi, L. J., Wang, D. D., Li, Z. X., et al., 2010. High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphic Framework and Coal Forming Features in Yacheng Formation of Qiongdongnan Basin. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 31(4): 534–541 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitchum, J. R. M., Van Wagoner, J. C., 1991. High-Frequency Sequences and Their Stacking Patterns: Sequence-Stratigraphic Evidence of High-Frequency Eustatic Cycles. Sedimentary Geology, 70(2): 131–147

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shao, L. Y., Lu, J., Wang, H., et al., 2008. Advances in Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy of Paralic Coal Measures. Journal of Palaeogeography, 10(6): 561–570 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shao, L. Y., Lu, J., Wang, H., et al., 2009. Developments of Coal Measures Sequence Stratigraphy in China. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 27(9): 904–914 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shao, L. Y., Zhang, P. F., Gayer, R. A., et al., 2003. Coal in a Carbonate Sequence Stratigraphic Framework: The Upper Permian Heshan Formation in Central Guangxi, Southern China. Journal of the Geological Society, 160(2): 285–298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shao, L. Y., Zhang, P. F., Dou, J. W., et al., 1999. New Considerations on Coal Measures Sequence Stratigraphy: A Case Study from the Late Paleozoic Coal Measures in South Hebei. Journal of China University of Mining & Technology, 28(1): 20–24 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shen, H. L., Qin, C. W., Wang, D. D., et al., 2010. Distinguishing Methods for Coal Beds in Yacheng Formation of Qiongdongnan Basin. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 31(4): 586–590 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Song, G. Z., Wang, H., Gan, H. J., et al., 2014. Paleogene Tectonic Evolution Controls on Sequence Stratigraphic Patterns in the Central Part of Deepwater Area of Qiongdongnan Basin, Northern South China Sea. Journal of Earth Science, 25(2): 275–288, doi:10.1007/s12583-014-0433-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Su, M., Xie, X. N., Xie, Y. H., et al., 2013. The Segmentations and the Significances of the Central Canyon System in the Qiongdongnan Basin, Northern South China Sea. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 79: 1–12

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Wagoner, J. C., Mitchum, R. M., Campion, K. M., et al., 1990. Siliciclastic Sequence Stratigraphy in Well Logs, Cores, and Outcrops. In: Exxon Production Research Co., ed., Methods in Exploration Series, Tulsa. 7: 55

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, H., Shao, L. Y., Hao, L. M., et al., 2011. Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Lopingian (Late Permian) Coal Measures in Southwestern China. International Journal of Coal Geology, 85(1): 168–183

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Z. F., Li, X. S., Sun, Z. P., et al., 2011. Hydrocarbon Accumulation Conditions and Exploration Potential in the Deep-Water Region, Qiongdongnan Basin. China Offshore Oil and Gas, 23(1): 7–13 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Weedon, G., 2003. Time-Series Analysis and Cyclostratigraphy: Examining Stratigraphic Records of Environmental Cycles. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Yuan, Y. S., Yang, S. C., Hu, S. B., et al., 2008. Tectonic Subsidence of Qiongdongnan Basin and Its Main Controlling Factors. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 51(2): 248–255 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, G. C., Mi, L. J., Wu, S. G., et al., 2007. Deepwater Area: The New Prospecting Targets of Northern Continental Margin of South China Sea. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 28(2): 15–21 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, W. L., Zhong, K., Li, Y. C., et al., 2012. Characteristics of Hydrocarbon Accumulation and Exploration Potential of the Northern South China Sea Deepwater Basins. Chinese Science Bulletin, 57(20): 3121–3129

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Jinfeng Ren

  2. Faculty of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Jinfeng Ren, Hua Wang, Huajun Gan & Guangzeng Song

  3. Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou, 510760, China

    Ming Sun

  4. Zhanjiang Branch of CNOOC Limited, Zhanjiang, 524057, China

    Zhipeng Sun

Authors
  1. Jinfeng Ren
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hua Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ming Sun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Huajun Gan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Guangzeng Song
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Zhipeng Sun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jinfeng Ren.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ren, J., Wang, H., Sun, M. et al. Sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary facies of Lower Oligocene Yacheng Formation in deepwater area of Qiongdongnan Basin, Northern South China Sea: Implications for coal-bearing source rocks. J. Earth Sci. 25, 871–883 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-014-0479-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-014-0479-6

Key Words

Search

Navigation