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Physical and chemical environments of abnormal vitrinite reflectance evolution in the sedimentary basins

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Abstract

Based on the tested data of pressure and vitrinite reflectance of some wells in sedimentary basins, abnormal high pressure is regarded as not the only factor to retard the increase of vitrinite reflectance (R o). Apart from the types of the organic matter, the physical environment (temperature and pressure) and chemical environment (fluid composition and inorganic elements) will result in the abnormal vitrinite reflectance values in the sedimentary basins. This paper tested trace elements and vitrinite reflectance data from the the abnormal high pressure and normal pressure strata profiles, respectively, and found that the acidic and lower salinity starta are favorable for the increase of R o. By discussing the corresponding relationship between the contents of some trace elements in the mudstone and the vitrinite reflectance values, the typical trace elements were found to suppress and/or catalyze the vitrinite reflectance of organic matter, while the elements of Ca, Mn, Sr, B, Ba and P may result in the retardation of R o. However, elements of Fe, Co, Zn, Ni and Rb may catalyze the organic matter maturation. This study is conductive to the organic maturation correction, oil and gas assessment and thermal history reconstruction by the paleothermometry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resource and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China

    Qiu Nansheng & Xie Mingju

  2. Basin and Reservoir Research Center, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China

    Qiu Nansheng & Xie Mingju

  3. The First Prospecting Team, Anhui Coalfield Geological Bureau, Huainan, 232052, China

    Wang Weixiao

Authors
  1. Qiu Nansheng
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  2. Wang Weixiao
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  3. Xie Mingju
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Correspondence to Qiu Nansheng.

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Translated from Acta Geologica Sinica, 2006, 80(11): 1760–1769 [译自: 地质学报]

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Qiu, N., Wang, W. & Xie, M. Physical and chemical environments of abnormal vitrinite reflectance evolution in the sedimentary basins. Front. Earth Sci. China 1, 341–350 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-007-0042-1

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