Skip to main content
Log in

Petroleum charging and leakage in the BZ25-1 field, Bohai Bay basin

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

Abstract

This paper discusses origin and charging histories of the Bozhong (渤中) 25-1 field (BZ25-1) in the Bozhong sub-basin, Bohai (渤海) Bay basin. Petroleum is contained in both Paleogene and Neogene reservoirs in the BZ25-1 field. The origin of the field was studied using biomarker distributions for 61 source rock samples and 34 oil samples. Oil in the Paleogene reservoirs was derived from the third member (Es 3, 43.0–38.0 Ma in age) of the Eocene Shahejie (沙河街) Formation, whereas oil in the Neogene reservoirs was a mixtures of oil generated from the third member and the first member (Es 1, 35.8–32.8 Ma) of the Eocene Shahejie Formation. Charging of the shallow Neogene reservoirs was dynamic, probably ongoing, which was a combined result of the existence of active source rocks, the development of overpressure and the fault reactivation since about 5.1 Ma. On the contrary, the deep Paleogene reservoirs experienced intensive oil leakage as indicated by the high GOI (grains-containing-oil-inclusions) values (up to 30%) for samples below the present-day oil-water contact. Part of the oil that leaked from the Paleogene reservoirs re-accumulated in the shallow Neogene reservoirs. The variation of oil origins within the BZ25-1 field, and the dynamic petroleum charging into the shallow Neogene reservoirs and leakage from the deep Paleogene reservoirs have important implications for petroleum exploration.

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

Access this article

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

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References Cited

  • Alexander, L. L., Handschy, J. W., 1998. Fluid Flow in a Faulted Reservoir System, South Eugene Island Block 330 Field, Offshore Louisiana. AAPG Bulletin, 82(3): 387–411

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen, M. B., McDonald, D. I. M., Zhao, X., et al., 1997. Early Cenozoic Two-Phase Extension and Late Cenozoic Thermal Subsidence and Inversion of the Bohai Basin, Northern China. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 14(7–8): 951–972

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen, M. B., McDonald, D. I. M., Zhao, X., et al., 1998. Transtensional Deformation in the Evolution of the Bohai Basin, Northern China. In: Holdsworth, R. E., Strachan, R. A., Dewey, J. F., eds., Continental Transpression and Transtensional Tectonics. Geological Society (London) Special Publication, 135: 215–229

  • Anderson, R. N., Flemings, P., Losh, S., et al., 1994. Gulf of Mexico Growth Fault Seen as Oil, Gas Migration Pathway. Oil & Gas Journal, 92(23): 97–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Brincat, M., Gartrell, A., Lisk, M., et al., 2006. An Integrated Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Charge and Retention at the Griffin, Chinook, and Scindian Oil and Gas Fields, Barrow Sub-Basin, North West Shelf, Australia. AAPG Bulletin, 90(9): 1359–1380, doi:10.1306/02210605103

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, J. Y., Li, S. F., Xiong, Y., et al., 1998. Multiple Petroleum Systems in Tertiary Extentional Basins, East China: A Case Study of the Gunan-Fulin Basin. Journal of Petroleum Geology, 21(1): 105–118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, J. Y., Bi, Y. P., Zhang, J. G., et al., 1996. Oil-Source Correlation in the Fulin Basin, Shengli Petroleum Province, East China. Organic Geochemistry, 24(8–9): 931–940

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cosgrove, J. W., 2001. Hydraulic Fracturing during the Formation and Deformation of a Basin: A Factor in the Dewatering of Low-Permeability Sediments. AAPG Bulletin, 85(4): 737–748

    Google Scholar 

  • Curiale, J. A., Bromley, B. W., 1996. Migration of Petroleum into Vermilion 14 Field, Gulf Coast, USA-Molecular Evidence. Organic Geochemistry, 24(5): 563–579

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Leeuw, J. W., Rijpstra, W. I. C., Schenck, P. A., et al., 1983. Free, Esterified and Residual Bound Sterols in Black Sea Unit-1 Sediments. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 47(3): 455–465, doi:10.1016/0016-7037(83)90268-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dzou, L. I. P., Hughes, W. B., 1993. Geochemistry of Oils and Condensates, K Field, Offshore Taiwan: A Case Study in Migration Fractionation. Organic Geochemistry, 20(4): 437–462

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gartrell, A., Bailey, W. R., Brincat, M., 2006. A New Model for Assessing Trap Integrity and Oil Preservation Risks Associated with Postrift Fault Reactivation in the Timor Sea. AAPG Bulletin, 90(12): 1921–1944, doi:10.1306/06200605195

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gartrell, A., Zhang, Y., Lisk, M., et al., 2003. Enhanced Hydrocarbon Leakage at Fault Intersections: An Example from the Timor Sea, Northwest Shelf, Australia. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 78–79(SI): 361–365, doi:10.1016/S0375-6742(03)00125-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • George, S. C., Volk, H., Ahmed, M., 2007. Geochemical Analysis Techniques and Geological Applications of Oil-Bearing Fluid Inclusions, with Some Australian Case Studies. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 57(1–2): 119–138, doi:10.1016/j.petrol.2005.10.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • George, S. C., Lisk, M., Eadington, P. J., 2004. Fluid Inclusion Evidence for an Early, Marine-Sourced Oil Charge Prior to Gas-Condensate Migration, Bayu-1, Timor Sea, Australia. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 21: 1107–1128, doi:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2004.07.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gonçalves, F. T. T., 2002. Organic and Isotope Geochemistry of the Early Cretaceous Rift Sequence in the Camamu Basin, Brazil: Paleolimnological Inferences and Source Rock Models. Organic Geochemistry, 33: 67–80, doi:10.1016/S0146-6380(01)00128-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gong, Z. S., 1997. Giant Offshore Oil and Gas Fields in China. Petroleum Industry Press, Beijing. 396 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gong, Z. S., 2004. Neotectonics and Petroleum Accumulation in Offshore Chinese Basins. Earth Science-Journal of China University of Geosciences, 29(5): 513–517 (in Chinese with English Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Grantham, P. J., Wakefield, L. L., 1988. Variations in the Sterane Carbon Number Distributions of Marine Source Rock Derived Crude Oils through Geological Times. Organic Geochemistry, 12(1): 61–77, doi:10.1016/0146-6380(88)90115-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hanson, A. D., Ritts, B. D., Zinniker, D., et al., 2001. Upper Oligocene Lacustrine Source Rocks and Petroleum Systems of the Northern Qaidam Basin, Northwest China. AAPG Bulletin, 85(4): 601–619

    Google Scholar 

  • Hao, F., Zhou, X. H., Zhu, Y. M., et al., 2010. Charging of Oil Fields Surrounding the Shaleitian Uplift from Multiple Source Rock Intervals and Generative Kitchens, Bohai Bay Basin, China. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 27: 1910–1926, doi:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2010.07.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hao, F., Zhou, X. H., Zhu, Y. M., et al., 2011a. Lacustrine Source Rock Deposition in Response to Co-Evolution of Environments and Organisms Controlled by Tectonic Subsidence and Climate, Bohai Bay Basin, China. Organic Geochemistry, 42: 323–339, doi:10.1016/j.orggeochem.2011.01.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hao, F., Zhang, Z. H., Zou, H. Y., et al., 2011b. Origin and Mechanism of the Formation of the Low-Oil-Saturation Moxizhuang Field, Junggar Basin, China: Implication for Petroleum Exploration in Basins Having Complex Histories. AAPG Bulletin, 95(6): 983–1008, doi:10.1306/11191010114

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hao, F., 2005, Kinetics of Hydrocarbon Generation and Mechanisms of Petroleum Accumulation in Overpressured Basins. Science Press, Beijing. 406 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hao, F., Zou, H. Y., Gong, Z. S., et al., 2007a. Petroleum Migration and Accumulation in the Bozhong Sub-Basin, Bohai Bay Basin, China: Significance of Preferential Petroleum Migration Pathways (PPMP) for the Formation of Large Oilfields in Lacustrine Fault Basins. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 24: 1–13, doi:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2006.10.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hao, F., Zou, H. Y., Gong, Z. S., et al., 2007b. Hierarchies of Overpressure Retardation of Organic Matter Maturation: Case Studies from Petroleum Basins in China. AAPG Bulletin, 91(10): 1467–1498, doi:10.1306/05210705161

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hao, F., Zhou, X. H., Zhu, Y. M., et al., 2009a. Charging of the Neogene Penglai 19-3 Field, Bohai Bay Basin, China: Oil Accumulation in a Young Trap in an Active Fault Zone. AAPG Bulletin, 93(2): 155–179, doi:10.1306/09080808092

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hao, F., Zhou, X. H., Zhu, Y. M., et al., 2009b. Mechanisms for Oil Depletion and Enrichment on the Shijiutuo Uplift, Bohai Bay Basin, China. AAPG Bulletin, 93(8): 1015–1037, doi:10.1306/04140908156

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hao, F., Zhou, X. H., Zhu, Y. M., et al., 2009c. Mechanisms of Petroleum Accumulation in the Bozhong Sub-Basin, Bohai Bay Basin, China. Part 1: Origin and Occurrence of Crude Oils. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 26: 1528–1542, doi:10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2008.09.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hao, F., Sun, Y. C., Li, S. T., et al., 1995. Overpressure Retardation of Organic-Matter Maturation and Hydrocarbon Generation: A Case Study from the Yinggehai and Qiongdongnan Basins, Offshore South China Sea. AAPG Bulletin, 79: 551–562

    Google Scholar 

  • Hao, F., Li, S. T., Gong, Z. S., et al., 2000. Thermal Regime, Inter-Reservoir Compositional Heterogeneities, and Reservoir-Filling History of the Dongfang Gas Field, Yinggehai Basin, South China Sea: Evidence for Episodic Fluid Injections in Overpressured Basins? AAPG Bulletin, 84(5): 607–626, doi:10.1306/C9EBCE69-1735-11D7-8645000102C1865D

    Google Scholar 

  • Hao, F., Li, S. T., Sun, Y. C., et al., 1998. Geology, Compositional Heterogeneities and Geochemical Origin of the Yacheng Gas Field in the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea. AAPG Bulletin, 82: 1372–1384

    Google Scholar 

  • Holba, A. G., Dzou, L. I. P., Hickey, J. J., et al., 1996. Reservoir Geochemistry of South Pass 61 Field, Gulf of Mexico: Compositional Hetrogeneities Reflecting Filling History and Biodegradation. Organic Geochemistry, 24: 1179–1198

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holba, A. G., Dzou, L. I., Wood, G. D., 2003. Application of Tetracyclic Polyprenoids as Indicators of Input from Fresh-Brackish Water Environments. Organic Geochemistry, 34: 441–469, doi:10.1016/S0146-6380(02)00193-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hsiao, L. Y., Graham, S. A., Tilander, N., 2010. Stratigraphy and Sedimentation in a Rift Basin Modified by Synchronous Strike-Slip Deformation: Southern Xialiao Basin, Bohai, Offshore China. Basin Research, 22(1): 61–78, doi:10.1111/j.1365-2117.2009.00449.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, H. P., Pearson, J. M., 1999. Source Rock Palaeoenvironments and Controls on the Distribution of Dibenzothiophenes in Lacustrine Crude Oils, Bohai Bay Basin, Eastern China. Organic Geochemistry, 30: 1455–1470, doi:10.1016/S0146-6380(99)00126-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, W. Y., Meinschein, W. G., 1979. Sterols as Ecological Indicators. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 43(5): 739–745

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Justwan, H., Dahl, B., Isaksen, G. H., 2006. Geochemical Characterization and Genetic Origin of Oils and Condensates in the South Viking Graben. Norway: Marine and Petroleum Geology, 23(2): 213–239

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knoll, A. H., Summons, R. E., Waldbauer, J. R., et al., 2007. The Geological Succession of Primary Producers in the Oceans. In: Falkowski, P., Knoll, A. H., eds., The Evolution of Primary Producers in the Sea. Academic Press, Boston. 133–163

    Google Scholar 

  • Lisk, M., O’Brien, G. W., Eadington, P. J., 2002. Quantitative Evaluation of the Oil-Leg Potential in the Oliver Gas Field, Timor Sea, Australia. AAPG Bulletin, 86(9): 1531–1542

    Google Scholar 

  • Losh, S., Walter, L., Meulbroek, P., et al., 2002. Reservoir Fluids and Their Migration into the South Eugene Island Block 330 Reservoirs, Offshore Louisiana. AAPG Bulletin, 86(8): 1463–1488, doi:10.1306/61EEDCCE-173E-11D7-8645000102C1865D

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu, K. Z., Qi, J. F., 1997. Structural Model for the Cenozoic Petroliferous Basins in the Bohai Bay. Geological Publishing House, Beijing. 207 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • McKenzie, D., 1978. Some Remarks on the Development of Sedimentary Basins. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 40(1): 25–32

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Palmer, S. E., 1991. Effect of Biodegradation and Water Washing on Crude Oil Composition. In: Merrill, R. K., ed., Source and Migration Processes and Evaluation Techniques. AAPG (Special), 47–54

  • Palmer, S. E., 1993. Effect of Biodegradation and Water Washing on Crude Oil Composition. In: Engel, M. H., Macko, S. A., eds., Organic Geochemistry. Plenum, New York. 511–533

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Peters, K. E., Walters, C. C., Moldowan, J. M., 1993. The Biomarker Guide (I), Interpreting Molecular Fossils. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. 363

    Google Scholar 

  • Peters, K. E., Walters, C. C., Moldowan, J. M., 2005. The Biomarker Guide (II), Biomarkers and Isotopes in Petroleum Exploration and Earth History. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 1155

    Google Scholar 

  • Peters, K. E., Hostettler, F. D., Lorenson, T. D., et al., 2008. Families of Miocene Monterey Crude Oil, Seep, and Tarball Samples, Coastal California. AAPG Bulletin, 92(9): 1131–1152, doi:10.1029/96JB02653

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peters, K. E., Ramos, L. S., Zumberge, J. E., et al., 2007. Circum-Arctic Petroleum Systems Identified Using Decision-Tree Chemometrics. AAPG Bulletin, 91(6): 877–913, doi:10.1306/12290606097

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qi, J. F., Yang, Q., 2010. Cenozoic Structural Deformation and Dynamic Processes of the Bohai Bay Basin Province, China. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 27(4): 757–771

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ritts, B. D., Hanson, A. D., Zinniker, D., et al., 1999. Lower-Middle Jurassic Nonmarine Source Rocks and Petroleum Systems of the Northern Qaidam Basin, Northwest China. AAPG Bulletin, 83: 1980–2005, doi:10.1306/E4FD4661-1732-11D7-8645000102C1865D

    Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, S. J., Nunn, J. A., Cathles, L., et al., 1996. Expulsion of Abnormally Pressured Fluids along Faults. Journal of Geophysical Research, 101(B12): 28231–28252, doi:10.1029/96JB02653

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sepúlveda, J., Wendler, J., Leider, A., et al., 2009. Molecular Isotopic Evidence of Environmental and Ecological Changes across the Cenomanian-Turonian Boundary in the Levant Platform of Central Jordan. Organic Geochemistry, 40: 553–568

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sibson, R. H., 2003. Brittle-Failure Controls on Maximum Sustainable Overpressure in Different Tectonic Regimes. AAPG Bulletin, 87(6): 901–908, doi:10.1306/01290300181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sinninghe Damsté, J. S., Kenig, F., Koopmans, M. P., et al., 1995. Evidence for Gammacerane as an Indicator of Water Column Stratification. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 59(9): 1895–1900, doi:10.1016/0016-7037(95)00073-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Summons, R. E., Hope, J. M., Swart, R., et al., 2008. Origin of Nama Basin Bitumen Seeps: Petroleum Derived from a Permian Lacustrine Source Rock Traversing Southwestern Gondwana. Organic Geochemistry, 39(5): 589–607

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ten Haven, H. L., Rohmer, M., Rullkotter, J., et al., 1989. Tetrahymanol, the Most Likely Precursor of Gammacerane, Occurs Ubiquitously in Marine Sediments. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 53(11): 3073–3079

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Venkatesan, M. I., 1989. Tetrahymanol: Its Widespread Occurrence and Geochemical Significance. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 53(11): 3095–3101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Volkman, J. K., 1986. A Review of Sterol Markers for Marine and Terrigenous Organic Matter. Organic Geochemistry, 9(2): 83–99

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Volkman, J. K., Barrett, S. M., Blackburn, S. I., et al., 1998. Microalgal Biomarkers: A Review of Recent Research Developments. Organic Geochemistry, 29(5–7): 1163–1179, doi:10.1016/S0146-6380(98)00062-X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wenger, L. M., Isaksen, G. H., 2002. Control of Hydrocarbon Seepage Intensity on Level of Biodegradation in Sea Bottom Sediments. Organic Geochemistry, 33(12): 1277–1292

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whelan, J. K., Kennicutt II, M. C., Brooks, J. M., et al., 1994. Organic Geochemical Indicators of Dynamic Fluid Flow Process in Petroleum Basins. Organic Geochemistry, 22(3–5): 587–615, doi:10.1016/0146-6380(94)90127-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whelan, J. K., Eglinton, L., Kennicutt II, M. C., et al., 2001. Short-Time-Scale (Year) Variations of Petroleum Fluids from the U.S. Gulf Coast. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 65(20): 3529–3555

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilhelms, A., Larter, S., 2004. Shaken but not always Stirred. Impact of Petroleum Charge Mixing on Reservoir Geochemistry. In: Cubitt, J. M., England, W. A., Larter, S. R., eds., Understanding Petroleum Reservoirs: Towards an Integrated Reservoir Engineering and Geochemical Approach. Geological Society Special Publication, 237: 27–35, doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.2004.237.01.03

  • Yang, Y. T., Xu, T. G., 2004. Hydrocarbon Habitat of the Offshore Bohai Basin, China. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 21(6): 691–708

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ye, H., Shedlock, K. M., Hellinger, S. J., et al., 1985. The North China Basin: An Example of a Cenozoic Rifted Intraplate Basin. Tectonics, 4(2): 153–169, doi:10.1029/TC004i002p00153

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, L. Y., Liu, Q., Zhang, C. R., 2005. Study on the Genetic Relationships between Hydrocarbon Occurrence and Pool Formation in the Dongying Depression. Geological Publishing House, Beijing. 202 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y., Gartrell, A., Underschultz, J. R., et al., 2009. Numerical Modeling of Strain Localization and Fluid Flow during Extensional Fault Reactivation: Implications for Hydrocarbon Preservation. Journal of Structural Geology, 31(3): 315–327

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zumberge, J. E., 1987. Prediction of Source Rock Characteristics Based on Terpane Biomarkers in Crude Oils: A Multivariate Statistical Approach. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 51(6): 1625–1637

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Fang Hao  (郝芳).

Additional information

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 90914006) and the Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in the University (No. IRT0658).

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hao, F., Zhou, X., Zou, H. et al. Petroleum charging and leakage in the BZ25-1 field, Bohai Bay basin. J. Earth Sci. 23, 253–267 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-012-0251-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12583-012-0251-8

Key Words

Navigation