Late Triassic–Early Jurassic paleogeomorphic characteristics and hydrocarbon potential of the Ordos Basin, China, a case of study of the Jiyuan area

Abstract

Paleogeomorphology is the surface morphology formed by the deposition of strata in the basin in historical period, which is greatly affected by the regional tectonic movement; however, the effect of basin paleogeomorphology on reservoir has been underexplored. This study documents the basin paleogeomorphic terrain features and their implications for the depositional processes and oil migration and accumulation in the Jiyuan area of the Ordos Basin. Stratigraphic classification is achieved through well logging data analysis. A seismic fine interpretation of the Triassic–Jurassic paleogeomorphology is conducted. Typical drilling core observations were utilized in a well section analysis of the strata at the top of the Yanchang formation sedimentary facies characteristics. Studies have shown that the Chang 1 subsection on top of the Triassic Yanchang formation in the Jiyuan area was eroded by an ancient Jurassic river, and the residual strata are primarily distributed in the Dingbian and Jiyuan plateaus. The Chang 1 reservoir in the Jiyuan area is dominated by a delta distributary channel sand body. The reservoir is concentrated in a high reservoir sand body structure position, and is controlled by a combination of structural and rock characteristics. This study suggests that the Indosinian movement in the late Triassic caused the entire basin to uplift and denudate, and the strata at the top of the Yanchang formation suffered from weathering and river erosion. The residual strata in the upper part of the Yanchang formation are controlled by the late Triassic–early Jurassic paleogeomorphology.