Fractures in Carboniferous volcanic rocks located at Zhongguai Area (China) highly influence the accumulation and productivity of oil and gas. As such, the study of development periods and genetic mechanisms of tectonic fractures could throw useful information regarding the evaluation and development of that reservoir. Their tectonic origins caused high-angle and oblique shear fractures. The primary orientation of those fractures appears close to EW (270°±10°), NW (300°±15°), NE (45°±15°), and SN (0°±10°). At least four fracture generations can be found in Carboniferous volcanic rocks at Zhongguai Area. Combined with a tectonic evolution, they are based on the segmentation relationship of the fracture fillings, the thermometry measurement of the fracture filling inclusion, and the acoustic emission, as well. Affected by a new horizontal principal stress, the opening and permeability of nearly EW fractures are the best. In this way, a priority in the development of well's patterns should be considered close to EW fractures. The pressure change in the process of exploitation may damage the reservoir permeability of fractured volcano rocks severely. Accordingly, well patterns should be adjusted to dynamic changes of permeability happened during the oilfield development since some differences have been detected in distinct fracture sets.
New hydrocarbon exploration areas in footwall covered structures in northwestern margin of Junggar Basin
