Multiscale petrographic heterogeneity and their implications for the nanoporous system of the Wufeng-Longmaxi shales in Jiaoshiba area, Southeast China: Response to depositional-diagenetic process

2019 ◽  
Vol 132 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 1704-1721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuxuan Wang ◽  
Shang Xu ◽  
Fang Hao ◽  
Baiqiao Zhang ◽  
Zhiguo Shu ◽  
...  

Abstract The organic matter-rich shales in Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation, Jiaoshiba area, Southeast China, are showing a notable petrographic heterogeneity characteristic within the isochronous stratigraphic framework, which lead to vast differences in the mineral composition and organic matter abundance in the adjacent sections of the shale reservoir. The studied shale has been divided into three systems tracts: a transgressive systems tract (TST), an early highstand systems tract (EHST), and a late highstand systems tract (LHST). Multiple-scale petrographic observation and detailed mineralogical and geochemical analyses were combined to investigate the manifestation, origin, and the ways by which the shale heterogeneity is affected. The results indicate that polytropic depositional environments lead to different components in sediment. Subsequently, these differences among shale sections become more apparent through different diagenetic pathways. During the deposition of the section TST, the Hirnantian glaciation and regional volcanism played a crucial role, contributing to the abundant accumulation of fine-grained intrabasinal silica and organic matter. In diagenesis stage, authigenic quartz aggregates derived from siliceous organisms are formed. They filled in primary interparticle pores, forming a rigid particle-bracing structure that provide effective resistivity against the compaction and spaces for organic matter migration and occlusion. Finally, the migrated organic matter left plenty of newly created pore spaces that constituted a great portion of the total porosity of shale reservoir. The depositional process of section EHST is strongly influenced by contour current, which brings about more extrabasinal influx and impoverishes organic matter. In diagenesis stage, the rigid particle-bracing structure could only be preserved in limited areas, since insufficient siliceous supply could not produce enough authigenic quartz. Primary interparticle pores are significantly reduced owing to compaction, leaving less space for later organic matter migration and occlusion. As a result, the total porosity of shale reservoir declines in this section. In a rapid tectonic-uplifting background, the deposition of section LHST is associated with a rapid increase in terrigenous clay minerals, which further dilutes organic matter. Ductile clay experienced strong compaction and then occupies most of the primary interparticle space. Rigid particles are wrapped by a large number of clays, which has destroyed the particle-bracing structure. As a result, the nanoporous system in the shale could not be well preserved.

2014 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 941-955
Author(s):  
B. E. Van Dongen ◽  
N. J. Ashton ◽  
R. A. D. Pattrick

AbstractFerromanganese nodules have been recognized widely as potentially important resources for strategic metals. However it remains unclear if the formation of these nodules is purely an abiotic process or if microorganisms are involved in their formation. To determine the microbial contributions, detailed organic geochemical analyses were performed on ferromanganese nodules collected from across the southwest Indian Ocean. These analyses reveal the presence of specific terrestrial, marine and petroleum derived biomarkers, consistent with formation in a marine setting with a substantial influx of terrestrially derived (higher plant detritus) and naturally occurring petroleum-related organic matter. In contrast, only trace amounts of general bacterial biomarkers, commonly present in these types of depositional environments, were present. This indicates that the formation of these ferromanganese nodules is predominantly an abiotic process although a minor contribution from microbial mediated processes to the growth of these nodules cannot be completely ruled out.


LITOSFERA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 659-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Maslov ◽  
D. V. Grazhdankin ◽  
S. A. Dub ◽  
D. S. Melnik ◽  
T. M. Parfenova ◽  
...  

Research subject. This article presents new data on carbonate facies of the upperUk subformation, Upper Riphean of theSouth Urals. A particular attention is paid to the distribution of rare-earth elements (REE) and yttrium (Y) in stromatolitic and intraclastic limestones and calcareous shales (bulk samples and their acetic acid leachates).Materials and methods. We have studied lithological features of limestones in the geological section and in thin sections. The contents of trace elements in rocks were determined by the ICP-MS method at the IGG UB RAS (Yekaterinburg), the composition of organic matter was determined at the IPGG SB RAS (Novosibirsk) by gas-liquid chromatography and chromatography-mass spectrometry.Results. The most representative section of the Upper Uk Subformation located along the eastern edge of the town Ust-Katav can be subdivided into several members of different lithology and thickness: (1) biohermdominated member comprising large microbialitic build-ups and inter-bioherm sediments (intraclastic limestones, calcareous biolaminites); (2) transitional member characterised by small bioherms alternating with other carbonates; (3) interbedded coarseand fine-grained limestones. The presence of molar-tooth structures in the carbonate rocks of Uk Formation made it possible to constrain the age of thisUpper Riphean formation to pre-CryogenianConclusions. There are similarities in REE and Y distribution in both clean (devoid of siliciclastic component) bulk limestone samples and in their acetic acid leachates. PAAS-normalised REE + Y patterns demonstrate positive La, Gd, Y anomalies and negative Eu, Ce anomalies. The latter suggest marine depositional environments for theUpper Uk stromatolitic limestones. The results of the pioneering research into the composition of bitumens and biomarkers from the Upper Uk Subformation have shown that carbonates and shales are depleted in the organic matter. The source material for the organic matter was provided by two types of communities comprising both eukaryotes and prokaryotes and inhabiting well aerated environment, perhaps with lowered salinity of marine water. 


Lithosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (Special 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunqian Jia ◽  
Denglin Han ◽  
Jizhen Zhang ◽  
Chenchen Wang ◽  
Wei Lin ◽  
...  

Abstract Organic matter pores are of important significance in the shale formation system rich of organic matters. Although a lot of studies have discussed controlling factors of organic matter pores in the past, it still lacks a quantitative analysis on contributions of organic macerals to organic matter pores. In this study, a case study based on the overmature marine facies shale reservoir in the first submember of the Longmaxi Formation of Silurian in the Weiyuan area was carried out. Besides, qualitative and quantitative identifications of organic macerals and their pore development capacity were provided using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that (1) pore-forming efficiency is one controlling factor over pore development of organic matter. Sapropelinite shows the highest pore-forming efficiency (avg. 38.5%) and while the vitrinite, inertinite, and exinite have the lower pore-forming efficiency. (2) The content of sapropelinite is the highest (avg. 82.4%), and the content of sapropelinite is higher in the Long111 and Long113 layers. (3) The content of sapropelinite has a strong positive correlation with the organic surface porosity. (4) Organic surface porosity, organic porosity, and total porosity present basically consistent variations along the vertical direction of single well. Organic surface porosity restricts the organic porosity which is the dominant type in total porosity. Hence, pore-forming efficiency of organic macerals restricts performances of the reservoir.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 138-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Virginia Alves Martins ◽  
René Rodrigues ◽  
Egberto Pereira ◽  
Paulo Miranda ◽  
Lazaro Laut ◽  
...  

This study characterizes the quantity and quality of organic matter present in surface sediments of the NE sector of Guanabara Bay (SE, Brazil), based on geochemical and statistical analysis. The geochemical analyses included stable isotopes in sedimentary bulk organic matter (orgδ13C), total organic carbon (TOC), total sulfur (TS) and Rock Eval pyrolysis parameters, such as free hydrocarbons (S1), generating source potential (S2), production index (PI), oxygen and hydrogen indices (OI, HI) and the maturation index of organic matter (Tmax). The analyzed data were statistically treated to find main factors that are influencing the sedimentary composition. The low activity of the bottom currents favors the deposition of fine-grained sediments, rich in organic matter, in most of the studied area. The organic matter present in the sediments is being supplied by local and allochthonous sources and can be considered a good source of type III kerogen, and therefore has the potential to generate gas, if the geological context is adequate. Considering the quantity, type of organic matter and potential of hydrocarbon generation four main groups of stations were identified. Stations in which the sediments: i) encompass a relatively high component of OM sourced mainly from the adjacent continental areas close to the Apa de Guapimirim (less contaminated by oil) and S. Gonçalo (Roncador River) regions; ii) contain some autochthonous contribution, located between the Paquetá and Governador Islands, where biogenic gas seeping should be predicted hereafter; iii) have higher contamination by oil, situated near Mauá and REDUC Oil Refinery, of Duque de Caxias; iv) present intermediate characteristics, located in the remaining study area. ResumoEste estudo efetua a caracterização da quantidade e qualidade da matéria orgânica presente em sedimentos superficiais do setor NE da Baía de Guanabara (SE, Brasil), com base em análises geoquímicas e estatísticas. Os dados geoquímicos incluíram isótopos estáveis em matéria orgânica (ORGδ13C), carbono orgânico total (TOC), enxofre total (TS) e parâmetros de pirólise Rock Eval, como por exemplo, teores se hidrocarbonetos livres (S1), potencial de geração hidrocarbonetos (S2), índice de produção (PI), índices de oxigênio e hidrogênio (OI, HI) e índice de maturação da matéria orgânica (Tmax). Os dados analisados foram tratados estatisticamente a fim de serem identificados os principais fatores que influenciam a composição sedimentar. A fraca atividade das correntes de fundo, favorece a deposição de sedimentos finos ricos em matéria orgânica, na maior parte da área estudada. A matéria orgânica presente nos sedimentos está sendo fornecida por fontes locais e alóctones e pode ser considerada uma boa a excelente fonte de querogênio do tipo III, tendo, pois, potencial para a geração de gás, desde que o contexto geológico seja adequado. Considerando-se a quantidade, o tipo de matéria orgânica e o potencial de geração de hidrocarbonetos podem ser identificados quatro grupos principais de estações. Estações em que os sedimentos: i) possuem teores relativamente elevados de matéria orgânica oriunda principalmente das áreas continentais, localizadas próximo da Apa de Guapimirim (menos contaminadas por petróleo) e S. Gonçalo (Rio Roncador); ii) contêm alguma contribuição autóctone, situadas entre a Ilha de Paquetá e a Ilha do Governador, onde se poderá prever a ocorrência de libertação de gás biogênico num futuro próximo; iii) possuem maior contaminação por petróleo, localizadas próximo de Mauá e da refinaria Reduc, de Duque de Caxias; iv) apresentam características intermédias, situadas na restante área de estudo.


2021 ◽  
pp. 014459872110310
Author(s):  
Min Li ◽  
Xiongqi Pang ◽  
Guoyong Liu ◽  
Di Chen ◽  
Lingjian Meng ◽  
...  

The fine-grained rocks in the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in Nanpu Sag, Huanghua Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, are extremely important source rocks. These Paleogene rocks are mainly subdivided into organic-rich black shale and gray mudstone. The average total organic carbon contents of the shale and mudstone are 11.5 wt.% and 8.4 wt.%, respectively. The average hydrocarbon (HC)-generating potentials (which is equal to the sum of free hydrocarbons (S1) and potential hydrocarbons (S2)) of the shale and mudstone are 39.3 mg HC/g rock and 28.5 mg HC/g rock, respectively, with mean vitrinite reflectance values of 0.82% and 0.81%, respectively. The higher abundance of organic matter in the shale than in the mudstone is due mainly to paleoenvironmental differences. The chemical index of alteration values and Na/Al ratios reveal a warm and humid climate during shale deposition and a cold and dry climate during mudstone deposition. The biologically derived Ba and Ba/Al ratios indicate high productivity in both the shale and mudstone, with relatively low productivity in the shale. The shale formed in fresh to brackish water, whereas the mudstone was deposited in fresh water, with the former having a higher salinity. Compared with the shale, the mudstone underwent higher detrital input, exhibiting higher Si/Al and Ti/Al ratios. Shale deposition was more dysoxic than mudstone deposition. The organic matter enrichment of the shale sediments was controlled mainly by reducing conditions followed by moderate-to-high productivity, which was promoted by a warm and humid climate and salinity stratification. The organic matter enrichment of the mudstone was less than that of the shale and was controlled by relatively oxic conditions.


Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 693
Author(s):  
Argyrios Papadopoulos ◽  
Stylianos Lazaridis ◽  
Afroditi Kipourou-Panagiotou ◽  
Nikolaos Kantiranis ◽  
Antonios Koroneos ◽  
...  

Beach sands from Aggelochori coast line are investigated for their geochemistry and REE content, mineralogy and their provenance. These fluvial sands bear heavy minerals enriched horizons (containing minerals such as magnetite, zircon, ilmenite, hematite, rutile and titanite) that can be distinguished due to their black color and are formed usually due to the action of sea waves that deposit the heavy minerals and remove the lighter ones. After a suitable processing (washing, sieving, drying and magnetic separation) of the samples, the mineral constituents and their presence (wt.%) were estimated by XRD. Among the samples, the one being simultaneously the more fine grained and the more zircon-enriched (as suggested by XRPD data and optical microscopy analysis) has been selected for further geochemical analyses. The major and trace elements contents were compared to previously studied REE enriched beach sands from Kavala and Sithonia. Beach sands from Aggelochori area appear to have relatively low REE contents. Considering the provenance of these sediments, we suggest that these sands, are a product of the erosion of multi-sources, including the near-by Monopigado granite, as well as metamorphic rocks, as indicated by the presence of rutile and both ilmenite and magnetite in some samples. Therefore, there are indications of a complex flow pattern that existed at the paleo-catchment area of the deposition.


Author(s):  
Reilly M. Blocho ◽  
Richard W. Smith ◽  
Mark R. Noll

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to observe how the composition of organic matter (OM) and the extent of anoxia during deposition within the Marcellus Formation in New York varied by distance from the sediment source in eastern New York. Lipid biomarkers (n-alkanes and fatty acids) in the extractable organic component (bitumen) of the shale samples were analyzed, and proxies such as the average chain length (ACL), aquatic to terrestrial ratio (ATR) and carbon preference index (CPI) of n-alkanes were calculated. Fatty acids were relatively non-abundant due to the age of the shale bed, but n-alkane distributions revealed that the primary component of the OM was terrigenous plants. The presence of shorter n-alkane chain lengths in the samples indicated that there was also a minor component of phytoplankton and algal (marine) sourced OM. Whole rock analyses were also conducted, and cerium anomalies were calculated as a proxy for anoxia. All samples had a negative anomaly value, indicating anoxic conditions during deposition. Two samples, however, contained values close to zero and thus were determined to have suboxic conditions. Anoxia and total organic matter (TOM) did not show any spatial trends across the basin, which may be caused by varying depths within the basin during deposition. A correlation between nickel concentrations and TOM was observed and indicates that algae was the primary source of the marine OM, which supports the lipid biomarker analysis. It was determined that the kerogen type of the Marcellus Formation in New York State is type III, consistent with a methane-forming shale bed.


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