Please wait a minute...
Shopping Cart Email List Chinese
Advanced Search Fig/Tab
Frontiers of Earth Science

ISSN 2095-0195

ISSN 2095-0209(Online)

CN 11-5982/P

Postal Subscription Code 80-963

2018 Impact Factor: 1.205

Featured Articles  |  Most Downloaded  |  Most Reading
Online Submission Subscribe to Our RSS Content Feed
Front. Earth Sci.    2024, Vol. 18 Issue (1) : 204-218    https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-022-1053-7
The determination of sedimentary environment and associated energy in deep-buried marine carbonates: insights from natural gamma ray spectrometry log
Jingyan LIU1(), Qian CHANG1, Junlong ZHANG2, Hui CHAI3, Feng HE4, Yizan YANG1, Shiqiang XIA5()
1. School of Energy Resources, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
2. Exploration and Development Research Institute, Daqing Oilfield Company, PetroChina, Daqing 163712, China
3. China National Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Co., Ltd (CNODC), Beijing 100032, China
4. Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology, Beijing 100029, China
5. College of Mining Engineering, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
 Download: PDF(8838 KB)   HTML
 Export: BibTeX | EndNote | Reference Manager | ProCite | RefWorks
Abstract

It has always been challenging to determine the ancient sedimentary environment and associated energy in deep-buried marine carbonates. The energy represents the hydrodynamic conditions that existed when the carbonates were deposited. The energy includes light and chemical energies in compounds and kinetic energy in currents and mass flow. Deep-buried marine carbonates deposited during the Ordovician depositional period in the eastern Tarim Basin result from a complex interplay of tectonics, sedimentation, and diagenesis. As a result, determining the ancient sedimentary environment and associated energy is complex. The natural gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS) log (from 12 wells) is used in this paper to conduct studies on the sedimentary environment and associated energy in deep-buried marine carbonates. The findings show that the values of thorium (Th), uranium (U), potassium (K), and gamma-ray without uranium (KTh) in a natural GRS log can reveal lithological associations, mineral composition, diagenetic environment, stratigraphic water activity, and ancient climatic change. During the Ordovician, quantitative analysis and determination of sedimentary environment energy are carried out using a comprehensive calculation of natural GRS log parameters in typical wells (penetrating through the Ordovician with cores and thin sections) of well GC4, well GC6, well GC7, and well GC8. The results show that GRS log can determine different lithology associations in typical wells than a sieve residue log. Furthermore, cores and thin sections can be used to validate the determination of lithology associations. Based on the determination of lithology associations, the lithology associations that reflect the sedimentary environment and associated energy can be analyzed in a new approach. Furthermore, the sedimentary environment energy curve derived from a natural GRS log can reveal hydrodynamic fluctuations during depositional periods, which will aid in the discovery of carbonate reservoirs, establishing sequence stratigraphic frameworks, and the reconstruction of sea-level changes in the future.
Keywords ancient sedimentary environment      energy of sedimentary environment      marine deep-buried carbonates      natural GRS      the Ordovician      eastern Tarim Basin     
Corresponding Author(s): Jingyan LIU,Shiqiang XIA   
Online First Date: 19 December 2023    Issue Date: 15 July 2024
 Cite this article:   
Jingyan LIU,Qian CHANG,Junlong ZHANG, et al. The determination of sedimentary environment and associated energy in deep-buried marine carbonates: insights from natural gamma ray spectrometry log[J]. Front. Earth Sci., 2024, 18(1): 204-218.
 URL:  
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fesci/EN/10.1007/s11707-022-1053-7
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fesci/EN/Y2024/V18/I1/204
Fig.1  (a) Showing the distribution of structural units and faults in Eastern Tarim Basin; (b) showing the wells and database used in the study area.
Fig.2  The stratigraphic column of the Ordovician in eastern Tarim Basin (cited and integrated from Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, PetroChina, Wu et al. (2015), Zhang et al. (2021); the thickness is designed not to scale).
Energy Th/U(FRAC) U-K/ppm P1/ppm P2/ppm
Low energy >0.8 <0.4 <1 <1.1
Medium energy 0.3–0.8 0.4–1.1 1–2.1 1.1–2.7
High energy <0.3 >1.1 >2.1 >2.7
Tab.1  The standard for determination of energy resulted from parameters
Depth/m Parameter Calculation result Final result
U-K/ppm Th/U(FRAC) P1/ppm P2/ppm PE U-K/ppm P1/ppm P2/ppm Th/U(FRAC)
5599.375 0.22 5.28 0.03 0.25 2 3 3 3 3 3
5599.5 0.25 5.06 0.03 0.28 2 3 3 3 3 3
5599.625 0.28 4.73 0.05 0.33 2 3 3 3 3 3
5599.75 0.23 5.05 0.04 0.27 2 3 3 3 3 3
5600.125 0.32 4.6 0.05 0.37 2 3 3 3 3 3
5600.25 0.36 4.18 0.08 0.43 2 3 3 3 3 3
5630.125 0.57 0.71 1.09 1.65 2 4 4 4 4 4
5631.125 0.69 0.47 1.57 2.26 2 4 4 4 4 4
5631.25 0.7 0.54 1.4 2.1 2 4 4 4 4 4
5631.375 0.69 0.6 1.28 1.97 2 4 4 4 4 4
5631.5 0.66 0.6 1.28 1.94 2 4 4 4 4 4
5635.125 0.45 0.78 0.97 1.42 2 4 3 4 4 4
5635.25 0.51 0.79 0.98 1.49 2 4 3 4 4 4
5635.375 0.56 0.78 1 1.56 2 4 4 4 4 4
5635.5 0.58 0.75 1.05 1.62 2 4 4 4 4 4
5635.625 0.57 0.7 1.12 1.69 2 4 4 4 4 4
5636.5 0.8 0.32 2.6 3.41 2 4 5 5 4 5
5636.625 0.87 0.3 2.83 3.7 2 4 5 5 5 5
5636.75 0.9 0.29 2.88 3.78 2 4 5 5 5 5
5636.875 0.9 0.29 2.88 3.78 2 4 5 5 5 5
5637 0.87 0.29 2.9 3.77 2 4 5 5 5 5
6143.375 1.93 0.28 2.78 4.71 1 0 0 0 0 1
6143.5 1.68 0.3 2.71 4.39 1 0 0 0 0 1
6143.625 1.63 0.26 3.01 4.64 1 0 0 0 0 1
6143.75 1.67 0.23 3.36 5.03 1 0 0 0 0 1
6143.875 1.67 0.24 3.31 4.98 1 0 0 0 0 1
6144 1.75 0.21 3.81 5.56 1 0 0 0 0 1
6144.125 1.71 0.23 3.56 5.27 1 0 0 0 0 1
6144.25 1.74 0.25 3.26 4.99 1 0 0 0 0 1
6144.375 1.85 0.24 3.4 5.25 1 0 0 0 0 1
6144.5 1.98 0.22 3.83 5.8 1 0 0 0 0 1
6144.625 2.04 0.22 3.81 5.85 1 0 0 0 0 1
6144.75 1.85 0.22 3.74 5.59 1 0 0 0 0 1
Tab.2  The results of parameters from gamma ray spectrometry by integrated superimposition method in different depths of Well GC7 (1 dolomite; 2 limestone; 3 low energy; 4 medium energy; 5 high energy; 0 Null; P1 = Parameter 1; P2 = Parameter 2)
Fig.3  The identification of lithology associations and determination of energy in the Ordovician based on wireline logs; (a) the interpretation of well GC7; (b) the interpretation of well GC 4; (c) the interpretation f well GC 8; Notes: PE indicates electron density index. U, Th, K and associated assemblages indicates corresponding content of radioactive elements. Among them, U/(Th + K)-Th/KTh is referred to as Parameter 1 or P1 while U/(Th + K)-Th/KTh + U-K is referred to as Parameter 2 or P2.
Energy Th/U(FRAC) U/ppm U-K/ppm P1/ppm P2/ppm
Low energy 0.2−0.8 <1.2 <0.85 <0.5 <1.5
Medium energy 0.8−1.2 1.2 −1.5 0.85−1.2 0.5−0.8 1.5−1.9
High energy <1.2 >1.5 >1.2 >0.8 >1.9
Tab.3  The standard for determination of energy resulted from parameters of carbonate reservoirs in eastern Tarim Basin
Fig.4  The thin sections showing the characteristics of lithology in the Ordovician (including Penglaiba Formation, Yingshan Formation, and Yijianfang Formation): (a) argillaceous limestone from well GC7 in depth of 5958 m; (b) crystalline limestone from well GC4 in depth of 5502.8 m; (c) limy dolomite from well GC7 in depth of 6185; (d) calcarenite from well GC4 in depth of 6341.1 m; (e) dolomitic limestone from well GC7 in depth of 6077 m; (f) crystalline dolomite from well GC7 in depth of 6520 m; (g) oolitic limestone from well GC7 in depth of 5662 m; (h) dolomitic limestone from well GC8 in depth of 6025 m; (i) dolomite from well GC8 in depth of 6083 m; (j) micritic dolomite from well GC4 in depth of 6504.5 m; (k) calcsparite calcarenite from well GC7 in depth of 6600 m; (l) calcarenite from well GC6 in depth of 5805.06 m.
Fig.5  The interpretation of seismic section showing the characteristics of strata distributions and seismic reflections of different formations (including Penglaiba Formation, Yingshan Formation and Yijianfang Formation) in the Ordovician.
Fig.6  The cores showing the characteristics of lithology in the Ordovician (including Penglaiba Formation, Yingshan Formation, and Yijianfang Formation): (a) calcarenite filled with calcite from well GC4 in depth of 5585.2 m; (b) calcarenite filled with calcite from well GC4 in depth of 5599.8 m; (c) micritic limestone from well GC4 in depth of 5600.7 m; (d) calcarenite filled with calcite from well GC4 in depth of 6339.2 m; (e) calcarenite filled with calcite from well GC4 in depth of 6345.1 m; (f) dolomitic limestone from well GC8 in depth of 6071.3 m; (g) dolomite from well GC8 in depth of 6072.8 m; (h) calcarenite filled with calcite and stylolite from well GC6 in depth of 5770 m; (i) calcarenite filled with stylolite from well GC6 in depth of 5776.5 m.
Fig.7  The identification of lithology associations and determination of energy in the Ordovician based on wireline logs in well GC6; Notes: PE indicates electron density index. U, Th, K and associated assemblages indicates corresponding content of radioactive elements. Among them, U/(Th + K)-Th/KTh is referred to as Parameter 1 or P1 while U/(Th + K)-Th/KTh + U-K is referred to as Parameter 2 or P2.
Fig.8  The well correlation (well GL1-well GC6-well GC7-well GC8-well GC4) showing the distribution of strata, lithology association and sedimentary energy in the Ordovician in eastern Tarim Basin (please see Fig. 1 for well location).
1 A, Adamu O, Ologe A L, Ahmed A Y Sunusi (2020). Characterisation for radioelements over an escarpment feature(S): a case study of the Duku-Tarasa Gwandu ridge area of Birnin Kebbi NW Nigeria.Int J Geosci, 11(8): 529–543
https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2020.118028
2 Y Chen, L W Yuan, C L Zhou, Z C Liu (2001). Quaternary Palaeoclimatic changes recorded by natural gamma logging curve in Qaidam Basin. J Palaeogeogr, 5: 29–37 (in Chinese)
3 Z H Chen, M Zha (2004). Application of uranium curve to paleoenvironment inversion in sedimentary basin. J China U Petrol (Nat Sci), 28: 11–15 (in Chinese)
4 S L Chi (2003). On discussion of concentration of radioelements in the earth’s crust. Earth Sci J China U Geosci, 28: 17–20 (in Chinese)
5 S J, Davies T Elliott (1996). Spectral gamma ray characterization of high resolution sequence stratigraphy: examples from Upper Carboniferous fluvio-deltaic systems, County Clare, Ireland.Spec Publ Geol Soc Lond, 104(1): 25–35
https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1996.104.01.03
6 S L Dong, Z Li, J Q Xu, J Gao, C T Guo (2014). Detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology and Hf isotopic compositions of Middle-Upper Ordovician sandstones from the Quruqtagh area, eastern Tarim Basin: implications for sedimentary provenance and tectonic evolution. Chin Sci Bull, 59(10): 1002–1012 (in Chinese)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-013-0073-9
7 S N, Ehrenberg T A Svana (2001). Use of gamma-ray signature to interpret stratigraphic surfaces in carbonate strata: an example from the Finnmark carbonate platform (Carboniferous-Permian), Barents Sea.AAPG Bull, 85: 295–308
8 W M Feng, Y Xie, J Q Liu, J S Lin, G Chen, Z Zhao (2016). Sedimentological significance of natural gamma ray logging data of marine carbonate: a case of the well L1 of Qingxudong Formation, Lower Cambrian in southeast Sichuan Basin. Marine Geo Quatern Geo, 36: 165–172 (in Chinese)
9 Z Z Feng, Z D Bao, M B Wu, Z K Jin, X Z Shi, A R Luo (2007). Lithofacies palaeogeography of the Ordovician in Tarim area. J Palaeogeogr, 9: 447–460 (in Chinese)
10 D Gao, C S Lin, M Y Hu, L L Huang (2016). Using spectral gamma ray log to recognize high-frequency sequences in carbonate strata: a case study from the Lianglitage Formation from well T1 in Tazhong area, Tarim Basin. Acta Sediment Sin, 34: 707–715 (in Chinese)
11 E, Ghasemi-Nejad E P, Ardakani A Ruffell (2010). Palaeoclimate change recorded in Upper Cretaceous (Albian-Cenomanian) Kazhdumi Formation Borehole SPECTRAL Gamma-Ray Logs, South Pars Gas field, Persian Gulf.Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol, 291(3–4): 338–347
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2010.03.005
12 S, Ghosal S, Agrahari S, Banerjee R, Chakrabarti D Sengupta (2020). Geochemistry of the heavy mineral sands from the Garampeta to the Markandi beach, southern coast of Odisha, India: implications of high contents of REE and radioelements attributed to Placer Monazite.J Earth Syst Sci, 129(1): 152
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-020-01419-8
13 Y F Guo, S Y Fu, H L Du, B C Wang (1996). Relations between natural gamma ray spectrometry and lithologic parameters in Sanzhao region of Songliao Basin. Acta Petrol Sin, 4: 24–28 (in Chinese)
14 C W Han, P L Ma, D X Zhu, D W Du, J Xiao, X M Liu (2009). The tectonic characteristics and its evolution in the Eastern Tarim Basin, Xinjiang. Geotectonica et Metallogenia, 33: 131–135 (in Chinese)
15 D F He, C Z Jia, D S Li, C J Zhang, Q R Meng, X Shi (2005). Formation and evolution of polycyclic superimposed Tarim Basin. Oil Gas Geol, 26: 64–77 (in Chinese)
16 F He, C S Lin, J Y Liu, Z L Zhang (2016). Carbonate rock sedimentation and its main-controlling factors in Gucheng. Special Oil Gas Reservoirs, 23: 17–21 (in Chinese)
17 F He, C S Lin, J Y Liu, Z L Zhang, J L Zhang, B Yan, T L Qu (2017). Migration of the Cambrian and Middle-Lower Ordovician carbonate platform margin and its relation to relative sea level changes in southeastern Tarim Basin. Oil Gas Geol, 38: 711–721 (in Chinese)
18 L, Koptíková O, Bábek J, Hladil J, Kalvoda L Slavik (2010). Stratigraphic significance and resolution of spectral reflectance logs in Lower Devonian carbonates of the Barrandian area, Czech Republic; a correlation with magnetic susceptibility and gamma-ray logs.Sediment Geol, 225(3–4): 83–98
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sedgeo.2010.01.004
19 A, Laborde L, Barrier M, Simoes H, Li T, Coudroy der Woerd J, Van P Tapponnier (2019). Cenozoic deformation of the Tarim Basin and surrounding ranges (Xinjiang, China): a regional overview.Earth Sci Rev, 197: 102891
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2019.102891
20 A, Lima S, Albanese D Cicchella (2005). Geochemical baselines for the radioelements K, U, and Th in the Campania region, Italy: a comparison of stream-sediment geochemistry and gamma-ray surveys.Appl Geochem, 20(3): 611–625
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2004.09.017
21 C S Lin, H J Yang, Z Z Cai, B S Yu, J Q Chen, H Li, Z F Rui (2013). Evolution of depositional architecture of the Ordovician carbonate platform in the Tarim Basin and its responses to basin processes. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 31: 907–919 (in Chinese)
22 C S, Lin H J, Yang J Y, Liu Z F, Rui Z Z, Cai S T, Li B S Yu (2012). Sequence architecture and depositional evolution of the Ordovician carbonate platform margins in the Tarim Basin and its responses to tectonism and sea-level change.Basin Res, 24(5): 559–582
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2117.2011.00536.x
23 G Liu, D S Zhou (2007). Application of microelements analysis in identifying sedimentary environment-Taking Qianjiang Formation in the Jianghan Basin as an example. Petroleum Geol Experiment, 29: 307–311 (in Chinese)
24 W Liu, X Y Zhang, J Y Gu (2009). Sedimentary environment of Lower-Middle Ordovician Yingshan Formation in Mid-Western Tarim Basin. Acta Sediment Sin, 27: 435–442 (in Chinese)
25 Z C Liu, Y Chen, L W Yuan, C L Zhou, Y J Wang, J Q Li, P Yang, P Xi (2000). Applications of natural gamma logging curve inversion 2.85Ma B. P. to the ancient climate change. Sci China Ser D Earth Sci, 30: 609–618 (in Chinese)
26 A, Ruffell R H Worden (2000). Paleoclimate analysis using spectral gamma-ray data from the Aptian (Cretaceous) of southern England and southern France.Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol, 155(3–4): 265–283
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-0182(99)00119-4
27 L J Tang, C Z Jia, Z J Jin, Z J Ma (2003). The main tectonic characteristics of superimposed basins, northwest China. Earth Sci Front, 10: 118–124 (in Chinese)
28 G Wang, T L Fan, H L Liu (2014a). Characteristics and evolution of Ordovician carbonate platform marginal facies in Tazhong-Gucheng Area, Tarim Basin. Geoscience, 28: 995–1007 (in Chinese)
29 J B Wang, L P Zhu (2002). Grain-size characteristics and their paleo-environmental significance of Chen Co Lake sediments in southern Tibet. Prog Geogr, 21: 459–467 (in Chinese)
30 Q Wang (2004). Application of GR spectroscopy log in stratigraphic classification of the Ordovician formation in Tahe oil-field. Geophys Prospect Pro Petrol, 43: 504–507 (in Chinese)
31 Z M Wang, H J Yang, Y M Qi, Y Q Chen, Y L Xu (2014b). Ordovician gas exploration breakthrough in the Gucheng lower uplift of the Tarim Basin and its enlightenment. Nat Gas Ind, 34: 1–9 (in Chinese)
32 Z Y Wang, J Han, Y X Xiong, C H Sun, H F Yu (2011). Depositional framework of Early-Middle Ordovician in Tazhong-Gucheng Area in Tarim Plate. Xinjiang Petrol Geol, 32: 228–230 (in Chinese)
33 B Wu, D F He, J Y He, L F Liu (2018). Restoration of total thickness eroded by main unconformities in Tadong Area, Tarim Basin and genetic mechanism. Marine Geol Front, 34: 56–65 (in Chinese)
34 B Wu, D F He, F Y Sun (2015). Fault characteristics and genetic mechanism of the Lower Paleozoic in Gucheng Lower Uplift, Tarim Basin. Nat Gas Geosci, 26: 871–879 (in Chinese)
35 G G Wu, H Q Li, B J Chu, B Xia, H Wang, G M Pu (2002). Geotectonic evolution and petroleum accumulation in East Tarim. Geotectonica et Metallogenia, 26: 229–234 (in Chinese)
36 X S Wu, J J Guo, Y J Huang, J W Fu (2011). Well logging proxy of the Late Cretaceous palaeoclimate change in Songliao Basin. J Palaeogeogr, 2: 103–110 (in Chinese)
37 P Yang, Y Chen, Z C Liu (2003). Application of gamma ray log to study on palaeoclimate and sedimentary environments of the Jurassic in Qaidam Basin. J Palaeogeogr, 5: 94–101 (in Chinese)
38 X F Yang, C S Lin, H J Yang, L Peng, J Y Liu, T J Xiao, J Y Tong, H P Wang, H P Li (2010). Application of natural gamma ray spectrometry in analysis of Late Ordovician carbonate sequence stratigraphic analysis in middle Tarim Basin. Oil Geophys Prospect, 45: 384–391 (in Chinese)
39 J L Zhang (2017). Carbonate sequence sedimentary evolution and control of sea level: a case study of Ordovician in the Gucheng area, Tarim Basin. Nat Gas Ind, 37: 46–53 (in Chinese)
40 S Y Zhang, Y R Fan, H Y Li (2006). Karst carbonate reservoir division and contrast based on natural gamma ray spectrometry logging in Tahe Oilfield. J China U Petrol, 30: 35–41 (in Chinese)
41 Y J Zhang, X J Zhang, Z W Zhang, Y Q Cao (2020). Characteristics and their controlling factors of Ordovician dolomite reservoir in Yingshan Formation in Gucheng Area. Petrol Geol Oilfield Develop Daqing, 39: 1–8 (in Chinese)
42 Y Zhang, Q Li, X P Zheng, Y L Li, A J Shen, M Zhu, R Xiong, K D Zhu, X D Wang, J S Qi, J L Zhang, G M Shao, M She, X Song, H H Sun (2021). Types, evolution and favorable reservoir facies belts in the Cambrian-Ordovician platform in Gucheng-Xiaotang area, eastern Tarim Basin. Acta Petrol Sin, 42: 447–465 (in Chinese)
43 Z J Zhao, X Chen, M Pan, X N Wu, X P Zheng, W Q Pan (2010). Milankovitch cycles in the Upper Ordovician Lianglitage Formation in the Tazhong-Bachu Area, Tarim Basin. Acta Geol Sin, 84: 518–536 (in Chinese)
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited
  Shared   
  Discussed