When plate tectonics began on the Earth has been long debated and here we argue this topic based on the records of Earth-Moon geology and asteroid belt to conclude that the onset of plate tectonics was during the midd...When plate tectonics began on the Earth has been long debated and here we argue this topic based on the records of Earth-Moon geology and asteroid belt to conclude that the onset of plate tectonics was during the middle Hadean（4.37-4.20 Ga）. The trigger of the initiation of plate tectonics is the ABEL Bombardment, which delivered oceanic and atmospheric components on a completely dry reductive Earth, originally comprised of enstatite chondrite-like materials. Through the accretion of volatiles, shock metamorphism processed with vaporization of both CI chondrite and supracrustal rocks at the bombarded location, and significant recrystallization went through under wet conditions, caused considerable eclogitization in the primordial continents composed of felsic upper crust of 21 km thick anorthosite, and 50 km or even thicker KREEP lower crust. Eclogitization must have yielded a powerful slab-pull force to initiate plate tectonics in the middle Hadean. Another important factor is the size of the bombardment. By creating Pacific Ocean class crater by 1000 km across impactor, rigid plate operating stagnant lid tectonics since the early Hadean was severely destroyed, and oceanic lithosphere was generated to have bi-modal lithosphere on the Earth to enable the operation of plate tectonics.Considering the importance of the ABEL Bombardment event which initiated plate tectonics including the appearance of ocean and atmosphere, we propose that the Hadean Eon can be subdivided into three periods：（1） early Hadean（4.57-4.37 Ga）,（2） middle Hadean（4.37-4.20 Ga）, and（3） late Hadean（4.20-4.00 Ga）.展开更多
Plate tectonics describes the horizontal motion of rigid lithospheric plates away from midoceanic ridges and parallel to transforms, towards deep-sea trenches, where the oceanic lithosphere is subducted into the mantl...Plate tectonics describes the horizontal motion of rigid lithospheric plates away from midoceanic ridges and parallel to transforms, towards deep-sea trenches, where the oceanic lithosphere is subducted into the mantle. This process is the surface expression of modern-day heat loss from Earth. One of the biggest questions in Geosciences today is ＂when did plate tectonics begin on Earth＂ with a wide range of theories based on an equally diverse set of constraints from geology, geochemistry, numerical modeling, or pure speculation. In this contribution, we turn the coin over and ask ＂when was the last appearance in the geological record for which there is proof that plate tectonics did not operate on the planet as it does today＂. We apply the laws of uniformitarianism to the rock record to ask how far back in time is the geologic record consistent with presently-operating kinematics of plate motion, before which some other mechanisms of planetary heat loss may have been in operation. Some have suggested that evidence shows that there was no plate tectonics before 800 Ma ago, others sometime before 1.8–2.7 Ga, or before 2.7 Ga. Still others recognize evidence for plate tectonics as early as 3.0 Ga, 3.3–3.5 Ga, the age of the oldest rocks, or in the Hadean before 4.3 Ga. A key undiscussed question is： why is there such a diversity of opinion about the age at which plate tectonics can be shown to not have operated, and what criteria are the different research groups using to define plate tectonics, and to recognize evidence of plate tectonics in very old rocks？ Here, we present and evaluate data from the rock record, constrained by relevant geochemical-isotopic data, and conclude that the evidence shows indubitably that plate tectonics has been operating at least since the formation of the oldest rocks, albeit with some differences in processes, compositions, and products in earlier times of higher heat generation and mantle temperature, weaker oceanic lithosphere, hotter subduction zones caused by more slab-melt generation, and under different biological and atmospheric conditions.展开更多
Three magnitude 〉6 earthquakes struck Qaidam, Qinghai province, China, in November 10th 2008, August 28th and 31st 2009 respectively. The Zongwulongshan fault has often been designated as the active seismogenic struc...Three magnitude 〉6 earthquakes struck Qaidam, Qinghai province, China, in November 10th 2008, August 28th and 31st 2009 respectively. The Zongwulongshan fault has often been designated as the active seismogenic structure, although it is at odd with the data. Our continuous GPS station （CGPS）, the Xiao Qaidam station, located in the north of the Qaidam basin, is less than 30 km to the southwest of the 2008 earthquake. This CGPS station recorded the near field co-seismic deformation. Here we analyzed the co-seismic dislocation based on the GPS time series and the rupture processes from focal mechanism for the three earthquakes. The afiershocks were relocated to constrain the spatial characteristics of the 2008 and 2009 Qaidam earthquakes. Field geological and geomorphological investigation and interpretation of satellite images show that the Xitieshan fault and Zongwulongshan fault were activated as left lateral thrust during the late Quaternary. Evidence of folding can also be identified. Integrated analyses based on our data and the regional tectonic environment show that the Xitieshan fault is the fault responsible for the 2008 Qaidam earthquake, which is a low dip angle thrust with left lateral strike slip. The Zongwulongshan fault is the seismogenic fault of the 2009 earthquakes, which is a south dipping back thrust of the northern marginal thrust system of the Qaidam basin. Folding takes a significant part of the deformation in the northern marginal thrust system of the Qaidam basin, dominating the contemporary structure style of the northern margin of the Qaidam basin and Qilianshan tectonic system. In this region, this fault and fold system dominates the earthquake activities with frequent small magnitude earthquakes.展开更多
The 26 November 2005 Jiujiang-Ruichang, Jiangxi, Ms 5.7 earthquake occurred in a seismotectonic setting of moderate earthquake. The northwest-trending Xiangfan-Guangji fault （XFG） does not enter into the epicenter v...The 26 November 2005 Jiujiang-Ruichang, Jiangxi, Ms 5.7 earthquake occurred in a seismotectonic setting of moderate earthquake. The northwest-trending Xiangfan-Guangji fault （XFG） does not enter into the epicenter vicinity, but the northeast-trending Ruichang-Wuning fault （RWF） as a regional fault extends to the epicenter nearby, appearing as the Ruichang basin and its marginal faults. Tilting of the Ruichang Basin （RCB） in the Quaternary was controlled by the RCB southeast- marginal, buried fault （RSMBF）. Shallow geophysical survey reveals that the RSMBF caused an offset of the reflection layers. Drill hole columnar section demonstrates that there are about 10-12 m displacement in the lower section of the middle-Pleistocene Series along the RSMBF, but no disruption is found in the upper section of the middle-Pleistocene Series. The RSMBF not only has activity in the Quaternary, but also coincides with the nodal plane I from the focal mechanism of the Jiujiang- Ruichang Ms 5.7 earthquake. This evidence, including aftershock distribution and isoseismic lines, strongly suggests that the RSMBF might be the seismogenic tectonics. The RWF is discontinuous at the surface, and consists of three en echelon Quaternary basins, which are the Ruichang, Fanzhen and Wuning basins. Three moderate earthquakes, the Fanzhen ML 4.9 earthquake, the Yejiapu ML 4.1 earthquake and the Jiujiang-Ruichang Ms 5.7 earthquake, have happened in the basins since 1995. The seismogenic tectonics of the Jiujiang-Ruichang Ms 5.7 earthquake is not isolated, but may be controlled by the RWF at depth, the slip of which causes the accumulation of energy for earthquake occurrence.展开更多
Earth is the only planet known to be habitable,and is also unique with its liquid water,and the operation of plate tectonics.The geological record shows that the habitability of our planet can rapidly recover from maj...Earth is the only planet known to be habitable,and is also unique with its liquid water,and the operation of plate tectonics.The geological record shows that the habitability of our planet can rapidly recover from major disasters or catastrophes,even those that cause mass extinctions.We suggest that plate tectonics,which acts as a link between the shallow and deep,is pivotal for the formation,evolution,and long-term stability of the hydrosphere,atmosphere,lithosphere,and thus life.Plate tectonics links the surface environment with the deep interior of high viscosity,low Reynolds number,low entropy,and low chaos,able to produce a strong healing effect to neutralize catastrophic events.It can transfer the bio-essential elements from the deep interior to the near-surface environment and can recycle toxic elements to the deep.This unique planetary energy and material transfer process of Earth is a continuous,slow-release,and bidirectional cycle,where a change in the surface is slowly buffered by a reaction from the deep,shaping a long-term and stable habitable environment.Therefore,it is considered that plate tectonics is the basic condition for the long-term stable evolution of the Earth’s biosphere and the stabilizer of the Earth’s habitability.展开更多
On May 5, 2014, an earthquake with a magnitude of Mw 6.1(the largest earthquake in Thailand so far) occurred in Chiang Rai of the Golden Triangle area in northern Thailand. We had an opportunity to conduct field surve...On May 5, 2014, an earthquake with a magnitude of Mw 6.1(the largest earthquake in Thailand so far) occurred in Chiang Rai of the Golden Triangle area in northern Thailand. We had an opportunity to conduct field survey immediately after the earthquake. Serious damage to buildings and casualties of lives were observed, and the estimated Maximum Mercalli Intensity(MMI) of the earthquake is Ⅷ(evaluated according to the MMI scale of the Chinese Standard). No long continuous ground ruptures were produced during the earthquake, but in the epicenter(commonly within MMI Ⅷ extent), massive small linear ruptures(usually several tens of meters long) developed and displayed intriguing structural features, offsetting many roads several centimeters left laterally on NE trending cracks or offsetting right laterally on NW trending ones. The focal mechanism solution of earthquake shows that this is a pure strike-slip event, and two nodal planes in NW and NE directions had the same motion senses respectively as those of breakage associated with the earthquake. The long axis of the isoseismals and aftershock distributions are in NE direction,which is consistent with the strike of Luang Namtha fault. The 230-km-long Luang Namtha fault which starts from the border of China and Laos, runs through northern Laos, and terminates at Chiang Rai of Thailand is predominated by left-lateral strike-slip and active in late Quaternary, and two earthquakes over Ms 6.0 occurred along the fault in 1925 and 2007 respectively. This Mw 6.1 earthquake occurred at the southwestern end of the fault. All related features such as evident structural rupturing, elongated orientation of MMI and aftershock distribution,as well as the location of the epicenter,suggest that the Luang Namtha fault may be responsible for the 2014 Northern Thailand earthquake.展开更多
Migmatite-like rocks transformed from strongly metamorphosed and deformed enclave- bearing felsic plutons usually make people confuse with the true migmatites and mistake in interpreta- tion of their petrogenesis and ...Migmatite-like rocks transformed from strongly metamorphosed and deformed enclave- bearing felsic plutons usually make people confuse with the true migmatites and mistake in interpreta- tion of their petrogenesis and tectonic implications. Here we report a suite of rocks that have long been called as migmatites from the Guandi complex in Zhoukoudian region, southwest of Beijing. The rocks are dominated by felsic gneisses with garnet-free amphibolites. Field occurrence, petrography and geochemistry indicate that the felsic gneisses and amphibolites were metamorphosed from protoliths of intermediate-acid and basic igneous rocks, respectively. New LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating and geothermobarometry study further reveal that precursor magmas of the two types of rocks were emplaced at 2.54-2.56 Ga and the rocks subsequently underwent medium P/T-type metamorphism with upper amphibolite facies conditions of 0.55-0.90 GPa and 670-730℃ at -2.48-2.50 Ga. Geochemically, precursor magmas of the amphibolites were suggested to be derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle source in continental arc setting, and those of the felsic gneisses are characterized by tonalitic to trondhjemitic magmas that are usually considered to be generated by partial melting of hydrated, thickened metamorphosed mafic crust with garnet as residues, suggesting that the rock associations are not of true migmatites but migmatite-like rocks. Our study reveal that protoliths of the migmatite-like rocks from the Guandi complex, were likely formed via magmatism in a continental arc setting, followed by accretion and collision of the continental arc as well as the intro-oceanic arc terranes to the Eastern Block of the North China Craton in the transition from the Late Neoarchean to Early Paleoprnterozuic.展开更多
The Huizhou sag is situated on the continental shelf of the northern continental margin of the South China Sea. In this paper we present a grid of reflection seismic and well data to characterize the basin structure a...The Huizhou sag is situated on the continental shelf of the northern continental margin of the South China Sea. In this paper we present a grid of reflection seismic and well data to characterize the basin structure and prominent unconformities. We employ EBM and 2DMOVE softwares to explore the subsidence history and stratigraphic development history of the basin. We found a rapid subsidence period since 15.5 Ma. Moreover, we calculated the stretching factors of the upper crust and the whole crust in the Huizhou sag. The results show the values are 1.10–1.13 and 1.08–1.31, respectively, indicating faulting in Huizhou sag is relatively small. It is noteworthy that the faults map reveals en echelon distribution at the north and south margins of the basin. We suggest en echelon faults here are caused by the subduction of Proto-South China Sea toward NW Borneo block and cease of the South China Sea. Considering the pronounced unconformities, subsidence rates, fault activities and sediment thickness, the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the basin can be divided into rifting（49–32 Ma）, post-rifted（32–15.5 Ma） and rapid subsidence（15.5–0 Ma） stages. Our study will shed new light on the tectonics of SE Asia and petroleum exploration in the South China Sea.展开更多
The Himalayan-Tibetan orogen system serves as the modern paradigm for understanding convergence-related processes in orogenic belts. The advancements made studying the region have been applied to other ancient orogeni...The Himalayan-Tibetan orogen system serves as the modern paradigm for understanding convergence-related processes in orogenic belts. The advancements made studying the region have been applied to other ancient orogenic belts leading not only to a better understanding of their development, but also of secular changes in collisional processes. As more advanced methodologies are introduced and utilized in geological research, the type, scale, and quality of data available enable quantification of geological processes not previously possible. These complex and robust datasets now form the core of many of the research projects undertaken across the Himalaya and continue to provide unprecedented insight into the myriad different aspects of the evolution of the collisional system.展开更多
The Yili Block in the Western Tianshan orogen is a key area for understanding the early crustal formation and evolution of the Central Asian orogenic belt,due to the widely-distributed Precambrian rocks.Also,it hosts ...The Yili Block in the Western Tianshan orogen is a key area for understanding the early crustal formation and evolution of the Central Asian orogenic belt,due to the widely-distributed Precambrian rocks.Also,it hosts a lot of medium–to large-scale sedimentary exhalative(SEDEX)Pb-Zn deposits that mainly occur in Proterozoic metamorphosed clasticcarbonate rocks.In this study,LA-ICP-MS U-Pb analyses were carried out on detrital zircons in siltstones of the Precambrian Haerdaban Group in the Haerdaban Pb-Zn deposit and magmatic zircons in the diorite dyke that cuts through the strata and orebodies.The maximum depositional age of the siltstones was determined to be about 604 Ma,the diorite having formed at approximately 500 Ma.As such,the Haerdaban Group was most likely formed in the Neoproterozoic Sinian,rather than the previously considered Mesoproterozoic Changchengian.Detrital materials of the Haerdaban Group were mostly derived from the Nanhua–Sinian mafic dykes and granitic rocks around Lake Sayram at the northern margin of the Yili Block.It is proposed that the Yili Block,together with the Kazakhstan and Central Tianshan blocks and the Tarim Craton,might all pertain to the same Rodinia supercontinent,which has great potential for targeting large to super-large SEDEX Pb-Zn deposits.展开更多
When plate tectonics emerged and how it has evolved over Earth history are two of the most fundamental challenges in Earth Sciences.These questions are tackled using a holistic approach to analyze tectonic styles in t...When plate tectonics emerged and how it has evolved over Earth history are two of the most fundamental challenges in Earth Sciences.These questions are tackled using a holistic approach to analyze tectonic styles in the history of Earth,giving rise to the interpretation of two styles of plate tectonics since the Archean.In these interpretations,there are different styles of deformation and metamorphism between early times dominated by warm subduction,and later times preferring cold subduction.The two styles of plate tectonics are recorded by different properties of regional metamorphism at convergent plate boundaries,which are linked to the differences in mantle temperature between the Archean and Phanerozoic.A transition to modern plate tectonics is recorded by the signature of blueschist facies metamorphism developed in the Neoproterozoic.This is consistent with geological evidence for the operation of ancient plate tectonics since the early Archean.The temporal cooling of the mantle explains the geochemical trends of mantle-derived melts,the likely change from numerous small plates to fewer but larger plates,changes in thickness and preservation of oceanic crust and lithosphere in accretionary and collisional orogens,and led to the oxygenation of the surface environment providing the environments needed to foster life.展开更多
Frequent glacier-related watershed geohazard chains are causing severe damage to life and infrastructure,reported consistently from the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis.This paper presents a systematic method for researchin...Frequent glacier-related watershed geohazard chains are causing severe damage to life and infrastructure,reported consistently from the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis.This paper presents a systematic method for researching geohazard,from regional to individual scale.The methodology includes the establishment of geological chain inventories,discrimination of geohazard chain modes,analyses of dynamics and dam breaches,and risk assessments.The following results were obtained:(1)In the downstream of Yarlung Zangbo River,175 sites were identified as high-risk for river blockage disasters,indicating the development of watershed geohazards.Five geohazard chain modes were summarized by incorporating geomorphological characteristics,historical events,landslide zoning,and materials.The risk areas of typical hazard were identified and assessed using InSAR data.(2)Glacier-related watershed geohazard chains are significantly different from traditional landslides.A detailed inversion analysis was conducted on the massive rock-ice avalanche in the Sedongpu gully in 2021.This particular event lasted roughly 300 seconds,with a maximum flow velocity of 77.2 m/s and a maximum flow height of 93 meters.By scrutinizing the dynamic processes and mechanical characteristics,mobility stages and phase transitions can be divided into four stages.(3)Watershed geohazard chains tend to block rivers.The peak breach discharge of the Yigong Landslide reached 12.4×10^(4) m^(3)/s,which is 36 times the volume of the seasonal flood discharge in the Yigong River.Megafloods caused by landslide dam breaches have significantly shaped the geomorphology.This study offers insights into disaster patterns and the multistaged movement characteristics of glacier-related watershed geohazard chains,providing a comprehensive method for investigations and assessments in glacial regions.展开更多
The Ordos Basin(OB)in the western part of the North China Craton(NCC),was located at the jointed area of multi-plates and has recorded the Mesozoic tectonic characteristics.Its tectonic evolution in the Mesozoic is si...The Ordos Basin(OB)in the western part of the North China Craton(NCC),was located at the jointed area of multi-plates and has recorded the Mesozoic tectonic characteristics.Its tectonic evolution in the Mesozoic is significant to understand the tectonic transformation of the northern margin of the NCC.In this work,the detrital zircon and apatite(U-Th)/He chronological system were analyzed in the northern part of the OB,and have provided new evidence for the regional tectonic evolution.The(U-Th)/He chronological data states the weighted ages of 240‒235 Ma,141 Ma with the peak distribution of 244 Ma,219 Ma,173 Ma,147‒132 Ma.The thermal evolution,geochronological data,and regional unconformities have proved four stages of regional tectonic evolution for the OB and its surroundings in the Mesozoic:(1)The Late Permian-Early Triassic;(2)the Late Triassic-Early Jurassic;(3)the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous;(4)the Late Cretaceous-Early Paleogene.It is indicated that the multi-directional convergence from the surrounding tectonic units has controlled the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the OB.Four-stage tectonic evolution reflected the activation or end of different plate movements and provided new time constraints for the regional tectonic evolution of the NCC in the Mesozoic.展开更多
Knowledge of the seismogenic environment of fault zones is critical for understanding the processes and mechanisms of large earthquakes.We conducted a rock magnetic study of the fault rocks and protoliths to investiga...Knowledge of the seismogenic environment of fault zones is critical for understanding the processes and mechanisms of large earthquakes.We conducted a rock magnetic study of the fault rocks and protoliths to investigate the seismogenic environment of earthquakes in the Motuo fault zone,in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis.The results indicate that magnetite is the principal magnetic carrier in the fault rocks and protolith,while the protolith has a higher content of paramagnetic minerals than the fault rocks.The fault rocks are characterized by a high magnetic susceptibility relative to the protolith in the Motuo fault zone.This is likely due to the thermal alteration of paramagnetic minerals to magnetite caused by coseismic frictional heating with concomitant hydrothermal fluid circulation.The high magnetic susceptibility of the fault rocks and neoformed magnetite indicate that large earthquakes with frictional heating temperatures>500℃have occurred in the Motuo fault zone in the past,and that the fault maintained an oxidizing environment with weak fluid action during these earthquakes.Our results reveal the seismogenic environment of the Motuo fault zone,and they are potentially important for the evaluation of the regional stability in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis.展开更多
On February 8,2025,a remote area in the Caribbean Sea was rocked by a large M_(W)7.6(USGS,2025) earthquake,centered 209 km SSW of Georgetown,the capital of the Cayman Islands,and the largest city(population~41 000) of...On February 8,2025,a remote area in the Caribbean Sea was rocked by a large M_(W)7.6(USGS,2025) earthquake,centered 209 km SSW of Georgetown,the capital of the Cayman Islands,and the largest city(population~41 000) of the British Overseas Territories(Figure 1).The earthquake was significant due to its large magnitude,potential regional impact,and the possibility of generating a tsunami.展开更多
On January 7,2025,01:05:15 UTC(9:05 a.m.local time)southern Tibet was rocked by a M_(W)7.1 earthquake(M_(W)=moment magnitude,USGS)centered(28.639°N 87.361°E)in the Lhasa Block north of the India/Eurasia Plat...On January 7,2025,01:05:15 UTC(9:05 a.m.local time)southern Tibet was rocked by a M_(W)7.1 earthquake(M_(W)=moment magnitude,USGS)centered(28.639°N 87.361°E)in the Lhasa Block north of the India/Eurasia Plate boundary,in a remote area about 180 km SW of Xigaze,in Dingri County of Shigatse of the Xizang Autonomous Region(Figure 1).展开更多
The effect of depositional facies and diagenesis on the reservoir potential of the Sakesar limestone has been assessed through core plug porosity and permeability data,scanning electron microscope(SEM),and petrographi...The effect of depositional facies and diagenesis on the reservoir potential of the Sakesar limestone has been assessed through core plug porosity and permeability data,scanning electron microscope(SEM),and petrographic study in three stratigraphic sections(Karuli,Badshah Pur,and Sardhai)of Central Salt Range.Field observations reveal three lithofacies:thin-bedded limestone with shale intercalation,thick-bedded nodular limestone,and highly fractured limestone.Based on a petrographic study,six microfacies have been identified:bioclastic mudstone facies(SKF-1),Lockhartia-nummulitic wackestone facies(SKF-2),Assilina-Alveolina packstone facies(SKF-3),Lockhartia-nummulitic packstone facies(SKF-4),Alveolina grainstone facies(SKF-5),and nummulitic grainstone facies(SKF-6).The Sakesar limestone shows various diagenetic changes such as compaction,dissolution,dolomitization,cementation,and fracturing,resulting in different types of pores.Two reservoir zones are identified in the Sakesar limestone:a mud-dominated reservoir in an outer ramp setting with interparticle and micropores and a bioclastic grain-dominated facies in an inner ramp setting with intraskeletal and fracture porosity.The porosity and permeability of grain-dominated facies(8%-30%and 0.8-8 mD)are higher than mud-dominated facies(4%-15%and 0.5-4 mD)due to intraskeletal/intraparticle pores and dolomitization.展开更多
Based on the coalbed methane(CBM)/coal-rock gas(CRG)geological,geophysical,and experimental testing data from the Daji block in the Ordos Basin,the coal-forming and hydrocarbon generation&accumulation characterist...Based on the coalbed methane(CBM)/coal-rock gas(CRG)geological,geophysical,and experimental testing data from the Daji block in the Ordos Basin,the coal-forming and hydrocarbon generation&accumulation characteristics across different zones were dissected,and the key factors controlling the differential CBM/CRG enrichment were identified.The No.8 coal seam of the Carboniferous Benxi Formation in the Daji block is 8-10 m thick,typically overlain by limestone.The primary hydrocarbon generation phase occurred during the Early Cretaceous.Based on the differences in tectonic evolution and CRG occurrence,and with the maximum vitrinite reflectance of 2.0%and burial depth of 1800 m as boundaries,the study area is divided into deeply buried and deeply preserved,deeply buried and shallowly preserved,and shallowly buried and shallowly preserved zones.The deeply buried and deeply preserved zone contains gas content of 22-35 m^(3)/t,adsorbed gas saturation of 95%-100%,and formation water with total dissolved solid(TDS)higher than 50000 mg/L.This zone features structural stability and strong sealing capacity,with high gas production rates.The deeply buried and shallowly preserved zone contains gas content of 16-20 m^(3)/t,adsorbed gas saturation of 80%-95%,and formation water with TDS of 5000-50000 mg/L.This zone exhibits localized structural modification and hydrodynamic sealing,with moderate gas production rate.The shallowly buried and shallowly preserved zone contains gas content of 8-16 m^(3)/t,adsorbed gas saturation of 50%-70%,and formation water with TDS lower than 5000 mg/L.This zone experienced intense uplift,resulting in poor sealing and secondary alteration of the primary gas reservoir,with partial adsorbed gas loss,and low gas production rate.A depositional unification and structural divergence model is proposed,that is,although coal seams across the basin experienced broadly similar depositional and tectonic histories,differences in tectonic intensity have led to spatial heterogeneity in the maximum burial depth(i.e.,thermal maturity of coal)and current burial depth and occurrence of CRG(i.e.,gas content and occurrence state).The research results provide valuable guidance for advancing the theoretical understanding of CBM/CRG enrichment and for improving exploration and development practices.展开更多
The Litang fault zone is an important seismogenic structure along the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.It caused the M71/4 earthquake in Litang in 1948 AD.The fault zone intersects the Sichuan-Xizang transpo...The Litang fault zone is an important seismogenic structure along the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.It caused the M71/4 earthquake in Litang in 1948 AD.The fault zone intersects the Sichuan-Xizang transportation corridor and poses a serious risk to its safe operation.This study,utilizing high-resolution remote sensing interpretation,field geological verification,UAV photogrammetry,UAV LiDAR,paleoearthquake trench excavation,and AMS^(14)C and OSL dating methods,reveals the geometric structure,slip rates,paleoearthquake sequence,and earthquake rupture segmentation of the Litang fault zone;analyzes the rupture distribution range of the 1729 AD Litang earthquake and estimates its magnitude.The study indicates that the Litang fault zone is a relatively immature strike-slip fault,which has developed as a new active fault zone within the Northwestern Sichuan sub-block during the southeastward material migration of the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.This reflects a transformation in the deformation model of the Northwestern Sichuan sub-block crust from the‘Rigid Block’model to the‘Continuous Deformation’model.展开更多
The presence of clay coatings on the surfaces of quartz grains can play a pivotal role in determining the porosity and permeability of sandstone reservoirs,thus directly impacting their reservoir quality.This study em...The presence of clay coatings on the surfaces of quartz grains can play a pivotal role in determining the porosity and permeability of sandstone reservoirs,thus directly impacting their reservoir quality.This study employs a multiphase-field model of syntaxial quartz cementation to explore the effects of clay coatings on quartz cement volumes,porosity,permeability,and their interrelations in sandstone formations.To generate various patterns of clay coatings on quartz grains within three-dimensional(3D)digital sandstone grain packs,a pre-processing toolchain is developed.Through numerical simulation experiments involving syntaxial overgrowth cementation on both single crystals and multigrain packs,the main coating parameters controlling quartz cement volume are elucidated.Such parameters include the growth of exposed pyramidal faces,lateral encasement,coating coverage,and coating pattern,etc.The coating pattern has a remarkable impact on cementation,with the layered coatings corresponding to fast cement growth rates.The coating coverage is positively correlated with the porosity and permeability of sandstone.The cement growth rate of quartz crystals is the lowest in the vertical orientation,and in the middle to late stages of evolution,it is faster in the diagonal orientation than in the horizontal orientation.Through comparing the simulated results of dynamic evolution process with the actual features,it is found that the simulated coating patterns after 20 d and 40 d show clear similarities with natural samples,proving the validity of the proposed three-dimensional numerical modeling of coatings.The methodology and findings presented contribute to improved reservoir characterization and predictive modeling of sandstone formations.展开更多
基金supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas Grant Number 26106002
文摘When plate tectonics began on the Earth has been long debated and here we argue this topic based on the records of Earth-Moon geology and asteroid belt to conclude that the onset of plate tectonics was during the middle Hadean（4.37-4.20 Ga）. The trigger of the initiation of plate tectonics is the ABEL Bombardment, which delivered oceanic and atmospheric components on a completely dry reductive Earth, originally comprised of enstatite chondrite-like materials. Through the accretion of volatiles, shock metamorphism processed with vaporization of both CI chondrite and supracrustal rocks at the bombarded location, and significant recrystallization went through under wet conditions, caused considerable eclogitization in the primordial continents composed of felsic upper crust of 21 km thick anorthosite, and 50 km or even thicker KREEP lower crust. Eclogitization must have yielded a powerful slab-pull force to initiate plate tectonics in the middle Hadean. Another important factor is the size of the bombardment. By creating Pacific Ocean class crater by 1000 km across impactor, rigid plate operating stagnant lid tectonics since the early Hadean was severely destroyed, and oceanic lithosphere was generated to have bi-modal lithosphere on the Earth to enable the operation of plate tectonics.Considering the importance of the ABEL Bombardment event which initiated plate tectonics including the appearance of ocean and atmosphere, we propose that the Hadean Eon can be subdivided into three periods：（1） early Hadean（4.57-4.37 Ga）,（2） middle Hadean（4.37-4.20 Ga）, and（3） late Hadean（4.20-4.00 Ga）.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.91755213,41672212,41572203)the MOST Special Fund (No.MSFGPMR02-3)+1 种基金the Opening Fund (Nos.GPMR201607,201701)the State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources,China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)
文摘Plate tectonics describes the horizontal motion of rigid lithospheric plates away from midoceanic ridges and parallel to transforms, towards deep-sea trenches, where the oceanic lithosphere is subducted into the mantle. This process is the surface expression of modern-day heat loss from Earth. One of the biggest questions in Geosciences today is ＂when did plate tectonics begin on Earth＂ with a wide range of theories based on an equally diverse set of constraints from geology, geochemistry, numerical modeling, or pure speculation. In this contribution, we turn the coin over and ask ＂when was the last appearance in the geological record for which there is proof that plate tectonics did not operate on the planet as it does today＂. We apply the laws of uniformitarianism to the rock record to ask how far back in time is the geologic record consistent with presently-operating kinematics of plate motion, before which some other mechanisms of planetary heat loss may have been in operation. Some have suggested that evidence shows that there was no plate tectonics before 800 Ma ago, others sometime before 1.8–2.7 Ga, or before 2.7 Ga. Still others recognize evidence for plate tectonics as early as 3.0 Ga, 3.3–3.5 Ga, the age of the oldest rocks, or in the Hadean before 4.3 Ga. A key undiscussed question is： why is there such a diversity of opinion about the age at which plate tectonics can be shown to not have operated, and what criteria are the different research groups using to define plate tectonics, and to recognize evidence of plate tectonics in very old rocks？ Here, we present and evaluate data from the rock record, constrained by relevant geochemical-isotopic data, and conclude that the evidence shows indubitably that plate tectonics has been operating at least since the formation of the oldest rocks, albeit with some differences in processes, compositions, and products in earlier times of higher heat generation and mantle temperature, weaker oceanic lithosphere, hotter subduction zones caused by more slab-melt generation, and under different biological and atmospheric conditions.
基金financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40802052)Part of the installation of the CGPS network was funded through a cooperation between the CEA and the French ANR funding agency (N° ANR-05-CATT-006)
文摘Three magnitude 〉6 earthquakes struck Qaidam, Qinghai province, China, in November 10th 2008, August 28th and 31st 2009 respectively. The Zongwulongshan fault has often been designated as the active seismogenic structure, although it is at odd with the data. Our continuous GPS station （CGPS）, the Xiao Qaidam station, located in the north of the Qaidam basin, is less than 30 km to the southwest of the 2008 earthquake. This CGPS station recorded the near field co-seismic deformation. Here we analyzed the co-seismic dislocation based on the GPS time series and the rupture processes from focal mechanism for the three earthquakes. The afiershocks were relocated to constrain the spatial characteristics of the 2008 and 2009 Qaidam earthquakes. Field geological and geomorphological investigation and interpretation of satellite images show that the Xitieshan fault and Zongwulongshan fault were activated as left lateral thrust during the late Quaternary. Evidence of folding can also be identified. Integrated analyses based on our data and the regional tectonic environment show that the Xitieshan fault is the fault responsible for the 2008 Qaidam earthquake, which is a low dip angle thrust with left lateral strike slip. The Zongwulongshan fault is the seismogenic fault of the 2009 earthquakes, which is a south dipping back thrust of the northern marginal thrust system of the Qaidam basin. Folding takes a significant part of the deformation in the northern marginal thrust system of the Qaidam basin, dominating the contemporary structure style of the northern margin of the Qaidam basin and Qilianshan tectonic system. In this region, this fault and fold system dominates the earthquake activities with frequent small magnitude earthquakes.
文摘The 26 November 2005 Jiujiang-Ruichang, Jiangxi, Ms 5.7 earthquake occurred in a seismotectonic setting of moderate earthquake. The northwest-trending Xiangfan-Guangji fault （XFG） does not enter into the epicenter vicinity, but the northeast-trending Ruichang-Wuning fault （RWF） as a regional fault extends to the epicenter nearby, appearing as the Ruichang basin and its marginal faults. Tilting of the Ruichang Basin （RCB） in the Quaternary was controlled by the RCB southeast- marginal, buried fault （RSMBF）. Shallow geophysical survey reveals that the RSMBF caused an offset of the reflection layers. Drill hole columnar section demonstrates that there are about 10-12 m displacement in the lower section of the middle-Pleistocene Series along the RSMBF, but no disruption is found in the upper section of the middle-Pleistocene Series. The RSMBF not only has activity in the Quaternary, but also coincides with the nodal plane I from the focal mechanism of the Jiujiang- Ruichang Ms 5.7 earthquake. This evidence, including aftershock distribution and isoseismic lines, strongly suggests that the RSMBF might be the seismogenic tectonics. The RWF is discontinuous at the surface, and consists of three en echelon Quaternary basins, which are the Ruichang, Fanzhen and Wuning basins. Three moderate earthquakes, the Fanzhen ML 4.9 earthquake, the Yejiapu ML 4.1 earthquake and the Jiujiang-Ruichang Ms 5.7 earthquake, have happened in the basins since 1995. The seismogenic tectonics of the Jiujiang-Ruichang Ms 5.7 earthquake is not isolated, but may be controlled by the RWF at depth, the slip of which causes the accumulation of energy for earthquake occurrence.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42272243,41802217,41888101,41890834,and 41961144020)the MOST Special Fund(No.MSFGPMR2022-7).
文摘Earth is the only planet known to be habitable,and is also unique with its liquid water,and the operation of plate tectonics.The geological record shows that the habitability of our planet can rapidly recover from major disasters or catastrophes,even those that cause mass extinctions.We suggest that plate tectonics,which acts as a link between the shallow and deep,is pivotal for the formation,evolution,and long-term stability of the hydrosphere,atmosphere,lithosphere,and thus life.Plate tectonics links the surface environment with the deep interior of high viscosity,low Reynolds number,low entropy,and low chaos,able to produce a strong healing effect to neutralize catastrophic events.It can transfer the bio-essential elements from the deep interior to the near-surface environment and can recycle toxic elements to the deep.This unique planetary energy and material transfer process of Earth is a continuous,slow-release,and bidirectional cycle,where a change in the surface is slowly buffered by a reaction from the deep,shaping a long-term and stable habitable environment.Therefore,it is considered that plate tectonics is the basic condition for the long-term stable evolution of the Earth’s biosphere and the stabilizer of the Earth’s habitability.
基金financially supported by National Institute of Natural Hazards,Ministry of Emergency Management of China(Grant No.ZDJ2019-21)the National Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41472204)。
文摘On May 5, 2014, an earthquake with a magnitude of Mw 6.1(the largest earthquake in Thailand so far) occurred in Chiang Rai of the Golden Triangle area in northern Thailand. We had an opportunity to conduct field survey immediately after the earthquake. Serious damage to buildings and casualties of lives were observed, and the estimated Maximum Mercalli Intensity(MMI) of the earthquake is Ⅷ(evaluated according to the MMI scale of the Chinese Standard). No long continuous ground ruptures were produced during the earthquake, but in the epicenter(commonly within MMI Ⅷ extent), massive small linear ruptures(usually several tens of meters long) developed and displayed intriguing structural features, offsetting many roads several centimeters left laterally on NE trending cracks or offsetting right laterally on NW trending ones. The focal mechanism solution of earthquake shows that this is a pure strike-slip event, and two nodal planes in NW and NE directions had the same motion senses respectively as those of breakage associated with the earthquake. The long axis of the isoseismals and aftershock distributions are in NE direction,which is consistent with the strike of Luang Namtha fault. The 230-km-long Luang Namtha fault which starts from the border of China and Laos, runs through northern Laos, and terminates at Chiang Rai of Thailand is predominated by left-lateral strike-slip and active in late Quaternary, and two earthquakes over Ms 6.0 occurred along the fault in 1925 and 2007 respectively. This Mw 6.1 earthquake occurred at the southwestern end of the fault. All related features such as evident structural rupturing, elongated orientation of MMI and aftershock distribution,as well as the location of the epicenter,suggest that the Luang Namtha fault may be responsible for the 2014 Northern Thailand earthquake.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41672060)the Undergraduate Teaching Projects of China University of Geosciences (Nos. ZL201610 and 2018G36)
文摘Migmatite-like rocks transformed from strongly metamorphosed and deformed enclave- bearing felsic plutons usually make people confuse with the true migmatites and mistake in interpreta- tion of their petrogenesis and tectonic implications. Here we report a suite of rocks that have long been called as migmatites from the Guandi complex in Zhoukoudian region, southwest of Beijing. The rocks are dominated by felsic gneisses with garnet-free amphibolites. Field occurrence, petrography and geochemistry indicate that the felsic gneisses and amphibolites were metamorphosed from protoliths of intermediate-acid and basic igneous rocks, respectively. New LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating and geothermobarometry study further reveal that precursor magmas of the two types of rocks were emplaced at 2.54-2.56 Ga and the rocks subsequently underwent medium P/T-type metamorphism with upper amphibolite facies conditions of 0.55-0.90 GPa and 670-730℃ at -2.48-2.50 Ga. Geochemically, precursor magmas of the amphibolites were suggested to be derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle source in continental arc setting, and those of the felsic gneisses are characterized by tonalitic to trondhjemitic magmas that are usually considered to be generated by partial melting of hydrated, thickened metamorphosed mafic crust with garnet as residues, suggesting that the rock associations are not of true migmatites but migmatite-like rocks. Our study reveal that protoliths of the migmatite-like rocks from the Guandi complex, were likely formed via magmatism in a continental arc setting, followed by accretion and collision of the continental arc as well as the intro-oceanic arc terranes to the Eastern Block of the North China Craton in the transition from the Late Neoarchean to Early Paleoprnterozuic.
基金supported by grants from the Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41272121 , 91028009 , 41302082)the Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities (No. B14031)
文摘The Huizhou sag is situated on the continental shelf of the northern continental margin of the South China Sea. In this paper we present a grid of reflection seismic and well data to characterize the basin structure and prominent unconformities. We employ EBM and 2DMOVE softwares to explore the subsidence history and stratigraphic development history of the basin. We found a rapid subsidence period since 15.5 Ma. Moreover, we calculated the stretching factors of the upper crust and the whole crust in the Huizhou sag. The results show the values are 1.10–1.13 and 1.08–1.31, respectively, indicating faulting in Huizhou sag is relatively small. It is noteworthy that the faults map reveals en echelon distribution at the north and south margins of the basin. We suggest en echelon faults here are caused by the subduction of Proto-South China Sea toward NW Borneo block and cease of the South China Sea. Considering the pronounced unconformities, subsidence rates, fault activities and sediment thickness, the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the basin can be divided into rifting（49–32 Ma）, post-rifted（32–15.5 Ma） and rapid subsidence（15.5–0 Ma） stages. Our study will shed new light on the tectonics of SE Asia and petroleum exploration in the South China Sea.
文摘The Himalayan-Tibetan orogen system serves as the modern paradigm for understanding convergence-related processes in orogenic belts. The advancements made studying the region have been applied to other ancient orogenic belts leading not only to a better understanding of their development, but also of secular changes in collisional processes. As more advanced methodologies are introduced and utilized in geological research, the type, scale, and quality of data available enable quantification of geological processes not previously possible. These complex and robust datasets now form the core of many of the research projects undertaken across the Himalaya and continue to provide unprecedented insight into the myriad different aspects of the evolution of the collisional system.
基金funded by the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42130804)the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2018YFC0604003)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.35942019012)the State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources,China University of Geosciences(Grant No.MSFGPMR201810)。
文摘The Yili Block in the Western Tianshan orogen is a key area for understanding the early crustal formation and evolution of the Central Asian orogenic belt,due to the widely-distributed Precambrian rocks.Also,it hosts a lot of medium–to large-scale sedimentary exhalative(SEDEX)Pb-Zn deposits that mainly occur in Proterozoic metamorphosed clasticcarbonate rocks.In this study,LA-ICP-MS U-Pb analyses were carried out on detrital zircons in siltstones of the Precambrian Haerdaban Group in the Haerdaban Pb-Zn deposit and magmatic zircons in the diorite dyke that cuts through the strata and orebodies.The maximum depositional age of the siltstones was determined to be about 604 Ma,the diorite having formed at approximately 500 Ma.As such,the Haerdaban Group was most likely formed in the Neoproterozoic Sinian,rather than the previously considered Mesoproterozoic Changchengian.Detrital materials of the Haerdaban Group were mostly derived from the Nanhua–Sinian mafic dykes and granitic rocks around Lake Sayram at the northern margin of the Yili Block.It is proposed that the Yili Block,together with the Kazakhstan and Central Tianshan blocks and the Tarim Craton,might all pertain to the same Rodinia supercontinent,which has great potential for targeting large to super-large SEDEX Pb-Zn deposits.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41572203,41890834,&41961144020)the 111 Project from the Ministry of Education of China(Grant No.BP0719022)+1 种基金the MOST Special Fund(Grant No.MSFGPMR02-3)the State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources,China University of Geosciences,Wuhan,and the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.QYZDY-SSW-DQC017).
文摘When plate tectonics emerged and how it has evolved over Earth history are two of the most fundamental challenges in Earth Sciences.These questions are tackled using a holistic approach to analyze tectonic styles in the history of Earth,giving rise to the interpretation of two styles of plate tectonics since the Archean.In these interpretations,there are different styles of deformation and metamorphism between early times dominated by warm subduction,and later times preferring cold subduction.The two styles of plate tectonics are recorded by different properties of regional metamorphism at convergent plate boundaries,which are linked to the differences in mantle temperature between the Archean and Phanerozoic.A transition to modern plate tectonics is recorded by the signature of blueschist facies metamorphism developed in the Neoproterozoic.This is consistent with geological evidence for the operation of ancient plate tectonics since the early Archean.The temporal cooling of the mantle explains the geochemical trends of mantle-derived melts,the likely change from numerous small plates to fewer but larger plates,changes in thickness and preservation of oceanic crust and lithosphere in accretionary and collisional orogens,and led to the oxygenation of the surface environment providing the environments needed to foster life.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U2244227,U2244226,42177172)the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFC3004301)China Geological Survey Project(No.DD20230538)。
文摘Frequent glacier-related watershed geohazard chains are causing severe damage to life and infrastructure,reported consistently from the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis.This paper presents a systematic method for researching geohazard,from regional to individual scale.The methodology includes the establishment of geological chain inventories,discrimination of geohazard chain modes,analyses of dynamics and dam breaches,and risk assessments.The following results were obtained:(1)In the downstream of Yarlung Zangbo River,175 sites were identified as high-risk for river blockage disasters,indicating the development of watershed geohazards.Five geohazard chain modes were summarized by incorporating geomorphological characteristics,historical events,landslide zoning,and materials.The risk areas of typical hazard were identified and assessed using InSAR data.(2)Glacier-related watershed geohazard chains are significantly different from traditional landslides.A detailed inversion analysis was conducted on the massive rock-ice avalanche in the Sedongpu gully in 2021.This particular event lasted roughly 300 seconds,with a maximum flow velocity of 77.2 m/s and a maximum flow height of 93 meters.By scrutinizing the dynamic processes and mechanical characteristics,mobility stages and phase transitions can be divided into four stages.(3)Watershed geohazard chains tend to block rivers.The peak breach discharge of the Yigong Landslide reached 12.4×10^(4) m^(3)/s,which is 36 times the volume of the seasonal flood discharge in the Yigong River.Megafloods caused by landslide dam breaches have significantly shaped the geomorphology.This study offers insights into disaster patterns and the multistaged movement characteristics of glacier-related watershed geohazard chains,providing a comprehensive method for investigations and assessments in glacial regions.
基金This study was jointly supported by the Science&Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program(2022FY101800)National Science Foundation(92162212)+1 种基金the project from the Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources(China University of Geosciences,Wuhan)(TPR-2022-22)the International Geoscience Programme(IGCP-675)。
文摘The Ordos Basin(OB)in the western part of the North China Craton(NCC),was located at the jointed area of multi-plates and has recorded the Mesozoic tectonic characteristics.Its tectonic evolution in the Mesozoic is significant to understand the tectonic transformation of the northern margin of the NCC.In this work,the detrital zircon and apatite(U-Th)/He chronological system were analyzed in the northern part of the OB,and have provided new evidence for the regional tectonic evolution.The(U-Th)/He chronological data states the weighted ages of 240‒235 Ma,141 Ma with the peak distribution of 244 Ma,219 Ma,173 Ma,147‒132 Ma.The thermal evolution,geochronological data,and regional unconformities have proved four stages of regional tectonic evolution for the OB and its surroundings in the Mesozoic:(1)The Late Permian-Early Triassic;(2)the Late Triassic-Early Jurassic;(3)the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous;(4)the Late Cretaceous-Early Paleogene.It is indicated that the multi-directional convergence from the surrounding tectonic units has controlled the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the OB.Four-stage tectonic evolution reflected the activation or end of different plate movements and provided new time constraints for the regional tectonic evolution of the NCC in the Mesozoic.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds of the Institute of Geomechanics(DZLXJK202401)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42177172,U2244226,42172255)+1 种基金the China Geological Survey Project(DD20230538)Deep Earth Probe and Mineral Resources ExplorationNational Science and Technology Major Project(2024ZD1000500)。
文摘Knowledge of the seismogenic environment of fault zones is critical for understanding the processes and mechanisms of large earthquakes.We conducted a rock magnetic study of the fault rocks and protoliths to investigate the seismogenic environment of earthquakes in the Motuo fault zone,in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis.The results indicate that magnetite is the principal magnetic carrier in the fault rocks and protolith,while the protolith has a higher content of paramagnetic minerals than the fault rocks.The fault rocks are characterized by a high magnetic susceptibility relative to the protolith in the Motuo fault zone.This is likely due to the thermal alteration of paramagnetic minerals to magnetite caused by coseismic frictional heating with concomitant hydrothermal fluid circulation.The high magnetic susceptibility of the fault rocks and neoformed magnetite indicate that large earthquakes with frictional heating temperatures>500℃have occurred in the Motuo fault zone in the past,and that the fault maintained an oxidizing environment with weak fluid action during these earthquakes.Our results reveal the seismogenic environment of the Motuo fault zone,and they are potentially important for the evaluation of the regional stability in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis.
文摘On February 8,2025,a remote area in the Caribbean Sea was rocked by a large M_(W)7.6(USGS,2025) earthquake,centered 209 km SSW of Georgetown,the capital of the Cayman Islands,and the largest city(population~41 000) of the British Overseas Territories(Figure 1).The earthquake was significant due to its large magnitude,potential regional impact,and the possibility of generating a tsunami.
文摘On January 7,2025,01:05:15 UTC(9:05 a.m.local time)southern Tibet was rocked by a M_(W)7.1 earthquake(M_(W)=moment magnitude,USGS)centered(28.639°N 87.361°E)in the Lhasa Block north of the India/Eurasia Plate boundary,in a remote area about 180 km SW of Xigaze,in Dingri County of Shigatse of the Xizang Autonomous Region(Figure 1).
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Nos.2022YFF0801202,2022YFF0801200)。
文摘The effect of depositional facies and diagenesis on the reservoir potential of the Sakesar limestone has been assessed through core plug porosity and permeability data,scanning electron microscope(SEM),and petrographic study in three stratigraphic sections(Karuli,Badshah Pur,and Sardhai)of Central Salt Range.Field observations reveal three lithofacies:thin-bedded limestone with shale intercalation,thick-bedded nodular limestone,and highly fractured limestone.Based on a petrographic study,six microfacies have been identified:bioclastic mudstone facies(SKF-1),Lockhartia-nummulitic wackestone facies(SKF-2),Assilina-Alveolina packstone facies(SKF-3),Lockhartia-nummulitic packstone facies(SKF-4),Alveolina grainstone facies(SKF-5),and nummulitic grainstone facies(SKF-6).The Sakesar limestone shows various diagenetic changes such as compaction,dissolution,dolomitization,cementation,and fracturing,resulting in different types of pores.Two reservoir zones are identified in the Sakesar limestone:a mud-dominated reservoir in an outer ramp setting with interparticle and micropores and a bioclastic grain-dominated facies in an inner ramp setting with intraskeletal and fracture porosity.The porosity and permeability of grain-dominated facies(8%-30%and 0.8-8 mD)are higher than mud-dominated facies(4%-15%and 0.5-4 mD)due to intraskeletal/intraparticle pores and dolomitization.
基金Supported by the China National Science and Technology Major Project(2025ZD1405700)CNPC Science and Technology Project(2023YQX20117).
文摘Based on the coalbed methane(CBM)/coal-rock gas(CRG)geological,geophysical,and experimental testing data from the Daji block in the Ordos Basin,the coal-forming and hydrocarbon generation&accumulation characteristics across different zones were dissected,and the key factors controlling the differential CBM/CRG enrichment were identified.The No.8 coal seam of the Carboniferous Benxi Formation in the Daji block is 8-10 m thick,typically overlain by limestone.The primary hydrocarbon generation phase occurred during the Early Cretaceous.Based on the differences in tectonic evolution and CRG occurrence,and with the maximum vitrinite reflectance of 2.0%and burial depth of 1800 m as boundaries,the study area is divided into deeply buried and deeply preserved,deeply buried and shallowly preserved,and shallowly buried and shallowly preserved zones.The deeply buried and deeply preserved zone contains gas content of 22-35 m^(3)/t,adsorbed gas saturation of 95%-100%,and formation water with total dissolved solid(TDS)higher than 50000 mg/L.This zone features structural stability and strong sealing capacity,with high gas production rates.The deeply buried and shallowly preserved zone contains gas content of 16-20 m^(3)/t,adsorbed gas saturation of 80%-95%,and formation water with TDS of 5000-50000 mg/L.This zone exhibits localized structural modification and hydrodynamic sealing,with moderate gas production rate.The shallowly buried and shallowly preserved zone contains gas content of 8-16 m^(3)/t,adsorbed gas saturation of 50%-70%,and formation water with TDS lower than 5000 mg/L.This zone experienced intense uplift,resulting in poor sealing and secondary alteration of the primary gas reservoir,with partial adsorbed gas loss,and low gas production rate.A depositional unification and structural divergence model is proposed,that is,although coal seams across the basin experienced broadly similar depositional and tectonic histories,differences in tectonic intensity have led to spatial heterogeneity in the maximum burial depth(i.e.,thermal maturity of coal)and current burial depth and occurrence of CRG(i.e.,gas content and occurrence state).The research results provide valuable guidance for advancing the theoretical understanding of CBM/CRG enrichment and for improving exploration and development practices.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42177184)。
文摘The Litang fault zone is an important seismogenic structure along the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.It caused the M71/4 earthquake in Litang in 1948 AD.The fault zone intersects the Sichuan-Xizang transportation corridor and poses a serious risk to its safe operation.This study,utilizing high-resolution remote sensing interpretation,field geological verification,UAV photogrammetry,UAV LiDAR,paleoearthquake trench excavation,and AMS^(14)C and OSL dating methods,reveals the geometric structure,slip rates,paleoearthquake sequence,and earthquake rupture segmentation of the Litang fault zone;analyzes the rupture distribution range of the 1729 AD Litang earthquake and estimates its magnitude.The study indicates that the Litang fault zone is a relatively immature strike-slip fault,which has developed as a new active fault zone within the Northwestern Sichuan sub-block during the southeastward material migration of the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.This reflects a transformation in the deformation model of the Northwestern Sichuan sub-block crust from the‘Rigid Block’model to the‘Continuous Deformation’model.
基金the Helmholtz association for funding the main parts of the modeling and simulation research work under the program“MTET:38.04.04”。
文摘The presence of clay coatings on the surfaces of quartz grains can play a pivotal role in determining the porosity and permeability of sandstone reservoirs,thus directly impacting their reservoir quality.This study employs a multiphase-field model of syntaxial quartz cementation to explore the effects of clay coatings on quartz cement volumes,porosity,permeability,and their interrelations in sandstone formations.To generate various patterns of clay coatings on quartz grains within three-dimensional(3D)digital sandstone grain packs,a pre-processing toolchain is developed.Through numerical simulation experiments involving syntaxial overgrowth cementation on both single crystals and multigrain packs,the main coating parameters controlling quartz cement volume are elucidated.Such parameters include the growth of exposed pyramidal faces,lateral encasement,coating coverage,and coating pattern,etc.The coating pattern has a remarkable impact on cementation,with the layered coatings corresponding to fast cement growth rates.The coating coverage is positively correlated with the porosity and permeability of sandstone.The cement growth rate of quartz crystals is the lowest in the vertical orientation,and in the middle to late stages of evolution,it is faster in the diagonal orientation than in the horizontal orientation.Through comparing the simulated results of dynamic evolution process with the actual features,it is found that the simulated coating patterns after 20 d and 40 d show clear similarities with natural samples,proving the validity of the proposed three-dimensional numerical modeling of coatings.The methodology and findings presented contribute to improved reservoir characterization and predictive modeling of sandstone formations.
