Oil & Gas Geology ›› 2009, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (3): 310-315,323.doi: 10.11743/ogg20090309

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Genetic mechanisms and controlling factors of terrestrial biogenetic gas in the Quaternary of the Qaidam Basin

Wei Shuijian1, Wang Jingpeng2, Guan Zhiqiang3, Xu Ziyuan3, Jiang Guifeng3   

  1. 1. Petroleum Exploration & Production Research Institute, SINOPEC, Beijing 100083, China;
    2. Faculty of Resources and Information, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China;
    3. Petroleum Exploration and Development Research Institute, PetroChina Qinghai Oilfield Company, Dunhuang, Gansu 736202, China
  • Received:2008-12-15 Online:2009-06-25 Published:2012-01-16

Abstract:

The Quaternary in the Qaidam Basin is an ideal site to study biogenetic gas.Based on the analysis of the forming environment of biogenetic gas and in combination with the results of modeling experiments of biogenetic gas generation,we have concluded that the generation of terrestrial biogenetic gas is under the control of various factors including temperature,bacterial group types,groundwater properties and sedimentary rates,etc.The survival temperature of bacterium which produces methane is 0-80℃,and the most favorable temperature to produce methane is 30-55℃.The peak of gas generation occurs at 35℃,which corresponds to a burial depth of 500m.The groundwater in the Quaternary of the Qaidam Basin has the characteristics of high salinity.Its salinity decreases with the increasing of depth.In addition,there are sulfate reduction zone in the shallow strata.These factors restrain the activity of methane bacteria in the shallow and surface areas,making it favorable to generate gas in the deeper strata.The rapid sedimentation buries organic matters quickly,which provide abundant organic sources for later microbial activities.

Key words: bacteria group producing methane, biogenetic gas of terrestrial facies, Quaternary, Qaidam Basin

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