Oil & Gas Geology ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (5): 1485-1503.doi: 10.11743/ogg20250507

• Petroleum Geology • Previous Articles    

The configuration characteristics of delta and gravity flow sand bodies and their control on reservoir distribution—Chang 7 of Triassic Yanchang Formation in Ganquan area of Ordos Basin Oil layer group as an example

Xiaolong LI1,2(), Yubin BAI1,2(), Shanshan CHEN3, Gang ZHANG4, Cong’e WANG5   

  1. 1.School of Earth Sciences and Engineering,Xi’an Shiyou University,Xi’an,Shaanxi 710065,China
    2.Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Petroleum Accumulation Geology,Xi’an,Shaanxi 710065,China
    3.Exploration and Development Technology Research Center,Yanchang Oilfield Co. ,Ltd. ,Yan'an,Shaanxi 716000,China
    4.Yanchang Oilfield Co. ,Ltd. ,Yan’an,Shaanxi 716000,China
    5.Xiasiwan Oil Production Plant,Yanchang Oilfield Co. ,Ltd. ,Yan’an,Shaanxi 716100,China
  • Received:2025-06-07 Revised:2025-09-17 Online:2025-10-30 Published:2025-10-29
  • Contact: Yubin BAI E-mail:1326030435@qq.com;baiyubin@xsyu.edu.cn

Abstract:

The oil layer group of the 7th member of the Yanchang Formation (also referred to as the Chang 7 oil layer group) in the Ganquan area of the Ordos Basin hosts tight oil reservoirs of the delta-front and gravity-flow origin. This study aims to determine the differences in reservoir properties across varying sedimentary architectural units and the mechanisms through which these units control oil reservoir distribution and hydrocarbon enrichment. Using data from core observations, logging, and production performance, we analyze the architectural characteristics, vertical contact relationships, and distribution patterns of individual sand bodies within the deltaic and gravity-flow deposits in the Chang 7 oil layer group and explore the role of sand body architectures in controlling oil reservoir distribution. By combining data from well and production tests, we establish the hydrocarbon accumulation models associated with sand body architectures. The results indicate that the Chang 7 oil layer group contains four primary vertical sand body architecture types: continuously superimposed, intermittently superimposed, thinly interbedded, and single-layer types. Meanwhile, three lateral sand body architecture types are identified in the oil layer group: stable, swinging, and migrating. Vertically, the 1st subgroup of the Chang 7 oil layer group (also referred to as the Chang 71 oil layer subgroup) primarily exhibits the continuously superimposed sand body architecture, followed by the intermittently superimposed type. In contrast, the Chang 72 oil layer subgroup is dominated by the intermittently superimposed sand body architecture, succeeded by thinly interbedded type, while the Chang 73 oil layer subgroup predominantly contains the thinly interbedded and single-layer architectures. Literally, continuously and intermittently superimposed sand body architectures are widely seen in the northern and northeastern parts of the study area. In contrast, thinly interbedded architectures are mainly found in the south-central part of the study area, whereas the single-layer architecture is concentrated in the southern part. Continuously and intermittently superimposed sand bodies exhibit the most favorable reservoir properties, with the continuously superimposed sand bodies yielding the highest hydrocarbon production. Different types of sand body architectures exhibit varying superposition relationships with source rocks, with four types of source rock-reservoir configurations detected in the study area. The continuously superimposed sand bodies in the Chang 71 oil layer subgroup, among others, show the highest degree of hydrocarbon enrichment, followed by the intermittently superimposed sand bodies in the Chang 72 oil layer subgroup. The Chang 73 oil layer subgroup consists primarily of source rocks, while the continuously superimposed sand bodies in the Chang 71 oil layer subgroup are identified as the most promising target for future hydrocarbon exploration.

Key words: source-reservoir combination, accumulation mode, oil and gas distribution law, Sand body configuration, Chang 7 oil layer group, Ganquan area, Ordos Basin

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