| Citation: |
Jin-feng Ren, Hai-jun Qiu, Zeng-gui Kuang, Ting-wei Li, Yu-lin He, Meng-jie Xu, Xiao-xue Wang, Hong-fei Lai, Jin Liang, 2024. Deep-large faults controlling on the distribution of the venting gas hydrate system in the middle of the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea, China Geology, 7, 36-50. doi: 10.31035/cg2023086
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Deep-large faults controlling on the distribution of the venting gas hydrate system in the middle of the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea
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Abstract
Many locations with concentrated hydrates at vents have confirmed the presence of abundant thermogenic gas in the middle of the Qiongdongnan Basin (QDNB). However, the impact of deep structures on gas-bearing fluids migration and gas hydrates distribution in tectonically inactive regions is still unclear. In this study, the authors apply high-resolution 3D seismic and logging while drilling (LWD) data from the middle of the QDNB to investigate the influence of deep-large faults on gas chimneys and preferred gas-escape pipes. The findings reveal the following: (1) Two significant deep-large faults, F1 and F2, developed on the edge of the Songnan Low Uplift, control the dominant migration of thermogenic hydrocarbons and determine the initial locations of gas chimneys. (2) The formation of gas chimneys is likely related to fault activation and reactivation. Gas chimney 1 is primarily arises from convergent fluid migration resulting from the intersection of the two faults, while the gas chimney 2 benefits from a steeper fault plane and shorter migration distance of fault F2. (3) Most gas-escape pipes are situated near the apex of the two faults. Their reactivations facilitate free gas flow into the GHSZ and contribute to the formation of fracture‐filling hydrates.
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References
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Jin-feng Ren, Hai-jun Qiu, Zeng-gui Kuang, Ting-wei Li, Yu-lin He, Meng-jie Xu, Xiao-xue Wang, Hong-fei Lai, Jin Liang, 2024. Deep-large faults controlling on the distribution of the venting gas hydrate system in the middle of the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea, China Geology, 7, 36-50. doi: 10.31035/cg2023086
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Figure 1.
a‒Regional map of the northwestern South China Sea showing the locations of the Qiongdongnan Basin. SCS-South China Sea, LD-Ledong, LS-Lingshui, LN-Lingnan, BJ-Beijiao, SN-Songnan, BD-Baodao, CC-Changchang. b‒Structure map of Qiongdongnan Basin showing the locations of hydrate-related BSRs (after Deng W et al., 2021), gas fields (LS25-1, LS17-2, LS18-1, and YL8-3) (after Xiong XF et al., 2019) and the study area. c‒3D visualization of the Cenozoic basement surface interpreted based on the seismic reflection data, showing the depth structural features and the outlines of Songnan Low Uplift of the study area. Also showing the locations of Figs. 2, 3, and 5 and Sites W08-2018 and W07-2018.
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Figure 2.
Interpreted seismic section (left) (see the location in Fig. 1) passing the Songnan Low Uplift displaying biogas generation zone and thermogenic gas generation zone in the study area and composite stratigraphic column (right) showing the tectonic evolution and depositionnal environment of the Qiongdongnan Basin. The yelow curves are stratigraphic surfaces. The black lines are deep-seated faults that are mainly active in the rifting stage. The red lines are deep-large faults that are active from deep sag to near seabed. The purple lines are polygonal and post-depositional faults.
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Figure 3.
Seismic profile traverse passing through sites W07-2018 and W08-2018 (see the location in Fig. 1c) in the study area displaying gas chimneys, gas-escapae pipes and pockmarks.
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Figure 4.
Variance horizonal slices of spatial ralationship between deep faults and low uplift (3500 ms) (a), gas chimneys (2900 ms) (b), and gas-escape pipes (2450 ms) (c) .
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Figure 5.
Typical seismic sections, showing spatial ralationship between deep faults, gas chimneys and pipes, indicating two natural gas hydrate systems. These sections pass through western F1 (a), middle F1 (b), eastern F1 (c), western F2 (d), middle F1 (e) and eastern F1 (f). The location of the sections is shown in the Fig. 1c. Typical angular unconformities are observed in the sections a, b, and e. The red fault is Fault F1 and the pink fault is Fault F2. Gas chimney 1 and gas chimney 2 lied in the western and eastern Fault F2. Seepage pipes and pockmark are developed at the top of the deep faults in sections a, b, c, d, and f.
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Figure 6.
LWD logs and seismic response characteristics of gas hydrates in the central of the pipe structure at Site W08-2018. MTD is mass transport deposits, HD is hemipelagic deposits.
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Figure 7.
LWD logs and seismic response characteristics of gas hydrates on the edge of the pipe structure at Site W07-2018. MTD is mass transport deposits, HD is hemipelagic deposits.
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Figure 8.
TWT Contour map of Fault F1 and F2 section showing the dominant migration pathways from thermogenic gas generation zone to the top of low uplift. Two gas chinmeys are situated in footwall of the section of the Fault F1 and F2.
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Figure 9.
Migration and accumulation pattern of thermogenic gas along the fault plane. The dominant migration pathways of the convex fault plane have the tendency for concentration and are conducive to the formation of large-scale gas chimney. The dominant migration pathways of the concave fault plane have the tendency for dilution and can only form small-scale gas chimney at the both ends of the fault.
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Figure 10.
Schematic diagram showing the migration and accumulation of gas-bearing fluids along the deep fault on the low uplift and gas chimney. Also showing the forming model of the venting gas hydrate system within the gas-escape pipes at the top of gas chimney (afterYe JL et al., 2019).