Depositional conditions and modeling of Triassic Oil shale in southern Ordos Basin using geochemical records

Based on the element geochemistry and biomarkers of the oil shale from the Chang 7 sub-unit in the southern Ordos Basin, the depositional conditions and organic source of the oil shale are discussed. Biomarkers analyses show that the oil shale has a homologous organic matter source, with a mix of plankton and advanced plants. U/Th and V/Ni ratios suggest that the redox condition is dominated by a reducing condition, and the degree of anoxia in the Tongchuan area is higher than that of the Xunyi area. Sr/Ba ratios illustrate that the oil shale is deposited in fresh water and the paleosalinity in the Tongchuan area is slightly higher. Fe/Ti ratios imply that the Tongchuan area underwent obvious hydrothermal fluid activities. Sr/Cu ratios show warm and humid paleoclimate in both areas. As assessed by (La/Yb)NASC, the deposition rate in the Tongchuan area is relatively lower. Fe/Co and Th/U ratios suggest that the paleo-water-depth in the Tongchuan area is deeper. The source rock could have the advance plants source, which must have close relationship with the Qinling orogeny. Comparing the paleoenvironment, the Tongchuan area has better depositional conditions, and is the key oil shale exploration area in the southern Ordos Basin.